Great Lakes Chennai
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Est. 2004
AICTE Approved
AACSB Accredited
2 Years Duration
₹22.50 Lakhs Total Fee
₹22.50 Lakhs Total Fee
CAT · XAT · GMAT
Not Defined
Get Free Admission Counselling
Our Great Lakes admission experts will guide you through the entire admission process.
- 🔒 Your data is 100% secure. No spam, ever.
Quick Highlights
Everything you need to know about Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai at a glance.
College Type
Private (Autonomous)
Establishment Year
2004
AICTE Approval
Approved
ACCREDITATION
AACSB Accredited
Programs Offered
PGDM & Other Management Programmes
Total Intake
As per approved programme intake
Total Intake
As per approved programme intake
MBA Duration
2 Years (Full Time)
Total Fees
₹22.50 Lakhs
Hostel Available
Yes (Boys & Girls)
Placement Support
Dedicated Career Services
Where Management Education Meets Industry, Innovation & Leadership
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai is one of India’s leading business schools, established in 2004 by Padma Shri awardee Dr. Bala V. Balachandran. The institute is known for its industry-oriented curriculum, globally benchmarked programmes, world-class faculty, and strong focus on developing business-ready leaders. Great Lakes is accredited by AACSB and AMBA, and its programmes are also AICTE approved.
Located in Chennai, the institute has a 32-acre LEED Platinum-rated green campus designed to provide an immersive residential learning environment. Great Lakes combines academic rigour with experiential learning, industry interaction, case-based learning, global exposure, and leadership development. Its academic ecosystem includes a strong international faculty network, visiting faculty from leading global institutions, and industry-focused learning initiatives.
Great Lakes offers a range of management programmes, including the one-year PGPM for professionals with 2+ years of work experience and the two-year PGDM for candidates with 0–36 months of work experience. The institute also offers programmes in Family Business & Entrepreneurship and executive management.
Academic Excellence
Great Lakes Chennai combines strong academic foundations with industry-oriented learning, case studies, experiential projects, and practical business exposure to prepare students for evolving management careers.
Experienced Faculty
The institute brings together experienced faculty members and visiting industry experts who combine classroom learning with research, industry insights, and contemporary management practices.
Industry Exposure
Students gain practical exposure through corporate interactions, live projects, guest sessions, internships, and experiential learning opportunities across diverse business sectors.
Innovation & Research
Great Lakes promotes research and innovation through academic initiatives, industry collaborations, thought leadership, and opportunities for students to explore emerging business challenges.
Campus Life
The residential campus provides a vibrant learning environment with modern facilities, student activities, clubs, sports, and opportunities for academic, professional, and personal development.
Career Development
A dedicated career development team supports students throughout the recruitment process, connecting them with leading organisations across consulting, finance, technology, FMCG, analytics, marketing, and other sectors.
Choose Your Specialization
IMT Ghaziabad offers multiple two-year PGDM programmes designed to build strong management
foundations and develop specialised expertise aligned with industry requirements.
2 Years
Duration
340+
Seats
₹22.50L
Fee
Eligibility
Bachelor's degree with the required qualifying score.
Accepted Exams
CAT
XAT
GMAT
- Cross-functional management foundation
- Strategic decision-making
- Leadership and business skills
2 Years
Duration
340+
Seats
₹22.50L
Fee
Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree with the required qualifying score
Accepted Exams
CAT
XAT
GMAT
- Data-driven business decisions
- Analytics for management
- AI and emerging technologies
2 Years
Duration
340+
Seats
22.50L
Fee
Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree with the required qualifying score
Accepted Exams
CAT
XAT
GMAT
- Corporate finance
- Investment management
- Financial strategy and analysis
2 Years
Duration
340+
Seats
₹22.50L
Fee
Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree with the required qualifying score
Accepted Exams
CAT
XAT
GMAT
- Customer and brand strategy
- Operations excellence
- Supply chain and business processes
Your Path to Great Lakes Chennai
A transparent, step-by-step admission process designed to identify candidates with strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and the
ability to succeed in a rigorous management programme.
Check Eligibility
Ensure you have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised institution with a consistent minimum of 60% across 10th, 12th, and graduation. Freshers and candidates with less than 36 months of work experience are eligible for the two-year PGDM.
Fill Application Form
Complete the Great Lakes online application form with your academic, personal, and professional details. Select the Chennai campus and submit the required information, entrance exam details, and recommendation details.
Submit Entrance Exam Score
Apply with a valid CAT, XAT, or GMAT score as accepted for the relevant admission cycle. Great Lakes uses these scores as part of its application screening and overall evaluation.
Critical Thinking & Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an AI-proctored video interview, followed by a Personal Interview (PI). The evaluation considers communication skills, thought process, general and business awareness, career goals, leadership potential, and overall profile.
Document Verification
The Admissions Committee evaluates the candidate's academic record, entrance-exam performance, work experience, achievements, recommendation, AI interview, and Personal Interview to make the final selection.
Fee Payment
Selected candidates receive an admission offer and must accept the offer and complete the required fee payment within the specified deadline to confirm their place.
Admission Confirmed
Complete the required document verification and enrolment formalities, followed by course registration, orientation, and commencement of the PGDM programme.
Who Can Apply?
Great Lakes Chennai welcomes graduates from diverse academic backgrounds. Candidates must meet the
eligibility requirements for admission to the two-year PGDM programme.
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised institution.
Minimum Marks
Minimum 60% marks consistently across Class 10, Class 12, and graduation for the two-year PGDM programme.
CAT Score
A valid CAT score is accepted for Great Lakes Chennai PGDM admissions.
XAT Score
A valid XAT score is accepted for Great Lakes Chennai PGDM admissions.
GMAT Score
A valid GMAT score is accepted for Great Lakes Chennai PGDM admissions.
Final-Year Students
Final-year graduation students can apply, subject to fulfilling the programme's eligibility requirements and completing their degree within the stipulated timeline.
Documents Required at the Time of Admission
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets
- Entrance Exam Scorecard (CAT/XAT/GMAT)
- 2 Recent Passport-size Photographs
- Work Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- Graduation Degree & Mark Sheets
- ID Proof (Aadhar / Passport)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Migration Certificate
Note: Final admission is subject to successful document verification and fulfilment of all eligibility requirements.
Transparent & Affordable Investment
Plan your management education investment confidently. Great Lakes Chennai offers a structured fee plan for its full-time management programmes,
with the fee structure designed to provide clarity and convenience for students.
Application Fee
One-time, non-refundable
Tuition & Program Fee
Total tuition and academic/program fee for the two-year PGDM
Accommodation & Food
Compulsory residential accommodation with twin-sharing AC facility
Caution Deposit (Refundable)
Refundable as per institute policy
Alumni Subscription
One-time alumni subscription fee
Total Program Fee
For 2-year residential PGDM programme
Scholarships Available
Diversity & Merit Scholarships
Merit40 scholarships worth ₹5 lakhs each are awarded to incoming PGDM students based on merit and diversity. At least 30% of the scholarships are for female students.
Dr. Bala V. Balachandran Merit Scholarship
MeritA 100% tuition fee waiver for exceptional candidates demonstrating outstanding potential and a strong track record, along with mentorship opportunities from distinguished alumni and CXOs.
Female Student Scholarships
DiversityA minimum of 30% of the Diversity & Merit Scholarships are allocated to female students to encourage greater diversity and representation within the PGDM cohort.
Scholarship Selection
Conditions ApplyCandidates are considered based on their application, essays, academic and professional profile, and interview performance. No separate scholarship application is required.
Installment-wise Payment Schedule
Careers That Define Futures
Great Lakes Chennai’s dedicated career services team works year-round to connect students with leading employers
across India and globally, providing opportunities across diverse industries and career domains.
₹15 LPA
Average Package
₹39.3 LPA
Highest Package
100%
Placement Rate
25+
New Recruiters
₹15 LPA
Average CTC
63
PPOs Offered
Placement by Sector (2025)
Summer Internship
Every PGDM student undertakes a summer internship with leading organisations, gaining practical exposure to real-world business environments and applying classroom learning in professional settings. The internship provides hands-on experience and is typically conducted between the first and second year of the programme.
8-12 Weeks
Duration
₹99K
Avg Stipend
₹6 Lakhs
Highest Stipend
Industry Collaborations
Great Lakes Chennai maintains strong industry engagement through corporate interactions, live projects, industry-led sessions, internships, and interactions with experienced business leaders. These engagements help students connect classroom concepts with real-world business challenges and develop practical, industry-ready skills.
Join Alumni at World-Class Organizations
Great Lakes Chennai graduates are recruited by leading organizations across consulting, financial services,
technology, FMCG, analytics, healthcare, and other major industries.
Deloitte
J.P. Morgan Chase
MasterCard
HDFC Life
Accenture
PwC
Godrej
Tiger Analytics
EY
Wells Fargo
Federal Bank
PayPal
Nestlé
ITC
L&T Finance
Cisco
Gartner
ICICI Bank
Adani Wilmar
BNY Mellon
HCL Technologies
Infosys Consulting
Axis Bank
Tata Advanced Systems
25+ new recruiters participated in the 2025 PGDM placement season
A Campus Built for Excellence
Spread across a 32-acre LEED Platinum-rated green campus near Mahabalipuram on Chennai’s ECR, Great Lakes provides a fully residential learning environment with modern academic, recreational, residential, and student facilities.
Wi-Fi Campus
The Great Lakes campus is Wi-Fi enabled, providing students with reliable internet connectivity across academic, residential, and common areas.
Learning Resource Centre
A well-stocked resource centre and library provides books, journals, case studies, research resources, and access to digital databases supporting academic and management learning.
Hostel
The fully residential campus provides air-conditioned accommodation with single and double rooms, designed to offer students a comfortable home-away-from-home experience.
Sports Complex
Students have access to football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, table tennis, kick-boxing, and other recreational activities on campus.
Gymnasium
A fully equipped gymnasium provides facilities for fitness and wellness, supporting an active student lifestyle.
Medical Centre
Medical support is available on campus, with a doctor visiting regularly and transportation provided to a nearby hospital for emergencies.
Auditorium & Seminar Halls
A 360-seater auditorium and an open-air amphitheatre provide spaces for academic events, cultural activities, performances, and student gatherings.
Computer Labs
Well-equipped computing facilities, computer labs, campus internet, and technology resources support students in academic work, analytics, and management applications.
Innovation & Research
Dedicated academic and research centres support innovation, applied research and industry-oriented learning.
Cafeteria
The campus offers dedicated dining facilities with vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options, along with a round-the-clock cafeteria.
Transport
City shuttle service connecting campus to railway station and bus stands.
Campus Security
Campus facilities include security arrangements designed to provide a safe residential and academic environment.
A Campus Built for Excellence
Spread across a 32-acre green campus near Mahabalipuram on Chennai’s ECR, Great Lakes provides a fully residential learning environment with modern academic, recreational, and residential facilities.
Excellent Faculty
Great Lakes brings together experienced faculty and industry practitioners who combine academic expertise with experiential and industry-oriented learning.
Industry-Oriented Curriculum
Students learn through case studies, simulations, live projects, empirical studies, and live trading, connecting management concepts with real-world business challenges.
Corporate Exposure
Great Lakes provides opportunities to interact with industry leaders through guest sessions, live projects, workshops, corporate interactions, and experiential learning.
Modern Infrastructure
A 32-acre green campus near Mahabalipuram featuring modern classrooms, hostels, a library, gym, sports facilities, auditorium, and other student amenities.
Strong Placements
Great Lakes connects students with leading organizations across consulting, BFSI, technology, FMCG, analytics, and other sectors through its dedicated placement process.
Internship Opportunities
The PGDM curriculum includes a summer internship that gives students practical exposure and opportunities to apply classroom learning in professional settings.
Leadership Development
Student-led clubs, committees, sports, cultural activities, industry interactions, and experiential initiatives help develop teamwork, communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
Alumni Network
Great Lakes alumni form a growing professional network across industries, supporting students through networking, mentorship, career connections, and continued engagement with the institute.
Voices of Our Alumni
Hear from Great Lakes Chennai alumni who have built successful careers across leading organisations and
diverse industries through the institute’s management programmes.
“The curriculum combines strong management fundamentals with practical learning, helping students become industry-ready and confident professionals.”
Shekhar Sahu
PGDM
“Great Lakes provides an excellent blend of academics, experienced faculty, industry exposure, and a vibrant residential campus experience.”
Sailesh Rao
PGDM
“The campus offers a supportive learning environment with modern facilities, student activities, and opportunities for personal and professional development.”
Vivek Dhruw
PGDM
“The institute provides valuable industry exposure through corporate interactions, live projects, internships, and practical learning opportunities.”
Vijay Choudhary
PGDM
“The programme helped me develop a strong understanding of business fundamentals while providing opportunities to apply classroom concepts to real-world situations.”
Menali Chandrakar
PGDM
“The campus environment encourages networking, collaboration, leadership, and overall development, making the learning experience truly enriching.”
Mukesh Sao
PGDM
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Great Lakes Chennai’s MBA and PGDM programmes, admissions,
fees, eligibility, scholarships, placements, and campus life.
What is the total fee for the PGDM programme at Great Lakes Chennai?
The total fee for the PGDM Class of 2026–28 is ₹22.50 lakhs, including tuition and academic fees, accommodation, refundable caution deposit, and alumni subscription.
Which entrance exams does Great Lakes Chennai accept for PGDM admission?
Great Lakes Chennai accepts CAT, XAT, and GMAT scores for PGDM admissions. The institute also lists NMAT as an accepted score for the PGDM application.
What are the eligibility criteria for PGDM admission at Great Lakes Chennai?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised institution with a minimum of 60% consistently across Class 10, Class 12, and graduation. Freshers and candidates with less than 36 months of work experience are eligible.
How many seats are available for the PGDM programme at Great Lakes Chennai?
Great Lakes does not prominently publish a fixed PGDM seat intake on its current official admissions page. The programme is designed for fresh graduates and early-career professionals, with selection based on a holistic profile evaluation.
What is the average placement package at Great Lakes Chennai?
For the PGDM Class of 2025, the average CTC was ₹15 LPA, while the highest CTC was ₹39.3 LPA.
Does Great Lakes Chennai provide hostel facilities for students?
Yes. The PGDM is a residential programme, and hostel accommodation is mandatory. Students are typically provided twin-sharing air-conditioned accommodation, subject to availability.
Is Great Lakes Chennai approved and accredited?
Yes. The PGDM programme is approved by AICTE, and Great Lakes Institute of Management is also recognised through major management education accreditations, including AACSB and AMBA.
Does Great Lakes Chennai offer scholarships or tuition fee waivers?
Yes. For the PGDM, Great Lakes offers Merit and Diversity Scholarships, including 40 scholarships worth ₹5 lakh each. The Dr. Bala V. Balachandran Merit Scholarship can provide a 100% tuition fee waiver for exceptional candidates.
What is the admission process for PGDM at Great Lakes Chennai?
Candidates submit an online application, provide their entrance exam score and recommendation details, and are evaluated on their academic performance, entrance score, overall profile, achievements, AI-proctored interview, and Personal Interview. Selected candidates then receive an admission offer and complete the required fee and enrolment formalities.
Can I apply to Great Lakes Chennai with a CMAT score?
For the current PGDM admission criteria, Great Lakes lists CAT, XAT, and GMAT as the primary accepted tests, with NMAT also listed for the application. CMAT is not listed among the accepted PGDM entrance scores on the current official admissions page.
What career opportunities are available after completing PGDM from Great Lakes Chennai?
Graduates pursue careers across BFSI, consulting, IT/ITeS, finance, sales and marketing, technology consulting, operations, analytics, manufacturing, FMCG, healthcare, fintech, and other sectors.
Does Great Lakes Chennai provide education loan assistance?
Yes. Great Lakes has tie-ups with leading education-loan providers, including Bank of Baroda, Auxilo, Axis Bank, ICICI, SBI, HDFC Credila, and IDFC, offering students access to education financing options.
What is the duration of the PGDM programme at Great Lakes Chennai?
The Great Lakes Chennai PGDM is a two-year, full-time residential management programme.
What is the summer internship structure at Great Lakes Chennai?
PGDM students undertake a summer internship that provides practical exposure to real-world business environments. The internship allows students to apply classroom learning, develop professional skills, and gain industry experience before completing the programme.
What is the placement record of Great Lakes Chennai?
Great Lakes Chennai has a strong placement record. For the PGDM Class of 2025, the average CTC was ₹15 LPA and the highest CTC was ₹39.3 LPA. The batch received offers from leading recruiters such as Accenture, Deloitte, EY, Nestlé, Gartner, HCL, JP Morgan Chase, PwC, Wells Fargo, and ITC, among others.
Still have questions?
Start Your MBA Journey
with Great Lakes Chennai
step toward securing your place at Great Lakes Chennai.
Our counsellors are ready to help — completely free.