Introduction
FORE School of Management admission 2026 applications are now open for PGDM programmes (2026-28 batch). Understanding the FORE MBA admission process is crucial—the institute follows a three-stage selection: entrance exam shortlisting, Extempore-PI rounds, and final merit calculation. This guide by Tarkashastra LLP decodes FORE selection criteria, expected FORE CAT cutoff, FORE XAT cutoff trends, and critical FORE GD PI rounds preparation strategies.
For FORE School of Management admission 2026, candidates need valid CAT 2025, XAT 2026, or GMAT scores (tests taken between January 1, 2024, and January 31, 2026). CAT 2025 is scheduled for November 30, 2025, while XAT 2026 will be held on January 4, 2026.
Download Tarkashastra’s FORE Admission 2026 Toolkit: Cutoff tracker, Extempore practice topics & PI preparation framework.
FORE Admission 2026: Essential Data Overview
Quick Facts for FORE School of Management Admission 2026
Entrance Exams Accepted: CAT 2025 | XAT 2026 | GMAT (Jan 2024–Jan 2026)
Expected Cutoffs 2026:
- FORE CAT cutoff: 85+ percentile (General Category)
- FORE XAT cutoff: 84+ percentile (General Category)
- GMAT Score: 650+
FORE Admission 2026 Timeline:
- Application Period: October 2025-January 2026
- FORE GD PI rounds: February 2026
- Final Results: April 2026
Total Seats: 480 (PGDM programmes – New Delhi: 420 seats | Gurugram: 60 seats)
Programme Fee: ₹20.77 Lakhs (total 2-year PGDM cost, including tuition and other charges)
Placement 2024-25: Average ₹16.71 LPA | Highest ₹29 LPA | Median ₹15.20 LPA | 138 Recruiters
FORE Selection Criteria Weightage:
| Selection Component | Weightage | Key Evaluation Criteria |
| CAT/XAT/GMAT Score | 50% | Overall percentile |
| Personal Interview | 30% | Career clarity, knowledge |
| Extempore/WAT | 10% | Communication, structure |
| Academic Record | 5% | Consistency |
| Work Experience | 5% | Quality/duration |
FORE MBA admission Process 2026: Step-by-Step
The FORE MBA admission process involves three critical stages for FORE School of Management admission 2026.
Stage 1: Online Application Submission
Visit admissions.fsm.ac.in and complete registration. Application fee: ₹1,770 (including 18% GST) for single programme. Submit academic records, entrance exam scores, and work experience documentation.
Stage 2: Shortlisting Based on FORE CAT Cutoff/XAT Cutoff
The FORE selection criteria for shortlisting considers multiple factors beyond just meeting the FORE CAT cutoff or FORE XAT cutoff. Weightage distribution:
- 50% – Entrance exam percentile (CAT/XAT/GMAT)
- 30% – Academic profile (Class X, XII, Graduation)
- 10% – Work experience quality and duration
- 10% – Diversity factors (gender, academic background)
Stage 3: FORE GD PI Rounds – Extempore & Personal Interview
Unlike traditional GD formats, FORE GD PI rounds consist of individual Extempore presentations followed by Personal Interviews. This unique FORE MBA admission process stage carries 55% weight in final selection.
Stage 4: Final Merit List Preparation
Final FORE selection criteria combines entrance exam (35%), Extempore-PI performance (55%), academic consistency, and work experience into composite merit scores.
FORE CAT Cutoff 2026: Expected Percentiles & Category-wise Analysis
The FORE CAT cutoff serves as the primary filter for FORE School of Management admission 2026. FORE School of Management follows a no-reservation policy and applies a single cutoff across all categories. Based on historical trends and Tarkashastra’s analysis:
FORE CAT Cutoff 2026 Projection:
85+ percentile (applicable to all candidates; no category-wise differentiation)
FORE XAT Cutoff 2026: Expectations & Strategic Advantage
The FORE XAT cutoff serves as the primary filter for FORE School of Management admission 2026, typically ranging 85–88 percentile for all candidates. FORE follows a no-reservation policy with a single cutoff applicable across all categories, and no sectional cut-offs are considered for shortlisting in PGDM courses.
FORE XAT Cutoff 2026 Projection:
87 percentile (uniform for all applicants; no category-wise differentiation)
The XAT Decision Making section aligns well with FORE’s emphasis on analytical reasoning. Tarkashastra’s data shows that XAT candidates with work experience convert at higher rates in the FORE MBA admission process, even at the lower end of the cutoff range. This advantage is particularly evident during FORE GD-PI rounds, where professional insights strengthen responses.
FORE Selection Criteria 2026: Complete Weightage Framework
Understanding FORE selection criteria is essential for FORE School of Management admission 2026. The FORE MBA admission process uses composite scoring across multiple parameters.
FORE Selection Criteria Final Weightage Table:
| Selection Component | Weightage | Key Evaluation Criteria |
| CAT/XAT/GMAT Score | 50% | Overall percentile |
| Extempore Round | 10% | Communication, logical structuring, confidence |
| Personal Interview | 30% | Career clarity, knowledge, academic depth, work experience articulation |
| Academic Record | 5% | Class X, XII, Graduation consistency |
| Work Experience | 5% | Quality, relevance, progressive responsibility |
The FORE selection criteria heavily weighs FORE GD PI rounds (55% combined Extempore-PI). Even candidates exceeding FORE CAT cutoff or FORE XAT cutoff requirements must excel in these rounds for final selection in the FORE MBA admission process.
FORE GD PI Rounds 2026: Mastering Extempore & Personal Interview
The FORE GD PI rounds differentiate FORE’s FORE MBA admission process from other institutes. For FORE School of Management admission 2026, understanding this format is crucial.
Extempore Round Format (20% Final Weight)
FORE conducts individual Extempore presentations where candidates speak 2-3 minutes on randomly assigned topics with minimal preparation time.
FORE Extempore Structure:
- Duration: 2-3 minutes speaking
- Preparation: 30-60 seconds
- Topic Categories: Business ethics, current affairs, abstract concepts, case scenarios
- Evaluation: Content depth, logical flow, communication clarity, confidence
Common FORE Extempore Topics (2025 Rounds):
- Corporate sustainability and ESG compliance
- AI ethics in business decision-making
- Remote work vs. office culture debate
- Digital payment revolution in India
- Leadership during organizational change
- Work-life integration for millennials
Tarkashastra’s Extempore Success Strategy:
- Structure Religiously: Introduction-Body-Conclusion format always
- Take Clear Stance: Avoid ambiguous positions—commit to viewpoint
- Use Real Examples: Demonstrate business awareness with concrete instances
- Time Discipline: Practice exactly 2-minute responses
- Stay Updated: Follow current business news daily
Personal Interview Round (35% Final Weight)
FORE Personal Interviews last 15-20 minutes with 2-3 panelists comprising faculty and industry professionals.
FORE PI Assessment Framework:
1. Academic & Career Foundation (35% of PI)
- In-depth subject knowledge from graduation
- Career trajectory rationale and goals
- Why MBA/Why FORE articulation
- Understanding of chosen specialization
2. Work Experience Deep-dive (30% of PI)
- Detailed project descriptions using STAR method
- Leadership situations and outcomes
- Problem-solving approaches
- Learning from professional challenges
3. Business Awareness & Current Affairs (25% of PI)
- Recent economic/industry developments
- Understanding of FORE’s programmes and strengths
- Awareness of business environment
4. Personality & Cultural Fit (10% of PI)
- Communication effectiveness
- Ethical reasoning in scenarios
- Long-term career vision
- Contribution potential to diverse cohort
Critical FORE PI Questions to Prepare:
- “Why MBA now? Why FORE specifically?”
- “Describe a leadership challenge you faced and how you resolved it”
- “How will your work experience contribute to classroom learning?”
- “Discuss a recent business news that interests you”
- “Walk through an ethical dilemma from your professional experience”
- “What specialization are you considering and why?”
- “Where do you see yourself 5 years after PGDM?”
Tarkashastra’s PI Preparation Framework:
- Resume Mastery: Have 3-minute stories ready for every resume point
- Mock Interviews: Minimum 5 sessions with varied panelists
- Current Affairs: Daily 30-minute business news review for 3 months
- Academic Refresh: Revisit core graduation concepts—expect depth questions
- FORE Research: Study programmes, faculty research, placement sectors thoroughly
- Communication: Practice clear, concise responses without rambling
The FORE GD PI rounds demand authentic, well-prepared responses. Success in these rounds significantly impacts final selection in the FORE MBA admission process, even for candidates at borderline FORE CAT cutoff or FORE XAT cutoff percentiles.
Want to ace FORE Extempore + PI?
Learn how to structure answers and perform confidently in PI rounds.
FORE School of Management Admission 2026: Complete Timeline
Critical Dates for FORE Admission 2026:
| Event | Timeline |
| CAT 2025 Exam | November 30, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam | January 4, 2026 |
| FORE Application Opens | December 2025 |
| FORE Application Deadline | January 2026 |
| CAT/XAT Results | January 2026 |
| FORE Shortlist Release | February 2026 |
| FORE GD PI Rounds | February-March 2026 |
| Final Merit List | March-April 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | April-May 2026 |
| Session Commencement | July 2026 |
FORE Placement & ROI Analysis
FORE Placement Highlights:
- Average CTC: ₹16.71 LPA
- Median CTC: ₹15.20 LPA
- Highest CTC: ₹29 LPA
- No. of recruiters: 138
- Top Sectors: BFSI, IT/ITES, Consulting, FMCG
- Major Recruiters: Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture, Asian Paints, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank
ROI Calculation:
- Programme Fee: ₹20.77 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹16.71 LPA
- ROI Ratio: 0.80x
- Payback Period: ~15 months
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the admission process at FORE School of Management?
The FORE MBA admission process has three stages: online application with CAT/XAT/GMAT scores, shortlisting based on composite evaluation, and Extempore-PI rounds for final selection. The FORE selection criteria combines entrance score (35%), Extempore-PI (55%), academics, and work experience.
2. What exams are accepted for 2026 admission?
FORE School of Management admission 2026 accepts CAT 2025, XAT 2026, or GMAT (tests between Jan 1, 2024–Jan 31, 2026). CMAT scores are not accepted. All three exams have equal weightage in FORE selection criteria.
3. What are the expected cutoffs for FORE admission 2026?
Expected FORE CAT cutoff: 85 percentile; Expected FORE XAT cutoff: 87 percentile; GMAT: 650–700.
FORE School of Management follows a no-reservation policy and applies uniform cutoffs across all categories. These are indicative and actual selection considers the holistic profile beyond cutoffs.
4. How is the Extempore-PI process conducted at FORE?
FORE GD PI rounds comprise 2-3 minute individual Extempore presentations on assigned topics, followed by 15-20 minute Personal Interviews with 2-3 panelists. Combined weight: 55% in FORE selection criteria. Topics cover business scenarios, ethics, and current affairs.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for FORE admission 2026?
Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) from recognized universities. Final year students can apply provisionally. Valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score mandatory. Work experience is not required but adds advantage in FORE selection criteria.
6. What is the fee structure for FORE’s PGDM program?
Total FORE School of Management admission 2026 PGDM fee is ₹20.77 Lakhs for 2 years. This includes tuition, infrastructure, library, IT services. Application fee: ₹1,770 (including GST). Scholarships available for merit and need-based criteria.
7. How is the final merit list prepared?
FORE selection criteria combines CAT/XAT/GMAT (50%), Extempore (10%), PI (30%), academics (5%), work experience (5%). Composite scores determine category-wise merit lists. Strong FORE GD PI rounds performance can offset lower entrance percentiles.
8. What are the placement statistics for FORE?
FORE placement 2024-25: Average ₹16.71 LPA, Median ₹15.20 LPA, Highest ₹29 LPA. 138 recruiters participated including Deloitte, Asian Paints, Cognizant, ICICI Bank. Major sectors: BFSI, IT, Consulting, FMCG. 100% placement track record maintained.
9. What is the total intake capacity for FORE programs?
Total FORE School of Management admission 2026 intake: 480 seats across programmes—PGDM General (240 Delhi), PGDM-IB (60), PGDM-FM (60), PGDM-BDA (120 Delhi/Gurugram). Seats allocated category-wise ensuring diversity.
10. Does FORE give weightage to work experience?
Yes, work experience carries 5% direct weight in FORE selection criteria plus indirect advantage in FORE GD PI rounds. Candidates with 12+ months quality experience demonstrate better during PI rounds. However, 68% of the FORE batch comprises freshers—strong academics and GD-PI performance matter most.
Conclusion: Your FORE 2026 Success Strategy
FORE School of Management admission 2026 demands preparation beyond entrance exams. Success requires understanding FORE selection criteria, meeting FORE CAT cutoff or FORE XAT cutoff, and excelling in FORE GD PI rounds which carry 55% weight.
Tarkashastra’s specialized FORE MBA admission process coaching provides:
- FORE CAT cutoff and FORE XAT cutoff tracking tools
- Comprehensive Extempore practice with 200+ topic scenarios
- Mock FORE GD PI rounds with experienced panelists
- FORE selection criteria score optimization strategies
- Personalized PI preparation based on your profile
Start Your FORE Journey: Download Tarkashastra’s FORE School of Management Admission 2026 complete toolkit featuring cutoff predictors, Extempore topic database, PI question bank, and selection criteria calculators.
Disclaimer: FORE CAT cutoff, FORE XAT cutoff, and FORE selection criteria are indicative based on historical data. Final admission decisions rest with FORE School of Management. Always refer to the official FORE website (www.fsm.ac.in) for authoritative updates.
