Introduction
One of the best business schools in India and with two international accreditations of AACSB and AMBA, as well as SAQS and NBA, is Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon. For MDI Gurgaon admission 2026, the institute will have 300 (PGDM), 60 (PGDM-HRM), 60 (PGDM-IB) and 60 (PGDM-Business Analytics) programs in the 2026-28 batch. It is important to know the process of the MDI Gurgaon admission 2026, such as CAT cut-offs, selection process and the weighted GD-PI to help the aspirants in targeting this prestigious institution.
Why Choose MDI Gurgaon? Programs Overview
MDI Gurgaon was founded in 1973 and it is always one of the top 10 B-schools in India. According to NIRF Ranking 2025, MDI Gurgaon has been ranked in the 8th position in the Management category. The institute is strategically situated in the corporate hub of Gurugram which offers unparalleled industry access.
Programs Offered for MDI PGDM Admission 2026
PGDM (General Management): 2-year flagship program with multiple specializations PGDM-HRM: Specialized Human Resource Management program with 60 seats
PGDM-IB: International Business program offering dual-degree with ESCP Business School PGDM-Business Analytics: Data-driven management program.
All programs offer MDI PGDM admission through CAT 2025 scores with holistic selection criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for MDI Gurgaon Admission 2026
For MDI Gurgaon admission 2026, candidates must have minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in Class X, XII, and Bachelor’s degree. For reserved categories (SC/ST/PwD), 45% marks are required.
Key Requirements:
- Valid CAT 2025 score (mandatory for Indian students)
- PGDM-IB requires 4-year bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year work experience by March 31, 2026
- GMAT accepted only for NRI/Foreign nationals
- Final year students eligible (degree completion by June 30, 2026, and final marksheet/degree certificate by October 31, 2026)
MDI CAT Cutoff 2026: Expected Percentiles
The MDI CAT cutoff 2026 is expected to be 95 percentile for all categories. Understanding the MDI CAT cutoff 2026 helps candidates set realistic targets for CAT preparation.
Program-wise Expected MDI CAT Cutoff 2026
| Program | Expected Overall Percentile |
| PGDM (General) | 95 percentile |
| PGDM-HRM | 95 percentile |
| PGDM-IB | 95 percentile |
| PGDM-Business Analytics | 95 percentile |
Critical Information: MDI Gurgaon does not consider sectional cutoff scores; only the overall CAT percentile matters for MDI CAT cutoff 2026.
Historical MDI CAT Cutoff Trends
MDI Gurgaon CAT cutoff has remained consistent at 95 percentile in 2025. The MDI CAT cutoff 2026 follows this stable pattern, making 96+ percentile a safe target.
MDI selection Criteria: Two-Stage Process
The MDI selection criteria operates through comprehensive evaluation at two distinct stages, ensuring holistic candidate assessment for MDI Gurgaon admission 2026.
Stage 1: Shortlisting for WAT-GD-PI
For MDI selection criteria stage 1, the weightage breakdown is: CAT Score 70%, Academics 20% (10th 5%, 12th 5%, Grad 10%), Work Experience 10%, Academic Diversity 2.5%, and Gender Diversity 2.5%.
The MDI selection criteria at this stage emphasizes CAT performance while valuing diverse profiles for MDI PGDM admission.
Stage 2: Final Selection Weightage
The revised MDI selection criteria for final selection includes: CAT 35%, Group Exercise 15%, Personal Interview 30%, Work Experience 10%, Academics 10% (Class 10th 3.33%, Class 12th 3.33%, Graduation 3.33%), Academic Diversity 2.5%, Gender Diversity 2.5%, Sports 2.5%, Regional Diversity 2.5%.
Major Change: MDI Gurgaon has scrapped Class 10th and 12th marks from the final stage MDI selection criteria for 2026-28 batch, placing greater emphasis on CAT scores and interview performance.
The MDI GD PI Process: What to Expect
The MDI GD PI process comprises three critical components for MDI Gurgaon admission 2026. Understanding the MDI GD PI process thoroughly enhances your conversion chances.
Written Ability Test (WAT)
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Focus: Contemporary issues, ethical dilemmas, business scenarios
Evaluation: Content quality, analytical depth, grammar, and structure
Group Exercise (GE)
Format: 8-10 candidates per group
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Common Topics for MDI GD PI process:
- AI and automation impact on employment
- Environmental sustainability vs economic growth
- Digital India initiatives
- Startup ecosystem challenges
- Social media regulation
Success Tips for MDI GD PI Process:
- Enter discussion early with meaningful contributions
- Support arguments with data and examples
- Demonstrate active listening
- Help group reach consensus
- Maintain professional demeanor
Personal Interview (PI)
Duration: 20-30 minutes with faculty panel
Panel: 2-3 faculty members/industry experts
Focus Areas in MDI GD PI process:
- Academic background and subject knowledge
- Work experience insights and achievements
- Career goals and “Why MDI?”
- Current affairs and business awareness
- Behavioral questions and situational judgment
Typical PI Questions:
- “Why MBA and why now?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- Questions on your academics and projects
- Industry trends related to your background
- Ethical dilemmas and case scenarios
Behavioral Assessment Test (NEW)
MDI Gurgaon has introduced a Behavioral Assessment Test as part of the MDI GD PI process with 5% weightage, evaluating personality traits and program fit.
MDI Gurgaon Admission 2026: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
| MDI Application Opens | September 25, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam | November 30, 2025 |
| MDI Application Deadline | November 28, 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| CAT Results | January 2026 |
| Shortlist Announcement | February 2026 |
| WAT-GD-PI Rounds | February-April 2026 |
| Final Results | April-May 2026 |
| Classes Commence | June 2026 |
Application Fee: Rs. 3,000 (inclusive of 18% GST) for MDI Gurgaon admission 2026.
MDI Gurgaon Fee Structure 2026-28
Understanding the MDI Gurgaon placements ROI requires knowing the investment. The tuition cost for PGDM programs at MDI for 2025-27 batch is INR 18,67,000 for two years.
Complete Fee Breakdown
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Total PGDM Fees | 28,16,000 |
| PGDM-HRM Fees | 24,16,000 |
| PGDM-IB Fees | 32,31,000 |
| PGDM-Business Analytics | 24,16,000 |
Hostel fees amount to INR 1,87,950 and mess fees INR 1,52,250 for two years.
Scholarship Opportunities
AICTE Tuition Fee Waiver: 100% tuition waiver for 15 PGDM and 6 PGDM-HRM students with family income below INR 8 lakhs annually.
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: 50% tuition discount for 10 students based on semester performance and family income below INR 8 lakhs.
MDI Gurgaon Placements 2025: Outstanding ROI
MDI Gurgaon placements for 2023-25 batch achieved an average CTC of INR 25.6 LPA with highest domestic package of INR 54 LPA. The MDI Gurgaon placements record demonstrates exceptional career outcomes.
Placement Highlights
| Metric | Package |
| Average CTC | INR 27.67 LPA |
| Median CTC | INR 25.0 LPA |
| Highest Domestic CTC | INR 60 LPA |
| Total Recruiters | 143 |
| Students Placed | 555 |
Sector-wise Offers for MDI Gurgaon Placements
Conglomerate & Manufacturing: 34% offers BFSI: 29% offers
Top Recruiters: McKinsey, Accenture Strategy, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Asian Paints, PwC, HUL
The MDI Gurgaon placements success justifies the investment, offering payback within 14-18 months.
Preparing for MDI Gurgaon Admission 2026
CAT Preparation Strategy
Target: 96+ percentile for comfortable MDI Gurgaon admission 2026
Focus: Since MDI has no sectional cutoffs, prioritize overall percentile maximization
Timeline: Start preparation 6-8 months before CAT 2025
Profile Building for MDI selection Criteria
Work Experience: Seek quality projects with quantifiable impact (10% weightage)
Diversity Factors: Leverage gender, academic, regional diversity (7.5% combined weightage) Extracurriculars: Sports achievements at national/international level carry 2.5% weightage
Excelling in MDI GD PI Process
Preparation Checklist:
- Read Business Standard, Economic Times daily
- Practice mock GDs with peer groups
- Prepare 2-minute self-introduction
- Research MDI’s programs, culture, and differentiators
- Stay updated on current affairs, especially business news
- Review your academic projects and work experience thoroughly
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the MDI CAT cutoff 2026?
The expected MDI CAT cutoff 2026 is 96 percentile for all categories and programs. MDI does not have sectional cutoffs, making overall percentile the sole consideration.
2. What is the MDI selection criteria for 2026?
The MDI selection criteria operate in two stages. Stage 1 shortlisting gives 70% weightage to CAT scores. Stage 2 final selection considers CAT 35%, PI 20%, GD 10%, WAT 5%, Behavioral Test 5%, Work Experience 10%, and diversity factors 15%.
3. How does the MDI GD PI process work?
The MDI GD PI process includes three components: Written Ability Test (20-30 minutes), Group Exercise (15-20 minutes with 8-10 candidates), and Personal Interview (20-30 minutes with faculty panel). No Written Ability Test or Behavioral Assessment Test.
4. What are the programs offered for MDI PGDM admission?
MDI offers four full-time programs: PGDM (General Management), PGDM-HRM (Human Resource Management), PGDM-IB (International Business), and PGDM-Business Analytics. All programs are of 2-year duration except PGDM-IB which includes international immersion.
5. How is work experience considered in MDI selection criteria?
Work experience carries 10% weightage in both shortlisting and final selection stages. Candidates with 13-36 months of quality work experience receive optimal scoring, though work experience is not mandatory.
6. When is the deadline for MDI Gurgaon admission 2026?
The last date to apply for MDI Gurgaon admission 2026 is November 28, 2025 (5:00 PM). Candidates should note that the application deadline is before the CAT exam.
7. What is the fee structure for MDI PGDM admission?
The total PGDM fees at MDI Gurgaon is INR 28,16,000. PGDM-HRM costs INR 24,16,000, PGDM-IB costs INR 32,31,000, and PGDM-Business Analytics costs INR 24,16,000.
8. How is the final merit list prepared in MDI selection criteria?
The final merit list uses a composite score with weightages: CAT 35%, Group Exercise 15%, Personal Interview 30%, Work Experience 10%, Academics 10% (Class 10th 3.33%, Class 12th 3.33%, Graduation 3.33%). Class 10th and 12th marks have been removed from final selection.
9. What is the average package in MDI Gurgaon placements?
The MDI Gurgaon placements for 2023-25 batch achieved an average CTC of INR 27.67 LPA with the highest domestic package reaching INR 60 LPA. 143 recruiters participated, placing 555 students.
10. Does MDI accept GMAT scores for Indian students?
GMAT scores are accepted exclusively for NRI, PIO, OCI, and foreign national applicants. Indian residents must use CAT 2025 scores for MDI Gurgaon admission 2026.
Conclusion
To be admitted to MDI Gurgaon 2026, one would have to prepare strategically in various aspects. The MDI CAT cutoff 2026 of 96 percentile, together with the overall MDI selection criteria and the intense MDI GD PI process, requires holistic excellence. As the MDI Gurgaon placements are excellent with an average of INR 25.6 LPA and the firm has good returns on investment, MDI Gurgaon provides great value to your MBA experience.
Prepare MDI PGDM admission early, aim at 96+ CAT percentile, make a diverse applicant profile, and prepare well to undergo the MDI GD PI process. The official MDI Gurgaon site (mdi.ac.in) will serve as the source of all the latest updates on the MDI Gurgaon admission 2026.
Disclaimer: Information presented is based on official sources and latest available data as of October 2025. Admission policies, MDI CAT cutoff 2026, and MDI selection criteria may change. Always refer to the official MDI Gurgaon website for current details.
