FAQ

Q1. Is this an online programme??

No. PGPBM is an in-class, face-to-face programme conducted at the IIM Tiruchirappalli Chennai campus. Participants get to learn directly from IIM Tiruchirappalli faculty in a classroom setting, fostering real-time interaction and peer learning.

Q2. What degree will I earn?

You will receive an MBA Degree on successful completion of the programme requirements.

Q3. Will I be treated as an alumnus of IIM Trichy?

Yes, all PGPBM students are inducted into the alumni association of IIM Tiruchirappalli after the Convocation. They are also entitled to all the privileges of an IIM Tiruchirappalli alumnus/alumna.

Q4. What is the duration of the programme?

The programme duration is 21 months. Classes commence in May 2026. The convocation for the 2026-28 batch will be held in March/April 2028.

Q5. How is this programme different from the two-year PGPM?

PGPBM is an in-class, non-residential programme tailored to the needs of working executives. While the PGPBM is comparable to the two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) in terms of credits and courses, the key difference lies in the delivery. The PGPM is a full-time, residential programme, whereas the PGPBM is conducted on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) to accommodate professional commitments.
The programme is designed with an understanding of the demands of executive life. In addition to its weekend format, it offers flexibility through academic breaks, re-examination opportunities, and supportive policies—all while maintaining the discipline, rigour, and depth of an IIM education.

Q6. Who will teach in the programme?

The faculty comprises permanent, visiting, and guest faculty of IIM Tiruchirappalli. The fulltime faculty of IIM Tiruchirappalli have earned their doctoral degrees from leading institutions in India and abroad. For a complete profile of the faculty, please visit the following link: https://www.iimtrichy.ac.in/faculty-profile.

Q7. Will my Degree be awarded at the IIM Tiruchirappalli Convocation?

Yes, PGPBM is one of the degree-granting programmes of IIM Tiruchirappalli, and the graduating class will be awarded their degree at the annual Convocation in March/April every year, along with the graduating class of PGPM, PGPM-HR, and DPM.

Q8. Will I receive any placement assistance?

As PGPBM is specifically designed for working executives, there is no formal placement assistance for the programme.

Q9. What are the contact hours of this programme?

PGPBM involves a total of approximately 870 classroom contact hours spread over about 21 months.

Q10. When are the classes conducted?

In the first year, classes are held every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM. In the second year, depending on elective choices, sessions may also be scheduled in the mornings on weekends. Participants with Saturday morning work commitments can opt for electives scheduled in the afternoon and evening (1:30 PM – 9:00 PM).

Q11. Would I have access to the infrastructure facilities at the IIM Tiruchirappalli campus?

Yes. Students can use the physical infrastructure facilities at the IIM Tiruchirappalli campus, including the library, computer facilities, digital resources, databases, etc.

Q12. What are the learning resources available at IIM Tiruchirappalli?

Apart from a fast-growing collection of books, the Learning Resource Centre at the IIM Tiruchirappalli campus has access to the following electronic databases:

ABI Inform Complete
CMIE full package (includes Business Beacon, CapEx, Prowess, Economic Intelligence, India
Trade, Indian Harvest, Industry Analysis Service, and States of India)
EBSCO Business Source Complete ScienceDirect
Financial Times Education
Full access to HBR cases, articles, books, simulation games, etc. JSTOR
Manupatra.com

Q13. How much is the tuition fee for the programme?

The total fee for the programme is ₹ 14.60 lakhs (inclusive of a caution deposit of ₹ 10,000/-) to be paid in seven installments. This consolidated fee is made up of Tuition, Library, Case Permission Royalty, Textbooks, Academic Course Pack, Examination, and Alumni Activity. A caution deposit of ₹ 10,000/- is refundable on graduation/withdrawal from the programme. The fee is for the total course and is not linked to the number of terms. However, for ease of payment, the course fee is structured to be paid in seven installments.

Q14. Am I eligible for bank loans?

Educational loans shall be availed from any national bank.

Q15. I am an entrepreneur/self-employed running my firm/practice. Am I eligible to apply?

In keeping with its vision, IIM Tiruchirappalli strongly encourages candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset to apply for the programme. A candidate otherwise fulfilling the requirements of minimum educational attainment and who is self-employed in an entrepreneurial venture for at least three years is eligible to apply, subject to the condition that the entrepreneurial venture is registered with a statutory body, and the candidate is listed as one of the promoters.

Q16. I am sponsored by my organization. Do I still need to go through the admission process?

Yes. All candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria and undergo the entire admission process to be eligible for admission. Sponsored candidates will be given preference, other things remaining equal.

Q18. I enrolled in an MBA programme and discontinued it after a few days. Can I waive any previously completed courses or apply for credits?

No. IIM Tiruchirappalli does not recognize courses done or credits fulfilled in other educational institutions. Such students will be required to undertake all the prescribed courses in IIM Tiruchirappalli again.

Q19. Can I discuss the PGPBM programme with someone before I apply?

Open Houses – Join our online or in-person sessions to interact with faculty, students, and alumni. For details and invites:

1. Email: admissions_pgpbm@iimtrichy.ac.in
2. WhatsApp: 94447 33823
3. Call: 044-222 555 65/66 (11.00 AM to 7.00 PM)

Talk to Alumni/Students – Write to us and we’ll connect you directly.

Campus Visit – Drop by our Chennai Campus on weekends (Sat–Sun, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM) to meet our community and experience the learning environment.

Q20. I have a valid CAT/GMAT/GRE score. Will I get an exemption from the Written Test?

Candidates having a valid test score of CAT (between 2023 and 2025) or GMAT/GRE score (valid for five years from the date of the test) are exempted from the Written Test. They are, however, required to complete the filled-in application form by paying the application fees and completing their application in all other respects.

Q21. When do I take the coursework for a focused area of study?

After completing the core courses of the programme satisfactorily at the end of Term IV, students will have a chance to do elective courses in a focus area they are interested in.

Q22. Will I be graded on my focused area of elective study?

Yes, all elective courses are graded in the same way as core courses.

Q23. What are the attendance requirements of this programme?

The Institute insists on regular and prompt attendance in classes. Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions required in every course. The PGPBM Office will keep a record of attendance in all courses. However, students will be permitted to miss classes for unavoidable reasons (including personal and official reasons) up to one-fourth of the classes conducted in that course.
If a student happens to miss an examination due to unforeseen reasons, make-up examinations will be permitted for a maximum of two academic terms, provided the reasons are genuine, and evidence for the same has been produced. If a student misses more than 1/4th of the classes for any purpose, the student will be penalized with a grade point drop as listed below:

In the case of attendance falling below 50%, the student will be required to repeat the course. Since most courses have a continuous evaluation, students are strongly advised to be regular in attendance, as lack of attendance can severely affect their academic performance. For Terms 1 through 4, repeating the course would entail the student repeating the course the next year. For Terms 2 through 4, no student will be permitted to register for the term without completing all the requirements of the preceding terms.

Q24. Will I be allowed to study at the Chennai campus during the days when my classes are not scheduled?

Yes. You will be permitted to use designated areas of the Chennai campus for studying and carrying out other academic activities. However, you will be able to use the facilities only during the time the campus is open.

Q26. What if I miss an exam due to work travel or other unavoidable circumstances?

Since evaluation is continuous and includes multiple components, missing one does not put you at a disadvantage. If required, you may also avail up to two re-examination opportunities during the programme.