Great Lakes Institute of Management
About Great Lakes Institute of Management
Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM), popularly known as Great Lakes or GLIM, is one of India's premier private business schools, founded in 2004 by Professor Bala V. Balachandran, J.L. Kellogg Distinguished Professor of Accounting and Information Management at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, USA. The institute operates its flagship campus in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, on a sprawling 32-acre LEED Platinum-certified green campus along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR), just 9 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram and 60 km from Chennai city. Founded on the motto 'Global Mindset – Indian Roots,' GLIM Chennai has rapidly established itself as one of India's top-ranked management institutions in a remarkably short span of time. It holds the rare distinction of being accredited by AMBA (Association of MBAs), AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), and SAQS (South Asian Quality Assurance System), while also holding national accreditation from NBA and AICTE approval. Only a handful of business schools in India can claim this prestigious triple international accreditation. GLIM Chennai offers a wide spectrum of management programmes designed for students at every stage of their career—from recent graduates and young professionals to senior executives and research scholars. These include the 2-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), the 1-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM), the PGPM-Family Business & Entrepreneurship (PGPM-FBE), the 20-month blended Post Graduate Executive Programme in Management (PGXPM), the PGPM-Flex, a Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) with a Dual-Track PhD option with The University of Texas at Arlington, USA, and various executive education and certificate programmes. The campus infrastructure is world-class—South Asia's first LEED Platinum-certified academic campus—featuring smart, air-conditioned classrooms in a semi-circular format, a fully equipped library with 5,000+ books and 1,000+ audiovisual resources, dual gyms, football and cricket grounds, basketball courts, badminton courts, an amphitheatre, modern hostels with attached bathrooms for both boys and girls, a cafeteria, medical centre, Wi-Fi enabled throughout, and a 24x7 vibrant student community. Academically, GLIM Chennai is known for its rigorous, industry-driven curriculum with an emphasis on experiential learning through case studies, real-world projects, and internships. The institute's faculty comprises seasoned academics and senior industry practitioners, and the campus regularly hosts guest lectures from eminent industry leaders. GLIM Chennai has built global academic partnerships with Cornell University, Chicago Booth Executive Education, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, SKEMA Business School (France), and others. The institute's placement record is outstanding: in 2025, it achieved a 100% placement rate for PGDM and 90% for PGPM, with the highest package reaching INR 53.2 LPA for PGPM and INR 39.3 LPA for PGDM, and average packages of INR 17.80 LPA and INR 15 LPA respectively. Over 150 recruiters visit the campus annually, including global giants like Accenture, Deloitte, Amazon, EY, JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, Infosys, and more. The institute also boasts a vibrant alumni network of over 14,000 professionals spread across 30+ countries, many in CXO and leadership roles. GLIM Chennai is ranked 37th in NIRF Management Rankings 2025, 3rd by Outlook India among Top Standalone B-Schools, and 151+ in the QS World University Rankings – Masters in Management category.Admission Process
Admissions to GLIM Chennai are conducted entirely online through the official website www.greatlakes.edu.in. The institute does not admit students under Management Quota or caste-based reservations, and no third party is authorized to initiate applications on its behalf. **For PGDM (2-Year, Full-Time):** Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks across 10th, 12th, and undergraduate studies. Freshers and candidates with less than 36 months of work experience as on 30th May 2026 are eligible. Accepted entrance scores: CAT 2024/2025 (85+ percentile expected), XAT 2025/2026 (80+ percentile expected), or GMAT (taken after 1st January 2023; 600+ score expected). Application fee is INR 2,000. Selection involves Analytical Writing Task (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI). Selection weightage: entrance score 35%, PI 35%, academics 25%, work experience 5%. **For PGPM (1-Year, Full-Time):** Candidates must have 2+ years of full-time work experience. Accepts CAT, XAT, GMAT, and NMAT (2024 onwards) scores. Similar selection process including PI. **For PGPM-FBE:** Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and experience in a family business. Accepts CAT, XAT, GMAT, or NMAT scores. Candidates without a valid entrance score may appear for the Great Lakes Aptitude Test (GREAT). **For PGXPM (Executive, 20-Month):** Minimum 8 years of professional work experience required along with a Bachelor's degree. Accepts CAT, XAT, and GMAT scores. **For FPM (Doctoral, 4–5 Years):** Requires a Master's degree with at least 60% marks and a valid JRF (NET), CAT, GMAT, GRE, or XAT score. Candidates can pursue a Dual-Track PhD with The University of Texas at Arlington, USA. Admissions follow a rolling, multi-cycle process. Applying in Cycle 1 gives candidates extra time for financial and logistical planning but does not confer a selection advantage.Cutoffs
CAT: 85 Percentile (expected, PGDM) | XAT: 80 Percentile (expected) | GMAT: 600+ Score (expected) | NMAT: 200+ Score (PGPM) | Note: GLIM does not publish fixed cutoffs; shortlisting is based on the overall applicant pool each cycle.Rankings & Recognition
NIRF 2025: #37 (Management) | QS World University Rankings – Masters in Management 2024: 151+ | Outlook India 2025: #3 (Top Standalone B-Schools) | IIRF 2025: #11 (Management) | Collegedunia 2025: #46 | India Today 2024: #17 | Business Today: #11 (MBA Survey) | Asia Pacific Top 100 B-Schools: Top 30 Emerging B-SchoolsTop Recruiters & Placements
Accenture,Deloitte,EY (Ernst & Young),KPMG,JP Morgan Chase & Co.,Amazon,Infosys,TCS,Cognizant,HCL Technologies,Bain Capability Network,Gartner,HSBC,Barclays,Flipkart,Swiggy,MakeMyTrip,Mastercard,PayPal,ICICI Bank,Axis Bank,BNY Mellon,Wells Fargo,Crisil,Berger Paints,DXC Technology,Microsoft,Airtel,ITC,Infosys Consulting,Accenture Strategy & ConsultingScholarships
GLIM Chennai offers the following scholarships and financial support: 1. **Bala V. Balachandran Scholarship**: Full tuition fee waiver for candidates demonstrating exceptional academic potential and track record, along with mentorship from CXOs and alumni. 2. **Merit-Based Scholarships**: Awarded to top-performing candidates based on academic records and entrance exam performance. 3. **Diversity Scholarships**: Available to encourage representation from diverse backgrounds. 4. **Education Loan Assistance**: GLIM facilitates education loans through partner institutions including HDFC Credila, Avanse Financial Services, and other leading banks. 5. **FPM Fellowship**: Fellow Programme in Management (Doctoral) candidates receive a full fee waiver and a monthly stipend.Student Life & Campus
Life at GLIM Chennai is vibrant and enriching, set against the backdrop of a serene 32-acre LEED Platinum-certified green campus on the East Coast Road, just 9 km from Mahabalipuram. The campus is lively 24x7, fostering a tight-knit community where students, faculty, and staff engage beyond academics. The institute hosts a variety of student-run clubs spanning finance, marketing, analytics, entrepreneurship, CSR, sports, and cultural activities. Annual events including cultural fests, management conclaves, and business case competitions are regular highlights. The campus auditorium and open-air amphitheatre serve as venues for performances and industry talks. Sports facilities include football grounds, cricket grounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, badminton courts, two fully equipped gyms, and table tennis. The residential setup offers single and twin AC rooms for both boys and girls with attached bathrooms, housekeeping, and cafeteria services. Three canteens cater to diverse food preferences. The campus also has a medical centre, ATM, convenience store, and Wi-Fi throughout. The Great Lakes campus encourages experiential learning with live industry projects, guest lectures from top business leaders, and international exchange programs. The alumni network of 14,000+ professionals across 30+ countries remains closely engaged with the student community through mentoring, networking, and placement support.Facilities
Air-Conditioned Smart Classrooms,Library (5000+ Books, 1000+ AV Resources),Boys & Girls Hostels (Single & Twin AC Rooms),Wi-Fi Enabled Campus (24x7),State-of-the-Art Gymnasium (Two Gyms),Football Ground,Basketball Court,Cricket Ground,Badminton Courts,Volleyball Court,Sports Complex,Cafeteria / Canteen (Three Canteens),Medical Centre,Auditorium,Open-Air Amphitheatre,Computer Labs,Language Lab,ATM Facility,Convenience Store,Research Centre,LEED Platinum Certified Green Campus,Table Tennis,Indoor Games Room,Video-Conferencing Facility,Academic Zone / AV Lab,Separate Departmental BuildingsFaculty Details
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs does Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai offer?
GLIM Chennai offers PGDM (2-year), PGPM (1-year), PGPM-FBE (1-year), PGXPM (20-month executive program), PGPM Flex, FPM (Doctoral, 4-5 years), Online PGDM, and various Executive Education/Certificate programs in management streams including Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, and Business Analytics.
What entrance exams are accepted for admission to GLIM Chennai?
For PGDM and PGPM, GLIM Chennai accepts CAT (2024/2025), XAT (2025/2026), GMAT (taken after 1st January 2023), and NMAT (2024 onwards). For FPM, scores from CAT, GMAT, GRE, UGC NET, or JRF are accepted. No fixed cutoffs are declared; the selection is based on the overall applicant pool.
What is the total fee for the PGDM program at GLIM Chennai?
The total fee for the 2-year PGDM program at GLIM Chennai is INR 22,50,000 including accommodation. The 1-year PGPM/PGPM-FBE fee is INR 23,50,000. The PGXPM (20-month executive) fee is INR 12,97,000. The Online PGDM costs INR 3,70,000 for 24 months.
Is GLIM Chennai AICTE approved and accredited?
Yes, Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai is approved by AICTE and is accredited by AMBA, AACSB, SAQS, and NBA. It is one of very few business schools in India to hold both AMBA and AACSB accreditations simultaneously.
What is the placement record at GLIM Chennai?
GLIM Chennai recorded 100% placement for PGDM and 90% for PGPM in 2025. The highest package for PGPM was INR 53.2 LPA and for PGDM was INR 39.3 LPA. The average package was INR 17.80 LPA for PGPM and INR 15 LPA for PGDM. Top recruiters include Accenture, Deloitte, EY, JP Morgan, Amazon, and Infosys.
What is the NIRF ranking of GLIM Chennai?
Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai is ranked 37th in the Management category by NIRF 2025. It is also ranked 151+ by QS World University Rankings in the Masters in Management category for 2024 and ranked 3rd by Outlook India among Top Standalone B-Schools.
What is the minimum eligibility for PGDM admission at GLIM Chennai?
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized institution with a minimum of 60% marks across 10th, 12th, and undergraduate studies. Freshers and candidates with strictly less than 36 months of work experience as on 30th May 2026 are eligible for PGDM. A valid CAT, XAT, or GMAT score is mandatory.
Does GLIM Chennai offer scholarships?
Yes, GLIM Chennai offers merit-based and diversity-based scholarships. The Bala V. Balachandran scholarship offers a full tuition fee waiver along with mentorship from CXOs and alumni. Loans are facilitated through partner banks including HDFC and Avanse.
What is the campus size and location of GLIM Chennai?
GLIM Chennai is situated on a sprawling 32-acre LEED Platinum certified green campus on the East Coast Road (ECR), 60 km from Chennai city airport, 9 km from the UNESCO Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, and 40 km from central Chennai. The campus is located in Manamai Village, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.
Is there a hostel facility at GLIM Chennai?
Yes, GLIM Chennai provides separate hostel facilities for boys and girls with single and twin AC rooms. The hostel fee is INR 3.70 Lakhs for twin AC rooms and INR 5.88 Lakhs for single AC rooms per year. Food and basic amenities are included.
Courses & Fees
- Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) - INR 22,50,000 (Total, including accommodation)
- Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) - INR 23,50,000 (Total, 1-Year)
- Post Graduate Programme in Management – Family Business & Entrepreneurship (PGPM-FBE) - INR 23,50,000 (Total, 1-Year)
- Post Graduate Executive Programme in Management (PGXPM) - INR 12,97,000 (Total, 20 Months)
- Post Graduate Programme in Management – Flex (PGPM Flex) - Contact Admissions Office
- Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) - Fee Waiver + Stipend (Research Fellowship)
- PGDM – Marketing Specialisation - Included in PGDM (INR 22,50,000 Total)
- PGDM – Finance Specialisation - Included in PGDM (INR 22,50,000 Total)
- PGDM – Operations Specialisation - Included in PGDM (INR 22,50,000 Total)
- PGDM – Human Resources Specialisation - Included in PGDM (INR 22,50,000 Total)
- PGDM – Business Analytics Specialisation - Included in PGDM (INR 22,50,000 Total)
- PGXPM – Finance & Accounting Specialisation - Included in PGXPM (INR 12,97,000 Total)
- PGXPM – Marketing Specialisation - Included in PGXPM (INR 12,97,000 Total)
- Professional Certificate Program in Digital Marketing (for Women) - Contact Admissions Office
- Corporate Learning & Development Program - Contact Admissions Office
- Online PGDM - INR 3,70,000 (Total, 24 Months)
Reviews & Ratings
Overall Rating: 0 out of 5 (0 reviews)
Pros
- LEED Platinum certified green campus with world-class infrastructure
- Triple accreditation – AMBA, AACSB, and SAQS – among very few Indian B-Schools
- Strong industry connections with 150+ recruiters visiting annually
- Experienced faculty with international exposure and corporate backgrounds
- Excellent placement track record: 100% for PGDM, highest package INR 53.2 LPA (2025)
- Serene campus environment ideal for focused learning, close to Mahabalipuram
- Diverse specialisations across Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, and Analytics
- Strong alumni network of 14,000+ professionals across 30+ countries
- Global collaborations with Cornell University, Chicago Booth, Frankfurt School, SKEMA
Cons
- Campus is located far from Chennai city (approx. 40–60 km), limiting access to city amenities
- High fee structure with limited scholarship options for general applicants
- Return on Investment can be a concern for some students given the total fees
- Limited course offerings outside the management discipline
- Smaller alumni network compared to older IIMs
Photo & Video Gallery
Available Media: 5 Photos, 0 Videos
Notifications & Updates
- PGDM 2026-28 Admissions Open – Applications accepted via CAT/XAT/GMAT scores (2025-10-01)
- FPM (Fellow Programme in Management) Applications Open – Last Date April 20, 2026 (2026-01-15)
Location
Dr. Bala V. Balachandar Campus, East Coast Road, Manamai Village, Thirukazhukundram Taluk, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu - 603102
View on MapContact Details
Phone: +91-44-30809000
Email: info@greatlakes.edu.in
Medical Details & Hospital Load
Bed Count: N/A, Daily Patients: —
OPD Load: —, IPD Load: —
Bond Years: 0, Bond Penalty: —