PGDBA Exam 2026: The Complete Guide for Business Analytics Aspirants

1. About PGDBA

PGDBA (Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics) is India’s top interdisciplinary analytics program, jointly offered by IIT Kharagpur, IIM Calcutta, and ISI Kolkata. Spanning 2 years, it creates analytics leaders with deep expertise in statistics, management, and technology. The PGDBA entrance exam is the exclusive gateway to this unique and prestigious course.

• Program Duration: 2 years, full-time
• Campus Rotation: All 3 institutes , ISI Kolkata (6 months), IIT Kharagpur (6 months), IIM Calcutta (6 months), Internship & Industry project (last 6 months)

2. Why Choose PGDBA?

• Jointly certified by three of the world’s best institutions, IIT, IIM, ISI
• Designed for the booming career of data science, business analytics, consulting, and fintech
• World-class faculty, industry interface, and rigorous curriculum: analytics, statistics, operations, management, and programming
• Exceptional placements, highest CTCs in analytics education (Median Salary: ₹28–32 LPA in recent years)
• Blend of technology, data, and business acumen with a strong research and practical orientation

3. Eligibility Criteria

• Degree: Bachelor’s or equivalent (minimum 3 years) in any discipline. Mathematics/Statistics at 10+2 level is compulsory.
• Final-year undergraduate students can apply; must complete degree before program starts.
• No age limit or minimum experience required.
• For reserved category and relaxation details, refer to the official notification each cycle.

Pro Tip: Candidates with engineering, science, math, economics, or business backgrounds do especially well, but the course is open to all streams.

4. PGDBA 2025 Dates & Deadlines

Exact dates may shift; always check official PGDBA site for real-time updates.

5. Application Process

1. Apply online at the PGDBA portal (usually hosted by IIT Kharagpur for 2025)
2. Fill the form: personal, academic history, work-ex, category, etc.
3. Upload passport-sized photo & signature in specified format
4. Pay non-refundable application fee: ₹2,000 (General/OBC/EWS); ₹1,000 (SC/ST/PwD)
5. Download and retain confirmation for future reference
6. Admit card emailed/released before exam date

Note: No CAT/GMAT/GATE/XAT required. Admission is only via PGDBA’s exclusive exam + interview process.

6. Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The PGDBA Entrance Test is a highly competitive, quantitative-heavy paper of 3 sections:

• Time: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• +3 for correct, -1 for wrong answer
• No sectional time limits, but emphasize Quantitative for selection

Test language: English. No subjective or coding section in the entrance exam.

7. PGDBA Syllabus

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

• Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit/Loss, Interest, Time & Work, Averages, Ratios
• Algebra: Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms, Progressions
• Geometry & Mensuration: Area, Volume, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry
• Modern Math: Set Theory, Probability, Permutations & Combinations, Statistics
• Number Systems: Divisibility, HCF/LCM, Base Conversions

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

• Linear and Circular Arrangements, Groupings
• Syllogisms, Series, Analogy
• Puzzles, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding
• Data Interpretation: Tables, Charts, Graphs, Caselets

Verbal Ability

• Reading Comprehension, Grammar
• Sentence Correction, Error Detection
• Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms
• Para-jumbles, Critical Reasoning, RC Inference

Focus: PGDBA is Quantitative-centric; ~45% of paper is high-level quant/statistics (on par with CAT/XAT QA sections).

8. Program Structure, Seats, Fee & Salaries

• *Seats may be revised (typically 63-70 incl. reserved categories)
• Last batch: 100% placements, top salaries in analytics/consulting
• Major recruiters: Google, Amazon, PwC, Deloitte, Flipkart, Paytm, Accenture, etc.

9. Previous Year Analysis & Cut-offs

• Exam level: Quantitative; tougher than typical MBA entrance, especially in math/probability/statistics
• No sectional cut-off, but Quant marks carry maximum weight
• Shortlisting: Typically 98–100 (out of 165) for general (varies by year & competition)
• Interview: Academic, profile, work-ex, performance in GD/PI, and diversity considered
• 2024 topper raw scores: 120+ (approx.), average score for calls >100 for general; lower for reserved

10. Result & Selection Process

• Result announcement: Within 2–3 weeks post exam
• Selection process:
  1. Written test (PGDBA entrance)
  2. Personal Interview (PI) at one of the 3 institutes
  3. Final admit: 40% entrance test, 40% PI, 20% academic background/work-ex
• No separate group discussion or WAT
• Offer letters usually in June/July

11. Preparation Tips & Resources

• Start with CAT/XAT-level Quant prep; prioritize statistics and modern math
• Practice DI sets and LR puzzles regularly
• Daily reading and grammar revision for English
• Work on speed: 55 questions in 180 minutes, Quant section takes the most time
• Tackle previous PGDBA papers/mocks with focus on weak areas
• Brush up on 10+2 statistics and probability concepts
• Revise basics in Python/R/Excel (optional, for interview)
• Consult toppers’ experiences and recent blogs for interview stories

12. 20 FAQs About PGDBA

• What is PGDBA? – India’s premier analytics PGDM by IIM C, IIT KGP, ISI Kol.
• Who can apply for PGDBA? – Any graduate with math/statistics in 12th.
• What is the PGDBA entrance exam? – An exclusive written MCQ test focusing on quantitative aptitude and analytics.
• Is CAT/GRE/GMAT accepted? – No, only PGDBA exam is valid.
• Are final-year students allowed? – Yes, but degree must be completed by session start.
• What is the cut-off for PGDBA? – Exam cut-off for General: 98-105/165 (varies every year).
• How many seats in PGDBA? – Nearly 63-70 (incl. reserved category seats).
• What is the fee for PGDBA? – Roughly ₹27 lakh for 2 years (2025 cycle).
• Median salary after PGDBA? – ₹32 lakh (2023 placements).
• Which companies visit for placements? – Google, Amazon, BCG, Flipkart, PwC, Accenture, and more.
• Is work experience required? – Not compulsory, though it helps in PI score.
• Is there a coding or programming test? – Not in the entrance; some interview Qs may check analytics basics.
• What is the age limit to apply? – None.
• Is PGDBA good for freshers? – Yes, many top recruiters prefer freshers with strong analytics chops.
• How do I prepare for Quant section? – Strong CAT-level math + deep focus on probability, statistics, combinatorics.
• What is the duration and format of the course? – 2 years, rotating campus, full-time residential.
• Do I get an MBA or a PGDM? – Awarded the PGDBA diploma (co-signed by IIM, IIT, ISI directors).
• Is there reservation/quota? – Yes, per Govt. of India norms (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD).
• Where do I apply? – Online at IIT Kharagpur (current host) page: iitkgp.ac.in/pgdba.
• Is there a hostel on all campuses? – Yes, full residential hostel at ISI, IIM-C, and IIT-KGP for all terms.

13. Useful Resources & Downloads

• Official PGDBA Admission Website
• PGDBA Syllabus & Sample Papers (Download)
• Latest Notification Brochure – PDF
• PGDBA Previous Years’ Cutoff & Analysis

Final Words

The PGDBA offers you a rare opportunity to gain an analytics super-degree from three of India’s best institutions. If you’re excited by big data, quantitative reasoning, and solving business problems at the intersection of tech and management, this could be your perfect launchpad. Prepare with intensity, practice mock tests, focus on fundamentals in math and analytics, and aim for clarity in your interviews. For more resources, email guides, or topper advice, follow our PGDBA resource center or leave your questions below.

Read More: MBA Entrance Exams