IRMA Eligibility Criteria 2026

The IRMA (Institute of Rural Management Anand) 2026 eligibility criteria are essential for aspirants targeting the Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Rural Management (PGDM-RM) and Fellow Programme in Management (Rural Management) (FPM-RM). IRMA is known for catering to those committed to broad-based rural development and management studies.

Eligibility Criteria for IRMA 2026 (PGDM-RM)

Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The degree should cover a minimum of 15 years of education (10+2+3 pattern).

Minimum Marks Required

General Category: At least 50% aggregate marks in graduation.

SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/General (EWS)/PwD: At least 45% aggregate marks.

Final Year Students: Final-year undergraduates can apply, provided they submit proof of passing the degree with eligible marks before the program’s specified deadline.

Accepted Exams: Applicants must appear in at least one of the following entrance exams

• CAT 2024
• XAT 2025
• CMAT 2024.

Other Requirements: There is no restriction on age or stream at the undergraduate level. Academic diversity, regional diversity, gender diversity, and relevant work/sports/extra-curricular achievements are also considered during the selection process.

Eligibility for FPM (Rural Management)

• Academic Qualification:Master’s degree or equivalent in Engineering, Technology, Management, Economics, Social Science, Biological/Pure Science, Commerce, or Humanities with first class from a recognized university.
• Provisional Admission:Candidates in their final master’s year can apply; however, final admission is provisional until proof of passing with eligible marks is submitted by the program’s deadline.
• Qualifying Exams:Valid test scores from national exams such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE, UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET/JRF, ICAR, ASRB-NET, GATE, or CMAT.

Additional Notes for Candidates

• IRMA places special weight on regional diversity (bonus for aspirants from the North East/aspirational districts), gender, academic background, sports/extra-curriculars, and relevant work experience in the final selection.
• No provision for direct admission; all candidates must meet the eligibility, appear in accepted entrance exams, and complete the full selection process.

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FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum educational requirement for IRMA’s PGDM-RM in 2026?

Ans. A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) is required.

Q2. Are final-year students eligible to apply for IRMA 2026?

Ans. Yes, final-year undergraduate students can apply, but they must submit their qualifying degree results with required marks before the deadline fixed by IRMA.

Q3. Which entrance exams are accepted for IRMA 2026 admissions?

Ans. IRMA accepts valid scores from CAT 2024, XAT 2025, or CMAT 2024 for the PGDM-RM admissions.

Q4. Does IRMA have any relaxation for reserved category candidates?

Ans. Yes, there is a 5% relaxation for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-creamy layer)/EWS/PwD categories who need a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in graduation.

Q5. Is work experience or specific academic background necessary for IRMA PGDM-RM?

Ans. Work experience is not mandatory but is given weightage in the final selection. Graduates from any academic background are eligible to apply.