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Great Lakes Institute of Management Info

Great Lakes Institute of Management, established in 2004 by Padmashree Prof. Bala V. Balachandran, is a top-tier private management institution located on the East Coast Road (ECR) in Manamai, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Ministry of Education, Government of India, Great Lakes is one of the select Indian business schools holding prestigious triple international accreditations—AACSB, AMBA, and NBA. The institute holds prominent national standings, including ranking among the top management institutions in India in NIRF and IIRF frameworks.

Spanning a LEED Platinum-certified green residential campus along the scenic East Coast, Great Lakes Chennai provides state-of-the-art educational infrastructure. Facilities include air-conditioned, tech-enabled smart classrooms, high-performance analytical trading labs, multi-purpose auditoriums, executive research centers, a central digital library, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and air-conditioned residential hostels.

The pedagogical model integrates rigorous academic instruction with global business dynamics, featuring international guest faculty, empirical study projects, business simulation workshops, Karma-Yoga experiential leadership initiatives, and industry internships.

  • Fees range: Approximately INR 22,50,000 to INR 23,50,000 total program fee for full-time postgraduate management courses (including tuition, program fees, and AC hostel accommodation).
  • Flagship programs: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM - 1 Year for Experienced Professionals) and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM - 2 Years for Freshers/Young Professionals).
  • Recognition: Approved by AICTE, Accredited by AACSB, AMBA, NBA, and Recognized by AIU.
  • Academic focus: Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain, Strategy & General Management, and AI & Technology Management.

Important Admission Dates (Tentative)

The tentative admission schedule for postgraduate management programs (2026–27 / 2026–28 sessions) at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai is outlined below:

Event

Tentative Dates

Online Application Window Opens

September – October 2025

Application Submission - Cycle 1 / Cycle 2 Deadlines

December 2025 – January 2026

Entrance Examinations (CAT / XAT / CMAT / NMAT / GMAT)

November 2025 – January 2026

Shortlist Announcement & Personal Interview (PI) Rounds

January – March 2026

Merit List Declaration & Offer Letter Issuance

Rolling Basis (Post-Interviews)

Final Fee Deposit & Enrollment Confirmation

April – June 2026

Commencement of Academic Session

April/May 2026 (PGPM) / July 2026 (PGDM)

Great Lakes Institute of Management Admissions 2026–27
Admissions to PGPM and PGDM programs at Great Lakes Chennai are profile-based, involving screening of test scores, academic history, essay evaluations, work experience, and personal interview performance.
Selection Process & Weightage:
  • Entrance Exam Qualification:
  • PGPM (1-Year): Candidates must submit valid scores in CAT, XAT, NMAT, or GMAT.
  • PGDM (2-Year): Candidates must submit valid scores in CAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, or GMAT.
  • Profile Screening & PI Rounds: Shortlisted candidates undergo Written Analytical Ability Assessment / Essay writing and a Personal Interview (PI) panel round.
  • Holistic Evaluation: Selection offers are made based on test scores, academic records (Class 10th, 12th, Graduation), quality of work experience, interview performance, and leadership credentials.
General Eligibility Criteria:
  • PGPM (1-Year): A recognized Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience.
  • PGDM (2-Year): A recognized Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50%–60% aggregate marks. Open to fresh graduates and candidates with less than 36 months of work experience.
Courses Offered at Great Lakes Institute of Management
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai offers specialized, AICTE-approved postgraduate management curricula:
Postgraduate Management Programs:
  • Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM - 1 Year Full-Time): Designed for candidates with prior full-time work experience, offering fast-track specializations in Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Operations, and AI & Technology.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM - 2 Years Full-Time): Comprehensive flagship program for freshers and early-career professionals, offering major and minor dual specializations.
  • Executive PGPM / PGPM Flex: Specialized programs tailored for senior working executives and corporate leaders.
Fee Structure of Great Lakes Institute of Management
The approximate total fee details for full-time postgraduate management courses at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai are detailed below:

Program

Duration

Target Candidate Profile

Total Program Fee (Approx.)

PGPM (1-Year Residential)

1 Year

Minimum 2+ Years Experience

INR 23,50,000

PGDM (2-Year Residential)

2 Years

Freshers & 0–3 Years Experience

INR 22,50,000

    • Note: Course fees include tuition charges, program fees, single/shared AC hostel accommodation, food/mess facilities, academic resources, and caution deposits. Merit-based and diversity scholarships (such as the Dr. Bala V. Balachandran Merit Scholarship) are awarded to outstanding admitted students.

    Campus Infrastructure and Academic Life at Great Lakes Institute of Management

    • Eco-Friendly ECR Campus: Situated at Manamai along East Coast Road, Kanchipuram District, near Chennai, featuring a zero-carbon footprint, Platinum-rated eco-friendly campus environment.
    • Academic & Research Labs: Modern, air-conditioned smart lecture theaters, terminal analytics laboratories, executive conference halls, and central reference libraries.
    • Student Life & Development: Active student committees, annual management fests (L'Attitude 13° 05'), Karma-Yoga social leadership outreach programs, guest speaker series, and global alumni networking platforms.

    Training, Placement & Career Guidance at Great Lakes Institute of Management

    Great Lakes operates a dedicated Corporate Relations & Placement Cell that coordinates campus recruitment drives, industry mentorship, soft skills training, and summer internships.

    • Placement Performance Highlights (Class of 2026):
      • PGPM Highest Package: INR 43.00 LPA
      • PGPM Average Package: INR 18.10 LPA
      • PGDM Highest Package: INR 40.00 LPA
      • PGDM Average Package: INR 15.00 LPA
    • Top Recruiters: Accenture, Deloitte, EY, PwC, McKinsey, Bain & Company, Cognizant, Infosys, Amazon, Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, ICICI Bank, and FedEx.

    Why Choose Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai?

    Great Lakes Institute of Management provides international quality management education backed by triple global accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, NBA) and world-renowned faculty. Located near Chennai, its combination of 1-year (PGPM) and 2-year (PGDM) program choices, strong ROI with average salary packages reaching INR 18.10 LPA, LEED Platinum-certified residential campus, and extensive corporate recruitment ties make it one of India's premier B-Schools.

    Great Lakes Institute of Management FAQs

    Q1. Is Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai internationally accredited?

    Yes, Great Lakes Chennai holds prestigious triple accreditations from AACSB, AMBA, and NBA, placing it among top accredited business schools globally.

    Q2. What entrance exams are accepted for admission at Great Lakes Chennai?

    The institute accepts valid scores from CAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, and GMAT depending on the specific program (PGPM or PGDM).

    Q3. What is the difference between the PGPM and PGDM courses at Great Lakes?

    The PGPM is a 1-year fast-track management program designed for candidates with at least 2 years of work experience. The PGDM is a traditional 2-year full-time management program designed for fresh graduates and candidates with up to 36 months of experience.

    Q4. What is the total fee for the PGPM and PGDM programs at Great Lakes Chennai?

    The total course fee (including tuition, program charges, and AC hostel accommodation) is approximately INR 23,50,000 for the 1-year PGPM and INR 22,50,000 for the 2-year PGDM.

    Q5. Where is the Great Lakes Chennai campus located?

    The campus is located on East Coast Road (ECR), Manamai Village, Kanchipuram District, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

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Great Lakes Institute of Management Admissions and Important Dates 2026

Applicants seeking admission to the 2-year PGDM course must hold a recognized Bachelor''s degree with at least 60% aggregate marks across Class 10, Class 12, and graduation. PGPM applicants require a recognized Bachelor''s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and at least 24 months of full-time work experience. Admission selection considers valid scores in CAT, XAT, GMAT, or NMAT, followed by Essay Writing, Analytical Writing Tests, and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. The multi-cycle admission process typically runs between November and March annually.

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Great Lakes Institute of Management Application Process 2026

Prospective candidates apply online through the official portal at greatlakes.edu.in. Applicants complete the application form, submit details of academic records, professional work experience, and valid entrance exam scorecards, upload required essays, and pay a non-refundable application processing fee of INR 2,000. Shortlisted applicants are subsequently invited to attend online or offline personal interaction rounds.

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Great Lakes Institute of Management 2026

Key institutional highlights include AACSB and AMBA international accreditations, Asia''s 1st LEED Platinum Rated eco-friendly campus, mandatory Karma Yoga leadership project, strong global visiting faculty network, and top-tier corporate placement records.

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Great Lakes Institute of Management Placements 2026

The Corporate Relations and Placement Cell at Great Lakes coordinates comprehensive career grooming, industry interactions, and corporate recruitment drives. In recent campus placement cycles, PGPM graduates achieved an average CTC of INR 18.10 LPA with the highest CTC reaching INR 43.00 LPA, while PGDM graduates achieved an average CTC of INR 15.00 LPA with the highest CTC reaching INR 40.00 LPA. Major recruiters include Accenture, Deloitte, Infosys Consulting, FedEx, Aditya Birla Capital, Cognizant, EY, and PwC.

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Great Lakes Institute of Management Scholarships 2026

Great Lakes offers merit and diversity scholarships totaling over INR 2 Crores per batch. Over 40 Diversity & Merit Scholarships worth INR 5 Lakhs each are offered to deserving PGPM candidates (with at least 30% reserved for female applicants). Additionally, the Dr. Bala V. Balachandran Merit Scholarship awards a 100% tuition fee waiver along with CXO mentorship to exceptional performers.

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Great Lakes Institute of Management Recognitions 2026

Located in Manamai, East Coast Road, near Chennai, Great Lakes Institute of Management is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and holds prestigious international triple crown accreditations from AACSB, AMBA (UK), and SAQS, along with NBA accreditation.

  • Accredited By NAAC
  • Accredited By NBA
  • SAQS Accredited
  • Approved By AICTE
  • Accredited By AMBA
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Great Lakes Institute of Management Rankings 2026

Great Lakes holds top national and global standings; it ranked 37th nationally in the NIRF Management Rankings, featured among the top 10 private B-schools in Outlook-ICARE rankings, and holds QS World University global MBA rankings.

Management Ranking
#37
YEAR - 2025
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Great Lakes Institute of Management Facilities 2026

  • Computer Lab
  • Lab
  • Auditorium
  • Girls Hostel
  • Boys Hostel
  • Sports
  • Library
  • Transport

The 27-acre Platinum LEED-certified green campus on East Coast Road features modern academic infrastructure, including air-conditioned smart amphitheater lecture halls, advanced data analytics labs, a resource center library with digital databases, and multi-purpose auditoriums. Campus amenities feature air-conditioned student residential hostels, sports facilities, a gymnasium, central dining facilities, healthcare services, and campus-wide Wi-Fi connectivity

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Great Lakes Institute of Management NAAC Rank

A++

Great Lakes Institute of Management Courses and Fees 2026

The curriculum focuses on developing strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership, and technology-driven business competencies for global executive roles. The total program fee for the 1-year flagship PGPM program is INR 23,50,000, while the total program fee for the 2-year full-time PGDM program is INR 22,50,000, covering academic tuition, learning resources, and mandatory single/twin AC hostel accommodation with dining.

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Course Category Course Fee Eligibility Exams Accepted
PGPM Management Rs. 19,25,000.00 Candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA CAT
PGDM Management Rs. 11,76,000.00 Candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA CAT

Great Lakes Institute of Management College Gallery


Great Lakes Institute of Management Reviews and Rating 2026

Student and alumnus reviews across major educational aggregation platforms rate Great Lakes Chennai between 4.2 and 4.6 out of 5 stars. Feedback consistently highlights the peer learning environment, rigorous 1-year PGPM structure, world-class faculty, scenic campus atmosphere, and strong placement cell support.

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Overall Rating

4
Recommends: 100%
Not Recommends: 0%
Infrastructure 4
Campus 4
Faculty 4
Industry Exposure 4
Placements 4
Affordability 4
Great Lakes Institute of Management College Reviews
The College is good and environment there
Name: Papri Dutta | Batch of | Rating 4
Course: Post-Graduate Programme in Management
Recommends this college
my college overall is very good and i like the management also as they are helping and the infrastructure is so good factulty are to professional and knowledged they help us in every task and the campus classes are very well maintained,
Infrastructure 4
Campus 4
Faculty 4
Industry Exposure 4
Placements 4
Affordability 4
Posted On: 22-Oct-2025

Great Lakes Institute of Management Faculty 2026

The teaching faculty at Great Lakes consists of full-time resident professors, doctorate holders, research scholars, and visiting faculty from top global business schools like Kellogg, Stanford, and IITs. Instructors emphasize research-backed teaching, empirical studies, case study methodologies, continuous internal evaluations, and individual student career guidance.

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Great Lakes Institute of Management FAQs 2026

Q1. Is Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai accredited by AACSB and AMBA?

Ans. Yes, Great Lakes Chennai holds international accreditations from AACSB, AMBA, and SAQS, and is approved by AICTE.

Q2. Where is the Great Lakes campus located in Tamil Nadu?

Ans. The campus is located at ECR Road, Manamai Village, Kanchipuram District, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Q3. What is the total fee structure for PGPM and PGDM courses at Great Lakes Chennai?

Ans. The total program fee is INR 23,50,000 for the 1-year PGPM program and INR 22,50,000 for the 2-year PGDM program, inclusive of hostel accommodation.

Q4. Which entrance exams are accepted for PGPM and PGDM admission?

Ans. Admissions accept valid scores in entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, or NMAT.

Q5. What is the difference between PGPM and PGDM at Great Lakes?

Ans. PGPM is a 1-year intensive program for candidates with 2+ years of work experience, whereas PGDM is a 2-year program for freshers and candidates with 0–36 months of work experience.

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