Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university, typically with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA, though requirements vary by institution and some accept candidates awaiting final results or those with relevant professional experience through Recognition of Prior Learning. While many programs are merit-based, others require national-level entrance exam scores such as CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, or CMAT, particularly if the undergraduate score is below 50%.