NIT Rourkela MBA Shortlist 2026: GD & PI Schedule Announced for First Round

NIT Rourkela has released the first-round shortlist for its MBA 2026-28 program, inviting qualified applicants for the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) stages. Candidates can now check their application status on the official website and must prepare for an evaluation based on career marks, entrance scores, and interview performance.

NIT Rourkela has officially released the list of applicants shortlisted for the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) for its prestigious MBA Programme (Academic Year 2026-28). This announcement marks the commencement of the first round of the selection process for the School of Management (SM).

Aspiring management professionals who applied for the program can now verify their status on the official NIT Rourkela website. The notification, numbered NITR/AC-PG/2026/L/0843 and dated March 26, 2026, provides critical details regarding the scrutiny criteria and next steps for the candidates.

NIT Rourkela MBA Admission 2026: Selection and Scrutiny Criteria

The School of Management at NIT Rourkela follows a rigorous evaluation process to ensure only the most capable candidates are selected. According to the official notice, the current shortlist has been prepared based on the advertisement NITR/AC/PG/2026/L/0035 (dated January 5, 2026).

The scrutiny criteria for this round include:

• Tentative Shortlisting: Candidates currently awaiting their final graduation results have been tentatively included in the list.

• Entrance Scores: Shortlisting is primarily driven by scores from national-level MBA entrance tests such as CAT, XAT, MAT, or CMAT.

• Academic Performance: A minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA (55% or 6.0 CGPA for SC/ST) in the qualifying degree is mandatory.

Key Highlights of the MBA 2026-28 Shortlist

The released document features several high-ranking applicants ready for the next phase. Notable names from the initial list include Abhishek Choudhury, Ayushi Mohapatra, and Sujeet Sharma, among others.

Understanding Your Application Status

In the published list, candidates will find their:

1. Application ID (e.g., 3AT260001)

2. Student Name

3. Category (OP, OB, SC, ST, EWS)

4. Application Status: Most candidates in this list will see the status “Call for Interview.”

Important Instructions for GD and PI Rounds

NIT Rourkela emphasizes that all shortlisted candidates must read the instructions at the end of the official list carefully. While the full schedule is typically communicated individually or via a detailed addendum, candidates should prepare for the following:

1. Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates from High School (HSC) onwards during the admission process. If you are a final-year student, you will need a certificate from your Principal/Registrar stating that all examinations have been completed.

2. Weighted Evaluation System

The final merit list isn’t just about the interview. NIT Rourkela uses a 300-mark evaluation system:

• Career Marks: 90 Marks

• Work Experience: 10 Marks

• Group Discussion: 100 Marks

• Personal Interview: 100 Marks

To be considered for the final merit list, a candidate must secure a minimum of 50% overall marks across these categories.

Preparing for the NIT Rourkela MBA Interview

The Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds are designed to test not only your business knowledge but also your leadership potential, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.

• Group Discussion (GD): Focus on current economic affairs, digital transformation in business, and social issues. Be a collaborative speaker who adds value to the conversation.

• Personal Interview (PI): Expect questions on your “Statement of Purpose,” your reasons for choosing NIT Rourkela, and how your background (academic or professional) aligns with an MBA.

Why Choose the School of Management, NIT Rourkela?

Established as an Institute of National Importance, NIT Rourkela’s School of Management offers a unique blend of technical environment and management excellence.

• Affordable Excellence: With a fee structure significantly lower than many private B-schools, it offers a high Return on Investment (ROI).

• Placement Success: Recent years have seen average packages around 6.24 LPA, with top recruiters from consulting, IT, and manufacturing sectors.

• Specializations: Students can specialize in Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and the increasingly popular Business Analytics.

Next Steps for Shortlisted Candidates

If your name is on the list, ensure you have your Digilocker and Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) IDs ready, as these are now mandatory for the registration process. Keep a close watch on the official nitrkl.ac.in portal for specific dates and times for your GD/PI slot.

Failure to appear for the GD or PI on the scheduled date will result in the automatic cancellation of your candidature. Candidates are advised to arrange their travel or stable internet connection (if the interview is online) well in advance.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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