The world of higher education is evolving rapidly, and one of the most remarkable developments in recent years has been the entry of foreign universities into India. Among the pioneers in this movement is Deakin University, Australia, which has officially established its presence in Gujarat, India. This makes Deakin University one of the first international universities to establish a physical campus in India, in collaboration with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
The Deakin Gujarat campus is more than just an extension of an Australian university; it represents a fusion of world-class global standards with localized accessibility. Students who once dreamed of studying in Australia now have the chance to earn an international degree while staying closer to home and at a fraction of the cost.
Naturally, with this development, aspirants across India are curious about admission cutoffs, eligibility benchmarks, and how the selection process will work for 2025 intake. Unlike traditional Indian B-schools or engineering colleges that rely solely on exams like CAT, JEE, or NEET, Deakin University Gujarat has a unique admissions ecosystem that blends international standards (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GMAT, GRE) and Indian routes (CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT).
This comprehensive article will give you:
A detailed breakdown of Deakin University Gujarat Cut Off 2025.
Category-wise past year cutoffs and analysis of trends.
Insights on how cutoffs differ between General, OBC, SC/ST, International, and NRI/PIO applicants.
Step-by-step admission process and strategy.
A practical guide on how to prepare to meet or exceed cutoff expectations.
Expanded FAQs addressing real student concerns.
About Deakin University Gujarat
Before diving into cutoffs, it’s important to understand why Deakin chose Gujarat and what makes this campus unique.
Deakin University, established in 1974, is one of Australia's top institutions, renowned for its student-centred learning, cutting-edge research, and global employability outcomes. It is consistently listed among the top 1% of global universities (QS and Times Higher Education rankings).
The Gujarat campus, launched under India’s new framework to allow foreign universities to operate independently, offers students:
Access to global faculty and curriculum.
Degrees identical to those awarded in Australia.
Opportunities for the student exchange and semester transfers to Australia.
Cost-effective tuition compared to relocating abroad.
Exposure to multicultural peer groups and corporate networks via GIFT City’s global finance hub.
Thus, competition is naturally growing, and cutoff expectations for 2025 are set to be high, especially in flagship programs like MBA, Data Science, and International Business.
How Deakin’s Cutoffs are Determined
One of the biggest differences between Deakin University Gujarat and traditional Indian universities is how cutoffs are calculated and applied. Instead of relying on a single benchmark score, Deakin follows a holistic admissions model, which means that cutoffs are set as ranges influenced by multiple factors. This ensures that admissions are both inclusive and competitive, accommodating a diverse pool of applicants.
Here’s a deeper look at the key factors that shape Deakin’s cutoffs:
1. Exams Accepted
Deakin considers a wide range of entrance exams, giving students multiple pathways to qualify. Unlike IIMs that only look at CAT or US schools that only look at GMAT/GRE, Deakin Gujarat considers both Indian and international benchmarks.
Indian Exams:
CAT/XAT: Preferred for MBA and management programs. Cutoffs here are usually the highest (70-75 percentile expected for 2025).
MAT/CMAT/NMAT: Widely accepted for management courses, but cutoffs are set slightly lower than CAT/XAT because these exams attract a broader applicant pool.
International Exams:
GMAT/GRE: Popular with students who also consider applying abroad. Deakin’s GMAT cutoff usually starts at 500, while GRE cutoffs begin at 295.
English Proficiency Tests:
Since Deakin is an international university, English is the medium of instruction. Applicants must show proficiency with IELTS (6.5 overall), TOEFL (85-90 iBT), or PTE (58-60).
These are non-negotiable requirements for both international and NRI applicants, though Indian students applying through CAT/CMAT routes may receive conditional admission while they submit scores.
This multi-exam flexibility is a huge plus, as it increases accessibility, but it also means cutoff ranges differ depending on which exam route you choose.
2. Program Demand
Not all programs have the same cutoff expectations. Programs that are in high demand globally naturally attract stronger applicants, which pushes cutoffs higher.
MBA / Management: Cutoffs are most competitive here, as the MBA program is one of Deakin Gujarat’s flagship offerings.
Business Analytics & Data Science: These programs are globally trending and highly employable, so GRE/GMAT expectations are higher than average.
Specialized Programs (Finance, International Business, Marketing): Cutoffs are moderate, depending on demand.
Niche or New Programs: These may have slightly relaxed cutoffs to encourage enrollment.
Essentially, the higher the demand, the higher the cutoff benchmark.
3. Applicant Category
Deakin follows India’s social equity model and provides relaxations for certain categories, though exact margins can vary slightly each year.
General Category: Faces the highest cutoffs since competition is most intense.
OBC/EWS Category: Usually 5 percentile relaxation compared to General (e.g., CAT 65–70 percentile instead of 70-75).
SC/ST Category: Relaxed further, with admissions possible at 55-60 percentile for MBA programs.
International Students & NRIs: Evaluated differently. While they must meet minimum English proficiency scores, their overall profile (UG marks, SOP, extracurriculars) often carries more weight than raw exam scores.
This category-based flexibility promotes accessibility while preserving academic excellence.
4. Scholarship Benchmarks
Another important factor is scholarships, which are directly tied to cutoffs.
Regular Admission Cutoff: The minimum score needed to qualify for admission.
Scholarship Cutoff: A higher benchmark that students must meet to qualify for merit-based fee waivers (20-50%).
For example:
A CAT score of 72 percentile might get you admission, but for a 50% scholarship, you may need 80+ percentile.
Similarly, GMAT 500+ may suffice for admission, but 600+ is usually required for merit aid.
This dual system encourages students to aim higher, not just to secure admission but also to reduce tuition costs.
5. Past Academic Record
Unlike entrance-exam-only systems, Deakin also considers your undergraduate or Class 12 performance as part of the evaluation.
A strong UG percentage (above 65-70%) can help compensate for slightly lower entrance exam scores.
For applicants with work experience, professional achievements and career growth are factored in.
For fresh graduates, weightage is placed on academic consistency and project work.
This ensures that students are judged on their overall potential rather than a single exam day performance.
Putting It All Together
At Deakin Gujarat, cutoffs are not rigid. Instead, they form a dynamic range influenced by:
The exam channel you choose.
The program’s popularity and competition.
Your category and background.
Whether you are applying for admission only or aiming for a scholarship.
Your academic history and achievements.
This model makes Deakin’s admission system more flexible and globally aligned, while still maintaining healthy competition among aspirants.
Expected Cut Off 2025
Here is a program-specific estimated cutoff range for the 2025 intake.
MBA & Management Programs
CAT/XAT: 70-75 percentile (General shortlist), 80+ for scholarships.
CMAT/MAT: 60-70 percentile (General shortlist), 75+ for scholarships.
NMAT: 160-180 score range.
GMAT: 500-550+ (General), 600+ (Scholarship).
GRE: 295-305+ (General), 310+ (Competitive).
Data Science / Technology Programs
GRE: 295–310.
GATE (if applicable): Relaxed compared to IIT/NIT levels but competitive.
International Applicants
IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (no band <6.0).
TOEFL: 85–90 iBT.
PTE: 58–60.
Key Observation
Cutoffs for General category students are the highest. Reserved categories (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) see relaxations of 5-10 percentile points, while International/NRI applicants are judged holistically, with heavier weightage on English proficiency.
Category-wise Previous Year Cut Offs
Understanding category-wise cutoffs is critical for applicants, since Deakin University Gujarat follows both Indian reservation norms and international admission standards. Over the past three admission cycles (2022-2024), cutoffs have shown a clear upward trend, especially for high-demand programs like MBA, Business Analytics, and Data Science.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how cutoffs have evolved across different applicant categories:
General Category (2022-2024 Trends)
For General category students, competition is the most intense, as the majority of applicants fall into this group.
CAT Percentile:
2022: 65 percentile.
2023: Increased to 70 percentile.
2024: Further tightened to 72–75 percentile.
Insight: The increase reflects rising demand for Deakin's MBA, with students with strong academic and extracurricular profiles driving up the standard.
GMAT: Consistently at 500+, which is relatively moderate compared to top IIMs (650+), making Deakin an attractive choice for globally minded students.
GRE: Cutoffs have stabilized at 295-300+, aligning with international standards for management programs.
Takeaway: If you're a General category aspirant, you need now aim for a CAT 73-75 percentile, GMAT 550+, or GRE 300+ to remain competitive.
OBC / EWS Category
Deakin provides relaxation to OBC and EWS students, usually around 5 percentile lower than General.
CAT Percentile Range:
2022: 60 percentile.
2023: 62-63 percentile.
2024: Stabilized at 60-65 percentile.
Other benchmarks (GMAT 500+, GRE 295+) remain unchanged, since relaxations primarily apply to Indian competitive exams.
Takeaway: OBC/EWS candidates with CAT 62-65 percentile can realistically secure admission, but aiming higher improves scholarship chances.
SC / ST Category
SC/ST candidates benefit from further relaxation, ensuring greater inclusivity without diluting academic standards.
CAT Percentile:
2022: 55 percentile.
2023: 57 percentile.
2024: 55-60 percentile remains the benchmark.
Evaluation Method: More emphasis is placed on holistic profile review including undergraduate marks, personal statement, and potential for growth rather than just entrance exam scores.
Takeaway: Even with relaxed cutoffs, a balanced profile is essential for SC/ST applicants to stand out, particularly in competitive programs like Business Analytics.
International Students
International applicants are assessed differently, with focus on English language proficiency and standardized test performance.
IELTS Benchmark:
2022: 6.0 overall.
2023: Increased to 6.5.
2024: Consistent 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0).
TOEFL / PTE: TOEFL iBT cutoff is around 85-90, while PTE requirement is 58-60.
GMAT/GRE: The benchmarks have stayed consistent- GMAT 500+ and GRE 295+.
Takeaway: Rising IELTS standards indicate Deakin’s growing alignment with global academic expectations, ensuring students are well-prepared for international classrooms.
NRI / PIO Applicants
NRI (Non-Resident Indian) and PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) applicants are evaluated under international student criteria.
Must submit IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores, no waivers.
Cutoffs for GMAT/GRE remain the same as international students.
Emphasis is placed on academic background, statement of purpose (SOP), and financial eligibility, alongside entrance exams.
Takeaway: NRI/PIO students need to demonstrate global competitiveness, with strong language proficiency scores being non-negotiable.
Trend Insight (2022–2024)
Across all categories, there is a consistent rise of 2-3 percentile points every year, particularly for MBA and STEM-related business programs. This upward trajectory is driven by:
Raising awareness of Deakin Gujarat as a top-tier choice in India.
Higher program demand in Data Science, Business Analytics, and International Business.
Scholarship-driven competition, where students aim for higher scores to secure fee waivers.
Overall Implication: Students applying in 2025 should prepare for slightly higher cutoffs than in 2024, especially if targeting scholarships or premium programs.
How Deakin’s Cutoffs Differ from Public B-Schools
Unlike IIMs or XLRI, Deakin Gujarat has:
Multiple Entry Channels: CAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, GRE, and IELTS.
Scholarship Cutoffs vs. Admission Cutoffs: Scholarships demand higher benchmarks.
Flexibility: International/NRI students are evaluated holistically, not just on exam scores.
State-Level Exam Routes: In some cases, exams like PGCET/KMAT (for certain allied programs) give students alternate pathways.
This makes Deakin more accessible than IIMs, but still competitive due to rising interest.
Admission Process
Application Submission via official portal.
Entrance Exam Scores Upload (CAT/XAT/GMAT/GRE/IELTS).
Shortlist based on cutoffs.
Statement of Purpose (SOP) submission.
Personal Interview (PI) with faculty/admission panel.
Scholarship Assessment.
Final Offer & Enrollment.
Scholarships and Cutoffs
Deakin Gujarat offers merit-based scholarships (20-50% fee waivers). These are directly linked to cutoffs.
Example: CAT 80+ percentile or GMAT 600+ may qualify for a scholarship.
Reserved category students may also access special financial aid schemes.
Thus, higher scores not only secure admission but also reduce costs.
Preparation Strategy
CAT/XAT/CMAT: Aim 5-10 percentile above expected cutoff.
GMAT/GRE: Focus on Quant + Verbal equally; practice timed mocks.
IELTS/TOEFL: Work on speaking and writing; target 0.5 band above requirement.
SOP/PI: Showcase leadership, academic achievements, and global mindset.
FAQs
What is the MBA cutoff for Deakin Gujarat 2025?
CAT/XAT 70–75 percentile; GMAT 500+.
Does Deakin accept MAT scores?
Yes, typically 60–70 percentile.
Are cutoffs lower for OBC/EWS?
Yes, about 5 percentile relaxation.
Are cutoffs lower for SC/ST?
Yes, about 10 percentile relaxation.
What IELTS score is required?
Minimum 6.5 overall.
Can I apply without CAT?
Yes, via GMAT, GRE, MAT, CMAT, or IELTS.
What is the GMAT cutoff?
500+ for admission; 600+ for scholarships.
Is work experience required for MBA?
Not mandatory, but preferred.
Can I transfer to Deakin Australia later?
Yes, credit transfer options exist.
Are scholarships linked to cutoffs?
Yes, higher cutoffs → higher chances of merit aid.
Does Deakin Gujarat have hostel facilities?
Yes, on-campus housing is available.
How do previous cutoffs compare to IIMs?
Deakin’s cutoffs are lower, but demand is rising.
Can NRIs apply with only IELTS?
Yes, IELTS/TOEFL suffices for international applicants.
Does Deakin Gujarat accept CMAT?
Yes, 60–70 percentile range.
Is there a state quota like PGCET?
For some allied programs, yes.
What is the GRE cutoff?
295–305+.
What is the TOEFL requirement?
85–90 iBT.
Are interviews compulsory?
Yes, for shortlisted candidates
How much do cutoffs rise annually?
Around 2–3 percentile points.
When will 2025 admissions open?
Applications typically open mid-year (June–July).
Conclusion
Deakin University Gujarat is redefining what higher education in India can look like. By offering global-standard degrees, accepting multiple exam pathways, and blending international benchmarks with Indian accessibility, it has quickly become a top choice for aspirants.
For the 2025 intake, expect cutoffs will be around:
CAT/XAT: 70–75 percentile.
GMAT: 500+.
IELTS: 6.5.
Reserved category students benefit from relaxations, while international applicants are evaluated more holistically. The key to success is aiming above the baseline cutoffs to secure not just admission but also scholarships.
In short, Deakin Gujarat is more than just a foreign university campus, it’s a gateway to global careers without leaving Indian soil.
