Where an institution conducts its own test for these programmes, the paper is typically an objective aptitude test rather than a test of sports knowledge, covering verbal ability and comprehension, quantitative ability, logical reasoning and general awareness, with a component on current affairs in sport. It is commonly followed by a written statement of purpose, a group discussion and a personal interview in which the candidate's interest in and exposure to sport is assessed, and prior playing, coaching or event experience may be given weight. Programmes admitting through this route range from undergraduate degrees in sports management to postgraduate diplomas and master's programmes offered by private universities, business schools and specialised sports management institutes. Some accept national management entrance scores instead of holding a test. The exact selection stages, their weightage and the documents required are laid down by each institution in its own admission notification.

For undergraduate sports management programmes the base requirement is a pass in class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board, in any stream. For postgraduate programmes it is a recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline, with final-year students usually allowed to apply provisionally pending their result. Sporting achievement, coaching experience or work in sport is treated as an added qualification by some institutions and as a formal requirement by very few. The minimum marks required in the qualifying examination, any age condition, whether a national management entrance score is accepted, and the evidence needed for sports achievement categories are stated in the admission notification of the institution concerned, which should be consulted directly.