Top 30 Non IIMs Colleges Accepting CAT Score

There are a number of top ranked MBA colleges in India apart from the IIMs, which have good faculty, infrastructure and placement cell. Let's take a look at top 30 colleges accepting CAT score apart from IIMs having lower cut offs.

Top Non IIMs Accepting CAT Scores

IIMs are the first choice of every MBA aspirant in India, but it requires high CAT score to even get selected for the WAT-PI round. If you don’t have 95+ percentile in CAT, it will be tough for you to get an IIM. But IIMs are not the only option. There are so many more top ranked B-Schools in India that provide same level of training as IIMs. These management institutions offer various popular, niche and emerging specialisations, industry exposure, alumni network, foreign exchange programmes and great Return on Investment (ROI).

About 1300 B-School accept CAT exam score for admission. Top ranked B-Schools that accept CAT score include FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IITs, NMIMS, IIFT, GIM, GLIM, LIBA, GIM, among others. If you are planning to pursue MBA in 2027 academic session, you must appear for CAT exam scheduled on November 29. Applications for non-IIMs start in October. You should shortlist your target colleges now and fill up the form so that you're eligible to be shortlisted for MBA admission.

Get the list of top 30 colleges accepting CAT score apart from IIMs in this blog. Keep in mind that it is mandatory to meet the CAT cut offs for these colleges to be eligible for admission.

Top 30 Colleges Accepting CAT Score for Admission: Cut offs and Fees

The list below features some of the top 30 MBA colleges other than the IIMs for MBA/PGDM course. Also, mentioned is the total course fees and estimated CAT cut offs 2026 for admission.

Selection Criteria for MBA Admission 2027

Selection criteria for MBA admission includes Group Discussion (GD) or Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). There are three stages:

Stage 1: Candidates are selected on the basis of exam score (CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT)

Stage 2: Candidates participate in GD/WAT and PI

Stage 3: Candidates are selected on the basis of stage 1 and stage 2 evaluation

Apart from the entrance exam scores, institutes also take into consideration candidate’s academic record (class 10, 12 and graduation), work experience and other professional skills. Merely meeting the CAT cut off is not enough for admission, The top B-schools lay a lot of emphasis on the candidate's overall profile. Candidates with high scores in school, good work experience, ECA, etc. have a better chance of selection.