Top 30 Non IIMs Colleges Accepting CAT Score
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 application submission
3 Aug '26 - 22 Sep '26
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 specialisations, industry exposure, or 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 2026 exam scheduled on November 29. Allso, keep a check on the application window of your target colleges as registrations start from the month of September every year.
We have listed in this blog, top 30 colleges accepting CAT score apart from IIMs, for your assistance in college selection. Howeve, you should keep in mind that it is mandatory to mee 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), 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.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
MAT
24 Sep '26
26 Sep '26
20 Aug '26 - 10 Oct '26
14 Oct '26 - 17 Oct '26
15 Sep '26 - 22 Nov '26
24 Oct '26 - 28 Nov '26
12 Dec '26
30 Sep '26 - 31 Dec '26
10 Oct '26 - 11 Jan '27
Commonly asked questions
CAT is a speed-based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or Commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advanced-level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Hope it was helpful!!!
CAT admission process for non-IIMs includes Written Ability Test (WAT) or Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). For admission the institutes also take into consideration candidate's academic record and work experience. Overall, the admission process of all CAT accepting colleges is same where selection is based on candidate's overall personality, communication ability and consistency in academics.
CAT cut offs for non-IIMs is usually lower than IIMs.
Top MBA College | CAT Cut Offs (percentile) |
|---|---|
FMS, Delhi | 98-99 |
IIFT Delhi | 95-99 |
SPJIMR, Mumbai | 95-99 |
IMT, Ghaziabad | 95-97 |
JBIMS, Mumbai | 96 |
MDI, Gurgaon | 97-99 |
IMI, New Delhi | 90 |
XIM, Bhubaneshwar | 91 |
GIM Goa | 85 |
K J Somaiya, Mumbai | 86 |
TAPMI, Manipal | 80 |
FORE, New Delhi | 85 |
IFMR, Chennai | 80 |
IRMA, Anand | 80 |
MICA, Ahmedabad | 80 |
LIBA, Chennai | 70 |
XIME, Bangalore | 70 |
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
15 Jul '26 - 6 Dec '26 | XAT 2027 Registration |
Oct '26 | XAT 2027 Form Correction |
21 Aug '26 - 25 Nov '26 | SNAP 2026 Registration Process |
24 Sep '26 | SNAP 2026 Mock Test 1 |
20 Aug '26 - 10 Oct '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
20 Aug '26 - 22 Oct '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
17 Sep '26 - 20 Sep '26 | MAT September 2026 CBT Admit C... |
20 Sep '26 | MAT September 2026 CBT |
26 Sep '26 | IBSAT 2026 Mock Test |
24 Oct '26 | IBSAT 2026 Mock Test |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 6 days ago
As of September 2026, IIM Indore has not announced the CAT form correction dates. Past trends indicate that the application form correction window opens a few weeks after the registration window is closed.
Check: CAT Correction Window 2026
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, candidates are facilitated with a window to edit exam form once the CAT registration concludes. However, candidates will only be able to edit photo, signature, and test city preference using CAT correction window. IIM Indore will announce the dates for CAT form correction window once the regist
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
IIM Indore has not announced the last date extension for CAT 2026 yet. However, past trends indicate CAT registration extends by a few days. If CAT 2026 registration is extended, candidates will find an update on the official website.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, both Oral Extempore Presentation and PI round are mandatory for candidates who apply forAlliance School of Business MBA admission with CAT results.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, in recognition of outstanding performance in CAT, MSB awards special scholarships as follows:
- INR 1,50,000 for students securing a minimum 90 percentile
- INR 1,00,000 for students securing a minimum 85 percentile
- INR 75,000 for students securing a minimum 75 percentile
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Students pursuing PGDM from Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur and having 65% CAT score can get scholarship of INR 1.50 lakh. Students must have documents proving their eligibility to avail the scholarship benefit.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can strongly aim for interview calls from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta if you have a stellar high school profile and a high CAT score. Top IIMs calculate interview shortlists using strict mathematical formulas. These formulas evaluate your CAT score, Class 10 marks, Class 12 marks
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can and should attempt previous year papers and mock tests as part of your preparation for CAT 2026. You can attempt it on official CAT website.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Students interested in MBA at any of the Symbiosis Institutes need to take the Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Computer Based Test which will be conducted at designated test centres.
However, the institute does offer special pathways to Indian students allowing them to register for classes even i
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes. Candidates can apply for Executive MBA course at IIM Kashipur Dehradun campus, without CAT or GMAT score, because the institute also accepts candidates score in EMAT exam, which is conducted directly by IIM Kashipur.
A
Contributor-Level 9
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
Read Full Bio