After CAT 2025 results, MBA aspirants are exploring FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, ISB Hyderabad and NMIMS amid expectations of high IIM cut-offs.
ISB Hyderabad is one of the top ranked b-school from India
CAT 2025 results are out today on December 24, 2025 and this has led to next round of MBA admission planning. Many aspirants are now weighing their chances of securing calls from top IIMs. Expectations of very high cut-offs at older IIMs like IIM-A, IIM-B, IIM-C have led candidates to explore non-IIM management institutes, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, ISB Hyderabad, NMIMS Mumbai and Christ University.
MBA candidates are keeping parallel options open to avoid missing out on a top tier MBA seat during a highly competitive admission season.
Why non-IIM MBA institutes are in focus after CAT 2025
Several leading non-IIM b-schools follow selection processes that is not just limited to CAT percentile. These institutes consider profile based shortlisting, work experience, academic performance and programme specific criteria play a larger role, making these institutes attractive to candidates with well rounded profiles.
This has renewed interest in non-IIM options, particularly among aspirants who expect 99+ percentile cut-offs at older IIMs but still want access to strong placements and established brands.
Top non-IIM MBA colleges aspirants are considering
FMS Delhi: This Delhi based college continues to be a top choice due to its low fee structure and consistently high placement packages.
SPJIMR Mumbai: one of the top b-schools known for its profile based admissions and specialised management programmes.
ISB Hyderabad: A preferred destination for experienced professionals looking at leadership focused management education.
NMIMS Mumbai: Attracts candidates with its Mumbai location, industry exposure and wide range of MBA specialisations.
Christ University: Remains popular among early career aspirants seeking structured MBA programmes.
IIM admission shortlisting next
IIMs are expected to release shortlisting and interview schedules in coming weeks. Final admissions will depend on various components including personal interviews, written assessments, academic record and work experience apart from CAT scores.
Read more:
CAT 2025 Result Announced: Check Official Release, State-wise Toppers Distribution
CAT 2025 Result Out: 12 Candidates Score 100 Percentile; Highest from Delhi
Admission to SPJIMR courses is based on merit or entrance exam scores of the candidates. For PGDM/ PGPM, candidates are required to pass CAT/ GMAT followed by a personal interview round. The selection for Online PGDM is based on a personal interview round. Candidates are required to meet the selection requirements for admission to any of the UG or PG programmes. For FPM, admission is based on the Research Aptitude Test followed by PI. Besides, admission to GMP programme is based on CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE followed by PI round.
Under Management, Commerce & Accounting stream, Christ Deemed-to-be University provides a three BBA programme at the UG level. CUET Admission criteria for Christ Bangalore is as follows:
- Selection criteria: CUET + MP + PI + academic performance in Class 12
- Duration: Three years
Check out the minimum eligibility required for all these courses in the following table:
BBA Courses |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
BBA (general) |
- A pass in Class 12 with any stream - Candidates writing Class 12 exams may apply with their Class 10 and Class 11 scores - Students pursuing the International curriculum must note that eligibility is according to AIU stipulations: 1. Those pursuing IB curriculum must have 3 HL and 3 SL with 24 credits 2. Those pursuing GCE / Edexcel must have a minimum of 3 A levels with a grade not less than C |
BBA Decision Science (Industry Integrated) |
- A pass in Class 12 with 60% aggregate with Maths, Statistics, Computer Science as one of the subjects from any board recognised by UGC/AIU - Candidates writing Class 12 exams may apply with their Class 10 and Class 11 scores - Students pursuing the International curriculum must note that eligibility is according to AIU stipulations: 1. Those pursuing IB curriculum must have 3 HL and 3 SL with 24 credits 2. Those pursuing GCE / Edexcel must have a minimum of 3 A levels with a grade not less than C |
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Abhay Anand is an experienced education journalist with over 15 years in print and digital media. Currently serving as Manager- Editorial at Shiksha.com, he specializes in higher education policy, student mobility,
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Christ University offers seats to candidates based on entrance exam score of the candidates. The university conducts Christ University Entrance Test for admission to courses such as BSc, BTech, BBA, BCom, etc. Besides, the university also considers scores in national-level entrance exams such as XAT, CAT, NATA, etc. for admission to specific courses. Selected candidates have to report at the campus for document verification and fee payment.