Several MBA colleges across India accept MAT September 2026 scores under 60 percentile, giving you a realistic path to an MBA even with a moderate score.
MAT (Management Aptitude Test), conducted by AIMA, is accepted by over 600 business schools in India. A score under 60 percentile may limit your options at top-tier B-schools, but a large number of reputed private colleges and universities actively admit students in this score band. If your MAT September 2026 result falls below 60 percentile, you still have strong options — what matters now is how quickly and strategically you apply.
- More than 300 MBA colleges across India accept MAT scores under 60 percentile, based on previous MAT admission trends.
- Most colleges in this band conduct GD and PI rounds, where strong performance can compensate for a lower percentile.
- Application windows for MAT September 2026 admissions are expected to open between October and December 2026.
- Programme fees at these colleges typically range from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 8 lakh for the full two-year MBA, based on previous year fee structures.
- Some colleges offer merit scholarships based on academics and interview performance, independent of the MAT percentile.
| Direct Link to MAT 2026 Official Portal | Click Here |
What Under 60 Percentile Means in MAT
MAT scores are reported as a composite scaled score (ranging roughly from 199 to 801) alongside a percentile. A score below 60 percentile means you performed better than fewer than 60% of test takers in that MAT session. While this places you below the cutoff of IIMs, XLRI, and similar top institutes, it keeps a wide range of well-known private MBA programmes fully within reach.
AIMA accepts MAT scores from all four modes — Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), Internet-Based Test (IBT), and Remote Proctored Test. Your MAT September 2026 scorecard will be valid for one year from the date of the exam and can be used to apply to multiple colleges at the same time. The September session result is typically declared within two to three weeks of the exam date.
MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Score Under 60 Percentile
The colleges below are known to accept MAT scores in the 40–60 percentile range, based on 2024–25 admission trends. All cutoff figures are expected and based on previous year data — verify the current year cutoff with individual colleges before submitting your application.
| College | Location | Expected MAT Percentile (Based on 2024–25 Trends) | Approx. Programme Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBS Hyderabad (ICFAI Business School) | Hyderabad | 50–60 percentile | Rs 7–8 lakh |
| AIMS Institutes | Bangalore | 50–60 percentile | Rs 6–7 lakh |
| Alliance University School of Business | Bangalore | 50–60 percentile | Rs 6–7 lakh |
| CMR University | Bangalore | 40–55 percentile | Rs 4–5 lakh |
| Presidency University | Bangalore | 45–60 percentile | Rs 4.5–5.5 lakh |
| New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) | New Delhi | 50–60 percentile | Rs 6–7 lakh |
| Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS) | New Delhi | 45–55 percentile | Rs 5–6 lakh |
| Gitam School of Business | Hyderabad / Visakhapatnam | 50–60 percentile | Rs 5.5–7 lakh |
| Galgotias University | Greater Noida | 40–55 percentile | Rs 3.5–5 lakh |
| Sharda University | Greater Noida | 40–55 percentile | Rs 4–5.5 lakh |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Jalandhar | 45–55 percentile | Rs 4.5–6 lakh |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | 45–55 percentile | Rs 4–5 lakh |
| Srinivas University | Mangalore | 40–55 percentile | Rs 3–4 lakh |
| Hindustan Business School | Chennai / Hyderabad | 45–55 percentile | Rs 4–5.5 lakh |
| Garden City University | Bangalore | 40–55 percentile | Rs 3.5–4.5 lakh |
Many of these colleges are approved by AICTE and hold accreditations from bodies such as NBA, NAAC, or AACSB. Check the programme-specific accreditation on each college’s official website before applying.
How to Apply to These MBA Colleges
Applying to MBA colleges with a MAT score under 60 percentile follows the same process as any other B-school. Most colleges allow applications through their own admission portal, and several also participate in AIMA’s central MAT score-sharing system. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download your MAT September 2026 scorecard from the AIMA official portal once results are declared. Keep a soft copy and a printout ready.
- Shortlist 6–10 colleges where the expected cutoff aligns with your percentile. Applying to more colleges improves your chance of at least one conversion.
- Visit each college’s official admission portal and register for an account. Application fees typically range from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per college.
- Fill the online application form with your personal details, academic records, and MAT registration number or scorecard details.
- Upload the required documents — MAT September 2026 scorecard, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, graduation degree or provisional certificate, passport-size photograph, and a valid government-issued ID proof.
- Submit the form and note your application number for future reference and all correspondence with the college’s admission office.
- Attend GD and PI rounds as scheduled. Group discussion performance, personal interview, academic track record, and work experience all carry significant weight at this stage.
- Track the merit list on the college’s website. If selected, pay the admission fee within the deadline given to confirm your seat.
How to Strengthen Your Admission Chances
A MAT score under 60 percentile does not automatically close doors to a good MBA seat. Many students in this score range secure admissions by strengthening the rest of their profile:
- Prepare seriously for GD and PI. Colleges in this band typically assign 30–40% weightage to GD/PI rounds. A well-prepared, confident interview can more than compensate for a lower MAT percentile.
- Highlight a strong academic record. Consistent scores in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation signal academic discipline and can boost your overall admission rank at these colleges.
- Mention relevant work experience. Even 6–12 months of professional experience adds credibility to your MBA application and helps you stand out among fresher applicants.
- Apply as early as possible. Most colleges in this band follow rolling admissions — earlier applicants often have access to more seats and better scholarship consideration before seats fill up.
- Consider retaking MAT in December 2026. AIMA conducts MAT four times a year. You can register for the MAT December 2026 session to improve your percentile, while simultaneously applying to colleges that already accept your September 2026 score.
MAT September 2026 Under 60 Percentile FAQs
Ques. Can I get into a good MBA college with a MAT score under 60 percentile?
Ans. Yes. Many AICTE-approved MBA colleges and private universities accept MAT scores between 40 and 60 percentile. Your GD/PI performance and academic record also play a significant role in the final admission decision, so a lower MAT score does not automatically disqualify you from a quality MBA programme.
Ques. How many MBA colleges accept MAT score below 60 percentile?
Ans. Based on previous MAT admission cycles, over 300 MBA colleges across India accept students with MAT scores under 60 percentile. The actual number may vary each year based on seat availability and application volume for that cycle.
Ques. Is a MAT September 2026 scorecard valid for more than one college application?
Ans. Yes. A single MAT scorecard is valid for one year from the exam date and can be used to apply to multiple colleges simultaneously. There is no limit on the number of colleges you can apply to using the same score.
Ques. What documents do I need to apply to MBA colleges using a MAT score?
Ans. You typically need your MAT scorecard, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, graduation degree or certificate, a passport-size photograph, and a valid government-issued ID proof. Some colleges may also request a work experience letter if you have professional experience.
Ques. Can I appear for MAT December 2026 if I am not satisfied with my September 2026 score?
Ans. Yes. AIMA conducts MAT four times a year and you can register for the December 2026 session independently. Many colleges accept scores from multiple MAT sessions within the same admission cycle, so you can apply using your September score while also attempting to improve it in December.
Ques. What is the minimum MAT percentile required for MBA admission?
Ans. Some MBA colleges and private universities accept MAT scores as low as 40 percentile, especially for programmes under a university school of management structure. Admission in these cases depends heavily on GD/PI performance and your overall academic background rather than the MAT score alone.








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