When you think of planning your MBA, don’t restrict yourself only to IIMs. There are many reputed MBA colleges in India, which are at par with the IIMs or even surpass them in some ways. Common Admission Test or CAT, is a national-level entrance exam through which candidates get admission not only in IIMs but also in other 1300 B-Schools across the country including FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IITs, NMIMS, IIFT, GIM, GLIM, LIBA GIM etc.

From the general CAT eligibility criteria, it is clear that a candidate need to meet the following qualifications to pursue an MBA:

• A pass of at least 50% in graduation from a recognized university or college.
• Minimum of 50% in Class 10 and 12 from a recognized board.
• XAT, CAT, MAT, NMAT exam, and written SNAP test and GMAT scores as prescribed by the Institute.

The majority of the B-schools look into it and there is no upper age bar. Candidates with qualifiable work experience also provide greater opportunities for candidates with significant work experience.

Check:

• Check the Available 2025 CAT Exam Dates
• Colleges for Admission with CAT College Predictor

SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)

• Location: Mumbai
• Average CAT Percentile Required: 85+ (Profile-Based Shortlisting)
• Average Placement Package: INR 30.1 LPA
• Placement Growth: +12% in median salary over the past two years

Data Insight:

SPJIMR has a different selection criterion, and it accepts scores apart from CAT, but acknowledges profiles with good academic records and experience. For the year 2023 placements, the median package at SPJIMR witnessed an increment of 12 percent. In terms of placements; it stands as one of the most preferred private colleges of India.

Management Development Institute (MDI)

• Location: Gurgaon
• Average CAT Percentile Required: 95+
• Average Placement Package: INR 27 LPA
• Specialization Demand: Highest demand in International Business and HR

Data Insight:

The admissions in MDI witnessed a 10% rise in the number of applicants who are seeking admission to the program in the International Business and HR domain only. The highest placement of the batch touched 23 LPA and the average of the top 20% of the batch was INR 35 LPA in 2023.

Institute of Management Technology (IMT)

• Location: Ghaziabad
• Average CAT Percentile Required: 90+
• Average Placement Package: INR 15 LPA
• Placement Consistency: 100% placement rate for 5 consecutive years

Data Insight:

The esteemed Institute of Management and Technology IMT Ghaziabad has been consistent in providing the students 100% placement feedback. The 2023 placement saw an increase of roughly 20% in offers in the consulting and tech sectors and the highest package was 27 LPA.

Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB)

• Location: Bhubaneswar
• Average CAT Percentile Required: 90+
• Average Placement Package: INR 17 LPA
• Top Recruiters Growth: 25% increase in companies visiting campus

Data Insight:

XIMB’s placement trends show a 25% year-on-year growth in companies visiting the campus for placements, with a special focus on roles in analytics and HR. The top 25 percentile of batch 2023 have bagged an average package of INR 21 LPA for themselves.

Great Lakes Institute of Management

• Location: Chennai, Gurgaon
• Average CAT Percentile Required: 85+
• Average Placement Package: INR 14.5 LPA
• Placement Highlights: 30% rise in analytics roles

Data Insight:

Great Lakes has received much attention in the recent past especially because of analytics and Artificial intelligence. More than 30% of the batch placed in analytics in the year 2023, the desk offering maximum compensation up to INR 28 LPA for the premier profiles.

T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI)

• Location: Manipal
• Average CAT Percentile Required: 85+
• Average Placement Package: INR 12.6 LPA
• Demand Surge: 20% increase in applications for BFSI program

Data Insight:

TAPMI Manipal received enhanced response for its Banking and Financial Services Industry specialization, where BFSI roles constituted 40% of the strength. In 2023, the BFSI graduate’s average salary package was INR 14 LPA.

Check:

• Download CAT Mock Tests for All Subjects for Practice
• CAT 2024 Cutoff : Check Latest Ranks for Top MBA Colleges
• Compare your CAT Score vs Percentile 2024

Top Private Colleges Accepting CAT Score

We have also provided a list of top colleges which are non IIT and IIM accepting CAT scores. We have also included the list of exams accepted and the Cutoff scores.