Did you crack the CAT, or are you planning to ace it soon? It is super essential to know where your CAT score can take you.

Sure, everyone talks about IIMs, but India’s MBA map is way bigger than that. From Delhi to Mumbai, from new-age B-schools to legacy institutes, there’s a whole lineup of colleges ready to roll out the red carpet if you have the right score.

We’re about to make your college hunt easier. This list covers India’s best MBA colleges that accept CAT scores—some you know and some hidden gems you probably don’t.

The Big Leagues – Indian Institutes of Management 

When people hear “CAT”, they instantly think of IIMs. And why not? These are India’s Ivy League schools for management!

Do you know the total number of IIMs that exist?

There are 21 IIMs across the country, from IIM Ahmedabad (the Harvard of India) to newer but promising ones like IIM Nagpur. All of these accept CAT scores.

A Quick Snapshot:

• Old IIMs (The Big 6): Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode
• Newer IIMs: Trichy, Udaipur, Rohtak, Raipur, Ranchi, Kashipur, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Bodh Gaya, Sambalpur, Jammu, Amritsar, and Sirmaur

Why choose IIMs?

Brand value, amazing faculty, a global alumni network, and placement packages that can make your head spin!

Beyond the IIMs – Top Non-IIM B-Schools Accepting CAT Scores

Are IIMs your only dream? Think again! Some of India’s most renowned MBA colleges accept CAT scores and offer equally competitive programs.

1. FMS Delhi (Faculty of Management Studies)

• Why FMS? Think ROI. World-class education with a fee that's almost too good to be true (around ₹3 Lakhs).
• Placements: ₹25-35 LPA average

2. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

• Specialties: Focus on values, leadership, and innovation
• Placements: ₹30+ LPA
• CAT Percentile Cut-off: Around 85 percentile (Profile-based calls)

3. MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute)

• Why MDI? Stellar placements and strong corporate connections (proximity to Delhi NCR helps)
• Average Package: ₹27+ LPA

4. IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology)

• Known for: Marketing & Strategy
• Average Package: ₹17 LPA
• CAT Percentile Cut-off- Around 90 or higher

5. IMI Delhi (International Management Institute)

• USP: Great for freshers
• Average Package: ₹16-17 LPA
• CAT Cut-off: Around 90 percentile

Other Top B-Schools That Accept CAT Scores

Here’s a quick list of other top B-schools and their cut-offs:

• XIM Bhubaneswar (Xavier Institute of Management) – 85-90 percentile
• TAPMI Manipal – 85 percentile
• FORE School of Management, Delhi – 85 percentile
• Great Lakes Institute of Management (Chennai & Gurgaon) – 80th percentile
• Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai – 80 percentile
• LIBA Chennai (Loyola Institute of Business Administration) – 80 percentile

Tip: Some colleges have profile-based shortlists, so even if your percentile is slightly lower, a strong academic/professional profile can make a difference!

Choosing the Right B-School

If you don’t make it to the IIMs, here is how you should choose the right college:

• ROI (Return on Investment): Colleges like FMS and JBIMS (Maharashtra CET) have super-low fees and amazing placements.
• Location: NCR and Mumbai-based institutes have better corporate exposure.
• Specialisations: Some colleges are better for Finance, others for Marketing or HR. So you should choose a college which caters to your interests. 
• Work Experience: SPJIMR loves candidates with work experience, while IMI and FORE are fresher-friendly.

The CAT is your gateway, but knowing where you want to go makes the journey smoother. Whether you aim for an IIM, FMS, or MDI, your strategy should be clear: Hit the percentile, ace the interviews, and choose the college that fits your career dreams.

Remember, it’s not just about getting an IIM; it’s about getting the right MBA college that suits your career pursuits.