CAT Colleges with Low Fees

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an all-India test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to select candidates for admission to their premier post-graduate management programmes. The test is known for its stringent selection process, with only the cream of Indian students being selected from all across India.

The CAT has been a prestigious entrance test for the longest time and has helped thousands of aspirants realize their dreams of studying in the IIMs. The test is offered to graduates in almost all disciplines except Medicine and fine arts. Besides, IIMs, several other institutions and universities also use CAT scores for their management programmes.

The primary purpose of the CAT exam is to assess and select candidates who demonstrate the necessary skills and abilities required for pursuing management education at the IIMs and other prestigious management institutes. The IIMs offer various post-graduate management programs, including the two-year Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM), the one-year Executive Post Graduate Program (EPGP), and the Fellow Program in Management (FPM). These programs are highly sought after by individuals aspiring to build a career in management.

CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT is a computer-based exam taken in online mode. It comprises two main sections, the Quantitative Ability (QA) section and the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. And other areas include data interpretation and logical reasoning. Each section has its own set of questions to be answered in a certain amount of time. The duration of the exam is three hours.

The CAT exam pattern typically has sections as follows: Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. It is a computer-based test conducted in online mode. The exam duration is 120 minutes, and it consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs. The CAT exam is known for its difficulty level, and it is considered one of the toughest entrance exams in India for management education.

QA: It comprises questions from Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.

VARC: It consists of questions from Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning.

Each section is allotted 120 minutes and the student has to answer all the questions in that time period. There is no negative marking in this exam but for every wrong answer, one-third is deducted from the mark allotted to the correct answer. Also, the paper is divided into two sessions and the student needs to be mindful of the timings during the exam.

By appearing for the CAT exam and obtaining a high score, candidates gain access to top management institutes in India, which opens up opportunities for career growth, higher salary packages, networking with industry leaders, and personal development. The CAT exam serves as a gateway for aspiring candidates to pursue MBA and other management programs at reputed institutions, providing them with a strong foundation for a successful career in the field of management.

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam are as follows:

1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university or institution. The degree can be in any discipline. Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for the CAT exam, provided they fulfill the required criteria and submit the necessary documents during the admission process.
2. Minimum Percentage: General category candidates must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their graduation or equivalent degree. For reserved category candidates (SC/ST/PwD), the minimum required aggregate is 45%.
3. Age Limit: There is no specific age limit specified for the CAT exam. There is no age limit for the exam as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.
4. Work Experience: There is no mandatory work experience requirement for appearing in the CAT exam. Both candidates with work experience and fresh graduates can apply for the exam.
5. Reservation: The CAT exam follows the reservation policy as per the Indian government norms. Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD) are eligible for relaxation in the minimum percentage criteria as per the applicable rules.

Top MBA College with Low Fees 

Here are some MBA colleges in India that are known for their low fees:

• FMS (Faculty of Management Studies), Delhi: FMS is one of the oldest B-schools in the country and offers a full-time two-year MBA program. The course fee is around Rs. 25,000, making it one of the most affordable MBA colleges in India.

• Department of Financial Studies (DFS), Delhi University: DFS is another component of Delhi University and offers an MBA program with a specialization in Financial Management and Business Economics. The course fee for DFS is around Rs. 26,000, and it offers good placement opportunities.

• Delhi School of Economics (DSE), Delhi University: DSE is one of the highest-ranking commerce institutions in the country. The MBA program at DSE offers specializations in International Business (IB) and Human Resource Development. The course fee for DSE is around Rs. 18,000 per year, making it an affordable option for pursuing an MBA.

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai: TISS offers a variety of MBA programs with specializations in different fields. The fee structure at TISS is relatively lower compared to other top B-schools in India. The institute also gives away many scholarships and financial aid for deserving candidates.

• Department of Management Studies, Pune University (PUMBA): PUMBA offers an MBA program with affordable fees. It provides a good learning environment and placement opportunities for students.

• Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi: University of Delhi: FMS Delhi offers an MBA program with a relatively low fee structure.

• Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) Mumbai: JBIMS is a reputed institute offering an MBA program with a low fee structure.

• University Business School (UBS) Chandigarh: Panjab University: UBS Chandigarh offers an MBA program with affordable fees.

• Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University: Delhi School of Economics offers an MBA program with a low fee structure.

• BITS Pilani: BITS Pilani offers an MBA program with a comparatively low fee structure.

• Ambedkar University, Delhi: Ambedkar University offers an MBA program with affordable fees.

• Delhi Technical University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering): Delhi Technical University offers an MBA program with low fees.

• National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) Mumbai: NITIE Mumbai offers an MBA program with a reasonable fee structure.

• University School of Management Studies (USMS), Delhi: USMS Delhi offers an MBA program with low fees.

• Jaipuria School of Business Ghaziabad: Jaipuria School of Business offers an MBA program with a competitive fee structure.

• Siva Sivani Institute of Management Hyderabad: Siva Sivani Institute of Management offers an MBA program with affordable fees.

MBA Colleges with the CAT Cut-off and their fees structure for the course:

1. The faculty of Management studies (FMS)

The Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) at Delhi University is a prestigious institution for MBA studies. Here is the information regarding FMS fees and CAT cut-off for MBA:

CAT Cut-off:

The CAT cut-off percentile for admission to FMS Delhi has varied over the years. In previous years, the minimum CAT cut-off for FMS admission has been around 98 percentile for the general category, while for SC/ST/OBC categories, it ranges from 50 to 85 percentile.

FMS Fees:

• The current fee for the MBA program at FMS Delhi is approximately INR 50,000 per semester.
• The fee for the full-time MBA program at FMS Delhi is INR 2 lakhs for the entire course duration. The fee is paid in installments per semester, with each semester requiring a payment of INR 50,000.

Admission Process:

The admission process for MBA (Full-Time) at the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) typically follows a selection process based on the candidate’s CAT score, group discussion (GD), and personal interview (PI) round. Here are the key details regarding the admission process:

1. Eligibility: Candidates interested in pursuing the MBA (Full-Time) program at FMS must meet the eligibility criteria specified by the institution. 
2. Application Period: The last date for applying to the MBA (Full-Time) program for the 2023-25 batch was January 29, 2023. The application period usually falls between September and December (exact dates may vary from year to year). 
3. CAT Score: Candidates need to have a valid CAT (Common Admission Test) score to be considered for the selection process. CAT is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
4. Shortlisting: After the application process, FMS shortlists candidates based on their CAT score. The shortlisted candidates are then invited for the next stages of the selection process, which include group discussion and personal interview.
5. Group Discussion and Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are required to participate in a group discussion and personal interview round. These stages assess the candidate’s communication skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership potential, and overall suitability for the program.
6. Final Selection: The final selection of candidates for the MBA (Full-Time) program is based on their cumulative performance in the CAT score, group discussion, and personal interview round. The weightage given to each component may vary.
7. Result Announcement: After completing the selection process, FMS announces the final results. The exact dates for the announcement may differ, so it’s essential to refer to the official FMS website or the admission brochure for the specific timeline.
8. Commencement of Course: The MBA (Full-Time) program at FMS typically begins in the first week of July.

2. The Department of Financial Studies (DFS) at Delhi University

The Department of Financial Studies (DFS) at Delhi University offers a full-time MBA (Financial Management) program. Here is the information regarding the CAT cut-off and fees for the MBA program at DFS:

CAT Cut-off:

The CAT cut-off score for admission to the MBA program at DFS Delhi University is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. However, admission to the MBA program is based on a valid score in the CAT (Common Admission Test) entrance examination. The specific cut-off may vary each year based on various factors such as the number of applicants and the overall performance in the CAT exam.

Fees:

The fees for the MBA (Financial Management) program at DFS Delhi University are as follows:

Course fees: INR 26,000

3. Department of Management Studies (DMS) at Pune University’s

The Department of Management Studies (DMS) at Pune University's CAT (Common Admission Test) cut-off and fees for MBA. Here's the information:

CAT Cut-off:

The specific CAT cut-off for the Department of Management Studies (DMS) at Pune University is not available. It's advisable to refer to the official website of DMS Pune University or contact the department directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on CAT cut-off scores.

Fees:

The MBA program at Pune University's Department of Management Studies has a tuition fee of INR 66,694 for non-residents of Maharashtra for the first year.

Admission process:

The Department of Management Studies (DMS) at Pune University, also known as the Department of Management Sciences (PUMBA), offers an MBA program. Here is the information regarding the admission process for the MBA program at PUMBA:

 the admission process for the MBA program at PUMBA is as follows:

1. Eligibility: Candidates must have completed a minimum three-year bachelor's degree in any discipline or its equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for candidates from backward class categories and persons with disabilities belonging to Maharashtra State only) from a recognized university or institution.

2. Entrance Exams: The selection of candidates for the MBA program is based on the scores obtained in entrance exams. The accepted entrance exams for MBA admissions at PUMBA include:

• MAH MBA CET: The admission process is based on the MAH-MBA-CET exam conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. The registration process for MHT MBA-CET 2023 counseling has specific dates, and interested candidates need to apply within the given timeframe.
• ATMA: The admission process for MBA (Pharma-Biotech) program is conducted through the ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions) exam. Candidates need to appear for the ATMA exam on specific dates mentioned in the source.
• OEE: For MBA Executive program, the admission process is based on an Online Entrance Examination (OEE). The applications for OEE have specific dates, and the exam is conducted within a particular timeframe mentioned in the source.

3. Application Process: The application process for all the programs offered by PUMBA is conducted online. Candidates need to visit the official website of PUMBA to access the online application form and complete the application by submitting the required documents and paying the application fee.

4. Selection Process: The selection of candidates for the MBA program is based on merit in the entrance exams mentioned above. Shortlisted candidates may be called for further rounds such as Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI).

BITS Pilani

Here are the details regarding the BITS Pilani MBA cut-off and fees:

Cut-off:

The cut-off for admission to the MBA program at BITS Pilani varies depending on the entrance exam. BITS Pilani conducts the Business Analytics Aptitude Test (BAAT) for MBA admissions, along with considering  XAT, CAT, and GMAT scores.

Fees:

The total tuition fee for the MBA program at BITS Pilani is mentioned as INR 9.26 lakh* for the regular MBA and INR 2.42 lakh* for the Online MBA program.

Admission process:

The admission process for MBA at BITS Pilani is as follows:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a  bachelor's degree in any branch or its equivalent with at least 60% aggregate marks. They should have studied at least one subject in mathematics or statistics at the high school (10+2) or higher level. Exposure is desirable for a programming language.
2. Business Analytics Aptitude Test (BAAT): Candidates need to appear for the Business Analytics Aptitude Test (BAAT) conducted by BITS Pilani. The performance in BAAT is considered for shortlisting candidates for the next stage.
3. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates based on their BAAT performance will be called for a Personal Interview.
4. CAT/XAT/GMAT Scores: The final selection for admission is based on the overall performance in BAAT, Personal Interview, and CAT/XAT/GMAT scores (if available). Prior work experience and previous academic history are also taken into consideration.
5. Application Procedure: The application process generally starts in the last week of November for admission to the program in the next academic year. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of BITS Pilani.

It's important to note that meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission into the program. The final selection is based on the criteria mentioned above. Additionally, BITS Pilani offers teaching assistantships and financial assistance to eligible applicants.

Delhi School of Economics (DSE), Delhi University

The CAT cut-off and fees for MBA at Delhi School of Economics (DSE), Delhi University, can be summarized as follows:

CAT Cut-off:

The CAT cut-off percentile for the MBA program at DSE, Delhi University, may vary from year to year. The following information provides an overview of the expected cut-off percentiles for the MBA program based on CAT:

• For the general category, a minimum DSE Delhi cut-off percentile of 92 was required for the MBA program in International Business.
• For the MBA program in Human Resource Development, a minimum DSE Delhi cut-off percentile of 92 was required for the general category.

Fees:

The fees for the MBA program at DSE, Delhi University, are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. To obtain the detailed fee structure for the MBA program at DSE, it is advisable to visit the official website of DSE, Delhi University, or contact their admission office directly.

Admission process:

The admission process for MBA at Delhi School of Economics (DSE), Delhi University, involves certain steps and requirements. Here is a little overview of the admission process:

1. Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for UG and PG Programs:

• For undergraduate (UG) courses, candidates need to appear for CUET UG.
• For postgraduate (PG) programs, except for MBA admissions, applicants are required to appear for CUET PG.

2. CAT (Common Admission Test) for MBA Admissions:

• For MBA admissions in DSE, Delhi University, CAT scores are accepted.
• Candidates who meet the CAT cut-off criteria will proceed to the next stages of the selection process, which may include Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and extempore.

3. Registration and Application:

• Once the CUET results are out or CAT scores are available, candidates need to register themselves on Delhi University's Admission Portal at admission.uod.ac.in.
• Applicants are required to fill out the desired courses and college preferences as part of the registration process.

4. Seat Allocation:

• For UG admissions, seat allocation is done through the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS).
• For PG admissions, 50% of the total seats are filled on a merit basis in the qualifying examination for candidates who completed their bachelor's degrees from Delhi University. The remaining 50% of seats are allocated based on CUET PG scores.
• Reservation of seats is also available for ST/SC/OBC/EWS/PwD category candidates.

University School of Management Studies (USMS), Delhi

Here is the following details regarding the CAT cutoff and fees for MBA at University School of Management Studies (USMS), Delhi:

CAT Cutoff:

Unfortunately, there is no specific CAT cutoff scores for the MBA program at USMS, Delhi based on the provided information.

Fees:

According to the information available, the fee structure for the MBA program at USMS, Delhi is INR 70,000 per annum (approx).

Admission Process:

The admission process for the MBA program at the University School of Management Studies (USMS) in Delhi may involve the following steps:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must check the eligibility criteria specified by USMS for the MBA program. Generally, a bachelor's degree in any branch from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score is required.
2. Entrance Exam: Candidates are required to appear for a relevant entrance exam, such as CAT (Common Admission Test), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), or other acceptable exams like CMAT, GMAT, or GGSIPU-CET (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test). The entrance exam score is an essential component of the selection process.
3. Application Process: Interested candidates need to fill out the application form for admission to the MBA program at USMS. The application form can usually be found on the official website of USMS or through the university's admission portal. It's important to provide accurate and complete information in the application form.
4. Selection Process: The selection process may include multiple stages, such as Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT). These stages are conducted to assess the candidate's aptitude, communication skills, analytical abilities, and overall suitability for the MBA program. The weightage given to each stage may vary, so it's recommended to check the specific selection process details mentioned by USMS.
5. Merit List and Admission Offer: Based on the performance in the entrance exam, group discussion, personal interview, and other selection stages, USMS prepares a merit list of selected candidates. The candidates who meet the required criteria and are ranked high in the merit list are offered admission to the MBA program.

It's important to note that the above steps are a general outline of the admission process for the MBA program at USMS, Delhi.

The University Business School (UBS), Punjab University, Chandigarh,

The CAT cut-off and fees for the MBA program at the University Business School (UBS), Punjab University, Chandigarh, can be summarized as follows:

CAT Cut-off:

To be eligible for admission to the MBA program at UBS Chandigarh, candidates are required to score a minimum percentile in the CAT (Common Admission Test). Based on past trends, the expected CAT cut-off percentile for admission to the MBA program at UBS Chandigarh is between 88-90 percentile. Candidates who meet the minimum CAT cut-off percentile will be shortlisted for further stages of the selection process, including Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).

Fees:

The approximate fees for the MBA program at UBS Chandigarh is around INR 1 Lakh for the entire duration of the course. 

Admission process:

The admission process for the MBA program at the University Business School (UBS), Chandigarh, can be outlined as follows:

1. Registration: Candidates need to register online on the UBS Chandigarh admissions portal. The last date for registration is usually in February.
2. Payment of Fee: After registering, candidates must log in to their account and pay the required fee online. The last date for fee submission is typically in February.
3. Form Completion: Once the fee payment is successful, candidates need to complete the application form online. This includes uploading scanned photographs, signatures, and providing other important information. Candidates should fill in each section carefully and lock each section after completion. The last date for form completion is usually in February.
4. Submission of Hard Copy: Candidates must take a printout of the application form and submit/send it along with the required documents to the address mentioned on the form. The last date for submission of the hard copy of the application form is typically in March.
5. Registration Fee: Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee. The fee for general category candidates is Rs. 3250, and for SC/ST/PwD category candidates, it is Rs. 1625.

Conclusion 

It is safe to conclude that the CAT is a challenging exam and has a stringent selection procedure that tests the candidates on their knowledge and application of various concepts learnt in the past. The competition is stiff and it is vital for all aspirants to focus on their areas of weakness and prepare accordingly to crack the CAT with flying colors.

Frequently Asked Questions about CAT Colleges with Low Fees

Q. What are CAT colleges?

Ans. CAT (Common Admission Test) colleges are institutions in India that offer postgraduate management programs, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). CAT is a highly competitive entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to these colleges.

Q. Which colleges offer low fees for CAT programs?

Ans. Several colleges in India offer management programs with relatively low fees. Some examples include:

• Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
• Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Delhi
• Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), Gujarat
• Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore
• Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai
• Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
• Nirma University, Ahmedabad

Q. How do low-fee CAT colleges compare to other prestigious institutions?

Ans. Low-fee CAT colleges may have lower tuition fees compared to other prestigious institutions, but it’s important to consider other factors as well. While fees are a significant consideration, you should also evaluate factors like faculty quality, infrastructure, placements, industry connections, and overall reputation.

Q. Are low-fee CAT colleges equally good in terms of education and placement opportunities?

Ans. While low-fee CAT colleges may offer quality education and placement opportunities, it’s essential to research each college individually. Look into their faculty qualifications, infrastructure, curriculum, industry collaborations, alumni network, and past placement records. These factors will help you assess the college’s overall academic and placement potential.

Q. Are low-fee CAT colleges recognized by employers and industry?

Ans. Many low-fee CAT colleges are well-recognized by employers and the industry. 

Q. What are the scholarship options available for CAT colleges with low fees?

Ans. Some low-fee CAT colleges offer scholarships or financial aid to deserving students. These scholarships may be based on merit, need, or specific criteria set by the institution. It’s recommended to check the college’s website or contact their admissions office to inquire about available scholarship opportunities.