Top MBA Colleges through CAT Scores

MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. It is an advanced degree program focused on business management. MBA courses teach students the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to be successful in the business world. The MBA degree is one of the most sought-after degrees in the world and is available from accredited universities and business schools.

There are two primary types of MBA degree programs: full-time and part-time. The full-time MBA program is the most rigorous of the two and requires a dedication of a year or more of full-time study. The part-time MBA program allows students to complete their studies part-time and spread their studies out over two or more years.

Most MBA programs require a prior academic degree from an accredited university and a minimum required grade point average (GPA) in order to gain admission. In addition, most programs require applicants to take standardized tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Types of MBA Programs

The two main types of MBA programs are full-time and part-time programs. Both provide high-level business education that can provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the world of business. 

The full-time MBA program is the ideal choice for those who want to complete their studies quickly and become highly qualified within a shorter period of time. It requires students to dedicate a large portion of their lives to classroom learning, with the duration of the program depending on the university or business school the student chooses to attend.

The part-time MBA program is for those who cannot dedicate a large portion of their lives to study but still wish to obtain an MBA and benefit from the career advancement opportunities it can open up. This program allows students to complete their studies on a part-time basis, usually over two or more years.

Importance of CAT in MBA

CAT scores are a very important factor to consider when aspiring for an MBA degree. The importance of CAT scores for an MBA is immense as several prestigious and top B-schools, all over India, consider them as one of the main criteria for granting admission. It is highly recommended that the aspirants should take CAT seriously and prepare thoroughly in order to have a good chance of admission to an MBA program. 

CAT or Common Admission Test is the gateway for admission into several leading MBA institutes in India. The test is conducted every year by one of the IIMs (Indian Institute of Management). It is an all-India level entrance exam that measures a candidate’s logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and managing techniques among other abilities. 

CAT scores act as one of the most important criteria for admission into an MBA program. The weightage of CAT in the MBA admission process varies from institute to institute. Generally, for top B-Schools, the weightage of the CAT score is around 70-75%, whereas for other institutes it is around 40-45%. In addition to that, some institutes and universities also consider candidates’ past academic performance, work experience, group discussions, personal interviews, and extra-curricular activities during the admission process. 

The CAT scores are highly considered by the institutes since they reflect multiple abilities of an individual such as his/her logical and problem-solving reasoning, analytical skills, ability to think critically, and overall decision-making. Most of the MBA programs are designed to make the students industry ready and the CAT scores help to assess the overall abilities of an individual. Hence, the institutes consider the CAT scores as one of the decisive factors for granting admission to an MBA program. 

CAT scores help students in various ways when seeking admission into an MBA program. It helps the admission authorities to shortlist candidates, evaluate their skills and make the selection during the admission process. CAT scores give a thorough understanding of the candidate’s abilities and potential which helps the institute to grant admission on the basis of merit. Moreover, the CAT scores are also used as the basis to award various scholarships and financial aid to capable candidates.

In conclusion, CAT scores play a significant role in the admission process of MBA programs. Cat scores help the institutes to acknowledge the multiple abilities of a candidate which increases the chances of getting admission in the desired B-school. The aspirants should take the exam seriously and prepare thoroughly for the CAT exam to get a good score and successful admission into the desired MBA program.

Top MBA Colleges through CAT Scores:

Based on the information provided, here are some of the top MBA colleges in India accepting CAT scores:

MBA Colleges	Fees	Average Salary
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad	Rs. 23 lakhs	Rs. 25.83 lakhs
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore	Rs. 23.20 lakhs	Rs. 24.54 lakhs
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta	Rs. 22.50 lakhs	Rs. 29 lakhs
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow	Rs. 19.25 lakhs	Rs. 26 lakhs
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore	Rs. 16.50 lakhs	Rs. 23.60 lakhs
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode	Rs. 19 lakh	Rs. 22.50 lakhs

Here is a list of MBA colleges in India, excluding IIMs, that accept CAT scores:

MBA colleges in India	Course Fee
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University - Delhi	INR 20,960 per year
IBS Hyderabad - Hyderabad	INR 16.02 Lakhs
Management Development Institute MDI Gurgaon - Gurgaon	INR 25 lakh
S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) Mumbai - Mumbai	INR 20.42 lakhs
IMT Ghaziabad - Ghaziabad	INR 19.53 lakhs
NITIE Mumbai - Mumbai	INR 12.58 lakhs
Xavier University Bhubaneswar - Bhubaneswar	INR 21.30 lakhs
Great Lakes Institute of Management – Chennai - Chennai	INR 17.15 lakhs
TAPMI Manipal - Manipal	INR 16.00 lakhs
MICA Ahmedabad - Ahmedabad	INR 21 lakhs
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) – Mumbai	INR 23 Lakhs
International Management Institute (IMI) – Delhi	INR 20.19 Lakhs
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) – Mumbai	INR 5.89 Lakhs

When applying to these colleges, keep in mind that you may need to apply to each institute individually. Application deadlines for MBA colleges accepting CAT scores typically fall between August and December, with some colleges opening their registration window after CAT result announcements in January.

If you are interested in MBA colleges abroad accepting CAT scores, here is the list of a few universities:

MBA colleges abroad accepting CAT scores	Top Programs Offered	Eligibility Criteria
Emlyon Business School (France)	MSc in Management	GRE/GMAT/CAT
HEC Paris (France)	Masters in Management (MIM)	ECTS/CAT
Audencia Business School (France)	MSc in International Management	GMAT/GRE/CAT
SKEMA Business School (France)	Masters in Management (MIM)	GMAT/GRE/CAT
EDHEC Business School (France)	Masters in Management (MIM)	GMAT/GRE/CAT

Top MBA Colleges With their CAT Cut-offs

Here are Some of the Top MBA Colleges With their CAT Cut-offs their Fees structure and their Admission Process

IIM Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad was the first of its kind in the country. It was set up with the vision of creating “world-class” management professionals who could contribute to the growth and development of the corporate world. To this day, it has lived up to this vision by consistently producing outstanding professionals who have been crucial in driving the economic progress of India.

IIM-A is guided by a stellar faculty, well-known for their cutting-edge research that sets best practices and guides students through the nuances of the corporate world. Not only that, the institute also has regular industry interactions and regular guest lectures by business leaders, forging strong ties with the business world. Additionally, it also boasts of some of the best academic resources – with a well-stocked library, and a robust IT setup – that help students remain abreast of the recent changes and trends in the industry. 

The CAT (Common Admission Test) cutoff and fees for the MBA program at IIM Ahmedabad are as follows:

CAT Cutoff:

   The CAT cutoff percentiles for the batches, the cutoff percentiles were as follows:

• General (GN) category: 80 percentile
• NC-OBC category: 75 percentile
• SC and Gen-PwD categories: 70 percentile
• ST category: 60 percentile

These percentiles are subject to change each year.

The selection process for shortlisting candidates for AWT (Analytical Writing Test) and PI (Personal Interview) involves a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, including CAT scores, academic scores, work experience, etc. The final selection is based on the Final Composite Score (FCS), which considers PI scores, AWT scores, CAT scores, and other factors. The exact weightage and formula for calculating the FCS can be found on the official IIM Ahmedabad website.

Fees for MBA:

The fees for the MBA program at IIM Ahmedabad may vary from year to year. As of now, the specific fees for the current academic year are not mentioned in the provided information.

Admission Procedure:

The admission procedure for the MBA program at IIM Ahmedabad can be summarized as follows:

1. Eligibility Criteria:

For Indian Nationals: Candidates must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university/institute with a minimum of 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA/Grades) after completing at least 12 years of school education. Additionally, candidates need a valid CAT score. 

For International Applicants: Foreign nationals must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA/Grades from a recognized university/institute. They need a valid GMAT score (taken after December 31, 2017) and an Integrated Reasoning (IR) score greater than or equal to 5. There is a separate application process for international applicants, and they need to apply through the Supernumerary Quota category 

2. Shortlisting:

In the preliminary screening, candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT percentile scores. Only applicants who get a positive raw score in each of the CAT sections and who reach the minimal cutoffs for the sectional percentile ranks and overall percentile rank are given consideration for the next round. The cutoff percentiles may vary based on the category.

3. Application Rating (AR):

The shortlisted candidates' Application Rating (AR) score is calculated based on their performance in academics, work experience, and other factors. The AR score is determined by assigning rating scores to different criteria, such as the 10th standard exam score, 12th standard exam score (based on the stream), bachelor's degree examination score (based on the discipline), and work experience. The rating scores for each criterion can be found on the official IIM Ahmedabad website.

4. AWT and PI:

Shortlisted candidates are invited for the Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. The final choice is made based on a variety of factors, such as the CAT score, performance in the AWT and PI, academic accomplishments, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, work experience, etc.

Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon:

Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon is one of the premier business schools in the country today. It is a constituent of the reputed GMAC (Graduate Management Aptitude Council) consortium. Earlier known as the National Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM), it was established with the objective of offering specialized and advanced studies in the field of management. During its formative years, it used to offer only postgraduate programs in management. It was granted Deemed University status by the UGC and subsequently renamed the MDI Gurgaon.

Today, MDI Gurgaon is known for its exemplary academic excellence and is ranked amongst the top business schools in the country. It is ISO 9001:2008 certified and has been accredited by the Association of Indian Universities and the NBA (National Board of Accreditation). MDI Gurgaon boasts of some of the finest faculty members in the country who have attained tremendous success in their respective fields. The Institute offers a wide range of postgraduate programs in Business Management, Financial Management, Public Policy, and International Management.

MDI Gurgaon is renowned for its cutting-edge curriculum and the use of the latest teaching tools and technologies. The institute has a competitive and open environment with a focus on innovation, creativity, and peer learning. It regularly organizes workshops, case studies, and training sessions with the help of esteemed professionals from the corporate world that enable the students to gain practical knowledge and real-world experience. Furthermore, the institute has a comprehensive placement cell that helps students in getting job opportunities with reputed organizations in India and abroad.

CAT Cut-off

The CAT cutoff for the Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon is as follows:

The expected CAT cutoff for MDI Gurgaon for the year 2023 is around 93-95 percentile. 

The cutoff is determined based on the CAT percentile scores in each section, including Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. 

It's important to keep in mind that cutoff scores are just one aspect of the selection process, and meeting the cutoff does not guarantee admission. MDI Gurgaon considers other factors such as group discussions, personal interviews, academic scores, work experience, and more in the final selection process. 

Fee structure

The fees for the MBA program at MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute, Gurgaon) can vary depending on the specific program and specialization. However, based on the available information, the fees for the PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) program at MDI Gurgaon is approximately INR 24,16,800 for the entire duration of the course.

Institute of Business Studies (IBS) Hyderabad:

IBS Hyderabad, which stands for ‘Institute of Business Studies’, is one of the leading business schools situated in Hyderabad, India. It was founded in response to the rising demand for professional, value-based, and industry-focused education in India. The IBS campus is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by lush greenery and surrounded by a vibrant and buzzy atmosphere. 

IBS offers management degrees in various disciplines of management such as finance, marketing, human resource management, information systems, operations research, and decision science. It offers two-year post-graduate programs – MBA and PGDM. The programs offered by the institute are highly sought after by employers across the country as IBS brings a comprehensive package of functional and analytical skills to the table. 

CAT Cut-off

IBS Hyderabad has released its 2021 Common Admission Test (CAT) cut-off. The CAT cut-off is an indicator of the marks or scores needed to secure admission into IBS Hyderabad for MBA program. The cut-off this year has been released on the basis of the candidates’ CAT scores and ranks in the individual categories.

The General category cut-off is the highest at 86.08 percentile, closely followed by the NC-OBC category cut-off which is 83.68 percentile. The SC and ST category cut-off is set at 70.22 and 55.75 percentile respectively. The DA category cut-off is 81.14 percentile.

Fees structure:

The fees for MBA at IBS Hyderabad are as follows:

According to the information available on the IBS website, the total fee for the MBA program at IBS Hyderabad for the years 2024-2026 is 16.02 lakhs INR.

It's important to consider that living expenses are not included in the program fee. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that you may also have to pay additional charges such as a caution deposit and convocation fee as per the details mentioned on the IBS Hyderabad website.

Admission Process:

The admission process for MBA at IBS Hyderabad involves the following steps:

1. Eligibility: Before applying, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for admission. The specific eligibility requirements can be found on the IBS Hyderabad website.

2. Online Application: To apply for the MBA program at IBS Hyderabad, you need to fill out the online application form. The application form can be accessed through the official IBS website. Make sure to provide accurate personal and academic details as required in the application form.

3. Application Fee: There may be an application fee associated with the MBA program application. Specific details about the fee payment process will be provided during the application process. 

4. Selection Process: IBS Hyderabad follows a selection process that includes the IBS Aptitude Test (IBSAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are required to appear for the IBSAT exam. Shortlisted candidates based on their IBSAT scores will be called for the GD and PI rounds.

5. Final Admission Offer: The final admission offer will be based on various factors such as academic performance, IBSAT scores, performance in GD and PI, and other relevant criteria as determined by the institute. The selected candidates will receive admission offers from IBS Hyderabad.

International Management Institute (IMI) – Delhi

International Management Institute (IMI) Delhi is one of India’s premier management institutes. IMI Delhi was the first institute in India to introduce Post Graduate Programmes in Management (PGPM). It has left an indelible mark in the history of higher and professional education and is now considered one of the top-ranking private management schools in India.

IMI Delhi is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified institution. The school prepares students from diverse backgrounds to become successful managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs through quality professional and industry-relevant education.

The institute offers various courses, such as PGDM, PhD in Management Science, and Fellowship Program in Management. It also features various specialized programs such as Executive PGDM, Executive Masters in Human Resource Management, and Masters in International Business.

CAT Cut-off 

The CAT cutoff for IMI Delhi's PGDM program for the year 2023 is in the range of 88-90 percentile 

It's important to note that cutoffs can vary from year to year, and the actual cutoff for a specific year may depend on various factors such as the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the CAT exam, and the overall performance of the applicants.

Fees structure:

The fee structure for the MBA program at IMI Delhi, also known as the PGDM program, is as follows:

For the PGDM/PGDM (HRM)/PGDM (B&FS) Batch (2023-25):

Tuition Fee:

• Installment I: INR 2,83,400
• Installment II: INR 2,83,400
• Installment III: INR 2,83,400
•  Installment IV: INR 3,22,400
•  Installment V: INR 3,22,400
•  Installment VI: INR 3,22,400
• Text/Reading Material: INR 14,300 (per installment), Total: INR 89,250
• Student Activities/Welfare (incl. mediclaim): INR 4,410 (per installment), Total: INR 27,480
• Library Fee: INR 8,820 (per installment), Total: INR 54,930
• Alumni - Life Membership: INR 2,500 (per installment), Total: INR 15,000
• Security Deposit (Refundable): INR 15,000

Total Fee: INR 20,19,060

Admission Process:

The admission process for the MBA program (PGDM) at IMI Delhi typically involves the following steps:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by IMI Delhi. Candidates for the PGDM program must hold a bachelor's equivalent degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India or overseas with a minimum of 50% overall or equivalent. The bachelor's degree should be a minimum of three years of education after completing higher secondary schooling.

2. Entrance Exam: Candidates need to appear for a national-level entrance exam such as CAT (Common Admission Test) or XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test). IMI Delhi accepts scores from both CAT and XAT for the admission process. Candidates should check the official website or admission portal for specific exam score requirements.

3. Application Process: Candidates need to apply online through the official IMI Delhi admission portal. The application form requires personal details, educational background, entrance exam scores, work experience (if any), and other relevant information. Candidates may also need to upload documents such as academic transcripts, entrance exam scorecards, and a recent photograph.

4. Shortlisting: Based on the entrance exam scores, academic performance, and other relevant factors, IMI Delhi shortlists candidates for the next round of the selection process. The shortlisted candidates are typically called for further evaluation.

5. Selection Process: The selection process may include components such as Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), Extempore Speaking, Psychometric Test, Essay Writing, and Personal Interview (PI). The exact components and their weightage may vary from year to year. The selection process aims to assess the candidate's communication skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership potential, and suitability for the program.

6. Final Selection: The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in the selection process, including the GD, WAT, Extempore Speaking, Psychometric Test, Essay Writing, and PI. The overall profile, academic background, work experience, and entrance exam scores are also considered during the final selection. The institute prepares a merit list of selected candidates for admission.

Frequently Asked Questions About Top MBA Colleges through CAT Scores

Q. Why Should I Get an MBA?

Ans. The MBA is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious business degrees and is for those who seek to pursue higher-level managerial positions. An MBA degree provides a student with the tools and skills necessary to analyze complex problems and develop practical solutions. MBA students learn theoretical and practical knowledge of the specialty areas such as accounting, economics, and finance. They also develop the capacity to think strategically, make decisions under strong pressure, and take on complex and challenging projects.

An MBA holder also has the benefit of a much wider range of job prospects, with many MBA graduates landing top positions in prestigious global companies. As a result, many business professionals seek out MBAs for their deeper knowledge and skills in their respective fields.

Q. Who Should Take an MBA?

Ans. The MBA program is designed for those who are looking to develop their business industry knowledge and enhance their career opportunities. Most MBA programs require a minimum two-year period of professional work experience prior to admission, so the program is typically best suited to those who have worked in the corporate world for at least two years. However, some programs also allow students to be admitted without any prior professional experience.

The MBA program is a popular choice among people working in the corporate sector who want to increase their chances of progressing in their field or career. It is also an excellent option for those who want to move into different business disciplines.

Q. How to Choose an MBA Program?

Ans. Choosing the right MBA program is an important and complex decision. Before making a decision, you should research the various MBA programs available and compare their curricula, admission criteria, cost, and duration.

You should also try to get feedback from current and past MBA students or professionals in your chosen field. This will help you get a better understanding of the different programs and make an informed decision.

The MBA is a respected and sought-after qualification and one that can open up a world of new opportunities. With the right research and advice, you can find the perfect MBA program to help you achieve your goals.

Q. What are the factors in considering the best college for MBA in India?

Ans. Determining the best college for MBA in India can be subjective and depends on various factors such as rankings, faculty, infrastructure, placement opportunities, and individual preferences.