Best MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores in 2025 – Admission Guide
Formfees
25/03/2025
Missed a High CAT Score? You Can Still Get an MBA in 2025!
Didn’t score high in CAT 2024? Don’t worry! Many top MBA colleges in India accept low CAT scores and still offer excellent placements.
If your CAT percentile is below 85, this guide will help you explore the best B-schools, alternative entrance exams, admission processes, and direct admission options for 2025.
Contents
- 1 Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores in 2025
- 2 Alternative MBA Entrance Exams for 2025
- 3 Direct Admission MBA Colleges in India (No CAT Required)
- 4 MBA Admission Process Without a High CAT Score (Step-by-Step Guide)
- 5 Fees & ROI Comparison of MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores
- 6 How to Improve Your Admission Chances?
- 7 Also Read :
- 8 Stay Updated with Formfees
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores in 2025
Here’s a list of best MBA colleges where a low CAT score is not a problem:
| College Name | Minimum CAT Percentile Required | Other Exams Accepted | Average Package (INR LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LBSIM, Delhi | 75+ | XAT, GMAT | ₹12 LPA |
| BIMTECH, Noida | 70+ | XAT, MAT, CMAT | ₹9 LPA |
| JAGSOM, Bangalore | 65+ | XAT, CMAT, GMAT | ₹11 LPA |
| IFMR GSB, Krea University | 70+ | XAT, NMAT, GMAT | ₹10 LPA |
| SOIL Institute of Management | 65+ | XAT, GMAT | ₹8.5 LPA |
| Woxsen University, Hyderabad | 60+ | NMAT, GMAT | ₹7 LPA |
| IMI Kolkata/Bhubaneswar | 75+ | XAT, CMAT | ₹8 LPA |
| Christ University, Bangalore | 65+ | MAT, CMAT | ₹6.5 LPA |
| Amity Business School, Noida | 55+ | MAT, GMAT | ₹5 LPA |
Pro Tip: Some colleges don’t have a fixed CAT cutoff and offer admissions based on overall profile & GD-PI performance.
Alternative MBA Entrance Exams for 2025
If your CAT score is low, you can try other easier MBA entrance exams to get into top B-schools:
| Exam | Why Consider It? | Top Colleges Accepting It |
|---|---|---|
| XAT 2025 | Easier than CAT, good colleges accept it | XLRI, BIMTECH, IMT |
| CMAT 2025 | Moderate difficulty, AICTE-approved colleges | KJ Somaiya, Great Lakes, IFMR |
| MAT 2025 | Conducted 4 times a year, easy to crack | Christ, Amity, JIMS |
| NMAT 2025 | Multiple attempts allowed | NMIMS, Woxsen, IFMR |
| GMAT | Accepted globally, easier than CAT | ISB, XLRI, SOIL |
If your CAT percentile is low, apply for XAT, CMAT, or MAT to improve your chances.
Direct Admission MBA Colleges in India (No CAT Required)
Some private MBA colleges offer direct admissions without CAT through merit-based selection or management quota.
| College Name | Admission Process | Average Fees (INR Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|
| ISBR Business School, Bangalore | Personal Interview + Academic Profile | ₹9 L |
| AIMS Institutes, Bangalore | GD-PI Round | ₹8 L |
| MIT-WPU, Pune | Based on academic performance | ₹7 L |
| UPES, Dehradun | GD-PI + Work Experience (if any) | ₹9 L |
These colleges focus more on past academics, work experience, and personal interviews.
MBA Admission Process Without a High CAT Score (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to secure admission in 2025 even with a low CAT score:
Step 1: Apply for Alternative Exams
- Register for XAT, CMAT, NMAT, or MAT.
- Some colleges also accept GMAT scores.
Step 2: Shortlist Colleges with Low CAT Cutoffs
- Choose colleges that accept below 85 percentile.
- Apply for direct admission options if needed.
Step 3: Prepare for GD-PI Rounds
- Many MBA colleges focus on Personal Interview (PI) & Group Discussion (GD).
- Strong communication skills can help secure admission.
Step 4: Apply for Scholarships
- Some colleges offer merit-based scholarships even with a low CAT score.
Fees & ROI Comparison of MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores
| College | Fees (INR Lakhs) | Average Placement (INR LPA) | ROI (Salary-to-Fee Ratio) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIMTECH | ₹12 L | ₹9 L | 0.75 |
| IFMR GSB | ₹14 L | ₹10 L | 0.71 |
| Woxsen University | ₹10 L | ₹7 L | 0.7 |
| Christ University | ₹6 L | ₹6.5 L | 1.08 |
ROI Tip: Look for colleges with good placements compared to their fees.
How to Improve Your Admission Chances?
✔ Apply early: Some colleges offer early-bird admissions.
✔ Work on profile building: Certifications & internships can boost your application.
✔ Focus on GD-PI: A good Personal Interview (PI) performance can outweigh a low CAT score.
Also Read :
Top UGC-Approved Online MBA Programs in 2025 – Fees, ROI & Flexibility
Top MBA Colleges for Business Analytics in India 2025 – Fees, Placement & Eligibility
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