Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score in 2025: Rankings & Cutoffs

For most MBA aspirants in India, the CAT score feels like the first big verdict on their management dreams. It’s not just another exam result; it often decides which classroom, peer group, and opportunities you’ll get for the next two years.

B-schools use CAT because it tests quant, reasoning, data skills, and verbal ability in a standardised way. That makes it easier to compare students from different universities, boards, and backgrounds. So the cat score importance goes far beyond just a number on your scorecard.

In simple terms, the cat exam for mba is the common gateway to many colleges accepting cat score, from IIMs to top private institutes. No wonder students feel a mix of stress, excitement, and hope when CAT results are out.

What is CAT Exam? Overview & Score Validity

Think of CAT as a computer-based aptitude test with three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. It checks how fast and accurately you can read, analyse data, and solve logical and numerical problems. That’s your basic cat exam overview.

Your cat score validity is usually for one admission cycle. For example, CAT 2025 is valid for admissions to 2026 - 28 MBA/PGDM batches. After that, you’ll need to appear again.

A score is your raw/normalised marks. A percentile shows how many people you’ve outperformed. So a 95 percentile roughly means you’ve done better than 95% of test-takers - this cat percentile explanation helps you judge which colleges are realistically in range.

Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score in India

Across India, top colleges accepting cat score can broadly be seen in three layers: Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3. This isn’t an official classification, but it helps you understand the landscape of mba colleges accepting cat.

Below is an illustrative overview (fees and salaries are approximate and change over time; always check the official website before applying):

Tier-1 Colleges (Highly Competitive)

Tier-1 colleges are ultra-competitive but offer excellent brand value, alumni networks, and placements.

Tier-2 Colleges (Strong ROI, Good Brand)

Tier-2 colleges usually give solid placements, corporate exposure, and decent ROI, especially if you manage hostel and living costs smartly.

Tier-3 Colleges (Decent Options at Moderate Scores)

These are good if your score is moderate but you still want a reputed campus and structured MBA experience.

List of IIMs Accepting CAT Score

For most aspirants, IIMs accepting cat score are the dream. They’re India’s premium public management institutes, known for academic rigour, high-pressure culture, and huge alumni networks.

Major IIMs (Illustrative)

Most IIMs offer MBA/PGP/PGPM-type programmes in General Management, plus electives in Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, Analytics, and more. Through iim admission through cat, you also get access to exchange programs, live projects, and strong placement cells.

For thousands of students each year, just seeing their CAT percentile cross the cut-off bar for an IIM shortlist is an emotional milestone.

Top Non-IIM Colleges Accepting CAT Score

Beyond IIMs, many top colleges accepting cat score offer excellent education, culture, and ROI. Here’s a quick comparative view (approximate, always re-check official sites):

• FMS Delhi is famous for IIM-like salaries at government-college fees - one of the best ROIs in India.
• SPJIMR values profiles, work-ex, and specialisation fit as much as raw percentile.
• MDI/IMI/IMT are well-regarded for corporate links, Delhi-NCR exposure, and active alumni.
• TAPMI, BIMTECH, XISS, XIME are strong options if you want good learning and decent placements at mid-range scores.

These non-IIM MBA colleges accepting cat can be life-changing, especially if you choose the right specialisation.

MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score in Mumbai

Mumbai is a dream city for many management students - finance capital, media hub, startup scene, and corporate HQs, all in one place. Here’s a snapshot of key mba colleges in mumbai accepting cat (approx figures):

• JBIMS and SIMSREE are known as “Mumbai IIMs” due to ROI and location.
• Colleges accepting cat score in mumbai like SPJIMR and ITM add value with profile-based admission, corporate projects, and strong industry immersion.

ITM Business School -  A Top CAT-Accepting College

ITM Business School (Navi Mumbai campus) is a well-known private B-school that accepts CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA and State CET scores for its flagship MBA programs. The campus is located in Kharghar, with additional centres in other cities.

Campuses & Environment:

The Navi Mumbai campus offers modern classrooms, simulation labs, Bloomberg terminals (for some finance courses), hostels, and active student clubs. Being close to Mumbai’s corporate belt, students get regular industry speakers, live projects, and internship opportunities. The culture is collaborative and relatively less “cut-throat” than some ultra-elite schools, which many students appreciate.

Specialisations Offered 

• Marketing
• Finance
• Business Analytics
• Human Resource Management
• Financial Technology
• International Business, Retail, and more

These itm mba admission programmes often include industry internships, capstone projects, and certifications with industry partners.

Admission Criteria with CAT Score

• Apply through the ITM website with your CAT/other entrance test score
• Shortlisting based on academics + test + profile
• GD, micro-presentation, and PI rounds
• Final selection considering overall performance and potential, not just raw CAT percentile

This makes ITM attractive for students with moderate scores but strong profiles.

Placement Highlights:

ITM reports an average package of ~₹8.65 LPA with the highest going above ₹20 LPA in recent years. Top recruiters include Deloitte, HDFC Bank, Capgemini, Amazon, ICICI, and many more.

State-Wise List of Colleges Accepting CAT Score

Here’s a state-wise flavour of popular CAT-accepting colleges. Figures are approximate and indicative:

Maharashtra

Delhi - NCR

Karnataka

Tamil Nadu

West Bengal

Gujarat

Use this as a starting map, then deep-dive into each college website before deciding.

CAT Score Cut-Offs for Top MBA Colleges

Cut-offs can feel scary, but they’re just benchmarks, not judgements on your worth. Here’s a simplified view of cat cut off colleges and the cat percentile required at different bands:

1. 99+ Percentile (Dream Zone)
   • Opens doors to: IIM A/B/C, FMS, some IIM newer campuses, and top non-IIMs.
   • You can aim for almost any premier college in India.
   • Profile, academics, and interviews still matter a lot.
2. 90 - 95 Percentile (Excellent Zone)
   • Strong chances for: IIM Lucknow/Indore/K, NITIE/IIM Mumbai, SPJIMR (profile-based), MDI, IIT B-school programmes.
   • Very good mix of brand + placements + peer group.
3. 70 - 85 Percentile (Good Options Zone)
   • Target: mid-tier IIMs (for specific categories), IMT, TAPMI, BIMTECH, XISS, XIME, ITM, etc.
   • Focus on ROI, specialisation, and culture while shortlisting.
4. 60 - 70 Percentile (Rebuild & Optimise Zone)
   • Consider decent private institutes with strong specific specialisations and good location.
   • Or, take a gap year, rebuild basics, and re-attempt CAT with a stronger plan.

Admission Process for Colleges Accepting CAT Score

Most colleges accepting cat score follow a similar admission flow. Knowing it early reduces anxiety.

1. Application Stage
   • Fill online forms for each college before their deadlines.
   • Enter your CAT registration details, academic scores, work-ex, and preferences.
   • Pay application fees individually (or use common forms where available).
2. Shortlisting by Percentile
   • Colleges release shortlists based on CAT percentile + academics + work-ex + diversity.
   • Some schools give extra weightage to Class 10/12/UG marks and non-engineering backgrounds.
3. GD/PI/WAT Rounds
   • Shortlisted candidates attend group discussions, written ability tests, case discussions, or interviews.
   • This stage tests communication, clarity of thought, and overall personality fit.
4. Final Selection
   • Final merit list combines scores from: CAT, GD/PI/WAT, academics, work-ex, and diversity.
   • You receive offer letters and can then choose the best-fit college.

How to Choose the Right MBA College

Once your CAT result is out, the real decision-making begins.

• ROI & FeesLook at total fees vs average salary and long-term brand value. A low-fee, high-salary college (like FMS or JBIMS) gives amazing ROI, but even higher-fee schools can pay off with strong alumni and roles.
• PlacementsDon’t just check average CTC. Look at median salary, top recruiters, roles offered, and sectors. Ask seniors or LinkedIn alumni what the ground reality feels like.
• Ranking, Location, SpecialisationRankings are helpful signals, but also weigh location advantages (Mumbai/Delhi/Bangalore), campus culture, and strength in your chosen specialisation (Finance, Marketing, Analytics, etc.). Imagine yourself spending two years there -  will it help you grow academically, professionally, and personally?

Conclusion

Your CAT score is not the final definition of your potential -  but it does open doors to India’s best MBA colleges and career opportunities. With the right strategy, even a single attempt can completely change your trajectory.

Focus on understanding the landscape of colleges accepting CAT, aligning it with your goals, and choosing wisely based on ROI, culture, and learning.

Wherever you finally go, remember: your growth will come from consistent effort, curiosity, and smart career choices, not just a number on a scorecard.

FAQs on Colleges Accepting CAT Score

Which colleges accept CAT other than IIMs?

Many top non-IIMs accept CAT: FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI, IMI, IMT, TAPMI, BIMTECH, XIME, XISS, ITM Business School, and several others.

What is considered a good CAT percentile?

Generally, 99+ percentile is excellent for old IIMs, 95 - 98 for newer IIMs and top non-IIMs, and 80 - 90 for strong Tier-2/3 schools with good ROI.

Does ITM accept CAT for admission?

Yes. ITM Business School accepts CAT scores (along with XAT, CMAT, etc.) for PGDM admissions at its Navi Mumbai campus and other centres, followed by GD/PI rounds.

How long is a CAT score valid?

Your CAT score validity is for one admission cycle only. For example, CAT 2024 is typically used for admissions to 2025 - 27 MBA/PGDM batches.

Can I get admission with a low CAT score?

Yes, but options change. With a lower percentile, focus on good private colleges with strong niche programmes, or consider re-attempting CAT with a more structured preparation plan.