MBA Colleges Other Than IIMs Accepting CAT Score: Fees, Cut-Offs & Placement

Top MBA Colleges Other Than IIMs Accepting CAT

Some institutes outside the IIM system lure CAT achievers with good placements, alumni network, and focused curriculum. The most popular ones are:

• FMS Delhi: Known for its affordable programme fees and strong return on investment. 
• SPJIMR Mumbai: SPJIMR Mumbai offers a PGDM programme and reported a 100% placement rate for its latest graduating batch. 
• MDI Gurgaon: PGDM programs with CAT-based admissions and a good corporate network. 
• IIT Delhi (DMS): IIT-branded MBA with moderate fees.
• IIT Bombay (SJMSOM): It has the highest average package amongst IIT MBAs.
• IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM): One of the oldest management schools of the IIT system.
• IMT Ghaziabad: Accepts CAT, XAT and GMAT scores for admission to its PGDM programmes.
• Other CAT accepting B-schools: TAPMI, GIM, K J Somaiya, XIME, BIMTECH and LBSIM.

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List of MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

The following table compares major non-IIM MBA colleges that accept CAT scores, including their expected cutoffs, fees and admission criteria. Percentiles are indicative general-category figures and fees are approximate:

College	Location	Programme	Expected CAT percentile	Approx. total fees	Key admission details
FMS Delhi	Delhi	MBA	99+	₹2.43 lakh	CAT score, academics, WAT-PI
SPJIMR	Mumbai	PGDM	95+	₹26.5 lakh	CAT/other national scores, profile, interview
MDI Gurgaon	Gurugram	PGDM	95	₹26.55 lakh	CAT, then GD, PI and profile review
IIT Delhi (DMS)	Delhi	MBA	95+	₹12 lakh	CAT, academics, interview
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)	Mumbai	MBA	95+	₹15.55 lakh	CAT, academics, interview
IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM)	Kharagpur	MBA	94–95+	₹12.9 lakh	CAT, academics, interview
IMT Ghaziabad	Ghaziabad	PGDM	90–95	₹21.5–23 lakh	CAT/XAT/GMAT, CTT-PI

MBA Colleges Accepting CAT With 90+ Percentile

Many leading MBA colleges outside the IIM system consider CAT percentiles of 90 or above. However, the required percentile varies by institute, programme and admission category. The actual selection criterion is institute-specific. It may take into account other parameters such as academic performance, work experience, entrance exam scores and performance in selection stages, including interview rounds. The colleges given below offer different combinations of costs and placements and thus require you to weigh them according to your background, budget and career aspirations.

College	Expected CAT Percentile	Approx. Total Fees	Average Package
FMS Delhi	99+	₹2.43 lakh	₹32.27 LPA
SPJIMR Mumbai	95+	₹26.5 lakh	₹33.75 LPA
MDI Gurgaon	95	₹26.55 lakh	₹29.5 LPA
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)	95+	₹15.55 lakh	₹28.16 LPA
IIT Delhi (DMS)	95+	₹12 lakh	₹22.52 LPA
IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM)	94–95+	₹12.9 lakh	₹22.75 LPA
IMT Ghaziabad	90–95	₹21.5–23 lakh	₹16–19 LPA

Remember that these percentile ranges are indicative and do not guarantee admission. Each institute follows its own shortlisting and selection criteria. Fees and average packages are approximate and may differ.

When comparing these colleges, check the parameters such as the median placement package, total programme fee, specialisation options and selection procedure together with average salary. In case of colleges with high fees, consider if the opportunities justify the cost.

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MBA Colleges Accepting CAT With 80-90 Percentile

If you score between the 80th and 90th percentile in CAT, several reputed private business schools may be worth considering. At this percentile range, a good all-around application can improve your prospects, as colleges tend to look at some other factors such as your academic record, work experience, exam performance and interview. Apply before each institute's deadline because application procedures and submission requirements differ. The following institutions are worth noting: 

College	Expected CAT Percentile	Approx. Total Fees	Exams Accepted
TAPMI Manipal	80–85	₹19.5 lakh	CAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT
GIM Goa	80–90	₹21.45 lakh	CAT, XAT, CMAT
K J Somaiya Mumbai	80–90	₹23.87 lakh	CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT
LBSIM Delhi	80–85	₹16.5 lakh	CAT

Please note that percentiles mentioned below are indicative. Actual cut-off score, accepted examinations, and fees can vary from one program to another, and from year to year.

MBA Colleges Accepting CAT With 70–80 Percentile

A CAT percentile between 70 and 80 can make you eligible for consideration at several MBA colleges. Check each institute's admission requirements before applying. When you are at this percentile, it is imperative to check out colleges that meet your requirements, like specialization and placements. Instead of concentrating on the college’s name, you should look into factors such as the average package given to students, the placement percentage of students finishing the program, the credit earned by the college, and the course fee. The following are some colleges you can check:

College	Expected CAT Percentile	Location
XIME Bangalore	75–80	Bengaluru
BIMTECH	70–80	Greater Noida
ISBM Pune	70–80	Pune
Christ University	70–80	Bengaluru

Note: These Percentile Ranges are indicative in nature and can not be considered as cut-off for admissions. Eligibility and selection criteria may vary for different institutes and programmes. 

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MBA Colleges Other Than IIMs: Fees and Total Course Cost

Fees vary greatly between the other colleges; from around ₹2.4 lakh at FMS Delhi to over ₹26 lakh at premier private institutes. When comparing the two options, break the fee structure into a percentage of tuition fees, hostel and accommodation charges, other charges (caution deposit, activity and exam fees) and the overall cost of the programme. These figures represent approximate total programme costs and may change every academic year. Check the official fee structure before applying.

College	Approx. total programme cost	What to note
FMS Delhi	₹2.43 lakh	Full course fee for general category; hostel charges are extra
SPJIMR Mumbai	₹26.5 lakh	PGDM total; subject to revision
MDI Gurgaon	₹26.55 lakh	PGDM; can rise to about ₹32.5 lakh with boarding for some programmes
IIT Delhi (DMS)	₹12 lakh	Among the lowest-cost IIT MBAs
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)	₹15.55 lakh	Highest fee among the three IITs listed
IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM)	₹12.9 lakh	Hostel and other charges vary
IMT Ghaziabad	₹21.5–23 lakh	Reported figure includes accommodation

Top Non-IIM MBA Colleges: Placements and Average Salary

Placement figures allow you to assess return on investment but do not depend only on this one number. Instead, you should look at the average salary, the median salary (which gives more accurate information about the salary earned by an average student), the highest salary as reported officially, the most active recruiters, the placement opportunities in general. The following table presents placement figures from the latest available official reports. Check the graduating batch year and placement methodology before comparing these numbers.

College	Average package	Median package	Highest package
FMS Delhi	₹32.27 LPA	₹29.59 LPA	₹1.1 crore
SPJIMR	₹33.75 LPA	₹32.85 LPA	₹75 LPA
MDI Gurgaon	₹29.5 LPA	Check official report	₹97.5 LPA
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)	₹28.16 LPA	₹26 LPA	₹53.8 LPA
IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM)	₹22.75 LPA	₹22.15 LPA	₹37.63 LPA
IIT Delhi (DMS)	₹22.52 LPA	₹22.5 LPA	₹43.55 LPA
IMT Ghaziabad	₹16–19 LPA	Check official report	₹41.55 LPA

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CAT Cut-Offs for MBA Colleges Other Than IIMs

A qualifying CAT cut-off is just a floor, and final selection is always done on the basis of CAT scores, academic profile, work-ex, diversity, GD/WAT/PI scores and so on. For example, MDI Gurgaon's overall cut-off is at 95 percentile for the general category, while IMT Ghaziabad doesn't disclose any cut-off and is expected to shortlist around 90-95 percentile. The table below provides overall versus sectional indicative cut-offs, which vary for every institute and have their own individual floors.

Overall percentile	Indicative sectional percentile
95	85
90	80
85	75
75	65

Admission Process for Non-IIM MBA Colleges Through CAT

Most non-IIM institutes follow a similar admission process after CAT. However, the selection stages and weightage assigned to different parameters vary by college.

Post CAT, most of the non-IIM institutes have similar process:

• Check Eligibility: Confirm that your academic qualifications, CAT percentile and work experience meet the institute's admission requirements.
• Applying to colleges: Submit separate application forms to your preferred institutes, along with the required details and CAT scores. 
• Shortlisting: Colleges evaluate your CAT score, academic record, work experience and diversity profile before shortlisting you.
• WAT/PI and other rounds: Attend the written ability test (WAT), group discussion (GD), personal interview (PI) and any additional selection rounds required by the institute.
• Final Selection: The final selection is based on the composite score which includes your CAT score, performance in other rounds and profile.
• Admission confirmation: Accept the admission and pay the fee by the due date.

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Eligibility Criteria for MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

Most MBA colleges require you to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. The minimum marks requirement generally varies by institute and reservation category. Check the official admission brochure for the applicable eligibility conditions. 

You can generally apply if you have completed your bachelor's degree or are appearing for your final-year examinations, subject to the institute's eligibility conditions. The candidate needs to have a valid score in the CAT exam. Most of the IIT MBA colleges accept non-engineering graduates as well. Check the official admission brochure of every college before applying. Some institutes may impose additional requirements related to work experience, sectional cutoffs or academic qualifications. 

How to Choose the Best MBA College Other Than IIMs?

Choose a college that matches your CAT percentile, budget and career goals. Compare the following factors before submitting your applications.

• CAT percentile vs expected cutoff of college
• Fee and total programme cost
• Placements, median package
• ROI (median package / total fees)
• Course specialisation – finance, marketing, analytics etc
• Location and exposure
• Batch size and quality of peers
• Admission criteria – profile weightage
• Career scope and alumni network

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IIMs vs Non-IIM MBA Colleges: Fees, Placements and Admissions

Neither option is universally better. Your choice depends on your career goals, budget, preferred specialisation and admission prospects. It depends on your profiles and preferences. IIMs primarily use CAT scores along with institute-specific selection criteria. Non-IIM colleges may accept CAT, XAT, GMAT or other entrance examinations, depending on their admission policies.

Parameter	IIMs	Non-IIM CAT colleges
Admission	CAT-based, with institute-specific criteria	CAT (some also XAT/GMAT) plus profile and interview
Fees	Generally higher, varying by IIM	Wide range, from ₹2.43 lakh (FMS) upwards
Programmes	MBA/PGP and specialised courses	MBA/PGDM, IIT MBAs, specialised tracks
Placements	Strong at established IIMs	Strong at FMS, SPJIMR, MDI and IITs; varies elsewhere
Selection	Percentile, academics, diversity, interview	Percentile, academics, work experience, GD/PI

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Conclusion

MBA colleges other than IIM offer several opportunities to build a successful management career. Compare your admission prospects, programme fees, median placements and specialisation options before choosing a business school. It is best to compare percentile, fees, median placement, specialisation and selection criteria rather than brand value while applying to these institutes. Start preparing for CAT early and shortlist alternative colleges based on your expected percentile. Compare fees, placements and specialisations before finalising your applications.