Top 20 MBA Colleges That Don’t Require CAT Scores

When planning for an MBA, many aspirants are haunted by the thought of appearing for the CAT. It is one of the toughest exams in India, acting like a golden ticket for the prestigious IIMs and other top business schools. This means that every year, lakhs of students might be preparing for the CAT exam with the hope of securing a seat at one of the best business schools in the country. But the truth is, not every successful MBA graduate has cracked the CAT because every reputed college in India needs CAT scores.

Surprised? Today, you have multiple alternative paths, which are actually top business schools in India with less strict requirements. Many of the high-ranked MBA colleges accept entrance exams other than XAT, NMAT, SNAP, MAT, CMAT, GMAT or may even conduct their own university-level entrance test. This means you don’t have to get stuck on CAT preparation. In fact, some of the best management institutions like XLRI and NMIMS do not rely on CAT.

If you are also looking for an MBA college that doesn’t require CAT scores, we have put together a list of the top 20 MBA colleges without CAT scores.

Also Check: How many students appear for CAT every year

Top 20 MBA Colleges without CAT

Although CAT is among the prestigious MBA entrance exams in India, it is not the only path to enrol in a top MBA course, there are multiple pathways which universities accept. There are either other entrance exams or merit-based options.

Here’s a handpicked list of top MBA colleges which do not require CAT scores:

1. XLRI, Jamshedpur

Being one of the prestigious institutions in India, XLRI offers PGDM programmes in various specialisations like human resources management, business management, general management and others. The course focuses on developing analytical and problem-solving abilities. 

2. Indian School of Business, Hyderabad

ISB Hyderabad offers a 12-month postgraduate programme in management, which won’t ask you to prepare for the challenging CAT exam. This institution has campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali.

3. SPJIMR, Mumbai

The SP Jain Institute of Management and Research has a 40-year legacy of management education in India. It offers a 2-year PGDM course, which has an inclusive admission process, so if you don’t appear for CAT, you have other options.

4. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management

The SIBM Pune offers a two-year full-time programme spread across four semesters. Its MBA programme gives you a choice of various specialisations like finance, marketing, human resources, data analytics and operations and supply chain.

5. Amity University

Amity University has campuses across the country, which means you can pursue an MBA programme at your desired location without worrying about the CAT exam.

6. Chandigarh University

A rapidly growing institution, Chandigarh University provides an MBA programme in various domains. It has an economical fee structure and convenient admission criteria.

7. Lovely Professional University

LPU is another globally recognised private institution in India which offers an MBA programme without CAT. The university strongly focuses on practical learning through live projects, case studies and internships.

8. SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies

NMIMS was established in 1981 and today it stands among the top management institutions in India. It has campuses in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Navi Mumbai and Hyderabad.

9. Jamia Millia Islamia

This central university is renowned for its affordable programmes and world-class MBA course. Jamia offers a rigorous curriculum and government backing for all its courses.

10. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

This university has consistently ranked among the top private universities in India. Its MBA programme is offered in multiple locations like Kochi, Amritapuri, Bangalore and Amravati.

11. MICA Ahmedabad

The Mudra Institute of Communications is a leading name in the Indian higher education sphere. It offers PGDM courses, which do not require a CAT score for admission.

12. Great Lakes Institute of Management

This institution, known for its industry-oriented curriculum, is a globally renowned school for management education. The institution is accredited by AACSB, AMBA, SAQS and other statutory bodies for its world-class education and other facilities.

13. ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad

Another name in the list of MBA colleges without CAT is ICFAI, Hyderabad. Its MBA programme follows a case-based curriculum, thus enhancing your practical knowledge. ICFAI has a huge alumni base working in India and abroad.

14. University of Petroleum and Energy Studies

UPES offers unique and sector-focused MBA programmes in aviation logistics, power management, international business and others. It has flexible and open admission criteria with no CAT requirement.

15. Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad

The two-year post-graduate diploma in management programme at IMT Ghaziabad is designed to train you as a business manager in functional management areas. You can specialise in areas like marketing, financial management, human resources and operations management.

16. T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal

The MBA course is a flagship course of TAPMI, which aims to nurture versatile leaders with a cross-functional mindset. It is offered in various specialisations, giving you the chance to customise your own MBA degree.

17. Uttaranchal University

An MBA from Uttaranchal University is preferred by many students in the North region. The university has a teaching-learning environment focusing on the core areas of business and management.

18. GLA University

It is among those universities which focus on employability and practical skills. Therefore, GLA’s MBA programme revolves around developing your ethical leadership skills and decision-making abilities.

19. Shoolini University

The Master of Business Administration course at Shoolini University is a top-ranking programme and provides a transformative learning experience. Moreover, the university has 100% placement record.

20. Sharda University

This globally accredited MBA programme at Sharda University attracts many aspirants owing to its academic quality and flexible admission criteria. The university has a robust industry network, giving you access to an updated curriculum and placement opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing an MBA degree is a matter of prestige and definitely a huge investment in your career. While CAT is a major entry point in one of the top institutions, there are plenty of other options for you to choose from. Top-ranked colleges like Symbiosis, XLRI, NMIMS, or ISB accept other exams as well. So don’t think that you are restricted to CAT, and if you go otherwise, you won’t be able to study in a good college. Remember, it is not about the entrance exam, it depends on how well you are able to benefit from the opportunities thrown at you. Even if you study at a top college but are not able to learn from there, then it’s of no use. Therefore, focus on your goals and make ways to achieve them.