The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most widely accepted MBA entrance exam in India, used by the prestigious IIMs and over 1,200 other B-schools. If you are preparing for CAT 2025, knowing the top colleges accepting CAT scores, their expected cutoff percentiles, and rankings is crucial for setting realistic goals. This guide outlines the best MBA colleges you can target based on your CAT percentile.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores (with Cutoff & Ranking)
| College Name | Expected CAT Cutoff (Percentile) | Location |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99-100 | Gujarat |
| IIM Bangalore | 99-100 | Karnataka |
| IIM Calcutta | 99-100 | West Bengal |
| IIM Lucknow | 97-99 | Uttar Pradesh |
| IIM Kozhikode | 97-99 | Kerala |
| IIM Indore | 97-99 | Madhya Pradesh |
| FMS Delhi | 98-99 | Delhi |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 85-95 (Profile-Based) | Maharashtra |
| MDI Gurgaon | 94-95 | Haryana |
| IIT Delhi (DMS) | 90-95 | Delhi |
| IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) | 90-95 | Maharashtra |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90-92 | Uttar Pradesh |
| TAPMI Manipal | 85-90 | Karnataka |
| XIM University, Bhubaneswar | 85-90 | Odisha |
| FORE School of Management | 80-85 | Delhi |
| Great Lakes, Chennai | 80-85 | Tamil Nadu |
| BIM Trichy | 75-80 | Tamil Nadu |
| LBSIM Delhi | 75-80 | Delhi |
| IMI New Delhi | 85-90 | Delhi |
| IFMR GSB, KREA University | 75-80 | Tamil Nadu |
CAT Cutoff for IIMs (General Category)
| IIM Campus | Expected Cutoff (Percentile) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99-100 |
| IIM Bangalore | 99-100 |
| IIM Calcutta | 99-100 |
| IIM Lucknow | 97-99 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 97-99 |
| IIM Indore | 97-99 |
| IIM Shillong | 90-94 |
| New IIMs (e.g., Udaipur, Rohtak, Trichy) | 92-95 |
MBA Colleges for 70 Percentile in CAT
If you score in the 70-75 percentile range, here are some decent options:
- Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad
- Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore
- Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow
- VIT Business School, Vellore
- Acharya Bangalore Business School (ABBS), Bangalore
These colleges offer industry exposure, AICTE-approved programs, and placement opportunities in mid-level companies.
MBA Admission by CAT Score: Tips
- Profile Matters: Institutes like SPJIMR, IMI, and TAPMI consider academic consistency and work experience along with CAT scores.
- Sectional Cutoffs: Top IIMs not only require a high overall percentile but also minimum scores in VARC, DILR, and QA sections.
- Diversity Factor: Many institutes provide weightage to academic and gender diversity, especially for non-engineers and female candidates.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right B-school depends on your CAT percentile, academic profile, and career goals. While IIMs remain the most coveted, many non-IIM institutes offer excellent placements and ROI. Research thoroughly, attend webinars, read placement reports, and target colleges that align with your percentile bracket.
For updates on CAT-accepting colleges and admissions, follow trusted MBA portals and visit official college websites.
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