The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026is the doorway to elite MBA programs by leading business schools in India. Maharashtra, a management education hub, has some of the most well-known institutes which accept CAT scores for admission. This guide provides the list of the best colleges in Maharashtra accepting CAT 2026, along with their features, eligibility, and highlights.
Top MBA Colleges Under CAT in Maharashtra
| Institute Name | Location | Flagship Program | CAT Cut-off (Percentile) | Key Highlights |
| IIM Mumbai (Indian Institute of Management Mumbai) | Mumbai | MBA | 95–97%ile | One of India’s top IIMs, excellent placements, strong alumni network |
| SPJIMR (S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Researc) | Mumbai | PGDM | 85–90%ile | Known for leadership & innovation, strong industry connections |
| JBIMS (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies) | Mumbai | MMS | 96–98%ile | One of the oldest & most reputed B-schools, high ROI |
| NITIE Mumbai (National Institute of Industrial Engineering) | Mumbai | PGDIM, PGDISEM | 94–96%ile | Specializes in operations & supply chain management |
| SIMSREE (Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship Education) | Mumbai | MMS | 90–92%ile | Government institute with strong corporate ties |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai | MBA, PGDM | 85–88%ile | Offers diverse specializations, strong placement record |
| Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool) | Mumbai | PGDM | 80–85%ile | Focuses on innovation & design thinking |
| IMT Nagpur (Institute of Management Technology) | Nagpur | PGDM | 75–80%ile | Strong industry interface, growing reputation |
| BIMM Pune (Balaji Institute of Modern Management) | Pune | MBA | 75–80%ile | Part of Sri Balaji University, known for discipline & placements |
| ISBM Pune (International School of Business & Media) | Pune | PGDM | 70–75%ile | Offers industry-oriented programs |
CAT Percentile vs College Admission (Approximate)
| CAT Percentile Range | Expected Colleges |
| 97–99%ile | IIM Mumbai, JBIMS |
| 94–96%ile | SPJIMR, NITIE, SIMSREE |
| 90–93%ile | K J Somaiya, Welingkar |
| 80–89%ile | IMT Nagpur, BIMM Pune |
| 70–79%ile | ISBM Pune |
Eligibility Criteria (Common for All CAT-Accepting Institutes)
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
- Final-year students can also apply.
- No age limit for CAT applicants.
- Indian and international students are eligible as per institute norms.
- Must qualify through CAT 2025, followed by GD-PI-WAT process of the respective institute.
Preparation Tips for Targeting Top CAT Institutes
- Target High CAT Score: For top colleges like IIM Mumbai or JBIMS, aim for 95–99+ percentile.
- Take Mocks Regularly: Helps build speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: No sectional time limit, so practice switching between sections smartly.
- Focus on Quant & LRDI: These sections have higher weightage.
- Work on Communication: Crucial for the GD-PI-WAT rounds.
Final Thoughts
Maharashtra boasts some of the top MBA colleges under CAT, particularly in Mumbai and Pune, which are education hubs. If you’re aiming for top institutes, it’s crucial to create a strategic prep plan and appear for multiple attempts (if required). With a good score and strong performance in subsequent rounds, you can get admitted to one of India’s most coveted B-schools.
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