List of Colleges Accepting CAT Exam Scores

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s premier management entrance examination, conducted  annually on a rotational basis by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). A valid CAT score serves as the  primary benchmark for admission into postgraduate management programs (MBA, PGDM, Executive MBA)  across all 21 IIMs, as well as hundreds of top-tier premier B-schools, university departments, and private  business schools across India. https://www.careermantra.net/

This comprehensive guide covers the prominent institutions accepting CAT exam scores, categorized by  IIMs, premier public management institutes, top private B-schools, fee structures, specialisations, cut-off  percentiles, and admission parameters. 

Recent Developments 

• CAT Examination Window: Conducted annually in late November across three distinct slots, with  registrations opening in August. 
• Participating Institutes: Beyond the 21 IIMs, over 1,000+ government and private B-schools accept CAT  scores for admissions. 

CAT Accepting Colleges: At a Glance 

Top IIMs Accepting CAT Scores: NIRF Ranking 

The Indian Institutes of Management represent the apex tier of business education in India. Below are  prominent IIMs accepting CAT:

Admission General Requirements 

To secure admission to management programs through CAT, applicants typically need: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved  categories) or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university. 
• A valid CAT scorecard issued by the convening IIM with sectional and overall percentile scores meeting  the institute’s specific cut-off threshold. 

Top Public Management Institutes (Non-IIM) Accepting CAT 

Several premier non-IIM public institutions and university departments accept CAT scores for their flagship  MBA programs: 

Top Private B-Schools Accepting CAT Scores 

Numerous elite private business schools accept CAT scores along with other management tests for their  PGDM/MBA programs:

CAT Score vs Average Package (ROI Overview) 

Top Specialisations Offered in CAT Accepting Institutes 

Indicative CAT Cut-off Percentiles (Flagship MBA / PGDM)

Conclusion 

The CAT exam is the gateway to India’s finest management talent pools. With institutions ranging from the  elite IIMs and prestigious IIT departments to top-tier private business schools accepting its scores, aspirants  have immense opportunities to shape high-impact corporate leadership careers. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1.How many institutes accept CAT exam scores? 

Over 1,000 management institutes, including 21 IIMs, premier IIT management wings, university  departments, and leading private B-schools accept CAT scores. 

2.Is work experience mandatory for CAT registration? 

No, work experience is not mandatory to appear for CAT or apply to most management programs, though  certain executive MBA tracks require professional experience. 

3.Can final-year graduation students apply for CAT? 

Yes, final-year undergraduate students and professionals alike can apply, provided they meet the minimum  aggregate percentage criteria upon graduation. 

4.What is the validity period of a CAT scorecard? 

A CAT score is valid for exactly one year and can only be used for admissions in the academic session  immediately following the exam. 

5.Do IIMs give weightage to academic background during shortlisting? 

Yes, most IIMs assign specific weightage to past academic performance (Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation  marks) alongside CAT scores for interview shortlisting. 

6.What is the typical sectional structure of the CAT exam? 

CAT comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and  Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). 

7.Are there any sectional cut-offs for CAT accepting colleges? 

Yes, almost all IIMs and top-tier B-schools maintain strict minimum sectional cut-off percentiles across  VARC, DILR, and QA. 

8.What is the average fee structure in CAT accepting public vs private schools? 

Public institutions like IIMs and university departments range from INR 2 lakhs to 26 lakhs, whereas top  private B-schools generally range between INR 20 lakhs and 28 lakhs. 

9.How are candidates shortlisted after the CAT exam results are declared? 

Shortlisted candidates undergo subsequent evaluation stages including Written Ability Tests (WAT), Personal  Interviews (PI), and sometimes Group Discussions (GD). 

10.Which non-IIM institutions offer the best ROI for CAT scores? 

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi and Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS)  Mumbai offer exceptionally high ROI due to low tuition fees combined with massive placement packages.