Top MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT 2025: Application Fees, Selection Criteria, & Packages
The aspiring MBA students don’t realise that several B-schools in India close their applications well before the CAT exam to streamline their admission timelines. This creates a unique opportunity for MBA aspirants. If you’re confident about your exam preparation you must look for the MBA colleges to apply before CAT 2025. These include institutes such as MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, Great Lakes Institute of Management, TAPMI, and FORE School of Management, among others.
The candidates need to adhere to the timelines for demand applications and fees upfront.
Key Dates to Remember for MBA Application Deadlines before CAT 2025:
Between September 15th and November 30th – Several MBA colleges close their applications just a day before CAT 2025 exam date. This year the CAT exam is on November 30, 2025.
Top MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT 2025
The top MBA colleges accepting applications before CAT avoid the post-CAT application rush. Every year, thousands of CAT aspirants begin their MBA journey with one common goal i.e. securing admission to the IIMs. But hereโs what many donโt realize early enough: some of the top MBA colleges to apply before the CAT exam have separate application deadlines that close before CAT exam date.
Here is a list of such colleges, applying to these colleges early allows you to plan better and prepare for GD-PI rounds in advance.
Missing these deadlines can mean losing out on prestigious institutes that accept CAT scores but conduct their own admission process simultaneously.
For serious management candidates who are confident about their preparation and donโt want to restrict their options, applying early ensures you stay ahead in the race and keep multiple opportunities open โ whether your final CAT score meets expectations or not.
5 Best MBA Colleges Accepting Applications Before CAT
The top 5 MBA colleges that require separate applications apart from CAT exam, include NMIMS, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, and IMT Ghaziabad. These colleges have separate rounds of selection to the extent that they consider CAT Scores in the further round but conclude their application before the date of the exam.
In this way, they shortlist candidates for Profile-Based or Sector-Specialized programs much earlier than the general applicant.
Key institutes:
Also Read: CAT Exam: Dates, Application, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, and More
Faculty of Management Studiesย (FMS Delhi)
FMS Delhi (Faculty of Management Studies) is another elite option. Getting an interview call relies as much on the impact of your SOP as on your CAT percentile. Plan ahead to make your application stand out. Hereโs what you need to know:
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Fee |
|
| Application Timeline | Tentatively, 22nd November |
| Selection Criteria | Statement of Purpose (SOP) (10% weight during interviews) |
Key Points to Remember:
- Government-funded institution with extremely low fees
- Strong alumni network in corporate and government sectors
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
Candidates can apply to SPJIMR before CAT exam 2025. Here are the required details for the same:
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Fee |
|
| Application Timeline |
|
| Selection Criteria |
|
| Placements |
|
We recommend you to apply if you have a strong profile OR expect 85+ percentile in CAT.
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Fee |
|
| Application Timeline | 2 days before first SNAP exam |
| Placements |
|
| Specializations | HR, Business Analytics, Integrated Digital Marketing |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Fee | โน3,540 + additional fees for specific colleges |
| Application Timeline | August 1 – October 10, 2025 |
| Colleges Under NMIMS |
|
Why Do Some MBA Colleges Invite Applications before CAT?
You may wonder that why such practice is needed at the first place or why some B-schools use this strategy?ย The primary reason is application volume management:
- Before CAT: Colleges receive 9,000-10,000 applications
- After CAT: Applications drop to 4,000-5,000 (many students don’t apply if their CAT exam didn’t go well)
This strategy helps MBA schools maintain their best ranking ratios and ensures a larger applicant pool.
Why is it Important to Apply to MBA Colleges Before CAT exam?
Applying to the MBA colleges early allows you to plan better. If you’re confident in clearing the CAT exam and gets shortlisted, you can prepare for GD-PI rounds in advance. It will also help you avoid the post-CAT rush. If youโre a working professional, early applications reflect your seriousness and foresight. These are the traits in any professional that top management schools value.
Here are the other important points:
- It builds a safety net for you with multiple options for colleges.
- It guarantees interview eligibility even if the CAT performance is low.
- Reduce last-minute stress and missed deadlines.
- Increase your odds at conversion via profile-based shortlists.
How Much Financial Investment is Required?
Let’s have a look at the total financial investment a candidate will need to spend in order to apply to the MBA colleges before CAT exam:
| College | Application Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| SPJIMR Mumbai | โน2,000-5,000 | Profile portfolio preparation |
| FMS Delhi | โน1,000/โน350 | SOP writing workshop |
| IIFT Delhi | โน3,000 | Specialization research |
| SIBM/SCMHRD | โน3,250 in total | SNAP preparation |
| NMIMS | โน3,000+ | NMAT preparation |
Total Investment is between โน15,000 and โน25,000 for comprehensive applications.
Our Recommendations to the CAT Aspirants
If you plan to apply to the MBA colleges before CAT exam but have some apprehension, we have certain recommendations to help you:
You Should Apply If:
- You have a strong profile with experience in leadership, achievements, and unique experiences.
- You’re confident of scoring 85+ percentile in CAT.
- You want to maximize your admission chances.
- You can afford the application fees without strain.
You Shouldn’t Apply If:
- Your CAT preparation is still incomplete.
- You want to focus entirely on CAT preparation first.
- Your budget for applications is limited.
Remember that these pre-CAT applications are opportunities. One should apply strategically based on their profile, preparation level, and financial capacity.
MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT Exam: Key Takeaways
Here are the conclusive points for the CAT aspirants:
- Early Bird Advantage: Some top colleges close applications before CAT. It’s an early opportunity for candidatesย
- Profile vs Score: Several colleges value profiles as much as exam scores and look at the SOPs and candidates achievements.
- Financial Planning: Plan for a budget of around โน15-25 thousands for pre-CAT applications.
- Risk Management: Balance early applications with post-CAT options.
- Strategic Thinking: Apply based on your strengths, like you profile vs your expected CAT score. Evaluate your CAT preparation and mock tests to know the expected marks. It will also help you gain confidence.
Important Disclaimers:
The application dates for MBA colleges may vary year to year along with the fee structures. The candidates must always verify the current information on the official college websites.
FAQs
What are the best colleges to apply before CAT exam?
Several top B-schools in India, like FMS, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, among others open their MBA application windows before the CAT exam. Applying to these colleges before CAT ensures you donโt miss early deadlines and allows you to complete your profile-based or non-CAT-based evaluations in time.
What are the MBA application deadlines for 2025 CAT exam?
The MBA application deadlines 2025 have started already. Most leading business schools release their MBA admission forms between July and November 2025, even before CAT results are announced. Institutes like FMA Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IMI Delhi, and other release their MBA application deadlines 2025 before CAT.
Always check each B-schoolโs official website for the latest schedule, as deadlines may differ.
Which college is best after the CAT exam?
CAT aspirants can choose the top IIMs or non IIMs based on their CAT percentile and career goals. The top MBA colleges in India include the IIMs, IITs, and institutes like XLRI, ISB, and SPJIMR for high percentiles.
