Top MBA Colleges Without CAT: Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular postgraduate courses among students and working professionals in India. For most, it provides a great opportunity to change career paths and significantly enhance professional development. An MBA tends to lead to better salary packages and enhanced job benefits in relation to entry-level positions after an undergraduate course. While contemplating options for obtaining admission to premium business schools, the Common Admission Test (CAT) comes to mind.

It is commonly regarded as the gateway to premium business schools in the country. However, one should take into account that not everyone may be at their best under test conditions due to reasons like stress, sickness, or unforeseen circumstances on test day.

Fortunately, there are well-established MBA colleges that do not utilize CAT scores as a requirement for admission. This gives a second chance to aspirants who wish to further their education without the extra pressure of studying for a very competitive exam. We will here discuss some of India’s best MBA colleges that accept students without the CAT, with various options for candidates who want to develop their careers.

List of Top MBA Colleges without CAT Exam

To get more detailed and accurate data, you must visit our IMS B-School Zone.

Top MBA Colleges Without CAT Exam

As we read above and understood about the top colleges without CAT exam from the table, let us go deeper into each institution so that you can decide how you are going to move forward and prepare for your desired college.

India is home to some of the most prestigious management institutes, offering a pathway to lucrative careers in business and leadership. This guide explores top management institutes across the country, detailing their entrance exams, total fees, average packages, academic strengths, and campus culture. Whether you are aiming for a high-flying corporate role or seeking an affordable yet quality MBA, there’s an institute for you. Let us dive into each institute and discover why it might be the best choice for your career goals.

XLRI Jamshedpur

Entrance Exams Accepted: XAT
Total Fees: ₹33.40 Lakhs
Average Package: 31.08 LPA
XLRI Jamshedpur, one of India’s oldest and most well-known management schools, is often listed among Top MBA Colleges Without CAT, and it accepts XAT scores for admission. The school is famous for its PGDM program, especially its specialized PGDM in Human Resource Management, and it really emphasizes ethical leadership and social responsibility. The campus in Jamshedpur is lively, with cool facilities like a fully stocked library, modern hostels, and a strong alumni network filled with industry leaders. XLRI’s tough curriculum is balanced by fun events like ‘Valhalla,’ a lively cultural and sports fest that helps students grow in every way. The school is known for placing students in HR and general management roles, with top companies like McKinsey, BCG, and HUL coming on board. Overall, XLRI Jamshedpur is a top pick, especially for students who are really into HR or want a well-rounded MBA that focuses on ethical business practices. Its rich history and incredible placement record make it stand out from the crowd.

Read More: Top MBA Colleges in Hyderabad

XLRI Delhi

Entrance Exams Accepted: XAT
Total Fees: ₹33.40 Lakhs
Average Package: 31.08 LPA
XLRI Delhi, a campus extension of XLRI Jamshedpur, also accepts scores for XAT and has programs like its Jamshedpur counterpart, with an average package of approximately 31.08 LPA. Situated within the heart of the NCR, XLRI Delhi also offers the same PGDM courses with a special emphasis on general management and HR. Located near corporate centers of activity, students here have better chances of industry interactions, internships, and placements. The campus is really modern with digital classrooms and a separate placement cell. Here, the curriculum is highly experiential in nature, with loads of case studies and live projects to train students for actual industry positions. Overall, XLRI Delhi is an excellent option for students who prefer to remain in a metro city but still desire the world-class education and placement benefits of XLRI Jamshedpur, particularly if they are looking for consulting or HR careers.

SPJIMR Mumbai

Entrance Exams Accepted: CAT, GMAT
Total Fees: ₹24.00 Lakhs
Average Package: 32.10 LPA
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) in Mumbai accepts CAT and GMAT scores. What truly differentiates SPJIMR is the unique teaching style, such as the Abhyudaya mentorship program, wherein students have the opportunity to mentor underprivileged children and learn the importance of social responsibility. The PGDM, which is two years in duration, has specializations in finance, marketing, operations, and information management. The Andheri campus is relatively new, with facilities such as a finance lab and a leadership center. As far as placements are concerned, SPJIMR performs quite well, with companies such as Goldman Sachs, P&G, and Deloitte, among others visiting the college to recruit graduates. Overall, if you’re on the lookout for a socially responsible MBA with strong industry connections, particularly a person who wants to end up in leadership positions in marketing or finance, SPJIMR’s Mumbai campus with its new teaching approaches might be an ideal choice.

JBIMS Mumbai

Entrance Exams Accepted: CAT, CMAT, MAT, MAH-CET
Total Fees: ₹6.00 Lakhs
Average Package: 26.12 LPA
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) Mumbai, popularly referred to as the “CEO Factory,” accepts CAT, CMAT, MAT, and MAH-CET, with an average placement offer of 26.12 LPA. JBIMS’s MMS course is in high demand, emphasizing finance, marketing, and operations. Situated in South Mumbai, the institute has the advantage of being close to India’s financial capital, providing great industry exposure. The campus is humble but efficient, with a robust alumni base that boasts the presence of senior leaders from HDFC and CitiBank. JBIMS’s placement cell is visited by recruiters like JP Morgan, HSBC, and ITC. It’s the best bet for those who want a value-for-money, high-ROI MBA with a specialization in finance, particularly for those who want to work in the Mumbai corporate circle, given its unmatched cost-to-package ratio and heritage.

Keep reading to learn further about top MBA colleges without CAT exam.

NMIMS Mumbai

Entrance Exams Accepted: NMAT
Total Fees: ₹25.84 Lakhs
Average Package: 19.38 LPA
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Mumbai also accepts NMAT. The MBA here is popular for finance, marketing, and analytics specializations, with a curriculum that merges industry trends such as fintech and digital marketing. The Vile Parle campus is contemporary, with a Bloomberg lab, digital library, and hostel facilities. NMIMS focuses on well-rounded development through activities such as “Paragana,” a management fest, and well-established corporate relationships with companies like EY and Infosys. The institute also provides international exposure through exchange programs with US and European universities. NMIMS Mumbai stands out as the top option for a student looking for a high-end MBA with specialization in new-age areas such as analytics, which fits an individual aiming to work in banking or marketing in a metro city setup.

Read More: Colleges Accepting 50 to 70 percentile in CAT

SIBM Pune

Entrance Exams Accepted: SNAP
Total Fees: ₹24.90 Lakhs
Average Package: 28.80 LPA
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune, which accepts SNAP, offers a mean package of 28.80 LPA with a fee of ₹24.90 Lakhs. SIBM Pune’s MBA program scores high in marketing, finance, and HR, with pedagogy that focuses on case studies and experiential learning. The Lavale campus is picturesque, with facilities such as sports complex, an auditorium, and a wellness center, providing active student life. SIBM’s placement cell invites premier recruiters such as Accenture, Nestlé, and L’Oréal. Leadership development is also given importance through programs such as the “Leadership Series,” where industry leaders engage with students. SIBM Pune is the ideal option for students who desire a well-rounded MBA with an emphasis on leadership and marketing, best suited for students who learn well in a collaborative and vibrant campus setting.

SCMHRD Pune

Entrance Exams Accepted: SNAP
Total Fees: ₹24.12 Lakhs
Average Package: 24.28 LPA
Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune, also has the SNAP entrance exam. SCMHRD has expertise in finance and HR, with courses that involve certifications in SAP and Six Sigma, making it one of the top MBA colleges without CAT exam. The Hinjewadi campus is new, with a finance lab, digital classrooms, and hostel facilities. SCMHRD placement includes names such as Barclays, PwC, and Aditya Birla Group. The institute organizes events such as “NEEV,” a business conclave, which provides industry exposure. SCMHRD Pune is the most suitable option for students who love HR or finance, as it allows for specialized training and good placement, and thus is suitable for students who have organizational development or investment banking roles as their target.

MICA Ahmedabad

Entrance Exams Accepted: CAT, XAT, GMAT, MICAT
Total Fees: ₹26.00 Lakhs
Average Package: 19.22 LPA
MICA Ahmedabad accepts CAT, XAT, GMAT, and MICAT of its own, with an average package of ₹19.22 LPA. MICA’s flagship program, PGP, specializes in marketing, branding, and digital communication and thus is a niche institution for creative professionals. The campus in Shela is lively, and it has amenities such as a media lab and creative studios. MICA’s pedagogy involves hands-on exercises with brands, and its placement cell invites organizations such as Ogilvy, Amazon, and Flipkart. MICA Ahmedabad is the perfect option for marketing- and ad-loving students who can benefit from a specialized course curriculum and industry ties unrivalled in the creative business sector.

Read More: Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges in India

IMT Ghaziabad

Entrance Exams Accepted: CAT, XAT, GMAT
Total Fees: ₹19.53 Lakhs
Average Package: 16.25 LPA
IMT Ghaziabad takes CAT, XAT, and GMAT as an entrance exam.IMT’s PGDM program highlights marketing, finance, and operations, with a course structure stressing experiential learning by means of live projects. IMT Ghaziabad’s campus is large in extent, complete with a finance lab, incubation center, and residential area. IMT’s placement cell entices recruiters like Deloitte, KPMG, and HCL. The institute organizes events such as “Chakravyuh,” a management fest, which encourages student participation. IMT Ghaziabad is the most suitable option for those who want an affordable MBA with good marketing exposure and for those who want to work at mid-level corporate positions.

XIMB Bhubaneswar

Entrance Exams Accepted: CAT, XAT, GMAT, X-GMT
Total Fees: ₹24.20 Lakhs
Average Package: 18.28 LPA
Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB) Bhubaneswar takes CAT, XAT, GMAT, and X-GMT, with an average package of 18.28 LPA. The MBA program at XIMB is general management-oriented, with expertise in rural management and sustainability. The Bhubaneswar campus is modern with a library, sports complex, and hostels. Firms such as Cognizant, ICICI Bank, and Tata Steel visit the placement cell of XIMB. The institute organizes “Xpressions,” a cultural festival, adding to the student experience. XIMB is the preferred option for sustainability or rural management interested students, providing a balanced MBA with social impact.

Read More: IIM Final Results

GLIM Chennai

Entrance Exams Accepted: CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT
Total Fees: ₹ 20.80 Lakhs
Average Package: 15.10
Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM) Chennai accepts CAT, XAT, GMAT, and CMAT. GLIM’s two-year PGDM and one-year PGPM are specialized in finance, analytics, and marketing. Manamai campus is green-friendly with hostel facilities and a tech lab. GLIM’s placement cell invites recruiters like ZS Associates, HCL, Deloitte, among others. GLIM Chennai is the most suitable choice for people who need to study for an MBA as well as those who wish to pursue an executive MBA. 

Since its inception, Great Lakes has strived to provide quality management education that syncs with market needs. Their commitment to top-notch education is evident as the institute has consistently been ranked in the top 10 of the country’s one-year programs. Thus, Great Lakes gained a leading institution of higher learning and the distinction of being the youngest such institution in the country to achieve this.

Top MBA colleges without CAT Exam: Conclusion

India’s best management institutes accommodate all sorts of aspirations, ranging from high-paying jobs at SPJIMR Mumbai to budget-friendly education at JBIMS Mumbai. Whether it is placement packages, niche courses, or geographic location, there exists an institute that suits your purpose. Select carefully depending on your career goals and budget.

Read More: International MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Top MBA Colleges in Mumbai