For students seeking MBA admissions without appearing for the CAT (Common Admission Test), several reputed colleges in India offer alternative pathways. These institutions use other entrance exams, direct admission processes, or criteria like academic performance and personal interviews to evaluate candidates.

While the Common Admission Test (CAT) is a popular entrance exam for MBA programs in India, it’s not the only option. Many top B-schools offer direct admissions or accept other entrance exam scores. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Top 20 MBA colleges without CAT 2024 in India :
MBA College | Alternative Exams/Process | Average Package (₹ LPA) | Ranking | Highlights |
XLRI, Jamshedpur | XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) | 30+ | Top 5 (India Today, NIRF) | Known for HR and management programs. |
Symbiosis Institute (SIU) | SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) | 12-18 | Top 20 (NIRF) | Wide network of campuses with industry focus. |
Narsee Monjee (NMIMS) | NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test) | 18+ | Top 10 (Business Today) | High ranking in business education. |
TISS, Mumbai | TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance) | 10-12 | Top 15 (India Today) | Specializes in HR and social sciences. |
IIFT, Delhi & Kolkata | IIFT Entrance Exam | 27+ | Top 10 (NIRF) | Focused on international business. |
Great Lakes Institute, Chennai | GMAT, XAT, CMAT, or direct application | 14-18 | Top 15 (Outlook) | Industry-oriented MBA courses. |
Amity University | Direct Admission (Merit-Based/Interview) | 6-7 | Top 30 (Private Universities) | Offers global exposure and industry tie-ups. |
Christ University, Bangalore | MAT, CMAT, ATMA, or direct interview | 6-8 | Top 30 (India Today) | Popular for affordable MBA options. |
ICFAI Business School (IBS) | IBSAT or GMAT | 8-10 | Top 25 (Private B-Schools) | Multiple campuses with strong placements. |
Alliance University, Bangalore | GMAT, MAT, NMAT, or merit-based admissions | 7-8 | Top 40 (Business World) | Known for quality education and facilities. |
Lovely Professional University | LPUNEST (University Entrance Test) or direct admission | 5-7 | Top 50 (Private Universities) | Scholarships available for high achievers. |
Manipal Academy of Higher Ed. | MAHE Entrance or direct admission | 6-8 | Top 50 (Private Universities) | Good campus infrastructure and placements. |
BIMTECH, Greater Noida | GMAT, XAT, CMAT, or merit-based admissions | 9-10 | Top 20 (Outlook) | Strong industry connections. |
ITM Business School | CMAT, MAT, GMAT, or direct admission | 5-7 | Top 50 (Private B-Schools) | Focuses on skill-based learning. |
Jaipuria Institute of Management | MAT, CMAT, or direct admission | 7-8 | Top 50 (Private B-Schools) | Affordable fees and good placement records. |
UPES, Dehradun | UPESEAT (University Entrance Test) or direct admission | 7-8 | Top 40 (Emerging B-Schools) | Specializes in energy and petroleum management. |
XIME, Bangalore | GMAT, MAT, CMAT, or direct selection | 8-10 | Top 30 (Private Universities) | High emphasis on ethics and leadership. |
Shiv Nadar University | GMAT, NMAT, or direct interview | 9-11 | Top 50 (Private Universities) | Focus on innovation and research. |
Woxsen University, Hyderabad | GMAT, NMAT, or merit-based admissions | 10-11 | Top 40 (Emerging B-Schools) | Emerging institute with global outlook. |
MIT-WPU, Pune | MAT, ATMA, or direct application | 6-8 | Top 50 (Private Universities) | Focus on peace studies and business ethics. |
Have any query?
Location wise MBA colleges in India without CAT:
City | Top MBA Colleges (Without CAT) |
Delhi-NCR | Amity Business School, ITS Management College, Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), JIMS |
Mumbai | SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), NMIMS Mumbai, Welingkar Institute of Management |
Bangalore | Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), IFIM Business School, Indus Business Academy |
Chennai | Great Lakes Institute of Management, Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) |
Kolkata | International School of Business and Media (ISBM), Bengal Institute of Business Studies (BIBS), Institute of Engineering and Management (IEM) |
Hyderabad | IFIM Business School, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Hyderabad, Gitam School of Business |
Pune | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune, MIT School of Business, Pune University (Department of Management Sciences) |
Lucknow | Shiv Nadar University, Jaipuria Institute of Management, BBD University |
Ahmedabad | MICA, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Ahmedabad |
Indore | International Institute of Professional Studies (IIPS), Indore Institute of Law (IIL) |
Chandigarh | Chandigarh University, University Business School (UBS) |
Eligibility Criteria for MBA Without CAT :
- Educational Qualification:
- A Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD).
- Final-year students can apply.
- Entrance Exam:
- Admission is based on scores from exams like MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, or ATMA instead of CAT.
- Some colleges offer direct admission without an entrance exam.
- Age Limit:
- No specific upper age limit (generally 21-22 years minimum age).
- Work Experience:
- Not mandatory for most colleges, but preferred by some institutes.
- Nationality:
- Primarily open to Indian citizens; international students may have different criteria.
- Admission Process:
- Based on entrance exam scores, Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). Some institutes also have a Written Ability Test (WAT).
Factors to consider while choosing MBA colleges without CAT
- Alternative Entrance Exams: Consider taking other MBA entrance exams like GMAT, XAT, NMAT, or MAT to increase your options for top B-schools.
- Direct Admissions: Some colleges offer direct admissions based on work experience, academic performance, and GD-PI rounds.
- College Reputation and Accreditation: Prioritize AICTE-approved colleges with strong placement records, experienced faculty, and good infrastructure.
- Program Specialization: Choose a specialization that aligns with your career goals and industry relevance.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Evaluate the potential salary packages, job prospects, and long-term career growth opportunities offered by the MBA program.
pros and cons while consider while choosing MBA without CAT

FAQ’S
1.Can I get into a good MBA program without CAT?
Yes, you can. While CAT is a popular entrance exam, it’s not the only route to an MBA. Many reputable B-schools accept scores from other exams like GMAT, XAT, NMAT, MAT, SNAP, etc. Some colleges even offer direct admissions based on work experience, academic performance, and GD-PI rounds.
2.What are the specializations offered in an MBA?
Common specializations include Finance, Marketing, Operations Management, Human Resources, and International Business.
3.What is the importance of GD-PI rounds?
GD-PI rounds assess your communication skills, leadership abilities, problem-solving skills, and overall personality
4.Are there scholarships and financial aid options for MBA students?
Many colleges offer scholarships and financial aid to deserving students.
Have anything to add? Share with us in the comments!
If you have any questions or doubts, share them with us on help@coachdekho.in