Overview: Which are the best MBA colleges in India without the CAT exam? Pursuing an MBA without CAT requires understanding alternative entrance exams and admission processes. Read on to know the top colleges for an MBA without the CAT exam!
- Although more than 1,200+ MBA institutes accept CAT scores, you can apply without taking the CAT exam.
- Several other top B-schools in India either have their own entrance exams or offer direct admission to MBA programs.
🔗 Also Read: Management Quota in NMIMS Mumbai Direct Admission
💡 List of Best MBA Colleges In India Without CAT Exam 2025
The CAT or Common Admission Test is widely regarded as the toughest MBA entrance exam, with approximately 3.5 lakh students taking the test each year. Due to intense competition, some candidates struggle to meet the cutoff.
However, aspiring MBA students need not worry, as several top institutes offer admission to their programs without requiring a CAT score. If you are interested in pursuing your MBA degree from a renowned and esteemed college in India, you can refer to the following list for options: Contact Ace Guru Education Services or Visit our website- mba-guru.com or you can send us email at – queries@ace-guru.com Call @ 9742479101 Ankit Mishra, and 9742886036 Anis
| Best MBA Colleges in India Without CAT 2025 | |||
| Colleges | Entrance Exams | Locations | Courses Available |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | XAT | Jamshedpur, Jharkhand | HRM, BM, GM |
| NMIMS Mumbai | NMAT | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Business Analytics, Pharmaceutical Management, Executive MBA |
| SIBM Pune | SNAP | Pune, Maharashtra | Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations Management |
| JBIMS Mumbai | CAT, CMAT, MH-CET | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Master of Management Studies (MMS), Executive MBA |
| IIFT Delhi | IIFT Entrance Exam | New Delhi | International Business |
| Xavier University | XAT, GD, PI | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management |
| Indian School of Business | GMAT, ISBAT | Hyderabad, Telangana | PGPM, Executive MBA |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | CAT, XAT, GMAT | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Global Fast Track (GFT), Finance, Operations, Marketing |
🔗 Also Read: MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score + Direct Seats Available
📝 MBA Admission without CAT Exam 2026: Alternative Entrance Exam
Another way to gain admission to an MBA without a CAT score is to take alternative entrance exams. Reputable MBA colleges widely accept several exams.
| Exam | Conducting Body | Acceptance |
| MAT (Management Aptitude Test) | AIMA (All India Management Association) | Accepted by over 600 business schools in India |
| XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) | XLRI (Xavier School of Management) | Accepted by many prestigious institutes |
| CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) | NTA (National Testing Agency) | Accepted by various AICTE-approved colleges |
| NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test) | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) | Accepted by NMIMS University and other institutions |
🔗 Also Read: Low CAT Score? Get Direct Admission in MBA College
🎯 Top 10 MBA Colleges in India without CAT 2025
These are the leading MBA colleges that do not require CAT. Admission is based on other exams like XAT, SNAP, NMAT, GMAT, or merit + GD/PI.
| College Name | Location | Seat Intake | Entrance Exam | Total Fees (2 Years) | Avg. Placement (LPA) |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | Jamshedpur | 360 | XAT / GMAT | ₹30.6 Lakhs | 29.89 |
| ISB Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 850+ | GMAT / GRE | ₹38.67 Lakhs | 33.26 |
| SIBM Pune | Pune | 300 | SNAP | ₹24.2 Lakhs | 26.77 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | Mumbai | 240 | GMAT / Profile | ₹26.5 Lakhs | 33.00 |
| NMIMS Mumbai | Mumbai | 600 | NMAT | ₹25.49 Lakhs | 25.13 |
| TISS Mumbai | Mumbai | 60 | TISSNET / CUET-PG | ₹1.85 Lakhs | 20.00 |
| SCMHRD Pune | Pune | 180 | SNAP | ₹26.54 Lakhs | 23.13 |
| XIM Bhubaneswar | Bhubaneswar | 360 | XAT / CUET | ₹23 Lakhs | 10.50 |
| Christ University | Bangalore | 500 | CUET / Skill Test | ₹11.4 Lakhs | 8.50 |
| KIIT School of Management | Bhubaneswar | 280 | KIITEE | ₹18 Lakhs | 9.00 |
📌 Low Fee MBA Colleges without CAT 2025 (Under ₹5 Lakh)
The following are some of the top MBA colleges in India that do not require the CAT exam for admission and have total fees under INR 5 lakhs. Some of these colleges include SIMSREE, PUMBA, and TISS Mumbai.
| College Name | Total Fees | Entrance | Avg. Salary (LPA) |
| SIMSREE Mumbai | ₹1.38 Lakhs | MH-CET (optional) | 15.19 |
| PUMBA Pune | ₹1.34 Lakhs | MH-CET / Merit | 8.00 |
| TISS Mumbai | ₹1.85 Lakhs | TISSNET | 20.00 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | ₹1.1 Lakhs | JMI Entrance | 10.00 |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University | ₹2.99 Lakhs | CUET-PG | 8–10 |
| Natesan Institute Chennai | ₹0.79 Lakhs | Merit | 5.50 |
🔗 Also Read: IMT Ghaziabad Management Quota
⭐ MBA Admission Process without CAT 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Check Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST)
- Final-year students can apply
Apply Online
- Visit the college website
- Fill form (July–Oct 2025)
- Pay ₹1,000–3,000
Appear for Selection
- Written Test / GD / PI
- Work experience adds weight
- Merit List & Counselling
Released: Nov–Dec 2026
- Pay seat confirmation fee
- Document Verification & Joining
✍️ MBA Management Quota Admission 2026
- Seats: 15–20% in private colleges
- Extra Fees: ₹5–20 Lakhs (donation + tuition)
- Eligibility: 50% in graduation
- Top Colleges: Christ, Amity, Balaji, Lexicon MILE
- Apply: After the merit list via the college office
Note: Before enrolling in any of the colleges through the Management quota, please verify AICTE approval & also avoid agents for direct admissions.
🔗 Also Read: IMT Ghaziabad MBA Direct Admission 2025
📝 Documents Required for MBA Admission
Submit scanned copies online + originals at verification:
- Class 10- & 12-Mark Sheets
- Graduation Mark Sheet & Degree
- Aadhaar / PAN Card
- 4 Passport Photos
- Transfer Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Work Experience Letter (if any)
🏢 City-Wise Best MBA Colleges without CAT 2025
The following are the city-wise top MBA colleges that do not require CAT for admissions in the MBA program. The top colleges for different cities are listed below.
1. Delhi NCR
In Delhi NCR, some of the top MBA colleges that offer admission without CAT include Jamia Millia Islamia University and IIFT Delhi. Check the table below for detailed information.
| College | Fees |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | ₹1.1 L |
| Ambedkar University | ₹2.99 L |
| IIFT Delhi | ₹21.82 L |
2. Mumbai
In Mumbai, some of the top MBA colleges that offer admission without CAT include SIMSREE, TISS, etc. Check the table below for detailed information.
| College | Fees |
| SIMSREE | ₹1.38 L |
| SPJIMR | ₹26.5 L |
| TISS | ₹1.85 L |
3. Bangalore
In Bangalore, some of the top MBA colleges that offer admission without CAT include Christ University, PES University, and IFIM Bangalore (JAGSOM Bangalore). Check the table below for detailed information.
| College | Fees |
| Christ University | ₹11.4 L |
| PES University | ₹10 L |
| IFIM | ₹10 L |
4. Pune
In Pune, some of the top MBA colleges that offer admission without CAT include SIBM Pune, PUMBA & BIMHRDi. Check the table below for detailed information.
| College | Fees |
| SIBM Pune | ₹24.2 L |
| PUMBA | ₹1.34 L |
| BIMHRD | ₹12.55 L |
5. Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, some of the top MBA colleges that offer admission without CAT include ISB Hyderabad & IMT Hyderabad. Check the table below for detailed information.
| College | Fees |
| ISB | ₹38.67 L |
| IMT Hyderabad | ₹15 L |
6. Chennai
In Chennai, some of the top MBA colleges that offer admission without CAT include Great Lakes Chennai & Natesan Institute. Check the table below for detailed information.
| College | Fees |
| Great Lakes | ₹11.76–15.86 L |
| Natesan Institute | ₹79,000 |
🔗 Also Read: MDI Gurgaon Management Quota | 2026 Direct MBA Admission
Top Placements (MBA without CAT 2025)
Several top MBA colleges in India that don’t require CAT for admission have amazing placement records, with packages that can easily compete with many IIMs. Let’s take a look at how these colleges performed in their latest placement season.
- TISS Mumbai: Famous for its HR program, TISS saw an average salary of around ₹27 LPA, and the highest offer touched ₹49 LPA. Big brands like Deloitte, Accenture, HUL, and EY were among the top recruiters.
- IIFT Delhi: If international business excites you, IIFT is a great choice. The average CTC was ₹29.1 LPA, with international offers crossing ₹85 LPA! Companies like Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and JP Morgan frequently visit the campus.
- SPJIMR Mumbai: Another strong performer, SPJIMR offered an average package of ₹33 LPA, with the highest offer above ₹77 LPA. Leading recruiters included McKinsey, BCG, PwC, and HDFC Bank.
- NMIMS Mumbai: Known for its practical curriculum and corporate exposure, NMIMS recorded an average package of ₹14 LPA and a highest package of ₹67.8 LPA. Top names like Microsoft, Capgemini, and KPMG hired from here.
- Symbiosis (SIBM Pune): Admission is through SNAP, and placements here are top-notch. The average salary stood at ₹28.2 LPA, while the highest touched ₹53 LPA. Companies such as ITC, HUL, and Deloitte are regular recruiters.
- PUMBA Pune: A great option if you’re looking for value for money. The average package is between ₹6–8 LPA, and the highest offer goes up to ₹18 LPA. Recruiters include ICICI Bank, Infosys, and Capgemini.
- SIMSREE Mumbai: Known for its ROI, SIMSREE students bagged an average package of ₹10.6 LPA and a highest offer of ₹23 LPA. Some major recruiters were KPMG, Deloitte, HDFC Bank, and TCS.
💼 Commonly Asked Questions
Ques. Can I get into IIMs without CAT?
Ans. No, admission to IIMs is only through the CAT (Common Admission Test). It’s the mandatory entrance exam for all 20 IIMs in India. However, if you haven’t taken the CAT, you can still get into top private B-schools such as ISB Hyderabad, XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, NMIMS Mumbai, and Symbiosis (SIBM Pune). These institutes accept other exams like GMAT, XAT, and SNAP, and offer placements and learning environments comparable to the IIMs.
Ques. Which exam is easiest instead of the CAT?
Ans. While every exam has its own pattern, SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test), NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test), and CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) are considered easier and more student-friendly alternatives to CAT. They have a simpler syllabus, no negative marking (in NMAT), and flexible exam schedules. These exams open doors to reputed institutes like SIBM Pune, NMIMS Mumbai, and PUMBA Pune, among others.
Ques. Is direct admission safe?
Ans. Yes, direct MBA admission is completely safe if you choose a college approved by AICTE, UGC, or accredited by NAAC, and preferably listed in the NIRF rankings. Always verify the institute’s placement record, faculty, and official approvals before paying any fees. Many reputed universities, such as Amity, Lovely Professional University (LPU), and UPES Dehradun, offer direct admission under management quota or merit-based seats.
Ques. What is the Last date to apply for MBA Admissions in 2025?
Ans. Most MBA colleges close their application process by November 30, 2025, though some universities may extend deadlines till December or January 2026. Exams like NMAT, SNAP, and CMAT also have different registration timelines. It’s best to check each college’s official admission portal for the latest dates.
Ques. Are Scholarships available in MBA colleges?
Ans. Yes, several top MBA colleges offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Institutes like TISS Mumbai, SIMSREE, and Christ University provide up to 100% tuition fee waivers for high-performing students. Government and private scholarships A such as AICTE PG Scholarship and Buddy4Study MBA Scholarships, can also help reduce your overall MBA cost significantly.
🔗 Also Read:
Top 50 MBA Colleges Bangalore Direct Admission
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT low Score Direct Admission
Delhi Top MBA Colleges Direct Admission
Top MBA Colleges Direct Admission Marketing
Management Quota Admission in SIBM Bangalore MBA
Direct Admission in NMIMS for MBA Management Quota Seats