The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most prominent and difficult MBA entrance exams, with a focus on admissions to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). However, CAT scores are accepted not only by IIMs, but also by some of the top non-IIM business schools for MBA and PGDM admissions.
These universities are well-known for their rigorous academic curriculum, industry-focused approach, and successful placement rates. For students who do not gain admission to an IIM, these non-IIM universities provide equally valuable prospects to establish a successful career in management. There are numerous options available for aspirants, including prestigious institutes such as FMS Delhi and MDI Gurgaon.
Choosing the correct institute is determined by aspects such as placement history, course offerings, and pricing structure, among others. This post will help the candidate learn about some of the best non-IIM MBA colleges that accept CAT scores, as well as other important information.
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List of Best Non-IIM MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
While the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) are the most well-known business schools that accept CAT scores, several other well-known non-IIM colleges also use CAT scores for admission to MBA and PGDM programs. Many of these non-IIM colleges frequently rank among India's top business schools and are highly sought after by MBA candidates.
Below is the list of the best non-IIM MBA colleges that accept the CAT scores for admission to their MBA and PGDM programs:-
| Institutions Name |
| Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM University), Visakhapatnam |
| Maharaja Agrasen Business School |
| Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata |
| Institute of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University |
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How to Choose the Right Non-IIM Business School?
With so many famous non-IIM colleges accepting CAT scores, selecting the right business school can feel overwhelming. Each institute has its strengths, specialisations, admission criteria, and learning environment. While rankings and cutoffs give a basic idea, a candidate’s decision should also be based on personal career goals, academic preferences, and long-term investment.
Below are some of the key factors to consider while choosing a non-IIM MBA college for a candidate:-
| Factors | About |
| Career Goals and Specialisations | A candidate should know which field they want to pursue a career in. Some of them are as follows:-
|
| A candidate should choose a college with a strong faculty, industry exposure and placements in the specialisations which they choose. | |
| Placement Statistics | A candidate should also look out for the placement statistics of the institutes they desire to seek admission to, and should draw a comparison between fees and salary for a clear understanding. |
| Colleges like the Faculty of Management Science, Delhi and the Delhi School of Economics, offer an excellent Return on Investment (ROI) due to the low fees and high placements. | |
| Fees and Financial Support | It is quite common that not all candidates can afford the high tuition fees charged by many IIMs and non-IIM business schools. In most cases, students and their families have a specific budget set aside for higher education. Therefore, it is highly recommended to choose an institution that fits within one’s financial limits |
| Another thing that a candidate must consider while choosing the management institution is whether the colleges or institutions offer scholarships, fee waivers for reserved categories and economically weaker sections, etc. | |
| Opting for a financially manageable college ensures that students can focus on learning and career development without facing undue financial pressure. |
These are some of the recommended factors that a candidate should consider while choosing a non-IIM MBA college should consider while applying to a non-IIM MBA college to pursue their further studies in the MBA or PGDM courses offered by the institutes.
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