CAT 2025 Results Open Paths to Top MBA Colleges Beyond IIMs

The results of the Common Entrance Test (CAT) 2025 have been released, prompting management aspirants across India to explore various top Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) programs beyond the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). While the IIMs remain a popular choice for many candidates, several other esteemed institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and renowned B-schools like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon, also accept CAT scores for admission.

Approximately 2.95 lakh candidates registered for CAT 2025, with 2.58 lakh appearing for the exam conducted by IIM Kozhikode at 339 centres across 170 cities. IIM Ahmedabad continues to maintain its position at the top according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, with a total of 21 IIMs accepting CAT scores. However, aspiring students can also consider IITs and other leading B-schools that offer specialized management programs, providing alternatives for candidates who may not score as highly on the CAT.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Scores

The following is a list of notable MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores, along with their respective seat availability, fees, and eligibility criteria:

– **IIT Delhi**: Department of Management Studies, approximately 115 seats, fees around ₹12 lakh, minimum CAT percentile of 90+ required.
– **IIT Bombay**: Shailesh Jha Mehta School of Business, approximately 152 seats, fees around ₹14.95 lakh, minimum CAT percentile of 90+.
– **IIT Kharagpur**: Vinod Gupta School of Management, approximately 200 seats, fees around ₹24 lakh, minimum CAT percentile of 90+.
– **FMS Delhi**: Faculty of Management Studies, approximately 250 seats, fees around ₹60,000 per semester, minimum CAT percentile of 90+.
– **SPJIMR Mumbai**: SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, approximately 251 seats, fees around ₹22 lakh, minimum CAT percentile of 90+ or scores from XAT or GMAT accepted.
– **MDI Gurgaon**: Management Development Institute, approximately 240 seats, fees around ₹24.16 lakh, minimum CAT percentile of 90+.

This list is not exhaustive, as many other institutions also accept alternative entrance exams. Candidates who do not achieve a high CAT percentile can consider options such as the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT), Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP), and the Common University Entrance Test Postgraduate (CUET-PG).

Exploring Alternatives for MBA Aspirants

Institutions like the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM Pune), Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Mumbai, Xavier Institute of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur, Great Lakes Chennai, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai, and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) School of Management provide multiple pathways for admission. These alternatives ensure that aspiring students can still pursue high-quality MBA programs even if they do not secure a spot in the IIMs or achieve the necessary CAT scores.

With the CAT results now available, management aspirants are encouraged to research and apply to the institutions that best fit their career goals and academic profiles. The landscape for MBA admissions in India is diverse, providing numerous opportunities for students aiming to excel in the field of management.