Pursuing an MBA from a reputed institution can be a game-changer for your career. While CAT (Common Admission Test) is one of the most recognized exams for MBA admissions, not all top-tier colleges mandate CAT scores. Many prestigious institutions in India offer MBA programs where you can apply through other competitive exams like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, GMAT, and others. In this blog, we will explore the Top MBA Colleges Without CAT Exam and provide detailed insights about their fee structure, placement records, and more.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the best MBA colleges without CAT exam that you should consider:
1. Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur
Location: Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
Accepted Exams: XAT, GMAT
Fee: ₹25-26 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹30 LPA
Highest Package: ₹50 LPA+
Batch Size: ~360 students
Top Recruiting Companies: BCG, McKinsey, PwC, Deloitte, Amazon
Key Features & Strengths: XLRI is renowned for its HR and Business Management programs, providing excellent faculty and global exposure. Its strong alumni network and consistent top rankings make it one of the top MBA colleges in India without CAT exam.
2. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Accepted Exams: SNAP
Fee: ₹21 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹24 LPA
Highest Package: ₹35 LPA+
Batch Size: ~180 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Accenture, Infosys, HUL, P&G, ICICI Bank
Key Features & Strengths: SIBM is a leader among non CAT MBA colleges in India, known for its industry-aligned curriculum, strong corporate ties, and impressive placement records.
3. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Accepted Exams: NMAT
Fee: ₹21-22 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹23 LPA
Highest Package: ₹40 LPA
Batch Size: ~600 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Google, EY, KPMG, JP Morgan, Capgemini
Key Features & Strengths: NMIMS is renowned for its strong corporate interface, wide range of specializations, and high placement rates, making it one of the best MBA colleges without CAT in the country.
4. Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Accepted Exams: GMAT, XAT
Fee: ₹24 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹27 LPA
Highest Package: ₹44 LPA
Batch Size: ~240 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, Accenture, Flipkart
Key Features & Strengths: MDI is a preferred choice for aspirants aiming for top-tier corporate jobs, with a high emphasis on leadership development and experiential learning.
5. Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Accepted Exams: GMAT, GRE
Fee: ₹37-40 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹28 LPA
Highest Package: ₹50 LPA+
Batch Size: ~900 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Amazon, McKinsey
Key Features & Strengths: Known for its global exposure, high placements, and international faculty, ISB is among the top MBA colleges in India without CAT exam.
6. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Accepted Exams: GMAT, XAT
Fee: ₹19-20 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹32 LPA
Highest Package: ₹46 LPA
Batch Size: ~240 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Tata Group, Asian Paints
Key Features & Strengths: SPJIMR offers a values-based education, focusing on global leadership and innovation, making it a prime option among the best MBA colleges without CAT.
7. T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal
Location: Manipal, Karnataka
Accepted Exams: GMAT, XAT, NMAT
Fee: ₹16 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹12.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹32 LPA
Batch Size: ~500 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Deloitte, EY, HDFC Bank, KPMG, Infosys
Key Features & Strengths: TAPMI is known for its strong focus on case-based learning and leadership development programs.
8. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Accepted Exams: GMAT, XAT, CMAT
Fee: ₹18-20 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹14.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹29 LPA
Batch Size: ~420 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Deloitte, Accenture, HSBC, TCS
Key Features & Strengths: Great Lakes excels in fast-track MBA programs, focusing on global management practices and analytics.
9. Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
Location: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Accepted Exams: XAT, GMAT, CMAT
Fee: ₹19 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹14 LPA
Highest Package: ₹34 LPA
Batch Size: ~500 students
Top Recruiting Companies: KPMG, Wipro, Infosys, Deloitte
Key Features & Strengths: IMT is noted for its strong alumni network and excellent placement records.
10. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Accepted Exams: XAT, GMAT, CMAT
Fee: ₹18 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹10 LPA
Highest Package: ₹30 LPA
Batch Size: ~600 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Capgemini, Accenture, Tata Motors, Infosys
Key Features & Strengths: KJ Somaiya is known for its rigorous academic structure and excellent industry connections.
11. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Accepted Exams: GMAT, NMAT, IBSAT
Fee: ₹16-17 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹8 LPA
Highest Package: ₹23 LPA
Batch Size: ~1200 students
Top Recruiting Companies: HDFC Bank, Cognizant, ICICI Bank, EY
Key Features & Strengths: IBS Hyderabad has a large batch size with strong placements in finance and consulting sectors.
12. Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida
Location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Accepted Exams: XAT, GMAT, CMAT
Fee: ₹12 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹9 LPA
Highest Package: ₹23 LPA
Batch Size: ~400 students
Top Recruiting Companies: Tata Motors, Infosys, Wipro, Deloitte
Key Features & Strengths: BIMTECH provides a strong focus on entrepreneurship and leadership skills development.
While CAT is a significant exam for MBA admissions, several top MBA colleges in India without CAT exam provide excellent programs and opportunities. These institutions, accepting exams like XAT, NMAT, GMAT, SNAP, and others, are a great choice for aspirants who want to pursue an MBA without appearing for CAT. Whether it's placements, fee structure, or industry connections, these best MBA colleges without CAT ensure that you receive world-class education and career opportunities.