The Common Admission Test, or CAT, opens the door to India’s best management colleges, which hold out revolutionary career opportunities in corporate India. With over 2.5 lakh applicants annually, admission to a top-of-the-line MBA college requires a delicate mix of academic qualifications, wise preparation, and stellar performance during personal interviews.
Although more than 3,000 Indian business schools employ CAT scores, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) dominate the rankings, followed by other popular schools like FMS Delhi, ISB Hyderabad, SPJIMR Mumbai, and IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE Mumbai).
To help you make your best decision, we have curated a list of the top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores, keeping in mind factors like academic ranking, placement record, return on investment (ROI), and alumni network. So keep reading to understand in detail:
Get the first AiExpertEdge CAT Online Course with 20% Discount
Top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 Scores
1. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad
Founded in 1961, IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) is one of top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores its India’s leading business schools, ranked top in national and international rankings consistently. It is consistently ranked No. 1 in the NIRF Management Rankings since 2020. With a legacy of 60+ years and a robust 41,000+ alumni base, it is the first choice among all the management aspirants.
It owes its success to a visionary base established by India’s most intelligent minds, with a majority of alumni contributing to the country’s economy through leadership positions in government, corporations, and start-ups. Dedicated to excellence, IIM Ahmedabad provides world-class education with financial aid to meritorious students, developing the next line of business leaders.
Why IIM Ahmedabad?
- It is ranked No.1 in India in NIRF 2023 in management.
- It has world-class collaborations with Harvard, Wharton, and London Business School.
- Since it offers one of the largest placement packages among all the B-schools in India. It is one of the most desired colleges among the aspirants.
Courses Offered & Fees
- Flagship Program: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)
- Fees: ₹25-30 Lakhs
Placement Highlights 2024
- Highest Domestic Package: ₹1.46 Crore per annum
- Average Salary: ₹31.58 LPA
- Top Recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Google
Selection Process
- Weightage in CAT 2024 Score: 25%
- Personal Interview (PI): 50%
- Academic & Work Experience Weightage: 25%
2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore
IIM Bangalore is ranked #2 in India by NIRF and is one among the top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores and a most sought-after MBA destinations because of its better location in India’s startup capital and robust placement. Equally strong academically as IIM Ahmedabad, it is best in international offers, exchange programmes, and alumni activity.
With 50+ years of heritage and a 25,000+ alumni base across 300+ cities and 50+ countries, IIM Bangalore has been at the forefront of shaping India’s startup and tech ecosystem and has gained international recognition.
Why IIM Bangalore?
- Its strong location in Bangalore offers a strong exposure to startups and MNCs.
- It provides a High placement percentage, with salaries comparable to IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta.
- It has world-class faculty and infrastructure that facilitate experiential learning.
Courses Offered & Fees
- Flagship Program: PGP in Management
- Fees: ₹24-28 Lakhs
Placement Highlights 2024
- Highest Salary: ₹100 LPA+
- Average Salary: ₹35.92 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Bain & Co, Microsoft, HUL, JP Morgan
Selection Process
- CAT Score Weightage: 55%
- PI & WAT Weightage: 30%
- Work Experience & Academic Performance: 15%
3. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta
IIM Calcutta was the first IIM in India and has a long history that spans over the past 64 years. Selected for its historical and intellectual importance, it emerged as a worldwide management institute. It hosts over 45,000 alumni which makes it a top top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores also enables IIMC to provide helpful opportunities for freshers – 37% of their batch are freshers – which, alongside IIM A and IIM B, makes it the most affordable IIM.
Why Choose IIM Calcutta?
- It has the best finance and Consulting placements in the country.
- It has strong connections with leading MNCs through its alumni.
- It has exceptional infrastructure and collaborations with other institutions.
Courses Offered & Fees
- Flagship Program: PGP in Management
- Fees: ₹27 Lakhs
Placement Highlights 2024
- Highest Package: ₹1.15 Crore
- Average Salary: ₹35.07 LPA
- Top Recruiters: JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, McKinsey, Deloitte
Selection Process
- CAT Score Weightage: 30%
- PI & WAT Weightage: 48%
- Academic & Work Experience: 22%
4. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
FMS Delhi provides the highest return on investment among Indian MBA schools, with an average salary of 34.1 LPA for a mere fee of ₹2.3 lakh. Ranked fourth on this list, its strength is not only in high placements but also a top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores providing domain-wise recruitment, with consulting dominating for more than a decade.
FMS offers industry-focused management programs intended to provide students with the skill sets and competencies necessary to prosper in today’s dynamic business arena. Its modern curriculum makes it possible for graduates to succeed in the corporate world’s demanding realities.
Why Choose FMS Delhi?
- FMS Delhi charges the lowest MBA fee in India (₹2.3 Lakhs) but offers ₹34+ LPA average salary.
- It gives the best return on investment among all IIMs.
- It excels in placing students in Finance, Consulting, and Marketing jobs.
Programs Available & Costs
- MBA (Full-Time)
- Cost: ₹2.3 Lakhs
Job Placement Stats 2024
- Top Package: ₹1.23 Crore
- Typical Salary: ₹34.1 LPA
- Key Employers: Amazon, Accenture, Google, Tata Group
How They Pick Students
- CAT Score Counts for: 50%
- Interview & Personal Statement: 50%
5. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow
IIM Lucknow, the fourth IIM to be set up in India, has been at the forefront of developing value-based leaders and global managers since 1984 it is a top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores which has strong alumni network, faculty, and industry relationships have contributed to it leaving an indelible mark on the business world. Its location close to Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon adds to its appeal, giving students plenty of corporate exposure. With a preference for candidates with work experience, IIM Lucknow has excellent placement growth and is among the fastest-growing IIMs on this list.
Why IIM Lucknow?
- It has improved placement records year after year.
- It places a Strong emphasis on leadership and innovation.
- Its rapidly Increasing industry presence in consulting and operations.
Placement Highlights 2024
- Average Package: ₹30 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Google, Deloitte, TCS, HDFC
6. ISB Hyderabad
ISB Hyderabad is ranked sixth, not only as a private MBA college but for global exposure, industry-relevant courses, and good placements but also a top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores. Providing one-year and two-year MBA courses, ISB has the best faculty from Wharton, Kellogg, London Business School, and other international institutions, providing a world-class education.
Its cosmopolitan student cohort, chosen from GMAT, CAT, work experience, and academic credentials, creates a rich learning experience. With every month’s rotation in study groups, students develop an enormous professional network, with several career choices and an international view of business problems.
Why ISB?
- World-class faculty comprising scholars from Harvard, Wharton, and LBS.
- Hottest choice for 1-year MBA students with work experience.
Placement Highlights
- Average Package: ₹32 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Microsoft, KPMG, BCG
7. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
Founded in 1981 in Mumbai, S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) is one of the non-IIMs distinguished by profile-based admissions and a top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores with a leadership-oriented curriculum. SPJIMR is renowned for its innovative style of management education with an emphasis on holistic development and industry relevance.
The major highlight is its international exposure, where students of full-time programs undertake short-term global immersions, learning at the best schools globally. This combination of academic depth and experiential learning makes SPJIMR a favourite among MBA aspirants.
Why SPJIMR?
- Profile-based admission.
- Topmost placements for freshers and experienced candidates.
Placement Highlights
- Average Package: ₹33 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Google, Flipkart, Nestle
8. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode
IIM Kozhikode, which was established in 1996 as the fifth IIM in India, has evolved into a world-class management institute famous for its excellence in academics and innovative pedagogy which makes it a top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores. Ranked 3rd amongst all the IIMs by NIRF, the institute has much more to offer beyond quality education.
Its pedagogy is inspired by leading course designers and blends lectures in the classrooms, workshops, guest lectures, live training sessions, corporate meetings, and research work to ensure all-round student growth. The faculty comprises India’s and worldwide’s top academicians and industry leaders to ensure students receive a world-class education.
One of the advantages of IIM Kozhikode is its comparatively lower CAT cutoff, with a minimum sectional percentile of 75 and an overall 85, making it more reachable for aspirants. Although this makes it a desirable option for freshers, getting a higher CAT score boosts the chances of admission enormously.
Why Choose IIM Kozhikode?
- Diversity-driven admissions.
- Excellent placements in tech & consulting.
Placement Highlights
- Average Package: ₹28.05 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Uber, Paytm, EY
9. IIM Mumbai (old NITIE Mumbai)
Being previously known as NITIE Mumbai, the institute was initially set up by the Government of India and gradually made its place among the prominent MBA colleges of the nation. With its control over Supply Chain and Operations Management, the institution provides various executive and postgraduate programs based on industry requirements.
With the passing of the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill 2023 by both houses of Parliament and the President’s assent, NITIE Mumbai has now been formally declared as IIM Mumbai, achieving a major milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence and national stature.
Why Choose IIM Mumbai?
- Top MBA for Supply Chain & Operations.
- Solid placement in Analytics & AI-based jobs.
Placement Highlights
- Average Package: ₹47 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Tata, Amazon, Deloitte
10. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore
IIM Indore, the highly ranked top MBA college, occupies the 10th position on our list. It was founded in 1996, the same year as IIM Kozhikode, and is one of the older IIMs recognized for its academic rigour and industry acumen and is a top top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores.
The institute provides an incredibly enriching learning environment, with accomplished faculty members who are world-renowned professionals in their respective areas of expertise. They possess huge amounts of experience in management, finance, social sciences, and professional studies, providing students with top-quality education. The professors not only focus on teaching and guiding but are also actively involved in research, publishing frequently in top-tier academic journals.
Why Choose IIM Indore?
- Topped by a high placement rate and global reputation.
Placement Highlights
- Maximum Package: ₹1 Crore
- Median Package: ₹25.68 LPA
Conclusion
Regardless of the top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores and whichever college you opt for, hard work, networking, and a smart approach to your career will decide your future success. All these top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores offer world-class education, real-world industry experience, and unmatched career opportunities. The only thing to do is choose a business school that matches your dreams, strengths, and financial profile.
So, which MBA college do you want to study at? Prepare yourself today and take the first step towards a successful career!
All the best!!
