Which Colleges Accept Low CAT Scores?

Which colleges accept low CAT scores is a common question among MBA aspirants who feel limited by a modest CAT percentile. While top IIMs usually demand very high scores, several reputed MBA colleges in India accept candidates with CAT percentiles ranging from 40 to 80. These institutes follow a holistic admission process that considers academic background, work experience, and performance in GD-PI rounds, making quality management education accessible even with a lower CAT score.

Which Colleges Accept Low CAT Scores?

Many MBA aspirants believe that a high CAT percentile is the only ticket to a quality management education. However, several reputable MBA colleges accept low CAT scores, ranging from the 50th to the 80th percentile. These institutions focus on a candidate’s holistic profile including academic consistency, work experience, and performance in personal interviews rather than just a single test score.

Colleges Accepting CAT Score Below 80 Percentile

For students scoring in the 70-80 percentile range, many Tier 2 MBA colleges offer excellent placements and curriculum. These colleges provide a balance between academic rigor and industry exposure.

• BIMTECH, Greater Noida: Known for its insurance and retail management programs, it often considers applicants in this range.

• AIMS Institutes, Bangalore: A popular choice for students seeking management education in South India.

• XIME, Bangalore/Kochi/Chennai: Offers a strong PGDM program with a focus on global industry standards.

Colleges Accepting CAT Score Below 70 Percentile

Many MBA aspirants believe that a high percentile is the only way to secure admission to a good management institute, but that is not always the case. MBA colleges accepting 70 percentile in CAT offer strong academic frameworks and industry exposure for candidates with moderate scores. In fact, scoring between 60 and 70 percentile still opens doors to several well-established management institutes that prioritize practical skills, profile strength, and performance in the interview process, making an MBA possible even with a lower CAT score.

• Amity University, Noida: Offers various specialized MBA programs with a broad admission criteria.

• Christ University, Bangalore: Highly regarded for its disciplined environment and strong corporate interface.

• IBA, Bangalore: A dedicated management school focusing on grooming future leaders through experiential learning.

Colleges Accepting CAT Score Below 60 Percentile

Many MBA colleges accepting 60 percentile in CAT focus on the overall potential of the candidate. These Tier 3 MBA colleges often have a more inclusive selection process.

• Lotus Business School, Pune: Focuses on agriculture and pharmaceutical management.

• Asian Business School, Noida: Known for its corporate-linked PGDM programs.

• New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM): Recognized for its strong industry connections and placement support.

Colleges Accepting CAT Score Below 50 Percentile

It is a common misconception that a 50 percentile marks the end of MBA opportunities. Several private MBA colleges accepting 50 percentile in CAT offer specialized programs for these candidates.

• School of Management, Bennett University: Provides a modern curriculum with a focus on entrepreneurship.

• JIMS, Rohini (Delhi): Offers various PGDM specializations with a decent track record of placements.

• Apeejay School of Management, Dwarka: Focuses on developing managerial competencies through industry-driven education.

Private MBA Colleges Accepting low CAT Scores

Private MBA colleges accepting low CAT scores provide a practical pathway for aspirants who may not have secured a high percentile but still wish to pursue management education. These institutions usually accept CAT percentiles in the range of 40 to 70 and follow a holistic admission process that considers academic background, work experience, and performance in GD-PI rounds. By focusing on skill development, industry exposure, and applied learning, private MBA colleges ensure that candidates with lower CAT scores still receive quality education and career opportunities.

• BIMTECH, Greater Noida

• XIME (Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai)

• AIMS Institutes, Bangalore

• Christ University, Bangalore

• Amity University, Noida

• JIMS, Rohini (Delhi)

• Apeejay School of Management, Dwarka

• Bennett University – School of Management

• Asian Business School, Noida

• New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM)

• EMPI Business School, New Delhi

• Skyline Business School, Delhi

• Lotus Business School, Pune

MBA Colleges Accepting 40–60 CAT Percentile

Candidates in the 40-60 percentile bracket can look toward emerging management institutes and regional leaders. While these may be CAT 40 percentile colleges, they often provide specialized training in niche sectors.

• Skyline Business School, Delhi: Known for its focus on marketing and international business.

• EMPI Business School, New Delhi: Offers unique programs like AI and Data Science integrated management.

Tier 3 MBA Colleges CAT Cutoff

Tier 3 MBA colleges' CAT cutoff is generally lower compared to top-tier management institutes, making them accessible to candidates with moderate or low CAT percentiles. Most Tier 3 MBA colleges accept CAT scores in the range of 40 to 70 percentiles and follow a holistic admission process that considers academic background, work experience, and performance in GD-PI rounds. While these colleges may not have strict sectional cutoffs, they focus on assessing a candidate’s overall potential and readiness for management education rather than relying only on the CAT score.