When it comes to pursuing an MBA in India, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to some of the best business schools in the country. Many top-tier institutions consider CAT scores for their admission processes, making it one of the most competitive exams for aspiring MBA students. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of the CAT exam and highlight the Top 12 B-Schools in India Accepting CAT Scores, along with essential information such as location, fees, placements, and more.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It serves as the primary selection criterion for admission to over 1,000 management institutes across India, including the prestigious IIMs and several other top MBA colleges through CAT score. The exam is designed to assess a candidate's analytical, quantitative, verbal, and logical reasoning skills.
CAT is conducted once a year, and the score is valid for a year. The difficulty level of the CAT exam is relatively high, as it is a computer-based test (CBT) that requires intensive preparation. Candidates who excel in CAT can gain admission to some of the best MBA colleges in India accepting CAT score, positioning themselves for a successful career in management.
The CAT exam pattern for 2024 is expected to follow the structure from previous years, with a few tweaks to enhance fairness and assess candidates comprehensively. The exam consists of three sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section typically contains 24-26 questions that evaluate a candidate's reading, comprehension, and verbal skills.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): The DILR section usually has 20-24 questions, testing candidates' ability to interpret data and solve logical problems.
Quantitative Ability (QA): With 22-26 questions, this section focuses on mathematical concepts ranging from basic arithmetic to more complex algebra and geometry.
The total duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted for each section. The test is conducted online, and candidates must adhere to sectional time limits.
The CAT admission process for 2024 follows a structured approach, starting from registration to the final selection of candidates. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
CAT Registration: Interested candidates must register for CAT online, providing necessary details such as educational background and work experience.
Admit Card and Examination: Once registered, candidates will receive their admit cards for the exam. After taking the CAT exam, candidates' scores will be released.
Shortlisting by Colleges: Post-CAT, each participating institute shortlists candidates based on their CAT percentile, academic background, and other criteria like work experience.
Group Discussion/Personal Interview (GD/PI): Shortlisted candidates are invited for further rounds, such as Group Discussion, Personal Interview, and sometimes Written Ability Tests (WAT).
Final Selection: Institutes consider a composite score derived from the CAT score, GD/PI performance, academic records, and work experience to make final admission offers.
The CAT syllabus for 2024 is comprehensive and designed to test a candidate’s overall aptitude for management studies. Here's an overview of the syllabus for each section:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Reading comprehension passages, sentence correction, para jumbles, and verbal reasoning.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): Bar charts, line graphs, tables, data sufficiency, puzzles, seating arrangements, and syllogisms.
Quantitative Ability (QA): Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, percentage, ratios, probability, and trigonometry.
Understanding the syllabus is crucial for candidates aspiring to join MBA colleges that accept CAT scores as it provides a roadmap for focused preparation.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Fee: ₹23 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹32 LPA
Highest Package: ₹75 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 99+ percentile
Batch Size: 400+
Top Recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs
Key Features: Consistently ranked among the top; exceptional placements.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Fee: ₹24 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹33 LPA
Highest Package: ₹80 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 99+ percentile
Batch Size: 500+
Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Amazon, Accenture
Key Features: Known for its tech focus and global exposure.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Fee: ₹23 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹34 LPA
Highest Package: ₹87 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 99+ percentile
Batch Size: 450+
Top Recruiters: Bain & Co, JP Morgan, Google
Key Features: Excellent finance domain opportunities.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow
Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Fee: ₹20 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹26 LPA
Highest Package: ₹61 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 97+ percentile
Batch Size: 500+
Top Recruiters: Deloitte, PwC, Tata
Key Features: Strong focus on consulting and finance roles.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode
Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
Fee: ₹23 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹29 LPA
Highest Package: ₹58 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 97+ percentile
Batch Size: 480+
Top Recruiters: EY, Cognizant, Capgemini
Key Features: A hub for analytics and consulting.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore
Location: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Fee: ₹21 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹25 LPA
Highest Package: ₹65 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 97+ percentile
Batch Size: 550+
Top Recruiters: Infosys, KPMG, Mahindra
Key Features: Focuses on leadership and entrepreneurship.
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University
Location: New Delhi
Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹32 LPA
Highest Package: ₹58 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 98+ percentile
Batch Size: 250+
Top Recruiters: Amazon, Flipkart, HUL
Key Features: High ROI with low fees and excellent placements.
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Fee: ₹20 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹30 LPA
Highest Package: ₹51 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 92+ percentile
Batch Size: 240+
Top Recruiters: Google, PepsiCo, Reliance
Key Features: Known for its innovation in pedagogy.
Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Fee: ₹22 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹27 LPA
Highest Package: ₹60 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 96+ percentile
Batch Size: 360+
Top Recruiters: Asian Paints, Godrej, Vodafone
Key Features: Specialization in supply chain management.
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
Location: New Delhi
Fee: ₹20 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹25 LPA
Highest Package: ₹80 LPA
CAT Cut-off: N/A (accepts IIFT exam)
Batch Size: 300+
Top Recruiters: Wipro, Samsung, HDFC
Key Features: Focus on international trade.
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Fee: ₹20 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹23 LPA
Highest Package: ₹57 LPA
CAT Cut-off: 90+ percentile
Batch Size: 600+
Top Recruiters: Deloitte, KPMG, ICICI Bank
Key Features: Known for strong industry connections and corporate exposure.
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
Average Package: ₹20 LPA
Highest Package: ₹42 LPA
CAT Cut-off: N/A (accepts TISSNET)
Batch Size: 300+
Top Recruiters: UNDP, WHO, NGOs, HUL
Key Features: Specializes in social sciences with a strong focus on HR and development sectors.
The Top 12 B-Schools in India Accepting CAT Scores are renowned for providing world-class management education and consistently securing top placements for their students. These institutes represent a variety of strengths in areas like finance, consulting, technology, and global business management. For candidates aiming to make their mark in the management world, securing a seat at one of these MBA colleges through CAT score can be the first step toward a promising career. Each of these MBA CAT colleges offers a unique learning experience and ample opportunities, ensuring that students graduate well-equipped to face industry challenges.
If you're aspiring to join one of the MBA colleges that accept CAT score, preparation and understanding of the CAT exam pattern 2024 and admission process 2024 will be key to your success. Start early, stay focused, and aim for excellence to land a seat in one of the MBA colleges in India accepting CAT score.