MBA has been the most rewarding post-graduation degree in India, with average packages at top B-schools now crossing ₹15–17 LPA. It is also quite beneficial for those who want to switch careers and make their professional lives more successful. Whenever something about the MBA from the best college, the very first thing that comes to mind is the CAT exam. People believe that for admission to top business schools in India, candidates have to give the CAT and score big. Well, that’s the half-truth; there are many top MBA colleges in India without the CAT exam offering management courses.
XLRI, SIBM, ISB, Taxila Business School, TAPMI, MICA, and IMT are some of the renowned colleges offering MBA without CAT. For admission to these colleges, candidates have to appear in MAT/CMAT/XAT, which is less difficult than the CAT Exam. An MBA from a top institute provides an employment guarantee, quality education, a premium network, entrepreneurship opportunities, and much more.
2026–27 MBA Entrance Exam Calendar (for exams other than CAT)
| Exam | Next Cycle | Exam Date | Registration Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2026 | Admission 2027 | Nov 29, 2026 | Aug 3 – Sep 15, 2026 |
| XAT 2027 | Admission 2027 | Jan 3, 2027 | Jul 15 – Dec 6, 2026 |
| SNAP 2026 | Admission 2027 | Dec 2026 (3 sessions) | Early Aug – ~Nov 20, 2026 |
| NMAT 2026 | Admission 2027 | Early Nov – mid-Dec 2026 | Early Aug – mid-Oct 2026 |
| MICAT 2027 | Admission 2027 | Dec 2026 / Jan 2027 (MICAT I & II) | Rolling from Sep 2026 |
| CMAT 2027 | Admission 2027 | Jan 2027 | Nov–Dec 2026 |
| TISSNET 2027 | Admission 2027 | Jan 2027 | Nov–Dec 2026 |
List of Top MBA Colleges in India Without CAT Exam (2026)
| Rank | College Name | Exam Accepted | Fees (2-yr) | Latest Avg. Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | XLRI, Jamshedpur | XAT/CAT/GMAT | ₹25.90–32.44 Lakh | ₹31.40 LPA |
| 2 | Indian School of Business, Hyderabad | GMAT/GRE | ₹38.67 Lakh (1-yr) | ₹37.29 LPA |
| 3 | SPJIMR, Mumbai | XAT/NMAT/GMAT/GRE | ₹24.00 Lakh | ₹33.75 LPA |
| 4 | TISS, Mumbai | TISSNET | ₹1.75–9.34 Lakh | ₹28.69 LPA |
| 5 | MICA, Ahmedabad | MICAT + CAT/XAT/GMAT | ₹23.90 Lakh | ₹19.21–26.63 LPA |
| 6 | IMT, Ghaziabad | CAT/XAT/GMAT/GRE | ₹21.50 Lakh | ₹17.20–17.35 LPA |
| 7 | JBIMS, Mumbai | CAT/CMAT/MH-CET | ₹6.10 Lakh | ₹26.00–28.02 LPA |
| 8 | XIMB (Xavier University), Bhubaneswar | XAT/GMAT/XGMT | ₹19.30 Lakh | ₹18.37–19.53 LPA |
| 9 | Taxila Business School, Jaipur | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT | ₹10.50 Lakh | ₹11.50 LPA |
| 10 | SIBM, Pune | SNAP | ₹22.20–24.20 Lakh | ₹28.16–28.17 LPA |
| 11 | TAPMI, Manipal | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT/NMAT | ₹8.67 Lakh | ₹11.90 LPA |
| 12 | BIMTECH, Greater Noida | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT | ₹14.00 Lakh | ₹11.10 LPA |
| 13 | Woxsen University, Hyderabad | WAT/JEE Mains/CUET/CAT/GMAT | ₹12.20 Lakh | ₹9.65 LPA |
| 14 | Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT/NMAT | ₹20.80 Lakh | ₹15.10 LPA |
| 15 | SCMHRD, Pune | SNAP | ₹23.88 Lakh | ₹12.38 LPA |
| 16 | XIME, Bangalore | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT/ATMA | ₹11.50 Lakh | ₹10.75 LPA |
| 17 | NMIMS, Mumbai | NPAT | ₹11.95 Lakh | ₹25.63 LPA |
| 18 | Amrita School of Business | ACAT | ₹7.90 Lakh | ₹8.50 LPA |
| 19 | JAGSOM, Bangalore | JAGMAT | ₹15.95 Lakh | ₹10.21 LPA |
| 20 | MNIT, Jaipur | MAT | ₹9.43 Lakh | ₹9.10 LPA |
| 21 | NSB Academy, Bangalore | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT/ATMA/KMAT | ₹8.70 Lakh | ₹7.05 LPA |
| 22 | JIMS, Rohini | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT/ATMA/GMAT | ₹9.25 Lakh | ₹9.45 LPA |
| 23 | Delhi School of Business | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT/ATMA/GMAT | ₹9.75 Lakh | ₹9.00 LPA |
| 24 | NIT Calicut | MAT | ₹2.50 Lakh | ₹12.70 LPA |
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XLRI Jamshedpur
Xavier Labour Relation Institute (XLRI) is one of the most renowned management institutes in India. Started in 1949, XLRI has been in the top 10 business schools of India since its inception, and in the latest NIRF management ranking secured 10th rank. XLRI offers two premium PGDM courses – Human Resource Management and Business Management. With 100% placement in every batch, the institute is famous for its industrial relations.
- Fees: ₹25.90 Lakh (PGDM General) / ₹32.44 Lakh (PGD-BM & PGD-HRM)
- Average Package (2026 batch): ₹31.40 LPA
- Highest Domestic Package: ₹59 LPA
- Highest International Offer: ₹1.10 Crore
- Placement: 576 domestic + 2 international offers from 145 recruiters; 100% placement completed within days
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission Process | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) + GD/PI |
| Next Cycle | XAT 2027 — exam Jan 3, 2027; registration closes Dec 6, 2026 |
| Expected Cutoff | ~90–95 percentile |
| Major Recruiters | McKinsey, BCG, Amazon, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Tata Steel |
| Top Sectors | Consulting, BFSI, Sales & Marketing |
Indian School of Business
In recent times, one institute that has been doing exceptionally well is ISB, Hyderabad. The primary focus of this institute is to enroll the working professionals, upskill them, and develop new entrepreneurs and managers. ISB has designed its curriculum in such a way that it gives all focus on the skill development relevant to marketing dynamics. There are many reasons why this college is among the tier 1 MBA colleges in India.
- Fees: ~₹38.67 Lakh (2026–27 tuition, 1-year program)
- Average Package (Class of 2026): ₹37.29 LPA (up ~11% YoY)
- Highest Package: ₹1.56 Crore
- Placement: 1,117 offers across 808 students; Accenture, Mastercard, EY-GDS among top recruiters; Consulting, Technology, and BFSI made up over 75% of roles
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission Process | GMAT/GRE score, academic and professional profile, essays, interview |
| Expected GMAT Cutoff | ~700+ |
| Major Recruiters | McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Amazon, Flipkart, Goldman Sachs |
| Alumni Network | 20,000+ across 60 countries, 13 unicorn founders |
SPJIMR
It has the strongest alumni network among all the management institutes in India. SPJIMR provides PGDM in 4 major streams – finance, marketing, operations, and information systems. There is a mandatory 2-week foreign exchange program in which the entire batch is taken to global universities.
- Fees – 24.00 Lakh
- Average Package – 33.75 LPA
- Highest Package – 75.00 LPA
| S. P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | S. P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai |
| Established | 1981 |
| Type | Business School |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Admission Process | Profile-Based Shortlisting Process |
| Admission Criteria | Academic background, work experience, extracurricular activities, achievements; Profile-Based Shortlisting Process includes psychometric test and personal interviews |
| Admission Cutoff (CAT 2025) | 97-99 percentile (Expected) |
| Cutoff Significance | One of the most prestigious and sought-after MBA programs in India |
| Seat Requirements | Top score in CAT, stellar academic and professional background |
| Placement Record 2024 | Average Package: 33.75 LPA, Highest: 75.00 LPA |
| Major Recruiters | McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group |
| Placement Sectors | Consulting, Finance, General Management |
| Innovative Pedagogy | Yes |
| Global Perspective | Yes |
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TISS, Mumbai
Tata Institute of Social Sciences is famous for its social work and management education. It promotes social justice, sustainable leadership, and ethical working through its programmes. Despite having the lowest fees among all the other colleges, it has an impressive average package of 27.22 LPA.
- Fees – ₹1.74 Lakhs to ₹9.34 Lakhs
- Average Package – 28.69 LPA
- Highest Package – 66.00 LPA
| TISS Mumbai | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai |
| Established | 1936 |
| Type | Deemed University (Institute of National Importance) |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Admission Process | Based on TISSNET/TISS-MAT scores (for certain programs), followed by Pre-Interview Test (PIT) and Personal Interview (PI) |
| Admission Criteria | TISSNET/TISS-MAT score, academic record, work experience (if applicable), PIT, and PI performance |
| Admission Cutoff (TISSNET 2025) | 72–76 marks (Expected, for HRM & LR program) |
| Cutoff Significance | HRM & LR is among the most sought-after programs, with high competition for limited seats |
| Seat Requirements | Good academic profile, strong communication and analytical skills, valid TISSNET/TISS-MAT score, and interview performance |
| Programs Offered | Master’s in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM & LR), Social Work, Public Policy, Health Systems, Development Studies, and other specialized master’s programs |
| Placement Record |
|
| Major Recruiters | Accenture, Deloitte, TCS, EY, HUL, Asian Paints, Taj Group, NGOs, UN bodies |
| Placement Sectors | HR, Consulting, FMCG, Healthcare, Development Sector, Policy & Governance |
MICA, Ahmedabad
Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad, is the top business school of Ahmedabad after the IIM Ahmedabad. Known for its courses in communication and management, it is one of the best institutes in India for media, advertising, and public relations. A major focus of the college is on industry-related skills and practical learning. MICA offers PGDM in Communication, Brand Management, and Strategic Marketing.
- Fees – 23.90 Lakh
- Average Package – 26.63 LPA
- Highest Package – 40.91 LPA
| MICA Ahmedabad | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | MICA (formerly Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) |
| Established | 1991 |
| Type | Private Business School |
| Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Admission Process | Based on MICAT (MICA Admission Test), along with CAT, XAT, or GMAT scores, followed by a group exercise and a personal interview |
| Admission Criteria | Valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score, MICAT performance, academic record, group exercise, and personal interview |
| Admission Cutoff (CAT 2025) | 80 percentile (Expected) |
| Cutoff Significance | Candidates must qualify both CAT/XAT/GMAT and MICAT for shortlisting |
| Seat Requirements | Valid entrance exam scores, creativity and communication skills assessed through MICAT, and strong interview performance |
| Programs Offered | PGDM-Communications (PGDM-C), PGDM, Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), Executive Education Programs |
| Placement Record | Average Package – ₹19.21 LPA, Highest Package – ₹35.50 LPA |
| Major Recruiters | Google, HUL, L’Oréal, Amazon, Deloitte, Tata, Accenture, Media & Advertising agencies |
| Placement Sectors | Marketing, Advertising, Media, Consulting, FMCG, E-commerce |
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IMT, Ghaziabad
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad is a renowned business school in India, known for its academic excellence and strong industry linkages. It is part of the IMT Group of Institutes and has consistently ranked among the top B-schools in the country. This institute is better in terms of placements from many IIMs and IITs in India.
- Fees – 21.50 Lakh
- Average Package – 17.35 LPA
- Highest Package – 65.60 LPA
| IMT Ghaziabad | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad |
| Established | 1980 |
| Type | Private Autonomous Business School |
| Location | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Admission Process | Based on CAT, XAT, and GMAT scores, shortlisted candidates go through group discussion and personal interview |
| Admission Criteria | Entrance exam score, past academic performance, work experience (if any), group discussion, and personal interview |
| Admission Cutoff (CAT 2025) | 90–93 percentile (Expected) |
| Cutoff Significance | Known for competitive intake and a preference for candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds |
| Seat Requirements | Valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score, consistent academic record, good performance in selection rounds |
| Programs Offered | PGDM (Full-time), PGDM Executive, PGDM Part-time, PGDM (Banking & Financial Services), PGDM (Marketing), FPM |
| Placement Record | Average Package – ₹17.20 LPA, Highest Package – ₹62.86 LPA |
| Major Recruiters | Deloitte, Accenture, EY, KPMG, HSBC, Amazon, Cognizant, HDFC Bank |
| Placement Sectors | Consulting, Finance, IT, Marketing, E-commerce, BFSI |
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JBIMS, Mumbai
JBIMS Mumbai offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. The institute boasts a team of highly qualified faculty members with industry experience, ensuring that students receive relevant and up-to-date education.
- Fees – 06.10 Lakh
- Average Package – 28.02 LPA
- Highest Package – 35.75 LPA
| JBIMS Mumbai | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai |
| Established | 1965 |
| Type | Business School (Affiliated with the University of Mumbai) |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Admission Process | Consideration of scores in common entrance exams (CAT, CMAT, MH-CET); Selection process includes group discussions and personal interviews |
| Admission Criteria | Scores in common entrance exams, performance in group discussions and personal interviews |
| Admission Cutoff (CAT 2025) | 99.99 percentile (Expected) |
| Cutoff Significance | Renowned for its location and industry connections in Mumbai |
| Seat Requirements | High percentile in CAT, CMAT, or MH-CET; Demonstrated academic and interpersonal skills |
| Programs Offered | Master of Management Studies (MMS), Executive MBA programs |
| Placement Record 2024 | Average Package - 26.00 LPA, Top Package - 87.12 LPA |
| Major Recruiters | Finance, Marketing, Consulting |
| Placement Sectors | Strong placement in the finance, marketing, and consulting sectors |
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XIMB, Bhubaneshwar
XIMB is known for its sustainable leadership development and strong industry connections. It develops management skills with ethical leadership, social responsibility, and service to society. Courses offered in the institute are a balance of theoretical and practical learning. It has one of the most advanced infrastructures among the top MBA colleges in India without CAT. Like another top B-school, XIME has also placed 100% students of in all the batches successfully.
- Fees – 19.30 Lakh
- Average Package – 18.37 LPA
- Highest Package – 30.00 LPA
| Xavier University Bhubaneswar | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XUB) |
| Established | 2013 |
| Type | University |
| Location | Bhubaneswar, India |
| Admission Process | Comprehensive admission process; Consideration of academic performance, work experience, performance in Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) or other recognized national-level management entrance exams; Inclusive admission policies for diversity |
| Admission Criteria | Academic performance, work experience, and performance in XAT or other recognized exams |
| Admission Cutoff (XAT 2025) | 95-97 percentile (Expected) |
| Cutoff Significance | Highly respected program with a focus on social entrepreneurship and ethics |
| Seat Requirements | Good score in XAT, demonstrated commitment to social responsibility |
| Placement Record 2024 | Average Package: 19.53 LPA, Highest: 30 LPA |
| Major Recruiters | Healthcare, Education, Development, Sustainability |
| Placement Sectors | Diverse placement across various sectors |
| Social Entrepreneurship Focus | Yes |
| Alumni Network | Strong in social impact and non-profit organizations |
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Taxila Business School
Ranked the 1st best private business school in Rajasthan, Taxila Business School has been the leader in management education since 2003. Taxila offers 3 major courses – PGDM+Business Analytics with triple specialisation, PGDM with Dual Specialisation, and EPGDM. More than 25% of the batch is placed in international companies, and all the students get placements 6 months prior to the course.
- Fees – 10.50 Lakh
- Average Package – 11.50 LPA
- Highest Package – 38.00 LPA
| Taxila Business School, Jaipur | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Taxila Business School (TBS), Jaipur |
| Established | 2003 |
| Type | Private Business School |
| Location | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Admission Process | Consideration of scores in common entrance exams (CAT, CMAT, XAT); the Selection process includes group discussions and personal interviews |
| Admission Criteria | Valid entrance exam score, academic record, group discussion, and personal interview performance |
| Admission Cutoff (CAT 2025) | 70–90 percentile (Expected) |
| Cutoff Significance | Competitive selection process with preference for candidates demonstrating strong analytical and communication skills |
| Seat Requirements | Valid entrance exam score, good academic background, and strong performance in interview rounds |
| Programs Offered | AICTE-approved PGDM (with dual specialization), Executive MBA, Certification courses |
| Placement Record | Average Package - 11.50 LPA, Top Package - 26.00 LPA |
| Major Recruiters | PWC, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, JP Morgan |
| Placement Sectors | Strong placement in the finance, marketing, IT, EdTech, and consulting sectors |
SIBM Pune
It’s a constituent college of Symbiosis International University and has been consistently ranked among the top B-schools in India. Also, SIBM is the top private management institute in Pune. Institutes promote global learning with their regular student exchange program and foreign guest faculties
- Fees – 24.20 Lakh
- Average Package – 28.16 LPA
- Highest Package – 50.00 LPA
| SIBM Pune | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune |
| Established | 1978 |
| Type | Business School |
| Location | Pune, India |
| Admission Process | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) |
| Admission Criteria | Quantitative, verbal, and analytical abilities; Past academic records; Work experience; Written Ability Test (WAT); Personal Interview (PI) |
| Admission Cutoff (SNAP 2025) | 99-100 percentile (Expected) |
| Cutoff Significance | Reflects the competitive nature of the MBA program |
| Seat Requirements | Strong score in SNAP, good academic background, and work experience |
| Placement Record 2024 | Average Package: 28.17 LPA, Highest: 49 LPA |
| Major Recruiters | FMCG, IT, BFSI, Consulting |
| Placement Sectors | Strong placement across various sectors |
| Alumni Network | Well-established and actively supports placement activities |
comparison table
| Rank | College | Exam | Fees | Avg Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | XLRI, Jamshedpur | XAT/CAT/GMAT | 27L | 29.89 LPA |
| 2 | ISB, Hyderabad | GMAT/GRE | 41.80L | 34.08 LPA |
| 3 | SPJIMR, Mumbai | XAT/NMAT/GMAT/GRE | 24L | 33 LPA |
| 4 | TISS, Mumbai | TISSNET | 2.50L | 27.22 LPA |
| 5 | MICA, Ahmedabad | XAT/GMAT | 23.90L | 26.63 LPA |
| 6 | IMT, Ghaziabad | GMAT/GRE/UGC-NET | 21.50L | 17.35 LPA |
| 7 | JBIMS, Mumbai | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT | 6.10L | 28.02 LPA |
| 8 | XIMB, Bhubaneswar | XAT/GMAT/XGMT | 19.30L | 18.37 LPA |
| 9 | Taxila BS | XAT/MAT/CMAT/CAT | 10.50L | 11.50 LPA |
| 10 | SIBM, Pune | SNAP | 22.20L | 28.16 LPA |
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FAQs
Q1.Top MBA colleges without CAT?
Answer: XLRI, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, NMIMS Mumbai, SIBM Pune, Taxila Business School, and IMT Ghaziabad all offer MBA admission without the CAT exam.
Q2. Which entrance exams are accepted top MBA colleges?
Answer: Popular exams include CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, MAT, and GMAT.
Q3. Can I get MBA admission without CAT?
Answer: Yes, many reputed MBA colleges accept MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, SNAP, ATMA, or direct admission instead.
Q4. How can I choose the best MBA college in India?
Answer: Compare colleges based on placements, fees, faculty, rankings, specialization options, alumni network, and industry connections.