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MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT Exam 2025: Planning to pursue an MBA in 2025? Applicants should be aware that some of the top MBA colleges in India accept applications much before the CAT exam date, especially when they have a profile-based admission process or direct entry options.
By applying early to these institutes, candidates can keep multiple career pathways open and significantly improve the chances of getting shortlisted for interviews based on their overall profiles.
Needless to say that we have considered the most important deadlines, prominent colleges with pre-CAT applications, and other significant alternatives when aspiring for an MBA in 2025.
Top MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT 2025
When preparing for CAT 2025, most aspirants focus only on IIMs, but many top non-IIM colleges also accept CAT scores and require you to apply separately. Missing their deadlines could cost you a seat at some of the best institutes in India. Colleges like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and others are consistently ranked among the top management institutes. Applying early ensures you keep your options open, increase your chances of admission, and strategically plan for interviews across multiple reputed B-schools.
| College Name | Application Deadline | Exam Accepted | Application Fee (INR) | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDI Gurgaon | 25th Nov 2025 | CAT | 3,000 | 96+ |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | Nov 2025 | CAT | 2,000 | Profile-based |
| FMS Delhi | Nov 2025 | CAT | 1,000 | 99.5+ |
| SIBM Pune | 20th November | SNAP | 1000 | 98+ |
| NMIMS | 10th October | NMAT | 3540 | 209+ |
| SCMHRD | 20th November | SNAP | 1000 | 97+ |
| BITSoM Mumbai | Nov 2025 (R1) | CAT/GMAT/GRE | 2,500 | Profile-based |
| MICA Ahmedabad | 23 Nov 2025 (R1) | CAT/XAT/GMAT+MICAT | 2100 | Profile-based |
| TAPMI Manipal | November 2025 | CAT/XAT/GMAT | 2000 | 90+ |
Also Read, List Of Top MBA Colleges to Apply After the CAT 2025 Exam
MBA Colleges Accepting Applications Before CAT
A number of India`s top MBA colleges require separate applications apart from CAT. SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, and IMT Ghaziabad are among those, having also separation of various Rounds to the extent that they consider CAT Scores in the further round but conclude their application before the date of the exam.
In this way, they shortlist candidates for Profile-Based or Sector-Specialized programs much earlier than the general applicant.
Key institutes:
- MDI Gurgaon
- IIFT Delhi & Kolkata
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- BITSoM Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
For Symbiosis institutes (SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune, etc.), registration for SNAP and college-specific forms also opens ahead of their entrance exam date.
Also Read, CAT Percentile Required for Top 5 IIM Colleges, Check Now
MBA College Application Dates
Here’s a summary of upcoming deadlines for top colleges in 2025:
| College/Institute | Last Date to Apply |
|---|---|
| MDI Gurgaon | November 2025 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | December 2025 |
| TAPMI Manipal | December 2025 |
| IIFT Delhi/Kolkata | November 2025 |
| NMIMS Mumbai | October 2025 |
| SIBM Pune | December 2025 |
| XIM Bhubaneswar | December 2025 |
| MICA Ahmedabad | November 2025 |
Always check the respective college website for official updates and timelines.
Also Read, List Of IIM Colleges Need Separate Application Form? Dates
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Applications Before CAT
The best colleges to apply before CAT, offering high ROI and strong placements, are often listed in Cracku rankings.
| College Name | NIRF 2024 Rank | Fees (INR Lakhs) | Avg. CTC (LPA) | Highest Package (LPA) | Cutoff/Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDI Gurgaon | 11 | 24 | 25.5 | 63.6 | 95+ |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 20 | 24 | 33 | 81 | Profile-based |
| IIFT Delhi | 15 | 19.5 | 25.16 | 46.5 | 98+ |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 35 | 21.53 | 17.35 | 65.6 | 90+ |
| BITSoM Mumbai | NA | 24 | 23.5 | 44.98 | Profile-based |
Also Read, List of Profile-based MBA Colleges In India 2025, Check Now
MBA Colleges With Profile-Based Admission
Institutes such as SPJIMR, BITSoM Mumbai, MICA Ahmedabad, Great Lakes, and IRMA Anand offer profile-based shortlisting at their end, in which academic background, work experience, diversity, and extracurricular accomplishments would matter more than one's pure entrance exam performance.
| College Name | Academic/Exam Criteria | Profile Components |
|---|---|---|
| SPJIMR Mumbai | CAT/XAT (low cutoff possible) | Academic record, work experience, essays |
| BITSoM Mumbai | CAT/GMAT/GRE | Profile-based, interviews |
| MICA Ahmedabad | MICAT + CAT/XAT/GMAT | Leadership, creativity, written test |
| IRMA Anand | CAT/XAT | Rural/social work, academic record |
| Great Lakes | CAT/XAT/GMAT/CMAT | Professional exp., diversity, leadership |
Also Read, MBA Application Deadlines 2025, College-wise Form Last Date
Top MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT 2025: Conclusion
Applying to MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT Exam 2025 is a strategic move for securing a seat at some of India’s top B-schools. Cracku’s platform offers up-to-date tracking of deadlines, application forms, and guidance for profile-based and direct admission options. Don’t miss out! Prepare with Cracku’s CAT 2025 resources and get expert help with your forms and interviews to make the most of every opportunity.
Cracku CAT 2026 prep courses offer mock tests, practice questions, and expert mentorship. Enroll now to maximize your B-school admits!
