CAT WhatsApp Group
Every year, lakhs of students appear for the CAT exam. However, CAT 2025 is expected to have more candidates than ever before. Once the CAT exam is done, admissions will start. So, you have to be ready with the list of colleges you have a chance of getting admission. Let’s check the top colleges to apply to after the CAT exam 2025.
Top MBA Colleges to Apply After the CAT 2025 Exam
The CAT score is widely accepted across India, both in IIM colleges and non-IIMs. IIMs are known for prestigious MBA studies, but many non-IIMs also have top-rated infrastructure and placement records. Let’s check some top colleges that you must checkout.
| College Name | Application Last Date (Tentative) | Exams Accepting | Cutoffs |
| XLRI | 5 December 2025 | XAT | 96 percentile |
| ISB Hyderabad | 21 January 2026 | CAT, GMAT | 98+ |
| TISS Mumbai | 9-11 December 2025 | CAT | 98+ |
| Great Lakes (GLIM) | 1st December 2025 | CAT/XAT/GMAT | 92+ |
| IRMA, Anand | 16 January 2026 | CAT/XAT | 90+ |
| IIM Mumbai | 31 January 2026 | CAT | 98+ |
| IIT Delhi | 31 January 2026 | CAT | 98+ |
| IIT Bombay | 31 January 2026 | CAT | 98+ |
| IIFT Delhi | 6th December 2025 | CAT | 98+ |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 8th December 2025 | CAT/XAT/GMAT | 90+ |
| IMI Delhi | 2nd December 2025 | CAT/XAT | 90+ |
| GIM Goa | 2nd December 2025 | CAT/XAT | 90+ |
| BITSoM | 15th January 2026 | CAT/GMAT | 90+ |
| DSE / DFS | 5th January 2026 | CAT | 95+ |
Note: According to the previous year trends the last date to apply for these colleges typically falls after the CAT exam. Still, to be on the safer side keep checking the official websites of these colleges to know the official dates regarding the application dates.
Also Read, MBA Application Deadlines 2025, College-wise Form Last Date
Top Non-IIM MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score
Let’s check some of the best non-IIM MBA colleges that are known for global connections and diverse campus life.
| College Name | CAT 2025 Cutoff Percentile (Safe Score) |
| FMS Delhi | 98.54 |
| DMS, IIT Delhi | 98.04 |
| SJMSOM, IIT Bombay | 97.5 |
| MDI Gurgaon | 97 |
| Vinod Gupta School of Management, IIT Kharagpur | 95 |
| JBIMS Mumbai | 95 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 85 |
| XIMB Bhubaneswar | 80 |
| TAPMI Manipal | 80 |
| K. J. Somaiya Mumbai | 90 |
| LBSIM Delhi | 87 |
| MICA, Ahmedabad | 90 |
| WeSchool Mumbai | 85 |
| BIMTECH Noida | 75 |
These colleges often provide strong ROI, with some like FMS Delhi offering world-class placements at very low fees.
Also Read, CAT Response Sheet 2025 Date OUT, Download Official PDF
State-Wise MBA Colleges Accepting CAT
Many aspirants prefer choosing colleges close to their home state or region. Below is a state-wise view of well-known MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores.
| State | Colleges Accepting CAT Score |
| Delhi NCR | FMS Delhi, IMI Delhi, DSE, DFS Delhi |
| Maharashtra | JBIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR Mumbai, K. J. Somaiya Mumbai, Welingkar Mumbai |
| Karnataka | IIM Bangalore, XIME Bangalore |
| Tamil Nadu | GLIM Chennai, IIT Madras, IIM Trichy |
| West Bengal | IIM Calcutta, IISWBM Kolkata |
| Odisha | XIMB Bhubaneswar |
| Telangana | ISB Hyderabad |
This breakdown helps students explore colleges not only by ranking but also by location convenience.
Also Read, CAT Answer Key 2025, Release Date OUT, Download Link
Best MBA Colleges Under CAT With Low Fees
Many aspirants worry about high MBA fees, but some top colleges provide excellent education at affordable costs. These institutes balance quality with affordability, ensuring high ROI.
| College Name | CAT 2025 Cutoff Percentile (Safe Score) |
| FMS Delhi | 99.54 |
| JBIMS Mumbai | 99.99 |
| TISS Mumbai | 98+ |
| DSE | 95+ |
| DFS | 95+ |
| UBS Chandigarh | 90+ |
These institutes are excellent options for students aiming for reputed colleges with a lower financial burden.
Also Read, Non-IIM MBA Colleges Accepting Separate Application Form
How to Choose the Right College After CAT
Many students just go with the top colleges and start waiting until the last round, only to lose their chance at other good colleges. To avoid such issues and secure admission to a good college, let’s review the following tips.
Tips to Choose the Right College:
- Note down all the colleges that have your CAT score as the cut-off.
- Know about the college's placement records and ROI from their webpages. Also, always keep your financial status in mind.
- Check for scholarships and try to apply for them if you are eligible them.
- Choose the correct specialization based on your interest and aim.
- Research more about faculty infrastructure. If possible, reach out ot some students studying in those colleges.
By balancing these factors, aspirants can confidently decide the right college after the CAT exam 2025.
Also Read, Top MBA Colleges Without Entrance Exam, Fees, Placements
Top MBA Colleges to Apply After the CAT 2025 Exam: Conclusion
As an MBA aspirant, knowing about colleges plays a key role. Not knowing and applying to the desired college leaves you nowhere. So choose the best colleges with your percentage and start your MBA journey. Checkout the given list of colleges thoroughly and apply once the exam is completed and the results are announced. Make sure you have a list. All the Best.
