CAT Exam Colleges: Fees, Admission Criteria and Scope

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. It is the gateway to prestigious business schools, including the IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS Delhi, and many others. Choosing the right CAT exam colleges is a critical decision as it will shape your future career path. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the top cat accepting colleges, admission criteria, fees, specialisations, placements, and scholarships.

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How Many Colleges Accept CAT Scores?

There are over 1,200 colleges under the CAT exam that accept CAT scores for admission to their MBA and PGDM programmes. These include.

Category	Top Colleges
IIMs	- IIM Ahmedabad - IIM Bangalore - IIM Calcutta - IIM Lucknow - IIM Indore
Top Non-IIMs	- FMS Delhi - SPJIMR Mumbai - MDI Gurgaon - IMT Ghaziabad - IIT Bombay
Private Colleges	- Great Lakes Chennai - TAPMI Manipal - NMIMS Mumbai - MICA Ahmedabad - XIMB Bhubaneswar

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Categories of CAT Exam Colleges

Here is a categorisation of CAT accepting colleges based on rankings, fees, and ROI:

Category	Colleges	Average Fees (INR Lakhs)	Average Salary (INR LPA)
Top IIMs	IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta	24-25	34-36
Second-Tier IIMs	IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, IIM Lucknow	20-22	24-28
Top Non-IIMs	FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, XLRI Jamshedpur, MDI Gurgaon	2-23	27-32
IITs Offering MBA	IIT Delhi (DMS), IIT Bombay (SJMSOM), IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM)	8-12	18-22
Private Colleges	NMIMS Mumbai, Symbiosis Pune, Great Lakes Chennai, TAPMI Manipal	15-20	14-20

Learn about CAT exam fees for 2024-25, eligibility requirements, and the application process to kickstart your MBA journey.

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Top 10 CAT Exam Colleges

To help you choose the best MBA college, here is an in-depth look at the top CAT best colleges.

Rank	College Name	Location	CAT Cut-off (Percentile)	Fees (INR Lakhs)	Average Salary (INR LPA)
1	IIM Ahmedabad	Ahmedabad	99+	24.6	36.2
2	IIM Bangalore	Bangalore	99+	24.5	33.8
3	IIM Calcutta	Kolkata	99+	24.0	34.2
4	FMS Delhi	Delhi	98+	2.0	32.4
5	SPJIMR Mumbai	Mumbai	95+	19.0	30.1
6	XLRI Jamshedpur	Jamshedpur	94+ (via XAT)	23.6	26.7
7	MDI Gurgaon	Gurgaon	95+	23.0	27.6
8	IIM Kozhikode	Kozhikode	97+	22.5	26.5
9	IIT Delhi (DMS)	Delhi	95+	9.6	21.9
10	IMT Ghaziabad	Ghaziabad	90+	19.5	15.3

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Factors to Consider When Choosing CAT Exam Colleges

When deciding on the CAT top colleges, consider the following aspects:

1. Placement Records

Check the placement statistics, including the highest and average salary packages.

The top IIMs have average packages exceeding INR 30 LPA, while FMS Delhi has a high ROI due to its low fees and high packages.

2. Fees and ROI

Calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) by comparing the course fees with the average salary offered.

For example, FMS Delhi charges around INR 2 lakhs, but the average package is over INR 32 LPA, offering an exceptional ROI.

3. Specialisations Offered

Look for colleges that excel in your desired specialisation (e.g., Finance, Marketing, Operations).

IIM Calcutta is known for Finance, while IIM Bangalore is renowned for Strategy and Leadership.

4. Campus and Infrastructure

Evaluate the campus facilities, library resources, and overall infrastructure.

Modern campuses like those of IIMs and MDI Gurgaon provide a conducive learning environment.

Explore the MBA entrance exam syllabus for 2024, covering key topics and expert tips to help you ace the test and secure admission to top B-schools

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Detailed Admission Criteria of CAT Exam Colleges

Securing a spot in one of the top CAT exam colleges isn't just about scoring high on the test; it's a multifaceted process where every step counts towards your dream B-school.

Admission Stage	Details
1. CAT Score	- A high CAT percentile is a must. Top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta generally require 98-99+ percentile.
	- Non-IIMs such as FMS Delhi and MDI Gurgaon typically require a 95-98 percentile.
2. Academic Records	- Academic performance in 10th, 12th, and graduation is considered.
	- Higher weightage for consistent academic excellence.
	- Some colleges have specific minimum marks criteria (e.g., 50% for General and 45% for Reserved categories in graduation).
3. Work Experience	- Candidates with work experience (1-3 years) are often preferred, especially in roles related to management, finance, or consulting.
	- Work experience provides practical knowledge and an edge in the admission process, especially in IIMs like Bangalore and Calcutta.
	- Freshers can also apply but may have to score higher in CAT to compensate for the lack of work experience.
4. Gender and Academic Diversity	- To promote diversity, many colleges provide additional points for gender (female candidates) and academic backgrounds (non-engineering).
	- For instance, IIM Ahmedabad offers 5% extra points for female candidates to increase diversity in classrooms.
5. Group Discussion (GD)	- In GD, candidates are assessed on communication skills, leadership qualities, and the ability to work in a team.
	- Topics usually cover current affairs, social issues, or business trends (e.g., AI in business, the impact of e-commerce).
6. Personal Interview (PI)	The PI is the most critical stage, during which the panel evaluates the candidate's confidence, clarity of thought, and future goals.
	- Candidates are often asked about their academic background, work experience, career aspirations, and knowledge of the chosen field.
7. Written Ability Test (WAT)	- WAT assesses the candidate’s ability to articulate thoughts clearly. Topics may include business case studies or current issues like inflation and climate change.
	- Some colleges give high importance to WAT as it reflects the candidate's analytical and writing skills.
8. Extra-Curricular Activities	Points are awarded for achievements in sports, the arts, community service, or any other significant extracurricular activities.
	- Candidates with vital leadership roles in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer work are preferred.

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Weightage Distribution in Admission Criteria

Different colleges assign varying weightage to each stage of the admission process. Here’s how it typically looks at some of the top CAT exam colleges:

College	CAT Score (%)	Academic Records (%)	Work Experience (%)	GD/PI/WAT (%)	Diversity & Extra-curriculars (%)
IIM Ahmedabad	60	20	10	20	10
IIM Bangalore	50	25	15	20	5
IIM Calcutta	60	15	15	20	10
FMS Delhi	40	20	10	30	10
SPJIMR Mumbai	35	20	15	30	10
MDI Gurgaon	50	15	10	25	5

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MBA Specialisations and Best CAT Exam Colleges

Each specialisation caters to different career paths. Here’s a detailed list of top CAT-accepting colleges for various MBA specialisations:

Specialisation	Top Colleges	Career Path	Average Salary (INR LPA)
Finance	IIM Calcutta, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai	Investment Banking, Financial Analysis	28-34+
Marketing	IIM Ahmedabad, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad	Brand Management, Sales, Advertising	25-30+
Operations Management	NITIE Mumbai, IIT Delhi, IIM Bangalore	Supply Chain, Logistics	24-28+
Business Analytics	IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIT Kharagpur	Data Analysis, Business Intelligence	24-29+
Human Resources	XLRI Jamshedpur, TISS Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon	HR Management, Talent Acquisition	24-26+

Check our MBA courses list, including top specialisations, leading colleges, fee structures, and more to guide your business school decisions.

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Scholarships at CAT Exam Colleges

Top CAT exam colleges offer scholarships to ease the financial burden:

College	Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Amount Covered
IIM Bangalore	Need-Based Scholarship	Family income below INR 8 lakhs	Up to 100% fees
SPJIMR Mumbai	Merit-cum-Means Scholarship	Academic excellence	Up to 50% fees
MDI Gurgaon	OP Jindal Scholarship	Academic excellence	INR 1.5 lakhs
FMS Delhi	FMS Alumni Scholarship	Top students based on merit	INR 1 lakh
IMT Ghaziabad	Diversity Scholarship	Female candidates, diversity	30% fee reduction

Choosing the right CAT exam colleges can significantly influence your career trajectory. Evaluate factors like placements, fees, specialisations, and ROI to make an informed decision. With thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the admission process, you can secure a spot in one of the top MBA programmes in India.

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What Makes Colleges Under CAT Exam So Popular?

Colleges accepting CAT scores are highly regarded due to:

1. High-Quality Education

The IIMs and other top B-schools maintain rigorous academic standards.

2. Excellent Placement

With top recruiters like McKinsey, BCG, and Google, these colleges provide outstanding placement opportunities.

3. Strong Alumni Networks

Alumni from these colleges often occupy influential positions in the corporate world.

4. Industry Exposure

Regular industry interactions, live projects, and internships provide practical exposure.

Understand the CAT exam syllabus for MBA, covering key sections like Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. Prepare effectively to boost your chances of success in top MBA colleges.

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FAQs on CAT Exam Colleges

What are CAT exam colleges?

CAT exam colleges are institutions that accept CAT (Common Admission Test) scores for their MBA and PGDM programmes. These include the IIMs, top non-IIM B-schools, and several private colleges.

Which are the top CAT accepting colleges in India?

The top CAT-accepting colleges include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and NMIMS Mumbai.

How many IIMs are there under the CAT exam?

There are 20 IIMs under the CAT exam, including well-known ones like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta.

What percentile is required for admission to CAT top colleges?

For admission to CAT top colleges like IIM Ahmedabad and Bangalore, you typically need a percentile of 98 or higher. For non-IIMs like FMS Delhi, around 95-98 percentile is required.

Do all MBA colleges accept CAT scores?

No, not all MBA colleges accept CAT scores. While many top B-schools use CAT scores, some institutions prefer other entrance exams like XAT, GMAT, SNAP, or CMAT.

What is the average fee structure of CAT best colleges?

The fee structure of CAT best colleges varies. For instance, IIM Ahmedabad's fees are around ₹24 lakhs, while FMS Delhi's fees are much lower, around ₹2 lakhs.

Can freshers apply to colleges under the CAT exam?

Yes, freshers can apply to colleges under the CAT exam. However, having work experience can give candidates an added advantage during the selection process.

How can I find a complete CAT college list?

You can find the complete CAT college list on the official CAT website and other MBA-related portals. It includes both IIMs and several top non-IIM B-schools across India.

Which are the best private colleges under the CAT exam?

Some of the best private colleges under the CAT exam include Great Lakes Chennai, TAPMI Manipal, and NMIMS Mumbai.

Is work experience mandatory for admission to CAT accepting colleges?

Actually, work experience is optional for admission to most CAT accepting colleges. However, having 1-3 years of experience can improve your chances, especially in institutes like IIM Bangalore.

Which CAT top colleges offer MBA specialisations?

Most CAT-top colleges, such as IIMs, FMS Delhi, and SPJIMR Mumbai, offer specialisations in Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations.

Do CAT exam colleges offer scholarships?

Yes, many CAT exam colleges offer scholarships based on merit and need. For instance, IIMs provide scholarships for economically weaker sections, while NMIMS offers merit-based scholarships.

How is the selection process in top CAT accepting colleges?

The selection process in top CAT accepting colleges includes the CAT exam score, academic records, work experience, and performance in GD, PI, and WAT rounds.

Can I apply to multiple CAT best colleges with a single CAT score?

Yes, you can apply to multiple CAT-ranked colleges with a single CAT score. However, you need to apply to each college separately based on their application process.

What are the critical differences between IIMs and top non-IIM colleges under CAT?

IIMs are government-run and highly ranked globally. Top non-IIM colleges under CAT, like FMS Delhi and SPJIMR Mumbai, are also prestigious but may offer different specialisations and fee structures.

Is there a reservation policy in CAT accepting colleges?

Yes, most CAT accepting colleges follow the government’s reservation policy, including IIMs, which offer reserved seats for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates.

How can I shortlist colleges under the CAT exam based on my percentile?

You can use percentile cut-off data from previous years to shortlist colleges under the CAT exam. For example, a 99+ percentile might be needed for IIM Ahmedabad, while a 90 percentile could be sufficient for TAPMI Manipal.

What is the expected ROI (Return on Investment) from CAT top colleges?

The ROI from CAT top colleges is generally high. For example, graduates from IIM Bangalore or FMS Delhi can expect an average starting salary of ₹25-30 lakhs per annum against their tuition fees, indicating a solid ROI.

Best CAT Exam Colleges

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