Top B School
Top B-Schools – Key Info
- Registration: August
- Admit Card: October
- Exam Date: November
- Result: January
- Application Fee: ₹2400 (General/NC-OBC), ₹1200 (SC/ST/PwD)
- Registration: Online via AIMA
- Exam Months: Feb, May, Sept, Dec
- Application Fee: ₹1950 (1 mode), ₹3100 (2 modes)
- Selection via GD/PI/WAT depending on institute
- Registration: Aug/Sept
- Admit Card: December
- Exam Date: First Sunday of January
- Application Fee: ₹2100 (+₹200 per XLRI program)
- Selection via GD/PI/WAT
- Registration: Nov/Dec
- Admit Card: Feb/Mar
- Exam Date: Late Mar / Early Apr
- Result: Apr/May
- Application Fee: ₹2000 (General), ₹1000 (Female/SC/ST/PwD)
MBA Entrance Exams – FAQs
Which exams are accepted by top B-Schools in India?
Top B-Schools in India accept scores from CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT. Some schools accept multiple exam scores, allowing flexibility in application.
What is the application fee for these exams?
- CAT: ₹2400 (General/NC-OBC), ₹1200 (SC/ST/PwD)
- MAT: ₹1950 (1 mode), ₹3100 (2 modes)
- XAT: ₹2100 (+₹200 per XLRI program)
- CMAT: ₹2000 (General), ₹1000 (Female/SC/ST/PwD)
When are the exams conducted?
- CAT: November
- MAT: Feb, May, Sept, Dec
- XAT: First Sunday of January
- CMAT: Late March / Early April
How are candidates selected after the exam?
After the exam, B-Schools shortlist candidates based on their scores. Shortlisted candidates may undergo Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), and/or Written Ability Tests (WAT) depending on the institute.
Can one appear for multiple exams?
Yes. Candidates often take multiple exams (like CAT + XAT or MAT + CMAT) to increase their chances of admission to top B-Schools.
Which B-Schools are considered top for each exam?
- CAT: IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, XLRI, MDI Gurgaon, JBIMS Mumbai, ISB Hyderabad/Mohali
- MAT: XIME Bangalore, TAPMI Manipal, IMT Ghaziabad, Christ University Bangalore, IPE Hyderabad
- XAT: XLRI Jamshedpur, XIM Bhubaneswar, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI Manipal, GIM Goa
- CMAT: JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, K J Somaiya Mumbai, Great Lakes Chennai/Gurgaon, Goa Institute of Management, XIME Bangalore
Where can I get free counselling for MBA exams?
PIERSedu offers free counselling for CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT aspirants. You can request a call through their website for personalized guidance on exam selection and B-School applications.
Top B-Schools in India Accepting CAT Scores
If you’re aiming for an MBA in India, CAT scores open the door to some of the most prestigious management institutes in the country. Here’s a curated list of top B-Schools, categorized into IIMs and non-IIM institutes, based on reputation, placements, faculty expertise, and infrastructure.
1. Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
The IIMs are synonymous with excellence in management education. Each campus has its unique strengths:
IIM Ahmedabad – Renowned for its rigorous academic programs and exceptional placements.
IIM Bangalore – Strong focus on technology, finance, and consulting careers.
IIM Calcutta – Popular for finance, marketing, and consulting streams.
IIM Lucknow – Emphasizes management development and leadership skills.
IIM Kozhikode – Rapidly growing, with strength in analytics and finance.
IIM Indore – Known for leadership development and research-driven programs.
IIM Shillong – Focus on sustainable development and innovative management practices.
IIM Trichy, IIM Udaipur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Rohtak, IIM Raipur, IIM Kashipur – These newer IIMs are quickly establishing themselves as high-quality management institutions offering modern curricula and industry-oriented programs.
2. Top Non-IIM B-Schools
These institutes are widely respected for their teaching excellence, placements, and industry connections:
FMS Delhi (Faculty of Management Studies) – Offers outstanding ROI with low fees and strong placement records.
SPJIMR Mumbai (S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research) – Known for innovative teaching and robust industry interface.
XLRI Jamshedpur (Xavier School of Management) – One of India’s oldest B-Schools, particularly strong in HR and general management.
MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute) – Famous for international collaborations and high placement rates.
JBIMS Mumbai (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies) – Often called the ‘CEO Factory’ due to the number of industry leaders it produces.
IIFT Delhi/Kolkata (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) – Specialized in international trade and business management.
IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology) – Well-known for marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship programs.
NMIMS Mumbai (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) – Highly reputed for its programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
TAPMI Manipal (T. A. Pai Management Institute) – Recognized for strong finance and HR programs.
ISB Hyderabad/Mohali (Indian School of Business) – Offers fast-track, one-year management programs with global recognition.
Pro Tips for CAT Aspirants
Focus on Target Institutes: Identify the schools that align with your career goals.
Understand Cutoffs: Top IIMs often require 99+ percentile; other top B-Schools may have 90–95 percentile cutoffs.
Prepare Holistically: Beyond CAT scores, work on your academic profile, work experience, and leadership skills, as these are key selection criteria.
Mock Interviews & GDs: For institutes like XLRI, SPJIMR, and ISB, strong preparation for GD/PI/WAT can make a big difference.
Top B-Schools in India Accepting MAT Scores
Many reputed management institutes across India accept MAT scores for their MBA/PGDM programs. Here are some of the best options:
Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore
Renowned for excellent placements, XIME focuses strongly on entrepreneurship and innovation.TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal
Offers diverse MBA programs with special emphasis on finance, HR, and operations.Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
A leading institute for marketing, finance, and operations management with strong industry connections.Christ University, Bangalore
Known for academic rigor and strong industry exposure, providing holistic management education.Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad
Research-driven programs with strong ties to public sector organizations and corporate enterprises.Amity Business School, Noida
Offers a broad range of MBA specializations with an emphasis on industry interface and career readiness.Alliance School of Business, Bangalore
Student-focused programs with excellent placement records and practical learning opportunities.BIMTECH (Birla Institute of Management Technology), Greater Noida
Provides robust programs in insurance, international business, and retail management.AIMS Institutes, Bangalore
Features a unique curriculum centered on practical skills and real-world business exposure.Balaji Institute of Modern Management (BIMM), Pune
Known for strong placements, especially in operations and HR management.Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida/Lucknow/Jaipur/Indore
Offers MBA programs with a strong focus on marketing, finance, and HR.Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Delhi
Focused on marketing and international business, providing consistent placement opportunities.ISBM (International School of Business and Media), Pune
Popular for programs in finance, marketing, and media-driven management fields.VIT Business School (VIT University), Vellore
Offers a technology-driven MBA with a focus on data analytics and entrepreneurship.PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore
Provides strong industry exposure, comprehensive curriculum, and notable placement outcomes.
Top B-Schools in India Accepting XAT Scores
XAT scores are recognized by over 160 management institutes across India. Below are some of the most prestigious B-Schools:
XLRI Jamshedpur
Offers programs in Business Management (BM), Human Resource Management (HRM), and General Management (GMP). XLRI is renowned for its HR program, consistently ranked as the best in India, while its BM program enjoys high regard as well.Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)
Offers MBA programs in Business Management, HRM, and Rural Management. XIMB is well-known for its emphasis on rural management and socially responsible business practices.SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
Provides PGDM programs with specializations in finance, marketing, and operations. SPJIMR is noted for its strong industry links and focus on socially relevant management education.Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
Offers PGDM programs specializing in marketing, finance, and HR. IMT is recognized for its robust industry interface and consistent placements.T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal
Offers PGDM programs in finance, marketing, and HR. TAPMI is highly reputed for its strong finance and marketing curriculum.Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
Offers PGPM and PGDM programs. Known for its intensive one-year MBA program, Great Lakes ensures excellent placement opportunities.Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa
Provides PGDM programs with specializations in healthcare management, finance, and operations. GIM is known for its scenic campus and highly qualified faculty.FORE School of Management, Delhi
Offers PGDM programs in international business, marketing, and HR. FORE is recognized for strong corporate linkages and industry exposure.K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
Provides MBA programs with specializations in marketing, finance, HR, and operations. Known for equipping students with industry-relevant skills.Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai
Offers PGDM programs with a focus on marketing, finance, and HR. LIBA emphasizes ethical leadership and value-based management education.IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University, Sri City
Offers MBA programs with a focus on finance, economics, and data sciences. IFMR is highly regarded for research-driven management education.Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore
Offers PGDM programs specializing in marketing, finance, and HR. XIME is recognized for its entrepreneurial approach and excellent placement records.
Top B-Schools in India Accepting CMAT Scores
CMAT scores are accepted by several prestigious B-Schools across India. Below is a curated list of top institutes:
JBIMS Mumbai (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies)
Known as the “CEO Factory,” JBIMS is highly regarded for its programs in finance, marketing, and operations.
Cutoff: ~99+ percentileSIMSREE Mumbai (Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education)
One of India’s oldest and most respected management institutes, SIMSREE boasts strong industry connections and excellent placements.
Cutoff: 97+ percentileK J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
Offers specialization in finance, marketing, and operations, with a strong faculty and industry linkage.
Cutoff: 85–95 percentileGreat Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai/Gurgaon
Known for its one-year fast-track MBA program, Great Lakes delivers solid placements in finance and marketing.
Cutoff: 85–95 percentileGoa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa
Offers a well-rounded curriculum with strong placements across marketing, finance, and operations.
Cutoff: 85–95 percentileXIME Bangalore (Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship)
Focused on entrepreneurship and leadership, XIME is well-regarded for general management and HR programs.
Cutoff: 80–90 percentileIFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University
Specializes in finance and economics, providing research-driven management education and strong placements.
Cutoff: 80–90 percentileIMT Nagpur (Institute of Management Technology)
Part of the IMT group, this campus offers excellent exposure to management practices and industry.
Cutoff: 80–90 percentileBIMTECH Greater Noida (Birla Institute of Management Technology)
Offers diverse programs in marketing, HR, and operations, with strong corporate collaborations.
Cutoff: 80–90 percentileAmity University, Noida
Offers a wide range of MBA specializations with excellent infrastructure and faculty support.
Cutoff: 70–85 percentileChrist University, Bangalore
Known for academic rigor and holistic development in its MBA program.
Cutoff: 75–85 percentileIndus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore
Focuses on marketing and general management, with practical exposure to real-world business scenarios.
Cutoff: 70–85 percentileWelingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), Mumbai
Emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-relevant management skills.
Cutoff: 80–90 percentileInstitute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad
Offers a strong focus on public enterprises and corporate management.
Cutoff: 75–85 percentileJaipuria Institute of Management, Noida/Lucknow/Indore/Jaipur
Known for quality management education across multiple campuses, with a broad reach in India.
Cutoff: 70–80 percentile