The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India. Every year, more than two lakh aspirants appear for CAT, but only a small percentage secure admission to top government-funded institutions like the IIMs. Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score: Direct Admission
As a result, many capable students with low or average CAT scores (50–80 percentile) feel disappointed and uncertain about their MBA aspirations. Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score: Direct Admission
However, a low CAT score does not mean the end of your management career dreams. There are numerous top and reputed MBA colleges in India—especially private universities and autonomous PGDM institutes—
that accept low CAT scores or offer Direct Admission through management or institutional quotas. These colleges provide quality education, strong industry exposure, and good placement opportunities.
This article explains everything you need to know about MBA direct admission with a low CAT score, including eligibility, admission routes, top colleges, fees, placements, and important precautions. Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score: Direct Admission
Read: Direct Admission in Top MBA Colleges of Metropolitan City Delhi NCR
Table of Contents
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score | Direct Admission 2025
Want to secure your seat in India’s Top MBA Colleges like: 🏛️ SIBM Pune | NMIMS | GIM Goa | IMT | Welingkar | IMI | MDI
Admissions Open for MBA Batch 2025 through: ✅ GMAT / CAT / XAT / NMAT / SNAP / MAH-CET / CMAT / IBSAT
✅ Direct Admission & Management Quota
✅ 100% Payment After Admission — No Advance!
Get Expert Coaching, Counseling & Guidance Absolutely FREE!
💬 Call for Registration: 9742479101
🌐 Visit: www.mba-seats.com
About CAT Exam (Common Admission Test)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most popular national-level entrance exam for admission to MBA and PGDM programs. It is conducted once a year by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis.
CAT scores are accepted by all IIMs and more than 1,200 MBA colleges across India, including top private B-schools.
Purpose of CAT Exam
CAT is used to assess a candidate’s:
- Quantitative ability
- Logical reasoning skills
- Data interpretation ability
- Verbal and reading comprehension skills
Based on CAT scores, candidates are shortlisted for Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
CAT Score & Percentile
CAT results are declared in the form of percentiles, not raw marks.
Higher percentiles indicate better performance compared to other candidates.
- 99+ percentile: Top IIMs
- 90–98 percentile: New IIMs & top private colleges
- 70–89 percentile: Reputed private B-schools
- Below 70 percentile: Direct admission & management quota options available
Understanding “Low CAT Score” in MBA Admissions
A “low CAT score” typically refers to a percentile range below the cutoffs of IIMs and other top government institutes. This usually includes:
- 80–90 percentile – Good score, but may miss top IIMs
- 60–80 percentile – Moderate score, eligible for many private B-schools
- 50–60 percentile – Low score, but still viable for direct MBA admission
- Below 50 percentile – CAT score has limited value; direct admission or alternative exams are preferred
Many private MBA colleges focus on overall candidate profiles, not just CAT percentiles.
Read: Direct Admission in Top MBA Colleges of Metropolitan Cities: Pune
Can You Get MBA Admission with a Low CAT Score?
Yes, absolutely. Several well-known MBA colleges in India accept students with low CAT scores or offer direct admission through management quota, institutional seats, or profile-based selection.
How Colleges Evaluate Low CAT Score Candidates
Instead of relying only on CAT, colleges may consider:
- Graduation marks
- Academic consistency
- Communication skills
- Work experience
- Performance in GD/PI
- Extra-curricular activities
This holistic approach allows deserving candidates to secure admission even with a low CAT percentile.
What Is Direct Admission in MBA?
Direct MBA admission refers to admission without requiring a high CAT score. Many private colleges reserve a certain number of seats under:
- Management quota
- Institutional quota
- NRI quota
- Profile-based admission
These seats are legally permitted under university and AICTE norms and are common in private MBA institutions.
Who Should Opt for MBA Direct Admission?
Direct admission is ideal for:
- Students with low CAT percentile
- Candidates who do not want to repeat CAT
- Working professionals seeking quicker admission
- Students who prefer private universities
- Candidates with strong academic or work profiles
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score for Direct Admission
Below are some of the most popular and reputed MBA colleges in India that accept low CAT scores or offer direct admission options.
IMT Ghaziabad (Limited Institutional Seats)
IMT Ghaziabad is a highly reputed private B-school. While its regular CAT cutoff is high, limited institutional or profile-based seats may be available for candidates with CAT scores around 75–85 percentile. The average package is around ₹15–17 LPA, with total fees of approximately ₹25–27 lakhs.
Read: Direct Admission IMT Ghaziabad | PGDM-HRM Seats Open.
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
KJ Somaiya accepts CAT scores in the 70–80 percentile range and also considers profile-based selection. It is known for strong marketing and operations roles, with an average package of ₹11–13 LPA and fees of around ₹18–20 lakhs.
Read: Direct Admission KJ Somaiya Mumbai | Management Quota
TAPMI (T.A. Pai Management Institute), Manipal
TAPMI accepts CAT scores starting from 70 percentile, along with XAT and GMAT. It offers strong academic rigor and consistent placements, with average salaries of ₹12–14 LPA.
Read: Will TAPMI Manipal Accept Direct Admission via Management Quota
NIRMA University – Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Nirma University accepts moderate CAT scores (65–75 percentile) and focuses on overall academic profile and GD-PI performance. The average placement package is around ₹8–10 LPA, with relatively affordable fees.
Read: MBA Direct Admission NIRMA Ahmedabad 2025-2027
IFIM Business School (Jagdish Sheth School of Management), Bangalore
IFIM accepts CAT scores as low as 60 percentile and also offers direct admission routes. The institute emphasizes experiential learning and industry integration, with average packages of ₹9–11 LPA.
Alliance University – School of Business, Bangalore
Alliance University allows direct MBA admission with low CAT scores (50–60 percentile) through management quota seats. It has international exposure and average placements of ₹8–10 LPA.
Christ University Institute of Management, Bangalore
Christ University accepts CAT, XAT, CMAT, and also offers limited institutional seats. Candidates with CAT scores around 65–75 percentile have good chances. The average package is ₹7–9 LPA.
Welingkar Institute of Management (Mumbai & Bangalore)
Welingkar accepts CAT scores from 60–70 percentile, along with XAT, CMAT, and its own entrance test. It is known for marketing, HR, and analytics programs, with average packages of ₹8–10 LPA.
UPES School of Business, Dehradun
UPES accepts low CAT scores (50–60 percentile) and offers direct admission. It is popular for specialized MBAs in energy, logistics, and analytics, with average placements of ₹6–8 LPA.
ICFAI Business School (IBS – Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore)
IBS accepts CAT scores starting from 60 percentile and also conducts its own IBSAT exam. The Hyderabad campus reports average packages of ₹7–9 LPA.
SRM Institute of Management & Technology, Chennai
SRM accepts CAT and other national-level exams and also offers direct admission. It is suitable for candidates with low CAT percentiles, offering average packages of ₹6–8 LPA.
Lovely Professional University (LPU) – Mittal School of Business
LPU allows MBA admission with low CAT scores or without CAT through management quota and LPUNEST. It offers a wide range of specializations and average packages of ₹6–7 LPA.
Chandigarh University – University School of Business
Chandigarh University accepts CAT scores starting from 50 percentile and also offers direct admission. It is known for affordability and improving placement records.
Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore
IBA accepts CAT scores in the 50–60 percentile range and emphasizes corporate training and internships. Average packages range between ₹6–8 LPA.
Students with CAT scores between 50 and 80 percentile have a wide range of good MBA options across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, and other cities. Many of these colleges offer direct admission, management quota seats, or profile-based selection, focusing on overall candidate potential rather than only entrance exam scores.
With proper guidance and early application, candidates can secure admission in reputed MBA colleges and build strong management careers despite a low CAT score.
Read: Top MBA Colleges Direct Admission under XAT
MBA Admission Without CAT: An Alternative Path
Not qualifying CAT does not limit your MBA opportunities. Many reputed MBA colleges in India offer admission through alternative entrance exams or direct admission routes, focusing on overall student profiles rather than a single exam score.
MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
MAT is widely accepted by private MBA colleges across India. It is conducted multiple times a year, making it easier for students to secure admission with moderate scores.
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
CMAT is a national-level exam accepted by AICTE-approved colleges. It is popular for offering admission to both government and private MBA institutes with relatively flexible cutoffs.
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
XAT is accepted by XLRI and many reputed private B-schools. Several colleges consider lower XAT percentiles along with profile-based selection.
NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
NMAT allows multiple attempts and is accepted by NMIMS and other private universities. It offers a structured and student-friendly admission process.
ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions)
ATMA is accepted by many Tier-2 and Tier-3 MBA colleges. It is ideal for students looking for affordable MBA options with decent placements.
Institute-Level Entrance Tests
Many private universities conduct their own entrance exams, focusing on aptitude, communication skills, and interviews rather than national-level competition.
MBA Admission Without Any Entrance Exam
Some private colleges offer management quota or institutional seats, allowing direct MBA admission based on graduation marks, interviews, and overall profile evaluation
Read: Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score – Direct Admissions
Fees Structure for MBA Direct Admission (Low CAT Score)
| College Category | Approx. CAT Percentile Accepted | Admission Mode | Total MBA Fees (2 Years) | Additional Charges (Mgmt/Quota) | Avg. Placement (LPA) |
| Top Private B-Schools (Profile-Based) | 70–85 %ile | Institutional / Profile-based | ₹18 – ₹27 Lakhs | ₹2 – ₹6 Lakhs (if applicable) | ₹14 – ₹18 LPA |
| Upper Mid-Tier Private Colleges | 60–75 %ile | Management / Institutional Quota | ₹12 – ₹20 Lakhs | ₹1.5 – ₹4 Lakhs | ₹10 – ₹14 LPA |
| Mid-Tier MBA Colleges | 55–65 %ile | Direct Admission / Mgmt Quota | ₹8 – ₹15 Lakhs | ₹1 – ₹3 Lakhs | ₹7 – ₹10 LPA |
| Budget Private Colleges | 50–60 %ile | Direct Admission | ₹5 – ₹10 Lakhs | ₹50,000 – ₹2 Lakhs | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
| Private Universities | 50–70 %ile | Direct / Merit-based | ₹6 – ₹14 Lakhs | Usually Included | ₹5 – ₹9 LPA |
| Tier-3 / Emerging Colleges | Below 50 %ile | Direct Admission | ₹3 – ₹7 Lakhs | Minimal or None | ₹3 – ₹5 LPA |
City-Wise Fee Range (Low CAT Score – Direct Admission)
| City | MBA Direct Admission Fees (2 Years) |
| Delhi NCR | ₹8 – ₹30 Lakhs |
| Mumbai | ₹10 – ₹25 Lakhs |
| Bangalore | ₹7 – ₹20 Lakhs |
| Pune | ₹6 – ₹18 Lakhs |
| Hyderabad | ₹6 – ₹15 Lakhs |
| Chennai | ₹5 – ₹14 Lakhs |
Important Notes
- Management quota fees are usually 20–40% higher than regular merit seats
- Fees vary by college reputation, location, specialization, and seat availability
- Government institutes (IIMs, FMS, MDI, IIFT) do NOT offer management quota
- Always verify AICTE/UGC approval and refund policy
Placement Scenario for MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores
While these colleges may not match IIM-level packages, many still offer solid placements.
Average Packages
- Tier 1 private colleges: ₹14–18 LPA
- Tier 2 colleges: ₹8–12 LPA
- Tier 3 colleges: ₹4–7 LPA
Top Recruiters
- Deloitte
- EY
- KPMG
- Accenture
- Amazon
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Infosys
- FMCG and startup firms
Advantages of MBA Direct Admission with Low CAT Score
- No need to repeat CAT
- Faster admission process
- Access to reputed private colleges
- Flexible eligibility
- Industry-oriented curriculum
- Strong alumni networks
Precautions While Taking Direct Admission
- Verify AICTE/UGC approval
- Avoid fake agents or donation scams
- Check placement reports carefully
- Understand refund policies
- Visit the campus if possible
Read: Direct MBA Admission with Low Score in SNAP
Career Opportunities After MBA from Private Colleges
Graduates can work as:
- Marketing Manager
- Business Analyst
- HR Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Consultant
- Startup Founder
With skills and experience, long-term career growth remains strong.
Conclusion
A low CAT score does not define your potential or limit your management career. Today, many top private MBA colleges in India offer direct admission options for candidates with low CAT percentiles, focusing on holistic profiles rather than exam scores alone.
By choosing the right college, understanding the admission process, and making informed decisions, students can secure quality MBA education, strong placements, and long-term career success—even with a low CAT score.
Read:
- List of Colleges Accepting CAT 70-80 Percentile Direct Admission
- Dehradun to Mumbai – Get MBA Direct Admission
- IFMR Krea University MBA Direct Entry | Management Quota Process
- Direct Admission in NMIMS Mumbai for MBA
- Direct Admission in IMT Ghaziabad Low Score via Management Quota
- Will TAPMI Manipal Accept Direct Admission via Management Quota
- Direct Admission in MDI Gurgoan Management Quota Seats
- Direct Admission in Top MBA Colleges in Patna Bihar via Management Quota
Disclaimer:
This advertisement is regarding guidance for admissions through Management Quota in a Private Management College. The listed college is not subjected to any authorization with us and also in no way concerned with this advertisement.
People may seek out information from this advertisement that they find agreeable, either from the viewpoint of informative and easy to make use of or from the viewpoint of having content that matches individual’s need. It is the decision of viewer contacting us.
It is our request to the concerned authority of the listed colleges and any third party that if you find any defamatory language, lying, exaggerating, copyrighted materials, and other such practices, kindly let us notify soon as immediate reforms shall be made.