Didn't score well in CAT 2025? MBA colleges accepting lower cut-off percentile than IIMs

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has declared the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 results, prompting many candidates to reassess their management admission plans. CAT remains the primary entrance exam for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools, but it is not the only option for a management degree. IIM CAT 2025 Result (OUT) LIVE

After the CAT 2025 results, candidates who did not secure high percentiles can look at alternative admission options available in the current cycle. These include applying to non-IIM management institutes that accept CAT scores with lower cut-offs or appearing for other Master of Business Administration (MBA) entrance exams scheduled after the result declaration.

Appear for other management exams

Other management entrance exams that offer admission to MBA programmes include Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), Management Aptitude Test (MAT), AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA), Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP), and NMAT conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). Several institutes admit students based on scores from these examinations.

Admission to management programmes is not based only on CAT or other entrance examination scores. Selection is also influenced by factors such as academic record, work experience, and performance in group discussions, written ability tests, and personal interviews.

MBA colleges accepting low CAT scores

The following is a list of institutions that offer MBA admission based on low CAT score.

Enrol in specialised management programmes

Candidates can also consider specialised management programmes in areas such as business analytics, supply chain management, healthcare management, public policy, and human resource management. Admission to these courses is conducted through institute-specific processes and may not depend solely on CAT scores.