Last Updated: March 2025 | Reviewed by Eduqoo Education Research Team
Table of Contents
Not everyone takes CAT — and that’s perfectly fine. Many top-tier MBA colleges accept alternative exams like XAT (XLRI), SNAP (Symbiosis), NMAT (NMIMS), MAT, CMAT, ATMA, and GMAT. Some of India’s best B-schools, including XLRI Jamshedpur, SIBM Pune, and TISS Mumbai, don’t use CAT at all.
Top MBA Colleges Not Requiring CAT 2025
| College | Exam Accepted | Fees (2-yr) | Avg CTC |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur | XAT | ₹26L | ₹28 LPA |
| SIBM Pune | SNAP | ₹22L | ₹25 LPA |
| SCMHRD Pune | SNAP | ₹20L | ₹22 LPA |
| NMIMS Mumbai | NMAT | ₹22L | ₹22 LPA |
| TISS Mumbai | TISSNET | ₹3L | ₹18 LPA |
| ISB Hyderabad | GMAT/GRE | ₹42L (1-yr) | ₹34 LPA |
| IIFT Delhi | IIFT Exam | ₹20L | ₹24 LPA |
| Great Lakes Chennai | CAT/XAT/GMAT | ₹18L | ₹14 LPA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get into a good MBA college without CAT?
Absolutely. XLRI (XAT), Symbiosis (SNAP), NMIMS (NMAT), and ISB (GMAT) are all top-20 B-schools that don’t require CAT.
Also explore: Government MBA Colleges | All MBA Colleges
