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Best MBA Colleges in India Without CAT: What are some CAT exam alternatives in India?

Updated: 3 March 2025, 3:46 pm IST

In India, getting into a top business school usually means taking the Common Admission Test (CAT). It has been the go-to exam for those planning to pursue management. This is because it had been the only MBA admission criteria till now.

MBA is one of the most sought-after courses globally. Students enrolling in the full-time management program have a wide range of employment options after the course. A study shows that 92% of corporate recruiters want to hire MBA graduates. However, most MBA programs require you to qualify for the Common Admission Test (CAT).

However, now, even though a CAT qualification is a surefire way to join a B-school, there are other options. These options do not require you to clear CAT exams.

Also Read:- What should I study After the CUET Exam Result?

Many institutions are also accepting XAT or MAT qualifications in their selection process for Online MBA programs. These exams test different skills needed to excel in management. And, with schools looking for more than just test scores nowadays, these options can be your ticket to success.

Let's take a closer look at programs that don’t prioritise CAT qualifications for MBA admission. Learn about alternative pathways to pursue an MBA without CAT, including direct admissions, university-specific entrance exams, and experience-based selections

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Highlights Of Online MBA Program

ParticularDetails
Full form of MBA MBA In ( Master Of Business Administration )
Duration2- Years
Starting Online MBA Fee1,95,000
MBA Course TypesOnline MBA Program
MBA Courses Top specializations 
Business Analytics
Data Science
Digital Entrepreneurship
Digital Marketing Management
Entrepreneurship and Leadership Management
Finance and Accounting Management
MBA Job OptionsHR Executive, Marketing Executive, Marketing Manager, Finance, Human Resources Specialist, Project Manager, Financial Manager, Digital Marketer. etc.
MBA Average SalaryINR 6.5LPA - INR 12 LPA
Top Recruiters TCS, Accenture, Wipro, Amazon, IBM, Cipla, Bajaj, ITC, PWC Infosys, and Delloite, 

Apply Here For the Best MBA (Master Of Business Administration)

Is CAT mandatory to pursue an MBA?

The answer to this question is an absolute no. Several CAT alternative exams, such as NMAT, XAT, or GMAT, allow admission into reputed B-schools in India. However, if you are looking for options to pursue an MBA without CAT, many universities offer direct admission based on academic performance or other entrance exams.

CAT alternative examinations

The following table provides a list of some CAT alternative exams or MBA without CAT:

Exam nameFull formConducting Body
NMAT NMIMS Management Aptitude TestGMAC
XAT Xavier Aptitude TestXLRI, Jamshedpur
GMATGraduate Management Admission TestGMAC
IIFTIndian Institute of Foreign Trade Admission TestNTA
CMATCommon Management Admission TestNTA


Top Online MBA specializations

 

Direct Admission Without CAT: Eligibility Criteria

Check out the basic eligibility criteria for top MBA colleges offering admissions in MBA without CAT.

  • The minimum score required in the undergraduate examination varies across institutions. 
  • However, to pursue an MBA without CAT, students must have at least 50%-65% aggregate in their graduation. 
  • For reserved category candidates, the minimum required score is 45% aggregate. 
  • Additionally, some institutes offering an MBA without CAT Examination accept alternative entrance exam scores such as XAT, MAT, GMAT, NMAT, ATMA, and SNAP for MBA Admission.

Top Online MBA specializations courses offered without CAT

Several online platforms allow MBA admission without CAT. Let’s look at what MBA courses you can avail of without the CAT examination:

  1. MBA in Digital Marketing

A Digital Marketing MBA course will help you learn about digital marketing principles, tools, platforms, and technologies.

  1. MBA in HR Analytics

An MBA in HR Analytics will teach you about collecting and interpreting data relevant to human resource management and how it helps businesses.

  1. MBA in Data Science

A comprehensive MBA without CAT in Data Science imparts practical and theoretical knowledge of cutting-edge data-driven technologies. You will learn how to integrate predictive models and data visualization.

  1. MBA in Business Analytics

In a Business Analytics MBA course, you will develop skills to manage dynamic data using cutting-edge statistical techniques and technologies for data visualisation.

Also Read:- Affordable Online MBA Programs: How to Get a Quality Education Without Breaking the Bank

Things to consider before your MBA admission

You must keep a few things in mind when getting an MBA colleges without a CAT exam. The following course aspects matter for online programs:

  • Reputed international faculty.
  • Exposure to real-world projects and case studies.
  • Career support and job fairs

You must keep a few things in mind when getting into an MBA without CAT. The following course aspects matter for online programs:

  • Reputed international faculty.
  • Exposure to real-world projects and case studies.
  • Career support and job fairs.

Best MBA Colleges in India Without CAT Exam

Amity Online

Amity's online is one of the top MBA colleges without entrance exam in the list of MBA without CAT. Amity MBA program offers a fantastic opportunity for career growth. Their MBA selection process also does not require CAT qualifications.

All you need for the Amity MBA application process are:

  • Your 10th and 12th class certificates
  • A Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised university and in any discipline with a minimum aggregate of 40%.

It's India's first UGC-recognised online MBA, designed to give learners insights into all aspects of management. Over two years and four semesters, you'll have different specialisations. They are:

  • International Finance
  • MBA in Digital Marketing
  • Digital Entrepreneurship
  • Business Analytics
  • Data Science
  • HR Analytics
  • Digital Marketing Management

The program also offers practical real-world projects that can give you the skills you need for the job market.

Call Us For Any Query About MBA admission without CAT:- 1800 102 3434

CAT exam alternatives in India

SPJIMR

Mumbai


The SP Jain Institute of Management and Research in Mumbai offers a two-year Post Graduate Degree in Management. It does not strictly require CAT qualifications, making it an excellent choice for applicants from diverse backgrounds and exam preferences. As one of the top MBA colleges without entrance exam requirements, it provides fair admission opportunities for all eligible candidates.
 

SPJIMR also considers ​​scores from consider scores from XAT and GMAT along with the CAT. You can submit scores from whichever exam you feel most comfortable with.

XLRI

Jamshedpur

You don't need a CAT qualification to study at the Xavier School of Management in Jamshedpur. As one of the premium B-schools in India, it comes with its own entrance exam, XAT. Short for Xavier Aptitude Test, this exam tests your management skills holistically. All you need to do is qualify it as the MBA selection criteria.

XLRI's MBA is a two-year program. It focuses on the following specialisations:

  • Data Science & Business Analytics
  • Operations Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Finance

ISB

Hyderabad


The PG program offered by the Indian School of Business is a great choice if you are looking for admission in MBA without CAT entrance exams. As one of the top MBA colleges without entrance exam requirements, ISB allows candidates with a good GRE or GMAT score to apply, whether they are working professionals or recent graduates.

This PGP program offers the following specialisations:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Mandatory Elective)
  • Forecasting Analytics
  • Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Manufacturing Ecosystem
  • Strategic Performance Management
  • Service Operations Management
  • Project Management
  • Pricing and Revenue Analytics
  • Strategic Procurement
  • Operations Strategy
  • Business Process Excellence
  • Strategic Procurement
  • Sustainable Manufacturing and Operations

This program is highly popular and well sought after. Its curriculum is designed by industry experts. All in all, this program can help graduating students get ready to tackle the nitty gritty of management.

SIBM

Pune


At the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, getting into their MBA program doesn't rely entirely on CAT scores. As one of the top MBA colleges without entrance exam requirements, SIBM considers candidates who qualify for the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) to meet the MBA selection criteria.

SNAP tests your skills in math, reasoning, and communication. This selection process makes it easier for people with different strengths to apply. If you perform well on SNAP, you have a strong chance of securing admission to SIBM.

SIBM's MBA program is one of the most popularly pursued ones in India. It is a full-time residential program offering five specialisations in total. They are:

  • Marketing
  • Human Resource Management
  • Finance
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Data Analytics

Over two years, you will learn hands-on skills and get real-world experience. It is designed to set you up for a successful career in business.

Also Read:- Importance of Management in an Organisation

Are you ready to take the next step in your career?

Enroll Now →

Conclusion

MBA hopefuls now have better options, offering equal opportunities to all kinds of students. Whether you excel in standardized tests like CAT or shine in other areas, there is always a path to pursue management. This brings us to Amity Online, one of the top MBA colleges without entrance exam requirements. 

The  Amity Online MBA admission criteria are all-inclusive, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an MBA without CAT. Unlike many other institutions, Amity does not insist on XAT or MAT qualifications, ensuring broader accessibility for aspiring students.

Check Out Our Top Online Degree Programs

UG Programs PG Programs 
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)MBA (Master of Business Administration)
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application)MCA (Master of Computer Application)
Bcom (Bachelor of Commerce)MA (Master of Arts Public, Policy and Governance)
BA (Bachelor Of Arts) Mcom with Financial Management
BAJMC Bachelor Of Arts (Journalism and Mass Communication)MAJMC Master Of Arts (Journalism and Mass Communication)
Pritika

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