If not CAT then What? Top Non-IIMs Accepting CAT scores

CAT 2027: Whereas IIMs continue to be the preferred option for those aspiring to be managers, an equally respected group of non-IIM b-schools provide equal corporate exposure and have strong alumni bases along with high Returns On Investment (ROI). Schools like Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and IIFT Delhi take CAT scores and hold their own against the cream of the crop in terms of IIMs. FMS Delhi is known as the yardstick of ROI in the country, providing median salary packages of over ₹29 LPA at a total cost of around ₹2.4 lakh. Likewise, SPJIMR Mumbai focuses on holistic/profile-based screening and offers average pay packets above ₹33 LPA.

Apart from standalone B-schools, management departments of top-notch engineering colleges such as SJMSOM (IIT Bombay) and DMS (IIT Delhi), who admit only on the basis of CAT scores, use their small class strength along with excellent industrial integration for great placements in areas like supply chain, analytics, and tech management. In addition to that, schools like MICA Ahmedabad, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB Bhubaneswar, and GIM Goa offer excellent placements in marketing, finance, and consulting to aspirants with percentile scores of 85-95 range.

Top Non-IIMs Accepting CAT scores

The following table presents premier non-IIM institutions in India accepting CAT scores, categorized by required percentile ranges, fee structure, average placement packages (CTC), and domain strengths:

CAT 2026: Domain Specialists & Strong Performers (85–95 Percentile)

Percentile Range from 85 to 95, the following private B-schools have excellent recruiting networks and specialization domains:

• MICA, Ahmedabad: Best institute for Strategic Marketing, Communications & Brand Management (Average CTC: ₹19 - 21 LPA)  

• IMT, Ghaziabad: Legacy B-school with good placement record in Sales & Marketing (Average CTC: ₹16 - 17 LPA) 

• XIMB, Bhubaneswar: Very good institute for Business Management & Rural Management (Average CTC: ₹19 - 20 LPA)

• IMI, New Delhi: Very good presence in Finance & HR in capital region (Average CTC: ₹16 - 18 LPA)

• GIM, Goa: Growing brand with specialties in Big Data Analytics (BDA) & Healthcare Management (Average CTC: ₹15 - 18 LPA)

• Great Lakes, Chennai/Gurgaon: Perfect choice for those with work experience seeking accelerated PGPM (one year program) or Analytics Program (two year program). (Average CTC: ₹15 - 18 LPA)