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The Common Admission Test is a widely known accepted exam for MBA colleges in India. However, CAT is not necessarily important to be a part of a top MBA college in India. Multiple other tests such as XAT, CMAT, NMAT, and NMIMS are also widely accepted by all MBA institutes. However, while taking admission to any prestigious institute in India, candidates must make sure their choice of entrance exam aligns with the colleges they want to study in. To know that “Is CAT necessary for MBA?”, continue reading the blog post below.
Table of Contents
- 1 Is CAT Necessary for MBA?
- 2 How CAT Helps Get Admission to MBA Colleges?
- 3 How to Get Direct Admission into MBA without Entrance Exams?
- 4 Eligibility Criteria
- 5 Top MBA Colleges With or Without CAT Exam 2024
- 6 Direct Admission into an MBA College without CAT: Pros & Cons
- 7 Direct Admission to Top MBA Colleges Under Management Quota
- 8 How to Make an MBA Application Stand Out?
- 9 FAQs
Is CAT Necessary for MBA?
No, the CAT exam is not necessarily important to opt for an MBA program in India. MBA aspirants can opt for other management exams which ultimately suit their strengths and career goals.
Other entrance exams such as XAT, GMAT and GRE are accepted by multiple universities. Moreover, other business schools also accept applications without any need for an entrance exam.
Also Read: CAT Exam Appearing Students in Final Year Graduation
How CAT Helps Get Admission to MBA Colleges?
For students hoping to enrol in MBA schools in India, passing the CAT exam is a must. There are various advantages to taking the CAT exam. A few of them are briefly listed below for your easy reference:
- CAT exam covers diverse topics such as mathematical ability, data interpretation, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, etc which enhances the logical reasoning of the students.
- CAT strengthens the business management skills of the students, leading to success in both professional and personal skills.
- The CAT exam includes multiple group discussion rounds and personal interviews which also improves the communication skills of the individual.
- Candidates strengthen their cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities etc by practising different types of reasoning and quantitative ability questions.
- Candidates learn to manage their time more effectively while preparing for competitive exams such as CAT.
Also Read: CAT Exam is for What Purpose? Check Key Reasons
How to Get Direct Admission into MBA without Entrance Exams?
With a new cycle beginning in July almost all B-Schools close their admission process by the end of September. Students begin studying for various entrance examinations at the beginning of the school year because their chances of being admitted into prestigious IIMs are significantly reduced if they score below 95% on the exam. On the other hand, students who choose direct admission must adhere to the institute-specific selection procedure.
First, the applicant needs to register and submit an application for admission via the college’s online website or in person by going to the campus. Every institute has a distinct application process. Moreover, interested students may also visit the college and speak with the admission counsellors/advisors for admission.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for direct admission without CAT are briefly listed below for your easy reference:
- Different colleges may have different requirements for the minimum score on the UG level exam, however, a student must have received at least a 50% to 65% aggregate score in their graduation.
- The aggregate score for the reserved category must be at least 45%.
- Other competitive exam scores from exams like XAT, MAT, GMAT, NMAT, ATMA, SNAP, etc. are accepted by some institutions.
Required Documents for Direct Admission without CAT Exam
The list of important documents for direct admission without the CAT exam is listed below:
- ID proof
- Transfer Certificate
- Two passport-size photos
- Class 10th Certificate both original and a photocopy
- Class 12th Certificate both original and a photocopy
- Graduation Certificate or a Provisional Certificate both original and photocopy
Also Read: How to Improve Aptitude Skills for CAT Exam?
Top MBA Colleges With or Without CAT Exam 2024
Don’t worry if you haven’t taken the CAT exam but wish to study for the MBA program at the top universities in India! Numerous MBA programs admit students based on a variety of additional entry examinations or requirements. The list of institutions where you can apply without taking the CAT exam is provided here.
| MBA Colleges | Accepted Entrance Exams |
| SIBM, Pune | SNAP |
| XLRI, Jamshedpur | XAT |
| JBIMS, Mumbai | MAH-CET/MAT/GMAT |
| Xavier University, Bhubaneshwar | XAT, X-GMT |
| Indian School of Business, Hyderabad | GMAT |
| Amity University | XAT/GMAT/NMAT/MAT/CAT/ |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | XAT/GMAT/CAT |
| NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai | NMAT |
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi | GMAT |
| SP Jain Institute of Management and Research | XAT and CAT |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai | TISSNET |
| IMT, Ghaziabad | CAT/GMAT/XAT |
| PSG College of Technology | TANCET |
| BITS, Pilani | BITSAT/GMAT/CAT |
| Loyola Institute of Business Administration | XAT/CAT |
| IFIM Business School | KMAT |
| Indira Institute of Management, Pune | ATMA/MAT/MAH-CET |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | JMI Entrance Test |
| Institute of Rural Management, Anand | IRMASAT/XAT/CAT |
| SIMSREE – Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education | CMAT/ATMA |
| KIIT School of Management | MAT/KIITEE MANAGEMENT |
| Goa Institute of Management | XAT/GMAT/CMAT/CAT |
Also Read: Is CAT Tougher than NEET? Overview, Eligibility & Differences
Direct Admission into an MBA College without CAT: Pros & Cons
Discover the advantages and disadvantages of gaining direct admission to MBA programs without taking the CAT by looking at the list given below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Exams such as CAT, XAT, and GMAT need preparation of at least 6 months. | On the other hand, direct admission allows candidates to start their MBA early on. |
| Better pay is offered to students who take admissions through tough competitive exams such as CAT, XAT etc. | Salary offered through direct admission is less as compared to admission through entrance exams. |
| Candidates have a chance to attend the finest management schools in India. | Pursuing an MBA through direct admissions may get you into average institutes effortlessly. |
| Admissions through entrance exams may become a cost-effective choice for candidates. | Admissions to private colleges may be expensive. |
Also Read: How To Practice Logical Reasoning For CAT Exam? Check Tips and Topics Here
Direct Admission to Top MBA Colleges Under Management Quota
A pool of seats known as “institute-level seats” is available at many MBA colleges in India. These seats are set aside for applicants using the management quota to be admitted to the college. Admissions for seats at the institute level are made based on suggestions made by the administration or higher management of the institute. Every institute that offers MBA degrees with direct admissions through management quota has its unique admissions policies. A NRI quota is also in place at many B-schools. Applicants seeking admission to the MBA program from foreign nationals, non-resident aliens, or persons of interest may contact these institutions.
Top MBA Colleges Eligibility Criteria Under Management Quota
- Under Management Quota, Different procedures apply to direct admission of students to B-Schools. Some universities use a candidate’s bachelor’s degree scores to shortlist them. To gain admission to prestigious B-schools, candidates must have received at least a 50% aggregate mark in their graduation.
- Under the management quota, students may also choose to be admitted directly. Even though they fall under reserved categories, they will not be qualified for scholarships if they choose to follow a management quota.
Also Read: MBA Colleges Through CAT Score
How to Make an MBA Application Stand Out?
There are a few things which students can keep in to make their application stand out. Find the tips briefly listed below:
- You must state genuine reasons about “Why do you want to lead this career path?”
- Be authentic while filling out the application form. The faculty can sense your authenticity regarding your career choices from a mile away, so always answer with authenticity.
- Giving fake examples of your weaknesses and strengths can lead to failure.
- Always remember to highlight your extracurricular activities.
- Always do some serious soul-searching before choosing a career path. You should learn how to put your best foot forward in the application.
Related Reads
FAQs
Yes, candidates can pursue the MBA program without appearing for the CAT exam.
A few IIMs do provide admission to their postgraduate programmes based on a candidate’s undergraduate performance.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is considered one of the toughest exams in India for admission in various MBA institutions.
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