List of Management Institutes in India Where CAT is Not Mandatory

For post-graduation education, a degree in business management is the most preferred option among candidates pursuing higher education in India and abroad. To select the right candidates, universities and institutes conduct various entrance exams, such as SNAP, XAT, MAT, and others. While the GMAT  holds credibility abroad, the CAT is widely regarded as India’s most prestigious management entrance exam.

However, several top-tier institutes conduct independent exams and do not rely solely on CAT scores for admissions. Below is a list of prominent management schools in India where CAT is not mandatory.

Indian School of Business:

ISB Hyderabad ranks among the most prestigious business schools in India and the world. It offers management programs with niche specializations such as Infrastructure Management, Business Technology, and Healthcare Management.

Admission Process: Applicants submit GMAT or GRE scores. ISB then shortlists candidates and requires them to submit an essay as part of their application.

XLRI Jamshedpur:

XLRI, one of India’s oldest management institutes, offers PGPM, part-time programs, and online courses in Business Management and Human Resources.

Admission Process: Candidates must clear XAT, conducted annually in January. After qualifying, they participate in group discussions and personal interviews. XLRI evaluates performance and publishes a merit list for admission.

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi:

Established in 1963, IIFT focuses on International Business Management.

Admission Process: The IIFT entrance exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency, shortlists candidates. Shortlisted candidates appear for group discussions and personal interviews. Finally, the institute creates a merit list to grant admission.

Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai:

JBIMS is known as India’s CEO factory, offering a Masters in Management Studies (MMS) program across various domains.

Admission Process: JBIMS accepts MH-CET scores, and candidates undergo the Common Admission Process (CAP). The institute allocates admissions based on online CAP results.

SP Jain Institute of Management, Mumbai:

SP Jain considers candidates’ overall profiles along with test scores.

Admission Process: The institute accepts CAT or XAT scores, followed by a psychometric test, WAT, and group interviews. Finally, SP Jain ranks candidates in a merit list for admission.

Narsee Monjee University, Mumbai:

NMIMS ranks among India’s top MBA institutes.

Admission Process: Candidates submit NMAT scores. Shortlisted applicants participate in Case Discussions (CD) and Personal Interviews (PI). Admissions depend on the overall score.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai:

TISS is renowned for MA programs in Human Resources & Labor Relations, equivalent to an MBA.

Admission Process: Candidates clear the TISS-NET screening test and undergo a Pre-Interview Test and Personal Interview. The institute aggregates scores to determine final selection.

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune:

SIBM, established in 1978, is known for academics and extra-curricular excellence. The institute offers unique programs such as MBA in Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Admission Process: Candidates take the SNAP Test online. Shortlisted candidates participate in group discussions and personal interviews. The final merit list determines admission.

MICA, Ahmedabad:

MICA specializes in Strategic Marketing and Communication.

Admission Process: Candidates appear for MICAT. MICA compares MICAT scores with CAT/XAT scores (choosing the better). Shortlisted candidates undergo group exercises and personal interviews, which determine the final merit list.

IMT Ghaziabad:

IMT Ghaziabad emphasizes Marketing programs and is among India’s top business schools.

Admission Process: IMT considers both CAT and XAT scores to select candidates.

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    By Parul_arora10