The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) has gained in popularity becoming one of the most opted routes taken by MBA aspirants hoping to gain admission to some of the leading business schools in India. As the best colleges accepting CMAT scores provide great scope in career growth, it is imperative to know your options in order to succeed.
Why Choose MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score?
CMAT colleges list 2026 holds more than 1000 institutions in the country and is the most universally available entrance examination. CMAT enables access to both types of institutions, government and the private institutes along with available options to each budget and future intentions.
The increasing popularity of CMAT is due to the all encompassing nature of the test which covers the spectrum of testing management aptitude under quantitative methods, logical reasoning, understanding of language and general awareness. This renders the top MBA colleges through CMAT as an appealing position to the balanced applicants.
Important Clarification: CMAT is not accepted by IIMs and by majority of the most renowned IITs in their full time MBA. There are however many great non-IIM colleges accepting CMAT scores for admission where the education and placement opportunities are of matchless quality, as in traditional premier colleges.
CMAT Exam Highlights
Key Dates
- Application Period: November – January
- Exam Date: January
- Result Declaration: February
Eligibility and Exam Structure
CMAT requires a bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). The computer-based test consists of 100 questions across (5 Sections, 20 Qs each).
Recent Changes in CMAT
The National Testing Agency has introduced enhanced security measures and refined the question pattern to better assess analytical skills required for MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff calculations.
Why Your CMAT Score Matters: Admissions, Cutoffs & Opportunities
The Importance of a Good Percentile
Your CMAT percentile directly determines which best colleges accepting CMAT score you can target. A 95+ percentile opens doors to elite institutions, while 75+ percentile provides access to excellent ROI-focused colleges.
Preferred CMAT Range for Top B-Schools
Top MBA colleges through CMAT typically prefer:
- Elite Tier: 95-99+ percentile
- Premium Tier: 85-95 percentile
- Value Tier: 75-85 percentile
- Regional Leaders: 60-75 percentile
Top MBA Colleges in India Accepting CMAT Score
The landscape of MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff has evolved significantly, with many institutions now recognizing CMAT as a primary admission criterion. These non-IIM colleges accepting CMAT have established themselves as industry leaders through consistent placement performance and academic excellence.
List of the Top 20 MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT
| College Name | City | CMAT Cutoff | Fees (₹ Lakhs) | Avg. Placement (LPA) |
| JBIMS Mumbai | Mumbai | 99.99+ | 7-8 | 26.1 |
| SIMSREE | Mumbai | 99.9+ | 1.4 | 15.24 |
| PUMBA Pune | Pune | 99+ | 2-2.5 | 11.23 |
| Great Lakes Chennai | Chennai | 95+ | 21.63 | 17.3 |
| K.J. Somaiya | Mumbai | 90-95+ | 22.32 | 12.79 |
| NIBM | Pune | 95+ | 16 | 14.16 |
| IFMR GSB | Krea | 85-90+ | 15 | 13.04 |
| WeSchool Mumbai | Mumbai | 85-90+ | 10-13 | 11-13 |
| IMT Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 85-90+ | 15 | 12 |
| IMT Nagpur | Nagpur | 90+ | 15 | 10.81 |
| BIMTECH Noida | Noida | 80-95+ | 14-16 | 11.10 |
| N.L. Dalmia | Mumbai | 90-85+ | 16.5 | 9 |
| XISS Ranchi | Ranchi | 80+ | 8.9 | 12.65 |
| AIMS Bangalore | Bangalore | 70+ | 8.75 | 8 |
CMAT Top Colleges Rank Wise (NIRF/Other Rankings)
NIRF rankings significantly influence the credibility of top private colleges accepting CMAT. Colleges like JBIMS, SIMSREE and Great Lakes consistently feature in top management rankings, validating their position among the best colleges accepting CMAT score.
Accreditations from AICTE, NBA, and international bodies like AACSB further enhance the value proposition of these CMAT colleges list 2026 institutions.
Best Government CMAT Colleges Accepting CMAT Score: Features & Admission Process
Government CMAT colleges list 2026 institutions like JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA follow merit-based admission with additional criteria like group discussions and personal interviews. These MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff requirements are typically lower than private institutions while maintaining quality education standards.
Government institutions offer exceptional value among MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff requirements:
| College | Location | CMAT Cutoff | Fees (₹) | Avg. Placement (LPA) |
| JBIMS Mumbai | Mumbai | 99.99+ | 7-8 | 26.1 |
| SIMSREE | Mumbai | 99.9+ | 1.4 | 15.24 |
| PUMBA Pune | Pune | 99+ | 2-2.5 | 11.23 |
| Government colleges through CMAT | Various | 60-80+ | 1-4 Lakhs | 5-10 |
Best Private CMAT CollegesAccepting CMAT Score: Features & Admission Process
Private top MBA colleges through CMAT often have multi-stage selection processes including written ability tests, group discussions, and personal interviews beyond CMAT scores. Many best colleges accepting CMAT scores also consider academic background and work experience.
Private institutions dominate the top MBA colleges through CMAT landscape with superior infrastructure and industry partnerships:
| Tier | Examples | CMAT Range | Key Strengths |
| Premium | JBIMS,SIMSREE, PUMBA | 99+ | Legacy and Reputation |
| High-Value | K.J. Somaiya, Welingkar WeSchool | 95+ | Strong alumni networks, diverse specializations |
Top CMAT Accepting MBA Colleges by Percentile
Top CMAT Colleges Accepting 90-99 Percentile Scores
Elite best colleges accepting CMAT scores in this range include JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE, PUMBA, Great Lakes Chennai, and K.J. Somaiya. These top MBA colleges through CMAT offer premium education with excellent placement records.
MBA Colleges Accepting 80-90 Percentile in CMAT
Strong non-IIM colleges accepting CMAT like WeSchool, and IMT Hyderabad, fall in this category. These top private colleges accepting CMAT provide excellent industry exposure.
MBA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in CMAT
Value-driven options include BIMTECH, XISS Ranchi, FORE. These colleges offer the best colleges accepting CMAT scores for budget-conscious students.
MBA Colleges Accepting 60-70 Percentile in CMAT
Regional leaders like IILM Delhi, Amity Business School, and various state universities provide good opportunities for students in this percentile range.
MBA Colleges Accepting 50-60 Percentile in CMAT
Emerging institutions and regional colleges offer admission opportunities, though students should carefully evaluate placement records and ROI.
CMAT Colleges with Low Fees & High ROI
Top ROI Picks Across India
- JBIMS Mumbai: ₹7-8 lakhs fees, ₹26.1 LPA average placement
- SIMSREE: ₹1.4 lakhs fees, ₹15.24 LPA average placement
- PUMBA Pune: ₹2-2.5 lakhs fees, ₹11.23 LPA average placement
- N.L. Dalmia Mumbai: ₹16.5 lakhs fees, ₹9 LPA average placement
- XISS Ranchi: ₹8.9 lakhs fees, ₹12.65 LPA average placement
These represent the best colleges accepting CMAT scores for value-conscious students seeking strong returns on investment.
City-Wise Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT
Delhi NCR
Top private colleges accepting CMAT in Delhi NCR include FORE School, BIMTECH Greater Noida, and IILM Delhi. These MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff ranges vary from 60-85 percentile.
Mumbai
Mumbai dominates the CMAT colleges list 2026 with institutions like JBIMS, K.J. Somaiya, WeSchool, and N.L. Dalmia offers diverse specializations and strong industry connections.
Pune
PUMBA leads Pune’s non-IIM colleges accepting CMAT landscape, alongside other regional institutions providing excellent educational value.
Bangalore
AIMS Institute and Alliance University represent top MBA colleges through CMAT in Bangalore, focusing on technology and innovation-driven management education.
Chennai
Great Lakes Chennai stands as the premier best colleges accepting CMAT score in the region, offering world-class education and placement opportunities.
Hyderabad
Emerging MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff institutions in Hyderabad are gaining recognition for specialized programs and growing industry partnerships.
How to Choose the Right CMAT College: Key Parameters
When evaluating top private colleges accepting CMAT, consider these critical factors:
Placements: Examine average packages, industry diversity, and placement percentage. The best colleges accepting CMAT scores maintain 90%+ placement rates.
Fees vs. ROI: Calculate payback period based on starting salaries from MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff data. Government institutions typically offer the best ROI.
Faculty Quality: Research faculty credentials and industry experience at your target CMAT colleges list 2026 institutions.
Location Advantage: Proximity to business hubs enhances internship and placement opportunities. Non-IIM colleges accepting CMAT in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore often provide better industry exposure.
Specializations: Evaluate program offerings that align with career goals among top MBA colleges through CMAT. Many top private colleges accepting CMAT offer specialized programs in analytics, finance, marketing, and operations aligned with industry demands.
Alumni Network: Strong alumni presence in target industries significantly impacts career progression post-graduation.
Faculty Credentials: Research the academic and industry background of faculty members at your target MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff institutions.
Peer Group Quality: The caliber of classmates significantly impacts learning and networking opportunities throughout your MBA journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which are the top MBA colleges in India accepting CMAT?
The top MBA colleges through CMAT include JBIMS Mumbai, Great Lakes Chennai, K.J. Somaiya Mumbai, IFMR GSB, WeSchool Mumbai, and PUMBA Pune. These best colleges accepting CMAT scores offer excellent placements ranging from ₹8-28 LPA.
2. Do government colleges accept CMAT scores?
Yes, numerous government institutions are part of the CMAT colleges list, including PUMBA Pune, SIES Mumbai (Not a Govt institute), and various state university management departments. These MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff requirements typically range from 60-80 percentile.
3. What is the CMAT cutoff for top colleges?
Top private colleges accepting CMAT require 85-99+ percentile, while non-IIM colleges accepting CMAT in the value segment accept 70-85 percentile. Government colleges generally have 60-80 percentile cutoffs.
4. Is Great Lakes or KJ Somaiya better through CMAT?
Both are the best colleges accepting CMAT score options. Great Lakes offers premium international exposure but higher fees, while K.J. Somaiya provides better ROI with strong Mumbai industry connections.
5. Do IITs or IIMs accept CMAT scores?
No, IITs and IIMs do not accept CMAT scores for flagship MBA programs. However, many top MBA colleges through CMAT and non-IIM colleges accepting CMAT offer comparable quality education and placements.
6. Are there good ROI colleges through CMAT?
Yes, MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff institutions like PUMBA Pune (₹2 lakh fees), N.L. Dalmia Mumbai, and XISS Ranchi offer excellent ROI with placement packages ranging from ₹6-12 LPA.
7. Which private universities accept CMAT?
Major top private colleges accepting CMAT include Great Lakes, K.J. Somaiya, WeSchool, BIMTECH. These represent the best colleges accepting CMAT scores in the private sector.
8. Can I get admission abroad with a CMAT score?
CMAT scores are primarily recognized within the CMAT colleges list 2026 in India. For international admissions, GMAT or GRE scores are required, though some Indian campuses of foreign universities might consider CMAT.
Conclusion
The CMAT exam provides access to an impressive array of best colleges accepting CMAT scores across India, from elite private institutions to high-ROI government colleges. Whether you’re targeting top MBA colleges through CMAT like Great Lakes and JBIMS or seeking value options from the CMAT colleges list 2026, opportunities abound for every percentile range.
The non-IIM colleges accepting CMAT have proven their worth through consistent placement performance and industry recognition. From top private colleges accepting CMAT offering premium education to government institutions providing exceptional ROI, your CMAT score opens multiple pathways to management career success.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Target Setting: Use your CMAT percentile to identify realistic college options from this MBA colleges in India CMAT cutoff guide
- Application Strategy: Apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety colleges from the best colleges accepting CMAT score list
- ROI Evaluation: Balance fees against placement potential when selecting top MBA colleges through CMAT
Call to Action
Your CMAT score is your gateway to premier management education. Start shortlisting colleges from this comprehensive CMAT colleges list 2026, check application deadlines, and prepare for the selection processes. For real-time updates on admission rounds and expert guidance, connect with admission counselors at your target best colleges accepting CMAT scores.
Ready to transform your career? Your MBA journey through the top MBA colleges through CMAT begins with the right college choice. Make it count!
