Top 10 MBA Colleges in India Based on CAT Scores: A Guide by Rahul Sir Classes
- RAHUL SINGH
- Feb 18
- 4 min read
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to India’s top MBA colleges, including the prestigious IIMs and other elite B-schools. With thousands of aspirants competing yearly, getting admission into a top-tier institute requires focused preparation, strategy, and expert guidance.
Rahul Sir Classes has been instrumental in helping students secure top ranks in CAT, CET, SNAP, NMAT, and CMAT, guiding them through concept building, test-taking strategies, and interview preparation.
This blog will explore the top 10 MBA colleges in India that accept CAT scores, compare IIMs with other leading B-schools, and discuss fee structures, return on investment (ROI), admission processes, and scholarships.
Top 10 MBA Colleges in India Based on CAT Scores
1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A)
Rank: Consistently ranked as India’s top B-school
Average CAT Percentile: 99+
Fee: ₹25 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹35-40 LPA
2. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B)
Known for: Strong academic rigor and corporate connections
Average CAT Percentile: 99+
Fee: ₹24-25 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹30-35 LPA
3. Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C)
Specialty: Finance and Analytics
Average CAT Percentile: 98-99+
Fee: ₹24 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹32-36 LPA
4. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM-L)
Strengths: Finance, marketing, and operations
Average CAT Percentile: 97-99
Fee: ₹20 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹26-30 LPA
5. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K)
Known for: Innovative curriculum and diverse batch profile
Average CAT Percentile: 96-98
Fee: ₹22-24 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹25-28 LPA
6. Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM-I)
USP: Strong alumni network and global collaborations
Average CAT Percentile: 96-98
Fee: ₹21 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹22-26 LPA
7. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
Best ROI: High salaries with low fees
Average CAT Percentile: 98-99+
Fee: ₹2 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹30-35 LPA
8. Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIM-S)
Strengths: Sustainability and consulting
Average CAT Percentile: 95-97
Fee: ₹18 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹22-25 LPA
9. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
Unique Feature: Profile-based selection
Average CAT Percentile: 85-99 (varies by specialization)
Fee: ₹21-22 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹28-30 LPA
10. Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
Known for: Marketing and consulting placements
Average CAT Percentile: 95-97
Fee: ₹24 lakh
Average Placement Package: ₹25-28 LPA
IIMs vs. Other Top B-Schools: Which One is Right for You?
Feature | IIMs (A, B, C, L, K, I) | FMS, SPJIMR, MDI |
Brand Value | Strongest in India | Competitive but slightly lower than IIM-A, B, C |
Fees | ₹18-25 lakh | ₹2-24 lakh |
Placements | ₹25-40 LPA | ₹20-35 LPA |
Admission Process | Heavily CAT-dependent | Some offer profile-based selection |
While IIMs have unmatched brand value, institutes like FMS, SPJIMR, and MDI offer excellent ROI and placement opportunities.
Fee Structure & ROI of Top MBA Colleges in India
A key factor in choosing an MBA college is its return on investment (ROI). This is calculated by comparing fees with the average placement salary.
Best ROI Colleges
FMS Delhi: Fee ₹2 lakh, Average Salary ₹30-35 LPA
SPJIMR Mumbai: Fee ₹21-22 lakh, Average Salary ₹28-30 LPA
MDI Gurgaon: Fee ₹24 lakh, Average Salary ₹25-28 LPA
High-Value Colleges Despite Higher Fees
IIM-A: Fee ₹25 lakh, Average Salary ₹35-40 LPA
IIM-B: Fee ₹24 lakh, Average Salary ₹30-35 LPA
IIM-C: Fee ₹24 lakh, Average Salary ₹32-36 LPA
Admission Process for the Best MBA Colleges in India
The CAT-based admission process typically follows these steps:
CAT Exam – Candidates must clear the required percentile cut-off.
Shortlisting for WAT-GD-PI – Institutes release cut-off lists.
WAT (Written Ability Test) – Some institutes require a short essay.
GD-PI (Group Discussion & Personal Interview) – Candidates are assessed on communication, leadership, and knowledge.
Final Selection – Institutes evaluate CAT score, academic record, work experience, and performance in GD-PI.
Scholarships Available in Top MBA Colleges
Many institutes offer need-based and merit-based scholarships:
IIM Scholarships
IIM Ahmedabad: PGP Alumni Endowment Fund
IIM Bangalore: Citi Women’s Leader Award
IIM Calcutta: Financial Aid for economically weaker students
Other B-School Scholarships
FMS Delhi: Merit-based scholarships
SPJIMR Mumbai: Need-based financial aid
MDI Gurgaon: Corporate-sponsored scholarships
Students can apply for these scholarships during the admission process or in the first year of the MBA program.
Why Choose Rahul Sir Classes for CAT Preparation?
Expert Guidance – Experienced mentors with proven results.
Structured Study Plans – Tailored strategies to maximize CAT scores.
Mock Tests & Analysis – Personalized performance evaluation.
GD-PI Training – Focused coaching for the final selection rounds.
Success Stories – Hundreds of students placed in IIMs and top B-schools.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right MBA college can shape your career and future growth. While IIMs are highly sought-after, non-IIM institutes like FMS, SPJIMR, and MDI offer excellent alternatives with strong placements and ROI.
With Rahul Sir Classes, you get the best coaching for CAT, GD-PI training, and expert mentorship to secure a seat in a top MBA college.
For admissions and course details, visit rahulsir.co.in and take the first step toward your MBA journey.
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