A strong CAT score opens many doors, and the IIMs are not the only ones. Several well-known B-schools use it for shortlisting. This guide lists some of the best colleges accepting CAT score, explains how to compare them and shows what to look for in the best CAT preparation institute.
Why Look Beyond the IIMs?
IIM seats are limited, and competition is high. Many other institutes offer strong faculty, industry links and placement support, and they also use CAT percentiles. Shortlisting a mix of colleges gives you more choices after the results.
Colleges Accepting CAT Score
FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IMI New Delhi, FORE School of Management, Jaipuria Institute of Management, SPJIMR Mumbai, TAPMI Manipal and Great Lakes are commonly listed as accepting CAT scores. Here are a few options, including some in Delhi NCR: jaipuria
- FMS Delhi: A university department known for its MBA programme.
- MDI Gurgaon and IMI New Delhi: Established management institutes in the NCR.
- FORE School of Management, New Delhi: A PGDM institute that uses CAT scores.
- LBSIM Delhi: Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management accepts CAT, XAT and GMAT scores for its PGDM programmes. It is based in Dwarka, Delhi. lbsim
- GLBIMR Greater Noida: GL Bajaj Institute of Management and Research offers a two-year PGDM and accepts CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAT and ATMA scores, with a bachelor’s degree of at least 50% marks. careers360
- Jaipuria Institute of Management: It has several campuses, including Noida.
Acceptance lists and criteria change every year. Check each college’s official admission page before applying.
CAT 2026 Timeline
CAT 2026 is on November 29, 2026, and registration closed on September 15, 2026. Results are expected between December 2026 and January 2027. Keep a list of application deadlines for each college, because most use separate forms.
How to Choose Among Colleges Accepting CAT Score
- Approvals and accreditation: Check AICTE or UGC approval and recognised accreditation.
- Placement report: Ask for verified data on median package, percentage placed and recruiters. Ignore “100% placement” claims without proof.
- Specialisations: Confirm the college offers your preferred track, such as marketing, finance, HR or analytics.
- Total cost: Add up tuition, hostel and other charges, and check scholarships and loan options.
- Location: Delhi NCR distances are large, so consider your commute.
- Admission process: Most colleges use GD, WAT and PI rounds after the CAT shortlist.
Best CAT Preparation Institute: What to Look For
There is no single best CAT preparation institute for everyone. Look for:
- Experienced faculty who explain concepts clearly.
- Regular mock tests with proper analysis, not just scores.
- Doubt support and small batches or mentoring.
- Updated study material for VARC, DILR and QA.
- A free demo class so you can judge the teaching style.
- Flexible mode: online, offline or hybrid to match your schedule.
- Honest claims: Be careful with “100% selection” or guaranteed percentile promises.
Speak to past students and compare fees before enrolling.
FAQs
1. Which are the best colleges accepting CAT score?
FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IMI New Delhi, FORE, LBSIM Delhi, GLBIMR Greater Noida and Jaipuria are some options. Rankings vary by source, so compare them on verified data.
2. Do only IIMs accept CAT scores?
No. Many other institutes accept CAT scores for MBA and PGDM admission.
3. Is the CAT mandatory for GLBIMR and LBSIM?
Not always. GLBIMR also accepts CMAT, XAT, MAT and ATMA, and LBSIM also accepts XAT and GMAT. Confirm with each college.
4. How do I choose the best CAT preparation institute?
Check faculty quality, mock test analysis, doubt support and a demo class, and avoid guaranteed-result claims.
5. Can I apply if I’m in my final year of graduation?
Final-year students can usually apply to CAT, but college criteria vary. Check each college’s page.
Conclusion
Build a shortlist of colleges accepting CAT score, check approvals and placement data, and prepare with a mentor who suits your style. A clear plan helps you make better decisions once results arrive.