Top 30 Non-IIM MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores in 2026

There are a number of top non-IIM colleges that accept CAT score for 2026, which include FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IIFT, IIT Bombay, XLRI Jamshedpur and other reputed institutes that accept CAT percentile between 60 and 99, depending on the college. This blog provides you with a straightforward list of colleges that accept CAT, categorized by percentile ranges, to help you plan your MBA admissions without any hassle. 

If you're studying for CAT 2026, you're familiar with the fact that IIM is not your only choice. A lot of good institutes accepting cat score are available that provide excellent placements, faculty and campus life. This blog breaks down everything in simple terms as if a friend is accompanying you during your MBA journey.

What Does "Colleges Accepting CAT Score" Mean? 

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a major entrance test for getting admission to an MBA program in India. Apart from the most popular IIM's, there are numerous private and government colleges that accept CAT score. If the percentile is not very high, then it's OK. For nearly all percentile ranges there is a list of colleges that accept cat score.

CAT 2026 Quick Facts 

CAT is a national-level entrance test for the Indian Institutes of Management that is conducted on a rotational basis every year, usually in late November, and is computer-based, consisting of 68 questions over 120 minutes in three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Appears are open to all graduates regardless of their discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).

Top 30 Non-IIM MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score in 2026 

Here is a simple list of mba colleges accepting cat score, apart from IIMs. This is a very rough estimate due to past trends. Please refer to the official website before applying.

As of today, over 93 non-IIM colleges are accepting CAT 2025 scores for admissions in 2026, including the premium non-IIMs like IIT Delhi, IIFT, FMS Delhi, Welingkar Mumbai and MICA Ahmedabad.

Colleges Accepting CAT Score 80-90 Percentile 

If you get an 80-90, don't feel bad. There are many strong colleges that accept cat score 80 90 percentile, which are still providing good placements and ROI.

Colleges Accepting CAT Score 60-70 Percentile 

There is some choice available even if you only have a 60-70 percentile. Academics and interview performance are also taken into account in these colleges accepting cat score 60 70 percentile.

The cutoffs vary from year to year, so please make sure to check the official website near the admission dates.

How to Choose the Right Institute from the List 

Do not choose a college for its name. Look at these first:

• Placement Record: Check on the placement record for the past 3 years.

• Fee Structure: Check the cost of renting compared to the salary.

• Location: A college in a big city may give more internship options.

• Specialisation: Choose a stream in which you are interested, such as finance or marketing.

Best CAT Books for 2026 Exam  

Good cat books for 2026 exam is essential for a good exam. In addition to applying to the appropriate colleges, your preparation is the most important factor. Select a best book for competitive exam preparation with clear theory, solved examples and full length mock tests. Many students like books which have concept-building chapters and previous year question sets like books published by Oswaal Books as practicing with well organised topic-wise questions will help them to revise daily. 

Search for books that cover all three parts of CAT — Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability — and a separate booklet of mock tests.

Summary 

Apart from the 21 IIMs, there are a number of other colleges that accept cat score that provide excellent education and placements. The top colleges in the country are the ones from FMS Delhi and SPJIMR Mumbai, while the regional colleges with good scores are those that accept cat scores 60 70 percentile. Choose your college not only on the basis of placements but also on the fees and specialisation. With smart college selection, practice with good cat books for 2026 exam and develop good concepts. The right preparation and college choice can make a good MBA seat easily attainable.

Related CAT Exam Books & Study Materials