CAT Result 2024: Top 10 MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Cut Off 80-90 Percentile
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive entrance exams for admission to an MBA in India. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the results of CAT 2024 are expected to be announced in early January 2025. For candidates with a score between 80-90 percentile, many reputable institutions offer MBA programs. This article discusses the top MBA colleges that accept CAT scores in this range while providing insights into the admission process, placement opportunities, and ROI.
Understanding CAT Percentiles
Percentiles are the measure through which candidates can be ranked according to their performance in the CAT exam. A score in the 80-90 percentile indicates that the candidate has performed better than 80% to 90% of the test-takers. This range is very important because it opens doors to many good B-schools, which may not be part of the elite IIMs but still offer quality education and robust placement opportunities.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores: 80-90 Percentile
Here is a detailed list of notable MBA colleges that accept CAT scores within the 80-90 percentile range:
| Rank |
College Name |
Location |
Average Placement Salary |
Course Fee (Approx.) |
| 1 |
SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) |
Mumbai |
?20 LPA |
?18 LPA |
| 2 |
MICA Ahmedabad |
Ahmedabad |
?12 LPA |
?10 LPA |
| 3 |
Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XUB) |
Bhubaneswar |
?10 LPA |
?12 LPA |
| 4 |
K J Somaiya Institute of Management |
Mumbai |
?9 LPA |
?8 LPA |
| 5 |
Great Lakes Institute of Management |
Chennai |
?11 LPA |
?12 LPA |
| 6 |
TAPMI Manipal |
Manipal |
?9 LPA |
?8 LPA |
| 7 |
FORE School of Management |
New Delhi |
?10 LPA |
?8 LPA |
| 8 |
IIM Kashipur |
Kashipur |
?10 LPA |
?15 LPA |
| 9 |
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani |
Pilani |
?11 LPA |
?10 LPA |
| 10 |
Welingkar Institute of Management |
Mumbai |
?9 LPA |
?8 LPA |
Key Highlights
- SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR): Known for innovative teaching and strong industry connections, SPJIMR offers a wide range of specializations with a strong placement record.
- MICA Ahmedabad: Mainly teaches communications management, which is best for students who may be interested in marketing and media.
- Great Lakes Institute: It focuses on experiential learning and has a strong alumni network, which increases placement opportunities.
Admission Criteria
Most elite business schools have strict admission processes that evaluate applicants using various criteria to determine their appropriateness for a program. The selection process aims to identify students who can prove excellent potential in academic capabilities, professional skills, and leadership abilities. The following provides more specific information about the essential components of the admissions process:
1. CAT Score (Minimum Percentile)
- The CAT is one of the major entrance tests organized by Indian business schools.
- Institutes like IIMs demand a percentile qualification minimum of, say 95+ percentile for IIMs.
- The shortlisting for candidates is done by the CAT score.
- It tests the candidates for quantitative ability, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and reading comprehension.
2. Academic Performance
Institutions assess previous academic records, such as 10th, 12th, and undergraduate performance records.
- A strong academic background in relevant subjects adds value to a candidate's profile.
- Such business schools may employ minimum marks criteria so that the candidates possess adequate academic background for an MBA course.
- Good academic performance will enhance the chances of selection for a candidate, but in exceptional cases, those with exceptional potential elsewhere might be selected.
3. Work Experience
- Most business schools prefer students with work experience, especially for Post-Graduate Programs in Management (PGPM) or Executive MBA.
- Generally, 2-3 years of relevant work experience are sought by institutes, though this may vary.
- The work experience would be valued as that will incorporate real-world insights in classroom discussions.
- The applicant with leadership or managerial experience or with experience in industries related to the desired specialization will be preferred.
4. Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI)
The shortlisted candidates based on CAT scores, academic performance, and work experience are further called to attend Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI).
Group Discussion (GD):
- Assesses how a candidate articulates ideas, works in a team, and discusses.
- It focuses on assessing communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Focuses on how motivated the candidate is, and what are his career goals, strengths, weaknesses, and overall fit for the program and institution.
- Leadership potential, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
ROI-Focused Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Many students look for an MBA program that gives them a good Return on Investment (ROI). Here are some colleges that accept scores in the 80-90 percentile range and also give good ROI:
- SP Jain Institute of Management & Research
- Good average salary compared to fees.
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- One-year MBA with quick returns on investment.
- TAPMI Manipal
- Competitive fees with solid placement packages.
- Welingkar Institute
Known for its practical approach to management education.
Tier-1 Colleges for CAT Scores Between 80-90 Percentile
While IIMs are undoubtedly Tier-1 institutions, several other colleges maintain a high standard too. The following are considered Tier-1 B-schools that accept scores in this range:
- SPJIMR
- MDI Gurgaon
- FMS Delhi
- IIFT Delhi
- Xavier University Bhubaneswar
These colleges assure excellent faculty, infrastructure, and networking opportunities, making them a very desirable choice among aspiring MBA students.
MBA Placements in Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Placement statistics are crucial in evaluating the performance of an MBA program. The following insights indicate placement trends at colleges accepting scores between 80-90 percentile:
Placement Trends:
Most colleges report placement rates above 85%, with some reporting as high as 100%.
Average salaries will vary enormously but are around ?9 to ?20 lakhs per annum, again depending upon the reputation of the college as well as location.
Notable Recruiters:
Top companies across various sectors actively recruit from these institutions, including:
Consulting firms (e.g., McKinsey, BCG)
Financial services (e.g., Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan)
IT companies (e.g., Infosys, TCS)
Conclusion
For candidates scoring between 80-90 percentile in CAT 2024, there are numerous reputable B-schools offering quality education and promising career prospects. While IIMs remain the gold standard, various other institutions provide excellent alternatives with strong placements and ROI. Candidates should research their options thoroughly, considering factors such as course specialization, faculty expertise, campus facilities, and alumni networks before making their final decision.
All things said, scoring an 80-90 percentile in CAT is not a disqualification but merely the gateway to many fine opportunities in the best MBA colleges across India.
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