Top 10 MBA Colleges Accepting Entrance Tests Other Than CAT 2025

While the Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most popular MBA entrance exam, it’s not the only gateway to top-tier business schools. Many prestigious institutes offer admission through other Management Entrance Tests (OMETs) such as XAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, MICAT, GMAT, MAH-CET, and GRE.

If you’re planning your MBA admissions 2026, knowing which top MBA colleges in India accept entrance exams other than CAT can significantly broaden your opportunities. Below is a detailed list of the Top 10 MBA Colleges accepting Management Entrance Tests other than CAT 2025, their average placement packages, and the exams they consider.

1. Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

Entrance Exams: GMAT / GRE / CAT
Average CTC: Rs. 34.02 LPA

ISB Hyderabad consistently ranks among the top private MBA colleges in India and is globally recognized for its Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). The institute accepts GMAT and GRE scores for its flagship program. ISB focuses on leadership development, global exposure, and peer learning, attracting top recruiters from consulting, finance, and tech sectors.

Top Recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte.
Specializations: Strategy, Analytics, Marketing, Finance, and Leadership.

2. XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur

Entrance Exam: XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Average CTC: Rs. 31.08 LPA

XLRI Jamshedpur is one of India’s oldest and most reputed B-schools, offering PGDM (Business Management) and PGDM (Human Resource Management) programs. The XAT exam is conducted by XLRI itself and is accepted by 160+ MBA colleges in India.

Top Recruiters: Accenture Strategy, KPMG, HUL, ITC, Tata Steel.
Why Choose XLRI: Strong alumni network and industry-linked HR curriculum.

3. SPJIMR Mumbai (S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research)

Entrance Exams: GMAT / CAT
Average CTC: Rs. 32 LPA

SPJIMR Mumbai is renowned for its values-based leadership programs and innovative pedagogical approach. The institute accepts GMAT scores for its global MBA aspirants, in addition to CAT. SPJIMR’s Autumn Internships and international immersion make it a top choice for working professionals and fresh graduates alike.

Top Recruiters: PwC, Amazon, CitiBank, Deloitte, Infosys Consulting.
Popular Programs: PGDM, Global Management Program (GMP), Executive PGDM.

4. JBIMS Mumbai (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies)

Entrance Exams: MAH-CET / CMAT / CAT
Average CTC: Rs. 26.1 LPA

Often referred to as the “CEO Factory of India,” JBIMS is one of the most sought-after business schools affiliated with“CEO Factory of India,” JBIMS is one of the most sought-after B-schools under the University of Mumbai. It accepts scores from MAH-CET, CMAT, and CAT. The institute’s strong corporate connections in Mumbai give students excellent exposure to live projects and placements.

Top Recruiters: ICICI Bank, HDFC, EY, Reliance, Kotak Mahindra.
Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, and Systems.

5. SIBM Pune (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management)

Entrance Exam: SNAP
Average CTC: Rs. 28.83 LPA

A flagship institute under Symbiosis International (Deemed University), SIBM Pune admits students through the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP). With consistent placement records and modern pedagogy, SIBM is ranked among the Top 20 MBA colleges in India.

Top Recruiters: Deloitte, HUL, PwC, ITC, Capgemini.
Programs Offered: MBA in Marketing, HR, Finance, and Operations.

6. NMIMS Mumbai (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies)

Entrance Exam: NMAT by GMAC
Average CTC: Rs. 25.13 LPA

NMIMS is one of the top private MBA colleges in India accepting NMAT scores. Known for its academic rigor, modern infrastructure, and diverse student community, NMIMS Mumbai offers MBA programs across specializations like Finance, Analytics, Marketing, and HR.

Top Recruiters: Morgan Stanley, Cognizant, ICICI Bank, Deloitte, KPMG.
Why NMIMS: Industry-linked curriculum and consistent 100% placements.

7. SCMHRD Pune (Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development)

Entrance Exam: SNAP
Average CTC: Rs. 21.47 LPA

SCMHRD Pune, another gem from the Symbiosis group, focuses on leadership and analytics-driven learning. The institute’s admission is based on the SNAP 2025 scores, followed by the GD and PI rounds.

Top Recruiters: Amazon, Accenture, Aditya Birla Group, HCL, and Deloitte.
Programs Offered: MBA in HR, Business Analytics, and Infrastructure Management.

8. MICA Ahmedabad (Mudra Institute of Communications)

Entrance Exams: MICAT / XAT / GMAT
Average CTC: Rs. 19.22 LPA

MICA is India’s premier business school for Strategic Marketing and Communication, offering the PGDM-C program. Admission is based on MICAT, conducted twice a year, in addition to XAT, CAT, or GMAT scores. MICA graduates often work in roles related to branding, advertising, and media strategy.

Top Recruiters: Google, DDB Mudra, GroupM, Tata, Amazon.
USP: Specialization in creative business leadership and integrated marketing.

9. XIM University, Bhubaneswar (Xavier Institute of Management)

Entrance Exams: XAT / GMAT / XGMT
Average CTC: Rs. 19.53 LPA

XIMB, now part of XIM University, is a reputable Jesuit business school known for its focus on ethics and sustainability in management education. It accepts XAT, GMAT, and XGMT (Xavier General Management Test) scores.

Top Recruiters: Infosys, Wipro, ICICI Bank, Deloitte, PwC.
Specializations: Business Management, HRM, Sustainability Management.

10. IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology)

Entrance Exams: XAT / GMAT / CMAT
Average CTC: Rs. 16.25 LPA

IMT Ghaziabad, one of the leading business schools in North India, accepts XAT, GMAT, and CMAT scores for admission. Known for its strong marketing and finance programs, IMT offers excellent networking opportunities through its vast alumni base, which spans top global corporations.

Top Recruiters: Nestlé, Gartner, Flipkart, Deloitte, Cognizant.
Popular Courses: PGDM Full-Time, Executive, and Dual Country Program (DCP).

Why Choose OMETs Over CAT?

1. Multiple Chances: Unlike the CAT, which is conducted only once a year, exams like NMAT and MICAT offer numerous attempts.

2. Less Competition: CAT attracts over 3 lakh candidates annually; OMETs have smaller applicant pools, improving selection chances.

3. Flexible Exam Dates: Tests like the GMAT and GRE can be taken year-round, providing aspirants with flexibility.

4. Institute Diversity: OMETs open doors to top non-IIM B-Schools with excellent placements and ROI.

How to Prepare for OMETs 2025

• Understand the Pattern: Each test (XAT, SNAP, NMAT, MICAT, etc.) has unique sections — focus your strategy accordingly.

• Mock Tests: Take multiple mocks to understand your strengths.

• Sectional Mastery: Focus on Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude.

• GD-PI Readiness: Post-exam preparation for group discussions and interviews is equally critical.

Conclusion

Cracking the CAT is not the only path to an elite MBA. The Top 10 OMET colleges — ISB Hyderabad, XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, JBIMS, SIBM Pune, NMIMS, SCMHRD, MICA, XIM Bhubaneswar, and IMT Ghaziabad — are among the best MBA colleges in India that accept exams other than the CAT.

These institutes offer world-class education, stellar placement opportunities, and strong industry interfaces, making them the ideal destination for aspirants aiming to pursue MBA admissions 2026–28.