List of Top MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT Exam, Check Now

You have worked hard to prepare for the CAT exam. You did well and overcame the first hurdle. The GDPI round is the next hurdle; in order to be considered for your candidature at some other top MBA Colleges. you must apply to their universities separately.

These colleges, some of which accept CAT scores and others only accept their own examination results, are on par with or better than most IIMs. Readers should not assume that Non-IIMs are not worth applying to, as this is a significant mistake.

Top MBA Colleges to Apply Before CAT

Top MBA Colleges to Apply other than IIMs

1. Management Development Institute, Gurgaon

MDI Gurgaon was established in the year 1973 and is one of the best business schools in the country. It is known for its strong academic programs and industry-oriented approach. Offering an array of management programs from flagship PGP in Management, to more specialized ones like PGP-HRM, to take a glance at, MDI Gurgaon falls amongst the top 11 B-schools of India, popular because of its remarkable placement record and high average salary package. Its location in Gurgaon, a big corporate hub, gives many industry exposures and networking opportunities for students.

2. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi and Kolkata

Incorporated in 1963, IIFT is one of the top B-schools in the country with a niche focus on the area of international business and trade. With campuses in Delhi and Kolkata, it offers a much sought-after course: MBA in International Business. IIFT is usually ranked as one of the top 15 B-schools in the whole of India, acclaimed more for its nice course curriculum and stalwart faculty, coupled with a good placement record. The peculiar approach to international business is the hallmark of the institute and gives it an edge over other MBA programs. It ropes in the best recruiters from the industries of trade, finance, and consulting.

3. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

It was established in 1981 and is one of the top pioneering institutes of management in India, known for its innovative programs and values-based leadership. It provides a bouquet of programs, the flagship being the Post Graduate Diploma in Management, and there are some niche programs like PGPM, PGEMP, and FPM. SPJIMR is known for its industry-oriented curriculum, remarkable faculty, and very good placement record, with Google, Amazon, and McKinsey being its regular recruiters. What differentiates this institute from most other Indian B-schools is that it is focused on two areas: social sensitivity and global exposure.

4. IMT Ghaziabad

Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad (IMT), is one of the top business schools in India. Established in 1980, the institute offers the basket of PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) programs with the flagship two-year PGDM with AACSB accreditation for IMT Ghaziabad. It enjoys a good reputation vis-à-vis the competitive course structure, experienced faculty, and strong industry interfaces, being the preferred destination for aspiring managers.

It is a strongly practice-oriented institute, with an emphasis on case studies. Beyond a strong track record in placement and commitment toward developing responsible business leaders, IMT Ghaziabad continues to set benchmarks in management education.

5. BITSoM, Mumbai

BITSoM (Birla Institute of Technology and Science School of Management), located in Mumbai, is an emerging business school established by the prestigious BITS Pilani. Launched in 2021, BITSoM offers a two-year full-time MBA program designed to develop future-ready leaders. BITSoM's faculty includes renowned global professors and industry experts, providing a rich learning environment. The institute's strong corporate connections and state-of-the-art campus make it an attractive choice for MBA aspirants.