Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score Below 90 Percentile – Planet E

Introduction

Every CAT aspirant dreams of cracking the IIMs and other top B-schools in India, but the reality is that not everyone scores above the 95–99 percentile. However, a score below 90 percentile in CAT does not mean your MBA dreams are over. In fact, several reputed MBA colleges in India accept CAT scores in the 70–90 percentile range and offer excellent placements, faculty, and career opportunities.

At Planet E, we believe that every student deserves the right guidance and the right college to achieve their MBA aspirations. In this blog, we will cover the best MBA colleges in India accepting CAT scores below 90 percentile, their expected cut-offs, fees, placements, and why they are worth considering.

Why Consider Colleges Below 90 Percentile in CAT?

• Diverse Options: Many reputed private universities and non-IIM B-schools accept students below the 90 percentile.

• Strong ROI: Colleges like TAPMI, KJ Somaiya, and IFMR provide excellent placement packages compared to their fees.

• Profile-based Admissions: Several B-schools give importance to academics, work experience, and overall profile along with CAT scores.

• Specialisations: Many of these institutes offer niche programs such as Finance, Analytics, Marketing, and International Business.

List of Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score Below 90 Percentile

1. Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa

• CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

• Fees: ₹17–19 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹14–15 LPA

• Why GIM? Known for its flagship PGDM program and Healthcare Management specialisation, GIM offers strong corporate exposure and global exchange programs.

2. K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

• CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

• Fees: ₹15–17 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹13–14 LPA

• Why KJSIM? One of Mumbai’s most prestigious B-schools, KJ Somaiya provides diverse electives, strong alumni network, and consistent placements.

3. T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal

• CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

• Fees: ₹17–18 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹14 LPA

• Why TAPMI? AACSB-accredited, TAPMI is highly recognized for Finance and HR programs and has an excellent industry interface.

4. FORE School of Management, New Delhi

• CAT Cut-off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹16–17 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹13 LPA

• Why FORE? Located in the heart of Delhi, FORE offers a great advantage in corporate connect and placements across consulting, IT, and BFSI.

5. Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad

• CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

• Fees: ₹19–20 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹14 LPA

• Why IMT? Strong placement in marketing, sales, and finance, IMT is among the top 20 private B-schools in India.

6. IRMA (Institute of Rural Management), Anand

• CAT Cut-off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹14–15 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹12–13 LPA

• Why IRMA? Unique focus on Rural Management and Social Entrepreneurship with strong corporate tie-ups and government collaborations.

7. Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai

• CAT Cut-off: 75–80 percentile

• Fees: ₹15–16 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹11–12 LPA

• Why LIBA? Strong Jesuit value system, great placement records, and specialisation in HR and Finance.

8. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai & Gurgaon

• CAT Cut-off: 75–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹17–18 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹13 LPA

• Why Great Lakes? Known for its Analytics, AI, and Tech-driven MBA, Great Lakes is a rising star in management education.

9. IFMR Graduate School of Business, Chennai (KREA University)

• CAT Cut-off: 75–80 percentile

• Fees: ₹14–15 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹12 LPA

• Why IFMR? Best known for Finance and Quantitative specialisations, IFMR offers great placements in BFSI and Consulting sectors.

10. Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), Mumbai

• CAT Cut-off: 75–80 percentile

• Fees: ₹13–14 Lakhs

• Average Package: ₹11–12 LPA

• Why WeSchool? Known for innovation-driven learning, Welingkar has a strong reputation in Marketing, HR, and Business Analytics.

Key Takeaways for Students with CAT Score Below 90 Percentile

1. Don’t lose hope – many top B-schools provide excellent ROI even with lower CAT scores.

2. Focus on other parameters like academic background, work experience, and interview preparation.

3. Apply to a diverse set of colleges to maximize your chances.

4. Consider specialisations that align with your career goals.

5. Remember, MBA success depends more on skills, networking, and learning than just the brand name of the college.

Conclusion

A CAT score below 90 percentile does not mean the end of your MBA journey. Many reputed colleges offer world-class education, placements, and exposure, helping you build a successful career. At Planet E, we guide students to choose the right B-school based on cut-off trends, placements, fees, and career aspirations.

So, if you are scoring in the 70–90 percentile range, explore these colleges and take the next step towards your dream career.