Colleges Accepting CMAT Score: Best MBA Institutes for 2026 Aspirants
Introduction to Colleges Accepting CMAT Score
Overview of CMAT
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level MBA/PGDM entrance exam that evaluates Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Skills, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship-all in a single computer-based test.
Why CMAT Is Widely Accepted
Since CMAT follows a standardised, AICTE-recognised structure, thousands of management institutes trust it for admissions. For aspirants, this means one exam can unlock a wide range of B-schools without juggling multiple entrance tests.
Number of Colleges Accepting CMAT
Every year, hundreds of colleges accepting CMAT scores participate in the admission cycle. This large pool gives students flexibility in choosing colleges based on fees, location, brand value, ROI, and specialisation options.
What Is the CMAT Exam?
Conducting Body
The exam is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is known for transparent, standardised, and well-regulated entrance testing. NTA’s involvement adds credibility and ensures fairness across test centres.
Exam Difficulty
Aspirants typically rate CMAT as moderate in difficulty. While it requires conceptual clarity and good time management, it is generally perceived as more approachable than exams like CAT or XAT. This makes CMAT a preferred choice for students who want a balanced challenge without extreme competition.
CMAT Score Range
Your result includes a score in the 0–400 range and a corresponding percentile. The higher the score, the higher your rank among test takers. Colleges usually use percentiles when shortlisting candidates for interviews or counselling.
Why Aspirants Prefer CMAT
CMAT is favoured because it is:
- Widely accepted
- Moderate in difficulty
- Suitable for all academic backgrounds
- Backed by AICTE and NTA
- Less restrictive compared to other national tests
For many students, CMAT acts as a crucial exam in their overall MBA strategy.
CMAT Score Accepting Colleges in India – Overview
Number of Institutes Participating
Every year, hundreds of colleges accept CMAT scores for MBA/PGDM/MMS admissions. The sheer number gives students several pathways, whether they aim for top-tier institutes or regionally reputed B-schools.
Types of Colleges
Among the colleges accepting CMAT, you will find:
- Government and state universities – more economical, long-standing credibility
- Private B-schools and autonomous institutes – stronger industry exposure, flexible curriculum
- University departments – academically focused with access to larger campuses
Your ideal choice depends on what you value: ROI, specialisation depth, campus culture, or placement outcomes.
State-wise Distribution
CMAT colleges span across:
- Maharashtra
- Delhi NCR
- Karnataka
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana, and more
This state-wide presence lets students prioritise family proximity, cost of living, language comfort, or professional networking opportunities.
Top 10 Colleges Accepting CMAT Score in India (2026 List)
Sr.No. | College Name | Location | Approx. 2-Year Fees (₹ lakh) | Typical CMAT Cutoff (Percentile)* | Avg. Package (₹ LPA)** | Quick Highlight |
1 | JBIMS (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies) | Mumbai | 6–7 | 99+ | 26–28 | Elite MMS program with stellar RoI; very high CMAT percentile needed. |
2 | SIMSREE (Sydenham Institute of Management Studies) | Mumbai | 2–3 | 99+ | 19–21 | Govt. fee + top placements; one of the toughest CMAT seats to crack. |
3 | K J Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai | 7.5–8.5 | 92–95 | 10–11 | Autonomous private B-school with strong industry links and diverse PGDM options. |
4 | Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool) | Mumbai | 13–14 | 85–90 | 9–10 | Known for innovation-driven programs, design thinking and good Mumbai corporate exposure.cracku.in |
5 | PUMBA – Dept. of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | 1–2 | 94–96 | 7–8 | University department with low fees and solid Pune-based placements. |
6 | Goa Institute of Management (GIM) | Goa | 19–21 | 85–90 | 14–15 | Premium residential campus; strong in analytics, healthcare and general PGDM. |
7 | BIMTECH (Birla Institute of Management Technology) | Greater Noida | 13–14 | 78–82 | 8–9 | Legacy Birla group institute with good profiles in BFSI and marketing. |
8 | IFMR GSB (Krea University) | Sri City, AP | 14–15 | 80–85 | 10–11 | Strong quantitative + finance orientation; good fit for analytics/finance aspirants. |
9 | IMT Nagpur / IMT Hyderabad | Nagpur / Hyderabad | 12–14 | 75–80 | 8–9 | Brand IMT with decent RoI and growing recruiter base. |
10 | Navi Mumbai | 13–15 | 70–75 | 8–9 | Industry-focused PGDM, multiple specialisations, strong Mumbai–Navi Mumbai recruiter connect. |
When people talk about the top CMAT-accepting colleges, they usually look at four things together:The best CMAT colleges offer a good balance of fees vs placements, not just a big brand name. Many of them have average packages in the ₹7–12 LPA range, reasonable fees, and strong corporate networks. For serious aspirants, these institutes can be excellent launchpads into roles in BFSI, IT, consulting, FMCG and analytics.
CMAT Colleges in Mumbai – Best Options for 2026
Mumbai consistently ranks as the most desirable destination for CMAT-based MBA admissions due to its corporate density and job market.
College | Fees (₹ lakh) | CMAT Cutoff | Avg Package (₹ LPA) | Key Features |
JBIMS | 6–7 | 99+ | 27–28 | Elite MMS, exceptional RoI |
SIMSREE | 2–3 | 99+ | 19–21 | Govt. fees + strong placements |
K J Somaiya | 7.5–8.5 | 92–95 | 10–11 | Top private B-school with diverse PGDM tracks |
Welingkar (WeSchool) | 13–14 | 85–90 | 9–10 | Innovation ecosystem, Mumbai corporate advantage |
13–15 | 70–75 | 8–9 | Industry-focused PGDM + strong specialisations |
Fees
Mumbai colleges typically charge between ₹6–15 lakh depending on infrastructure, faculty, specialisations, and industry exposure.
Eligibility
Most institutes require:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 50% marks (relaxations applied for some categories)
- Valid CMAT score
Why Mumbai Is A Top MBA Destination
Mumbai provides unmatched access to:
- BFSI and financial markets
- Consulting firms
- Media and advertising houses
- Start-ups and tech companies
CMAT aspirants targeting practical exposure often prefer this city.
CMAT Accepting Colleges by Cutoff (Percentile-Wise List)
Tier 1 Colleges (90+ Percentile)
These institutes are extremely competitive due to their strong placement outcomes and brand recall.
College | Location | Fees (₹ lakh) | CMAT Cutoff | Avg. Salary (₹ LPA) | Why It Stands Out |
JBIMS | Mumbai | 6–7 | 99+ | 27–28 | “CEO factory” reputation + elite RoI |
SIMSREE | Mumbai | 2–3 | 99+ | 19–21 | Strong corporate connect at very low fees |
PUMBA | Pune | 1–2 | 94–96 | 7–8 | Highly affordable + stable placement outcomes |
K J Somaiya (Flagship PGDM) | Mumbai | 7.5–8.5 | 92–95 | 10–11 | Autonomous, reputed, competitive peer group |
Tier 2 Colleges (80–89 Percentile)
College | Location | Fees (₹ lakh) | CMAT Cutoff | Avg. Salary (₹ LPA) | Highlights |
Welingkar (WeSchool) | Mumbai | 13–14 | 85–90 | 9–10 | Innovation labs, hybrid learning approach |
GIM (Goa Institute of Management) | Goa | 19–21 | 85–90 | 14–15 | Leading for Analytics & Healthcare |
IFMR GSB (Krea University) | Sri City | 14–15 | 80–85 | 10–11 | Excellent for finance + quant roles |
IMT Nagpur / IMT Hyderabad | Nagpur, Hyd | 12–14 | 75–80 | 8–9 | Good brand + improving placements |
Tier 3 Colleges (50–70 Percentile)
College | Location | Fees (₹ lakh) | CMAT Cutoff | Avg. Salary (₹ LPA) | Highlights |
Navi Mumbai | 13–15 | 70–75 | 8–9 | Strong industry connect, multiple specialisations | |
BIMTECH | Noida | 13–14 | 78–82 | 8–9 | Good culture, BFSI & Marketing strengths |
XIME | Bangalore | 11–12 | 65–70 | 7–8 | Strong south-Indian recruiter network |
Jaipuria Institute of Management | Lucknow, Noida | 10–13 | 60–70 | 6–7 | Large alumni base and decent ROI |
Higher percentiles generally secure better brands, but students with moderate scores can still build strong careers through the right specialisation and internships.
CMAT Accepting Colleges by Fees – Budget-Friendly Options
Fee Range | Colleges | Suitable For |
Under ₹5 lakh | PUMBA, SIMSREE, some university departments | Students seeking best RoI |
₹5–10 lakh | Jaipuria, Indira Pune, IES, XIME | Balanced fee + placement ecosystem |
₹10–15 lakh | ITM, KJ Somaiya, BIMTECH, WeSchool | Strong industry connect + brand value |
₹15+ lakh | GIM, IFMR | Premium PGDMs with niche specialisations |
Fee considerations matter because MBA loans create long-term commitments. Many students prefer colleges where average CTC exceeds annual fee, ensuring stronger ROI.
CMAT Colleges by Specialisation
Specialisation | Top CMAT Colleges | Why They Stand Out |
Marketing | K J Somaiya, Welingkar, ITM | Industry internships, live projects |
Finance | IFMR, GIM, ITM | Strong quant orientation + BFSI recruiters |
HR | Welingkar, XIME | People-centric curriculum + HR labs |
Operations | NITIE (not CMAT), ITM | Supply chain ecosystem (Mumbai advantage) |
Business Analytics | GIM BDA, ITM | Analytics tools, case-based training |
Entrepreneurship | Welingkar, ITM | Incubation cells + startup mentoring |
Your choice of specialisation should align with career aspirations, not trends. Each domain has different skill demands and long-term pathways.
CMAT Score Accepting Colleges Offering MMS / PGDM / MBA
Program Type | College Examples | Fees (₹ lakh) | Key Features | Ideal For |
MMS (Mumbai University) | JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, IES | 1–7 | University-regulated syllabus, high RoI, semester exams | Students seeking the best RoI + stable placements |
PGDM (AICTE Approved) | K J Somaiya, ITM, BIMTECH, WeSchool, IMT Nagpur | 8–18 | Industry-driven curriculum, specialisation-focused, more flexibility | Students wanting industry-oriented learning + internships |
MBA (University/Private) | GIM, IFMR, XIME, Jaipuria | 8–20 | Autonomous structure, broad managerial foundation, strong research | Students looking for structured MBA with strong academics |
CMAT Colleges with Best Placement Records
College | Avg Package (₹ LPA) | Highest Package (₹ LPA) | Top Recruiters | Why It Stands Out |
JBIMS, Mumbai | 27–28 | 34–35 | McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs | Elite RoI + consulting dominance |
K J Somaiya | 10–11 | 26–27 | Deloitte, HUL, Asian Paints | Strong corporate links + autonomy |
GIM, Goa | 14–15 | 30+ | Amazon, EY, Bain Capability | Top for Analytics & Healthcare |
IFMR GSB | 10–11 | 22–24 | Citi, Barclays, KPMG | Excellent for finance + quant |
8–9 | 16–22 | Deloitte, HDFC Bank, Tata | Great industry connect + wide specialisations |
CMAT Accepting Colleges Without GD/PI or With Relaxed Criteria
College | Admission Process | Fees (₹ lakh) | Why Relaxed Criteria? | Suitable For |
PUMBA (Some Modules) | CMAT score + counselling; limited/no GD/PI | 1–2 | University-driven process | Students wanting simple admission + low fees |
Indira Institute of Management, Pune | CMAT score + document verification | 6–7 | High seat capacity | Freshers & budget-focused applicants |
IES Management College, Mumbai | CMAT + merit-based shortlist (minimal GD/PI) | 5–6 | MU-affiliated, structured intake | Students preferring stable MMS structure |
Jaipuria Institute of Management | CMAT + profile-based selection | 10–13 | Diversity & profile emphasis | Students with strong academics but modest scores |
Many Tier-3 Private Colleges | Direct CMAT-based admission (no PI) | 3–6 | To fill seats quickly | Students looking for quick, hurdle-free admissions |
Why ITM Business School Is a Top Choice for CMAT Aspirants
ITM Business School stands out because it blends industry-aligned curriculum, strong placements, and flexible specialisations - all accessible through CMAT.
Eligibility: Graduation + valid CMAT or equivalent exam score.
Specialisations: Marketing, Finance, HR, Analytics, International Business, Retail, FinTech, Operations, etc.
Process: Application → Shortlist → Micro-presentations/PI → Final selection.
Strengths:
- Strong Mumbai–Navi Mumbai corporate exposure
- Active industry partnerships
- Modern infrastructure
- Diverse recruiter base
Students who value practical learning, employability, and structured career support often shortlist ITM early.
How to Select the Best CMAT College – Expert Guide
When choosing a CMAT college, consider:
- Rankings & accreditation – NAAC, AICTE, NBA
- ROI – Compare fees vs average CTC
- Industry connections – Internships, guest lectures
- Faculty quality – Experienced academicians + practitioners
- Placement record – Consistency matters more than peaks
A well-chosen institute can significantly accelerate your career trajectory.
CMAT Admission Process
- Register for CMAT on the NTA portal.
- Apply to colleges individually after results.
- Attend GD/PI/WAT for shortlisted institutes.
- Final selection based on composite merit score.
Conclusion
With hundreds of AICTE-approved institutes accepting CMAT scores, aspirants gain a wide and flexible range of MBA/PGDM options across cities, fee levels, and specialisations. Whether you aim for top-tier colleges or strong mid-range institutes, CMAT allows you to choose a path that fits your goals and budget. With smart shortlisting and solid GD/PI preparation, your CMAT score can open the door to a meaningful management education and a promising career ahead.
FAQs – Colleges Accepting CMAT Score
1. What is a good CMAT score for top colleges?
A “good” score is usually one that crosses high percentiles (often 90+), but exact numbers vary by institute and year.
2. How many colleges accept CMAT scores in India?
Every year, hundreds of AICTE-approved institutes accept CMAT, giving you a wide range of options across states and fee levels.
3. Does ITM Business School accept CMAT scores?
Yes, ITM Business School accepts CMAT along with other entrance exams and considers your overall profile during shortlisting.
4. What is the cutoff for CMAT colleges in Mumbai?
Cutoffs differ widely. Top Mumbai colleges may need higher percentiles, while others are accessible with moderate scores plus strong interviews.
5. Can I get admission with a 60 percentile?
Yes, many regional and emerging B-schools accept this band, especially if your academics and GD/PI performance are good.
6. Is CMAT easier than CAT?
Most students find CMAT relatively easier, though still competitive. It rewards solid basics and smart question selection.
7. Does CMAT have sectional cutoffs?
Some colleges look only at overall scores, others check sectional performance too. Always read each institute’s admission criteria carefully.