The Common Management Admission Test CMAT is one of the most sought MBA entrance examinations in India which provides admission to many of the reputed MBA colleges of India. Getting good marks in CMAT is important but equally important is the selection of college to determine a right career in management. Below is the CMAT after which I will provide you with a complete guide to assist you in choosing the best MBA college.
Why the Scores on CMAT Matter

But let’s first know how the evaluation process of CMAT scores works in order to proceed to college choices. From the above explanation, it becomes clear that the degree, as well as pass details of examinations like CMAT, rank the students according to the percentile, thus top-ranked candidates to some of the leading colleges. Strikingly a good score with CMAT often falls within 9500 percentile colleges offering MBA though possess slightly lower cut offs are also very good.
List of MBA colleges in India which accepts CMAT score
1. Mumbai based Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS)
Why JBIMS? JBIMS is also reputed as ‘CEO factory’ and provides industry focused curriculum and has great Placement records.
Eligibility: A high CMAT score, however, when complemented with a good academic record works in your favor.
2. Great Lakes is an Institute of Management, Located in Chennai.
Why Great Lakes? Great Lakes Institute of Management offers one year MBA, PGDM programme international exchange program apart from specializations in Marketing, Finance and Human Resource Management with focus on case studies and industry projects.
Eligibility: A balanced constructed measure of accountancy technical competency along the line with work experience is considered desirable.
3. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai known as KJ Somaiya Mumbai.
Why KJ Somaiya? This institute specializes in several areas, such as Finance, Marketing, and Operations and is mostly based on research and innovative ideas.
Eligibility: Higher CMAT score obtained by the candidate and the performance in the group discussion and personal interview (GDPI).
4. The Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Mumbai & Bengaluru
Why WeSchool? For the unique methods of teaching and programs offered in e-business and rural management, WeSchool is the most preferred undisputed choice of students appearing for CMAT.
Eligibility: clear-cut standard test score such as a good CMAT score and a decent profile as well as co-curricular activities.
5. This paper is a study of Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi
Why XISS? XISS offers a low-cost but value-for-money MBA program in its area of specialization in HR and Rural Management.
Note – Comparing the IIM Ahmedabad Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program
Eligibility: Having the percentile value of around 75-85th the candidates find themselves in the list of applicants qualified for CMAT.
6. Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) is an AICTE approved, autonomous and modem B-school located in Greater Noida.
Why BIMTECH? With a special concern for leadership and innovation, BIMTECH has provision of world class infrastructre and industry linkages.
Eligibility: Good CMAT score and a strong SOP since that is among the selection criteria.
7. Indian Institutes of Management – IIM, Nagpur and Hyderabad
Why IMT? Offering industry specific curriculum and a considerable placement record, IMT campus are ideal for those who want to become managers.
Eligibility: Well, physically wellbeing, good academic standing in the admission process especially with good strong CMAT score results.
You may also check out – CMAT 2025: Exam Dates, Notification, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation, Question Papers
Which MBA College to choose?
1. Specialization Offered
Pick a college according to the Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, or Data Analytics MBA that you want to pursue. While colleges such as XISS have been well known for HR; JBIMS has been exceptionally good in finance.
2. Placement Records
Check for the average placement salary packages and the Companies that visit for recruitment to the Campus. Some of the finest institutes of the country are JBIMS and Great Lakes and both have excellent placement records, which makes it perfect for professional people.
3. Faculty and Infrastructure
The type of faculty and the available resources like library, research center and company interface will help shape your MBA program.
4. Alumni Network
Well-built alumni position itself in the industry to benefit from future mentorship and employment in different projects at the top organizational levels. Many of the top institutes provide their students strong alumni networks, such as KJ Somaiya and BIMTECH.
5. Location
Internships and job placements are influenced by manufacturing centers such as Mumbai, Bengaluru or Delhi nearby.
6. Cost of Education
One of the characteristics of choice is that it is possible to compare the fees’ level and ROI (Return On Investment) proposed by different colleges. Although there are many institutes with high price cuts, their placement offers make up for it for students who attend some of the top-ranked institutes in the country.
Tips to get the Admission in Your Desired College
Prepare for GDPI: The majority of the colleges and universities following the CMAT exam have a Group Discussion and a Personal Interview stage. Specific suggestions are to concentrate on practicing your verbal and written English and keep up with current events.
Draft an Impressive SOP: A concise and highly constructed statement of purpose differentiate an applicant. Stress on your plans and goals in your career and how the chosen college meets all those needs.
Network with Alumni and Current Students: Taking information from insiders, the college culture and the opportunities it offers you will have been made clear to you.
Apply Early: Due to this most colleges have open admissions and it is always recommendable to start your application as early as possible.
Most Recent Trends in MBA Education: In the MBA in 2024 institutions have started redesigning and updating the program to align with emerging phenomena such as digitalization, sustainability and Artificial Intelligence. In order to be ahead of the competition in the current job market, choose a college that teaches such trends.
Read more – Which Courses are Offered by IIMs Through CAT?
Conclusion
Generally, selecting the right MBA college after CMAT balance various factors; your performance in the test, individual objectives, and a suitable specialization. Few name institutes are JBIMS, Great Lakes and KJ Somaiya most known for their academic quality, placement and industry tie-ups. If you make good research and preparation you can get admission to a college that leads to good management career.
MBA journey, therefore, can serve as a platform to help you get where you desire to be in your career.