Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score: Check Colleges List, Percentile Scores, MBA Fees

With CAT 2025 concluded and results expected on December 20, lakhs of aspirants are now calculating their scores and estimating percentiles using the official answer key. While many candidates worry about not crossing the 90-percentile mark, several strong MBA options still exist for those scoring in the 50-60 percentile range.

• Many CAT takers each year fall below the 90-percentile bracket, yet continue to secure admission in reputable MBA/PGDM colleges across India.
• With top IIMs offering fewer than 5,500 seats, the majority of students must explore quality college alternatives to top-tier IIMs.
• Many colleges accepting 70-80 percentiles or less provide solid placements, affordable fees, and diverse learning environments.

Also Read: Understand CAT 2025 results better: check official scorecard and expected IIM cutoffs here.

"Hitting a 50-60 percentile on the CAT exam will certainly not get you an IIM seat, but that does not signify the end of your MBA aspirations... It is completely normal to feel anxious about your results, but the truth is, many students go on to build great careers even after getting into B-schools with moderate scores," said Eshu Sharma, Co-founder & Head of Academics, Kraftshala

This article outlines a list of top MBA Colleges accepting Low CAT scores, helping students to make informed decisions and continue their management journey with confidence.

Also read: CAT marks vs percentile trends from 2025 to 2022.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting 50-60 Percentile in CAT

Candidates' scores ranging from 50-60 percentile in CAT 2025 are expected to get the following MBA colleges. The following list has been made based on the previous year's data.

Also Read: Step-by-step guide on how CAT scores are calculated

Top MBA Colleges for CAT Percentile Below 70

• These institutes show that a 50-70 CAT percentile bracket still provides access to reputable PGDM programs, with fees largely ranging between ₹8-19 lakh, significantly lower than top-tier B-schools.
• Average placements across these colleges fall in the ₹6–12 LPA range, indicating stable industry linkages and ROI-focused outcomes for candidates unable to secure 90+ percentiles.
• Institutions such as BIMTECH, IMT Hyderabad, and XIME Bangalore attract attention due to their stronger placement networks, while NDIM and Jaipuria Noida offer accessible fee points and Delhi–NCR proximity advantages.

Also read: Total seats available across all IIMs and top MBA colleges.

Also check: Find out what counts as a good CAT score for top B-Schools.

Tier-2 Colleges Suggested for CAT 60-80 Percentile Range

• This range has mid-to-upper-tier B-schools where a CAT percentile between 60-85 is sufficient for consideration, offering pathways into institutions with stronger national reputations such as GIM Goa, IMI New Delhi, and LBSIM Delhi.
• Fees in this cluster range from ₹8-22 lakh, but the placement averages of ₹7-17 LPA indicate solid return on investment, especially for IMI New Delhi, which delivers one of the highest average salaries in the category.
• Colleges like LIBA Chennai, MDI Murshidabad, and Christ University attract students seeking a balance of affordability, decent placements, and strong alumni networks, making them competitive choices for candidates below the 90-percentile range.

Also Read:

• Top MBA colleges in India and their latest rankings.

List of Top B-schools that accept low CAT percentile for MBA admissions

Some of the colleges that accept low CAT scores are provided below. The list contains colleges accepting scores from 40% - 60% along with colleges that provide direct admission.

Check Out

Find out what the actual CAT 2025 cutoff for general category students in the top IIMs

Regional Picks for Low CAT Scores (North India Focus)

• These institutes offer strong options for candidates in the 50-80 CAT percentile range, with Delhi–NCR emerging as a major cluster through colleges like FORE, BIMTECH, NDIM and Jaipuria.
• Fees span ₹8-18 lakh, while placements generally fall between ₹6-11 LPA, offering reasonable ROI for mid-percentile scorers.
• FORE Delhi stands out at the higher end of the category, while NDIM and Amity provide more accessible fee points for budget-conscious students.

Also Read: How academics and work experience are weighted in CAT 2025 admissions.

Regional Picks for Low CAT Scores (South/West Focus)

• These colleges provide viable MBA options for candidates in the 50-70 percentile band, with strong regional representation from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bhubaneswar.
• Fees range from ₹11-18 lakh, while average placements fall between ₹7-10 LPA, indicating balanced ROI for mid-range percentile scorers.
• XIME Bangalore, IBS Hyderabad, and KSOM Bhubaneswar stand out for their consistent placement outcomes and stronger brand visibility compared to others in this category.

Check:

• The most important WAT topics for IIMs you must prepare.
• Key PI tips and commonly asked interview questions in IIMs.

Also Read: Know which IIMs do not consider work experience in shortlisting.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Score FAQs

Ques: Which IIM accepts the lowest CAT score?

Ques: Which college will accept 50 percentile in CAT?

Ques: Which IIM can I get with 85 percentile in CAT?

Ques: Which college accepts 40 percentile in CAT?