MAT Score Your MBA? Top Colleges That Value Your Performance.
Navigating MBA Admissions: Understanding the Role of MAT and Reputable Colleges in India
For aspiring management professionals in India, an MBA degree is a gateway to promising career opportunities. While the Common Admission Test (CAT) often hogs the limelight, the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) stands out as another widely accepted national-level entrance examination. Conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA), MAT offers a convenient and accessible pathway to numerous Business Schools (B-Schools) across the country.
Unlike some other exams, MAT is held multiple times a year (February, May, September, December) in both Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT) modes, providing aspiring students with multiple chances to achieve their desired score.
Understanding the MAT Score and its Importance
MAT scores are reported as a composite score out of 800, along with percentile scores. A good MAT percentile generally ranges from 80th percentile upwards for admission to decent B-Schools, with highly sought-after colleges looking for 90+ percentile scores.
It’s crucial to understand that while a high MAT score can open doors, it is rarely the sole criterion for admission. Most reputable colleges conduct subsequent rounds of Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI), and consider your academic background, work experience (if any), and other achievements.
Reputable MBA Colleges in India Accepting MAT Scores
While the absolute top-tier IIMs and premier institutes like XLRI, ISB, and FMS typically do not accept MAT scores, there are many excellent and reputable B-Schools across India that do. These institutions offer quality MBA/PGDM programs and provide good career prospects.
Here is a list of some well-regarded MBA colleges in India that generally accept MAT scores. Please note: This list is NOT ranked by MAT score cutoffs, as these cutoffs are dynamic and fluctuate. Instead, it aims to present a selection of colleges known for their quality and acceptance of MAT.
| College Name | City/State | Brief Info (Accepts MAT) |
| BML Munjal University (BMU) | Gurgaon, Haryana | Part of the Hero Group, offers a strong MBA program with an emphasis on experiential learning. Consistently ranked well among private B-schools. |
| Christ University Institute of Management | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Known for its strong academic rigor, discipline, and excellent placements. Offers various PGDM/MBA specializations. |
| Amity University | Noida, UP / Other Campuses | A large, well-established private university group with multiple campuses, offering a wide range of MBA programs. |
| Balaji Institute of Modern Management (BIMM) | Pune, Maharashtra | Part of Sri Balaji University, Pune, known for its consistent placements and industry-oriented curriculum. |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore | Multiple campuses offering AICTE approved PGDM programs. Known for strong industry connections and placements. |
| IES Management College and Research Centre (IESMCRC) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | A well-established institute in Mumbai, known for its good faculty and industry interface. |
| Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Nagpur / Hyderabad | Nagpur, Maharashtra / Hyderabad, Telangana | While IMT Ghaziabad does not accept MAT, its Nagpur and Hyderabad campuses are reputable and consider MAT scores for their PGDM programs. |
| KIIT School of Management (KSOM) | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Part of KIIT University, KSOM offers an MBA program with a good reputation in Eastern India, focusing on industry readiness. |
| N. L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Located in Mumbai’s financial hub, it’s known for its strong finance specialization and industry interactions. |
| Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool) | Mumbai, Bengaluru | Offers innovative PGDM programs with unique specializations (e.g., Business Design, Rural Management). Highly popular and competitive. |
| Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies (RCBS) | Kochi, Kerala | A well-regarded institution in South India, known for its academic rigor and holistic development approach. |
| Shiv Nadar University (SNU) | Greater Noida, UP | Part of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, SNU’s School of Management offers a distinct MBA program with a global outlook. |
| Veltech Dr. RR & Dr. SR University | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Offers an MBA program with a focus on practical learning and industry exposure. |
| UPES School of Business | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | Known for its specialized MBA programs in sectors like Energy, Logistics, and Analytics, leveraging its industry focus. |
| Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Offers a PGDM program with a focus on holistic development and strong industry interface. |
| Indus Business Academy (IBA) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Known for its residential program and diverse student community, focusing on practical management education. |
| MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) | Pune, Maharashtra | Part of the renowned MIT Group, offering an MBA program with an emphasis on experiential learning and global exposure. |
| VIT Business School (VIT-BS) | Vellore/Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Part of VIT University, its business school offers an MBA program known for its strong industry connections and technical background. |
| Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) | New Delhi | Offers PGDM programs with a focus on global business practices and entrepreneurship. |
| IMS Ghaziabad (UC Campus) | Ghaziabad, UP | A well-established institute in Delhi-NCR, known for its PGDM program with a focus on overall personality development and placements. |
| Accurate Institute of Management & Technology | Greater Noida, UP | Offers PGDM programs in a prime educational hub, focusing on industry readiness. |
| International School of Business & Media (ISB&M) | Pune, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Noida | Multiple campuses offering PGDM programs, known for their industry-aligned curriculum and training. |
| Vivekanand Business School (VBS) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | A relatively newer institution that has gained recognition for its innovative programs and industry exposure. |
| Chandigarh University | Mohali, Punjab | Offers various MBA specializations, known for its rapid growth and industry collaborations. |
| GITAM Institute of Management (GIM) | Visakhapatnam, AP | Part of GITAM University, GIM offers an MBA program with a focus on ethical leadership and social responsibility. |
Important Considerations for Students:
- Check Official Websites: Always visit the official website of each college you are interested in. This is the only reliable source for their latest admission criteria, specific MAT cutoff percentiles (which are usually announced after results), fee structure, and program details.
- Beyond MAT Score: Remember that the MAT score is just one hurdle. Your performance in GD/PI rounds, your academic background (10th, 12th, graduation scores), and any work experience you possess will collectively determine your admission.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Look beyond rankings and consider the college’s average placement salary versus its fees. A good ROI is crucial for your career prospects.
- Specializations Offered: Ensure the college offers the MBA specialization that aligns with your career goals (e.g., Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, Business Analytics).
- Faculty and Infrastructure: Research the faculty’s experience, the infrastructure available (library, labs, campus life), and the overall learning environment.