Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores 2026: Check Cut offs & Fees

Overview: CMAT is accepted far more widely than CAT, but the colleges worth targeting are concentrated at the top of the percentile range.

• CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is a national MBA entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of AICTE, usually held in January.
• CMAT 2026 was conducted on 25 January 2026. CMAT 2027 is expected in January 2027 - confirm on cmat.nta.nic.in once the notification is released.
• Scores are accepted by well over 1,000 institutes, including AICTE-approved colleges, university departments and a number of government institutes.
• The realistic top tier is small. JBIMS, SIMSREE, Welingkar and K. J. Somaiya sit above 95 percentile, and JBIMS effectively requires 99.9+.
• A good CMAT score does not mean a top college. Between 70 and 90 percentile the options are broad but variable in quality, so fees, placement records and location matter more than rank.
• Fee spread is enormous - from roughly ₹1.3 lakh at SIMSREE to over ₹20 lakh at K. J. Somaiya, for programmes with very different placement outcomes.

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Key Takeaways

• CMAT's breadth is its real advantage. More than a thousand institutes accept it, against a much narrower CAT pool - which makes CMAT exam pattern the strongest safety net in the MBA entrance calendar.
• No IIM accepts CMAT score. If an IIM is your target, CMAT cannot substitute for CAT. Plan for both.
• The top four are Mumbai-heavy. JBIMS, SIMSREE, Welingkar and K. J. Somaiya dominate the 95+ band, so a serious CMAT strategy is often a Mumbai strategy.
• SIMSREE is the standout on value. Roughly ₹1.34 lakh in fees against a 15–16 LPA average package is the best return on investment on this list by a wide margin.
• The most expensive college is not the best outcome. K. J. Somaiya's fees are around 15 times SIMSREE's, for a lower average package. Compare fees against average salary, never against brand perception.
• 80–90 percentile still opens real doors - IMT Nagpur, Jaipuria Noida, IPE Hyderabad, XIME Bengaluru and others - but due diligence matters far more in this band than in the top four.
• Below 70 percentile, be cautious. Many institutes will accept you. Verify placement reports, not brochures, before paying a deposit.

List of Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores 2026 

CMAT stands for the Common Management Admission Test, a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The CMAT scores are accepted by more than 1300 colleges in India, including all government colleges.

If you are looking for the list of the top colleges accepting CMAT scores in 2026, then you should consider the following factors: courses, eligibility criteria, location, selection process, course fees, infrastructure, faculty, placement records and CMAT Cut-off 2026. 

Several top B-schools across India accept the CMAT score for admissions into their MBA/PGDM programs.

If you're wondering, "Which colleges accept CMAT scores?" or seeking a list of "CMAT accepting colleges," you will find below a range of reputed institutes offering quality management education based on your CMAT performance.

List of Top CMAT Accepting Colleges 2026 

Here is the list of the top colleges accepting CMAT scores for MBA 2026:

Colleges That Accept CMAT Scores	Courses Offered	Fees	Highest Package (Approx.)	Average Package (Approx.)	Expected Cut-off CMAT 2026 (Percentile)
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies - JBIMS	Master's in Management Studies (MMS)	6 Lakhs	37.75 LPA	28 LPA	99.90+
SIMSREE	Master's in Management Studies (MMS)	1.34 Lakhs	21.53 LPA	15-16 LPA	99+
Welingkar	PGDM	9.8 Lakhs	16-17 LPA	10 LPA	95-99
K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management	MBA	20.8 Lakhs	25 LPA	13-14 LPA	95-99

1. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies - JBIMS

JBIMS is one of the prominent business schools in Mumbai, boasting outstanding faculty, challenging academic programs, and significant industry ties.

The institute, often featured among top CMAT colleges, offers various majors, including Finance, Marketing, Operations, and Human Resources.

2. SIMSREE 

SIMSREE, or Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education, is an Institute of Management Studies, Research, and Entrepreneurship Education affiliated with the University of Mumbai.

It is recognised among leading CMAT colleges and is renowned for its past achievements.

The institute boasts a vast network of alumni who have become leaders in commerce, making it a top choice for candidates excelling in the CMAT subjects.

3. Welingkar, Mumbai

Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, situated in Mumbai, is widely recognised as one of the top CMAT colleges, offering a comprehensive learning experience to its students.

The institute's unique curriculum emphasises innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-oriented knowledge, making it a preferred choice for CMAT aspirants.

4. K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management

The K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management is a dream destination among top CMAT colleges for every CMAT aspirant.

The institute is renowned for its inquiry-led pedagogy and industry-specific research. It boasts strong industry connections, world-class infrastructure, and experienced faculty.

As a result, students have ample opportunities for personal and career development.

These are just some of the top colleges accepting CMAT scores. However, it's important to conduct thorough research, consider your career goals, and evaluate each institution's specific offerings before deciding.

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Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores (90-99 Percentile)

For candidates who have scored exceptionally well in CMAT, here are some of the best colleges through CMAT scores in the 90-99 percentile range:

Best Colleges Accepting CMAT Score	Fees (Approx.)	CMAT 2026 Expected Percentile
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies - JBIMS	6 Lakh	99.90+
SIMSREE	1.34 Lakh	99+
Welingkar	9.8 Lakh	95-99
K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management	20.8 Lakh	95-99
Department of Management Sciences, University of Pune	1.3 Lakh	95-99
XISS Ranchi	8.90 Lakh	90+
BIMTECH, Noida	17 Lakh	90+
NL Dalmia, Mumbai	16.20 Lakh	90+

Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores (80-90 Percentile)

If your CMAT exam 2026 scores fall in the 80-90 percentile range, here are a few best colleges through CMAT score in this range and here is the CMAT college list:

CMAT Score Accepting College	CMAT 2026 Expected Percentile
IMT, Nagpur	90+
NIPM, Pune	85-90
XBS, Kolkata	85-90
IFMR at Krea University, Sri City	85-90
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida	85+
SIES, Mumbai	80-85
IPE, Hyderabad	80-85
IFIM Business School, Bangalore	80-85
IMT Hyderabad	80+
XIME, Bengaluru	80+

Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores (70-80 Percentile)

Even if your CMAT exam scores are in the 70-80 percentile range, there are still several best colleges through CMAT score where you can apply for admission. Here is a CMAT college list

CMAT Score Accepting College	CMAT 2026 Expected Percentile
IES Management College, Mumbai	80
KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar	80
AIMS, Bangalore	80
BIT, Mesra	75+
DY Patil School of Management, Pune	75+
NDIM New Delhi	75+
Calcutta Business School	75+
XIME Chennai	70+
ITM Group of Institutions, Mumbai	70+
SCMS, Cochin	70+

Top Government Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores

Here is the list of the top government CMAT Accepting Colleges 2026:

CMAT Score Accepting College	Location	Courses Offered
SIMSREE	Mumbai	MBA/PGDM/MMS
Department of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University	Pune	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Faculty of Management Studies	Baroda	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Indian Institute of Information Technology	Allahabad	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management	Kolkata	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Institute of Management Studies, Ranchi University	Ranchi	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Institute of Management Studies, Devi Ahilya University	Indore	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Malaviya National Institute of Technology	MNIT Jaipur	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
NIT Rourkela - National Institute of Technology	Odisha	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University School of Management Studies, GGS IP University	Delhi	Master of Business Administration (MBA)

 

Steps To Follow for Application to the Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores 2026

Here are the steps that candidates should follow while applying to the list of the top colleges accepting CMAT scores:

1. Research and Shortlist

The first step as a candidate is to look for the best CMAT Accepting Colleges and develop a list of those that properly match your career goals, preferences, and location.

2. Check Eligibility Criteria

Visit the websites of the respective CMAT 2026 colleges to confirm their admission requirements. To qualify, you should at least meet the minimum standards, including educational qualifications, work experience (if applicable), and others.

3. Familiarise with the Application Process

Know the rules of each CMAT-accepting college and collect all required documents, including mark sheets, certificates, and IDs. Ensure the proper filling and submission of application forms within the given deadlines.

4. Pass the Entrance Exam Cut-off

Once you have passed the CMAT 2026, check your scores and the percentile. Each CMAT-accepting college has its own admissions cutoff percentile.

5.  Get Short-Listed for the Selection Process

For admissions to CMAT 2026 colleges in India that accept CMAT scores, a multi-stage selection process is usually used, including group discussions (GD), personal interviews (PI), and, in some cases, a writing ability test (WAT). As you go through these stages, prepare thoroughly to increase your chances of acceptance. 

Conclusion

• Work backwards from your target percentile, not from a ranking list. Decide what you can realistically score, then shortlist within that band. Building a wish list of 99+ colleges on an 80-percentile plan wastes the application cycle.
• Apply the fee-to-salary test on every college. Divide the total fee by the average package. Under 1.0 is strong, and above 1.5 needs a specific reason - a location, a specialisation, an alumni network you actually need.
• Read the placement report, not the placement page. Average packages get quoted; medians and the percentage of students placed tell you what you will actually earn. Ask for both.
• Build a three-tier shortlist. Two or three ambitious colleges above your expected percentile, three or four realistic ones at it, and two safe options below. Apply to all of them.
• Track deadlines separately for each institute. These are independent admission processes with independent forms and dates, and every year candidates lose a college purely to a missed date.
• Do not stop preparing after the exam. GD, PI and WAT decide the final list once shortlisting is done, and a strong percentile with a weak interview converts nothing.
• Keep CAT open as a parallel route. Many colleges on this list accept both scores, and a CAT attempt costs you only the extra sectional discipline while adding the entire IIM pool to your options.
• Your next step: attempt a free CMAT mock test to establish a realistic percentile baseline, then build your shortlist around what the score actually says rather than what you hope it will be.