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The Top MBA Colleges Through CMAT: Highest & Average Package
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) that opens doors to 1,000+ AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM colleges across India. CMAT scores are widely accepted and offer aspirants the flexibility to choose from some of the best MBA colleges with excellent placement records and industry exposure.
In this updated guide for CMAT 2025–26, we list the top MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores, along with their average and highest salary packages, admission trends, and what makes them attractive choices for MBA aspirants.
The Top MBA Colleges Through CMAT: Highest & Average Package
The following table presents the top CMAT-accepting colleges in India, with their College Fees, Highest and Average Package:
| Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores with Highest and Average Package | ||
| MBA Colleges | Average Package (in Lakhs) | Highest Package (in Lakhs) |
| JBIMS, Mumbai | 28 | 35 |
| Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai | 15.19 | 22 |
| Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai | 12 | 25.4 |
| Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai/Bangalore | 10-12 | 18-20 |
| TAPMI | 13.82 | 32.02 |
| KJ Somaiya Inst. of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai | 12.32 | 25.96 |
| BML Munjal University | 9.4 | 26 |
| UPES, Dehradun | 15.6 | 27 |
| Indus Business Academy | 8 | 22.2 |
| IIEBM - Pune | 8 | 30 |
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores Admission Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for admission to top colleges accepting CMAT scores 2025 may vary from one institution to another. Aspiring students must review the specific requirements of their preferred institutes before initiating the admission process.
Below are the basic eligibility criteria for MBA admissions using CMAT scores:
- Candidates must have completed a 3-year bachelor’s degree program in any stream.
- Additionally, general category candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate score in the qualifying exam.
- Candidates belonging to reserved categories get a 5% relaxation for the minimum marks requirement.
There is no age limit for admission to MBA colleges through CMAT scores.
How to Choose the Right CMAT MBA College
To make the most of your CMAT score, consider these factors:
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Expected Cut-off Percentile: Higher for colleges like JBIMS and SIMSREE.
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Average vs Highest Salary: Compare both to understand ROI.
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Fees and ROI: Colleges like PUMBA and SIMSREE offer strong ROI due to lower fees.
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Specialisation Fit: Some colleges are stronger in areas like analytics, marketing, or finance.
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Location & Network: Colleges in Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai provide better corporate exposure.
CMAT 2026 Paper Pattern (Section-Wise)
CMAT 2026 consists of five sections, each carrying 20 questions.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
This balanced structure makes CMAT a high-attempt, speed-oriented exam rather than a deeply selective one.
CMAT 2026 Topic-Wise Analysis
The CMAT 2026 topic-wise breakdown highlights which areas carried maximum weightage and how aspirants should prioritise preparation-
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
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Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio, Averages)
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Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance
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Basic Algebra
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Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts)
Difficulty level remained easy to moderate, rewarding accuracy and basic clarity.
Logical Reasoning
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Arrangements and Puzzles
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Series and Sequences
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Coding-Decoding
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Blood Relations and Directions
This section remained scoring, especially for candidates who avoided time-consuming puzzles.
Language Comprehension
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Reading Comprehension
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Vocabulary-based questions
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Grammar and Sentence Correction
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Para jumbles
Consistent with previous years, Language Comprehension tested clarity of reading and basic English usage, not advanced grammar.
General Awareness
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Static GK
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Business and Economy
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Government initiatives
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Current affairs (last 12–18 months)
Candidates with basic GK preparation had a clear advantage here.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E)
This section continues to differentiate CMAT from other MBA exams. Questions are largely conceptual and policy-based, not technical.
Sample Areas Asked in CMAT 2026
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Joseph Schumpeter’s view of entrepreneurship
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Make in India initiative
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Role of DPIIT in policy coordination
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Atal Innovation Mission and incubation support
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Objectives of Innovation Management
All these questions were directly aligned with standard Innovation & Entrepreneurship concepts and official CMAT preparation material
CMAT Score vs Percentile Trend (4-Year Analysis)
Based on the four-year CMAT score-to-percentile comparison provided in the document
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300+ score generally places candidates in the 99+ percentile range
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250–280 score corresponds to 95–98 percentile
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200–240 score falls in the 85–94 percentile band
This data highlights why attempting more questions with reasonable accuracy is critical in CMAT.
CMAT 2026 College Cutoffs & Admission Landscape
CMAT scores are accepted by 1,000+ AICTE-approved colleges. Based on the CMAT 2026 cutoff analysis
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Top-tier institutes require 95+ percentile
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Mid-tier colleges accept 80–90 percentile
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Several good ROI colleges accept 70–80 percentile
CMAT remains a strong option for candidates seeking quality MBA education without CAT-level cutoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which top MBA colleges accept CMAT?
A1. Several reputed institutes accept CMAT — Great Lakes, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar (WeSchool), JAGSOM, PUMBA, NIBM, NL Dalmia, XIME, SIES among others. Always verify on the college’s official admissions page for each year.
Q2. Should I prioritise highest package or average package while shortlisting?
A2. Use average package as the primary indicator for typical outcomes; highest package is useful to understand peak recruiter willingness but is not representative.
Q3. What CMAT percentile is typically required for these colleges?
A3. Cutoffs vary by college/program; commonly: Great Lakes / KJ Somaiya / PUMBA often need 85–99+ percentiles (program dependent); Welingkar / JAGSOM typically accept 70–95 percentiles depending on specialization. Check college-specific cutoff lists on prep portals.
Q4. Where can I verify placement figures?
A4. Always verify using the college’s official placement report / brochure (links cited in the table), and cross-check with authoritative placement summaries on the college website.
Conclusion
CMAT remains a great pathway to quality MBA education in India, especially for aspirants targeting strong placements without solely relying on CAT. The top colleges accepting CMAT scores in 2025–26 offer a mix of high average and highest salary packages, excellent industry exposure, and robust alumni networks.
Whether you are aiming for , understanding placement metrics and college fit can help you make smarter decisions.
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