MBA Colleges in Pune Accepting CAT Score
CollegePune Team
CollegePune Editorial
Which Pune MBA and PGDM colleges accept CAT? Full list with fees, what percentile you need, how CAT works in Maharashtra CAP, and why Symbiosis does not.
Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by the CollegePune counselling team
If CAT is your main exam, Pune still gives you plenty of good options, but not the ones most students expect. The best-known Pune MBA colleges, SIBM and SCMHRD, do not accept CAT. This guide lists the Pune colleges that do, what they cost, and how to plan applications around your percentile. For the full picture including SNAP colleges, see our guide to the top MBA colleges in Pune.
Quick answer
Symbiosis institutes (SIBM, SCMHRD, SIIB, SIMS and others) do not accept CAT. They admit only through SNAP.
Accept CAT directly: NIBM, FLAME University, VAMNICOM, ISB&M, PIBM, NIA, IIMS, Dr DY Patil B-School, and the Sri Balaji University institutes (BIMM, BIMHRD, BIIB, BITM), among others.
Through Maharashtra CAP: PUMBA (SPPU) and other state MBA colleges accept CAT scores for all-India seats.
How CAT scores work in Pune
CAT opens three different kinds of Pune colleges, and each has its own process:
| Type | How admission works | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| PGDM institutes | Apply directly to the institute. Shortlist on CAT score, then group discussion / written ability test / interview. | NIBM, VAMNICOM, ISB&M, PIBM, NIA, IIMS, Dr DY Patil B-School |
| Private universities | Apply on the university portal. CAT is one of several accepted scores; some also run their own test. | FLAME University, Sri Balaji University (BIMM, BIMHRD, BIIB, BITM), MIT-WPU, Ajeenkya DY Patil University |
| Maharashtra CAP (state process) | Register with the State CET Cell. All-India candidates can use CAT, CMAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA, GMAT or MAH-MBA CET scores. | PUMBA (SPPU) and other state-approved MBA colleges |
Pune MBA and PGDM colleges accepting CAT: fees
| College | Programme | Total fees (approx.) | Placements |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLAME University | MBA | ₹19.25–20.95 lakh | Median ≈ ₹11 LPA |
| VAMNICOM | PGDM | ₹18.34 lakh | Check latest report |
| NIBM Pune | PGDM | ₹17.64 lakh | Check latest report |
| ISB&M Pune | PGDM | ₹14.19 lakh | Check latest report |
| BIMM, Sri Balaji University | MBA | ₹12.85 lakh | Median ≈ ₹7.5 LPA |
| BITM, Sri Balaji University | MBA | ₹12.85 lakh | Check latest report |
| BIMHRD, Sri Balaji University | MBA | ₹12.75 lakh | Check latest report |
| BIIB, Sri Balaji University | MBA | ₹12.75 lakh | Check latest report |
| NIA Pune | PGDM | ₹12 lakh | Check latest report |
| WPU School of Business (MIT-WPU) | MBA | ₹10.50–20 lakh (by specialisation) | Check latest report |
| PIBM Pune | PGDM / MBA | PGDM ₹9.25 lakh; MBA ₹9.45 lakh | Median ≈ ₹7.35 LPA |
| IIMS Pune | PGDM | ₹9.09–9.72 lakh | Check latest report |
| Dr DY Patil B-School | PGDM | ₹8.70 lakh | Check latest report |
| PUMBA, SPPU (via CAP) | MBA | ≈ ₹3.27 lakh | Avg ≈ ₹9.40 LPA (2025) |
Fees are total programme fees from published listings (October 2026) and may change for the 2027 intake. Always confirm on the institute website and ask what is included (hostel, laptop, international immersion).
What CAT percentile do you need?
Pune colleges that accept CAT generally shortlist in the 70–85 percentile range for general-category candidates, depending on the college and specialisation. PUMBA's all-India seats have needed about 75+ in recent years. Use this plan to decide where to apply:
| Expected CAT percentile | Suggested Pune strategy |
|---|---|
| 90 and above | Pune is your backup, not your first choice; IIMs and top national B-schools may be within reach. In Pune, apply to the strongest CAT-accepting names and PUMBA (all-India seats). |
| 80 – 90 | The core range for Pune CAT colleges. Apply widely to PGDM institutes and private universities, and register for Maharashtra CAP if eligible. |
| 70 – 80 | Focus on institutes where median salary justifies the fee. Add CMAT or MAT to widen options. |
| Below 70 | Look at institutes that also accept CMAT, MAT or their own test, and compare ROI carefully. Consider taking SNAP or MAH-MBA CET as well. |
These bands are planning guidance based on recent trends, not official cutoffs.
Why you should still consider SNAP
Pune's highest-paying MBAs are Symbiosis institutes. SIBM Pune reported an average package of ₹28.83 LPA and SCMHRD ₹21.47 LPA in their 2025 final placements. Neither accepts CAT. SNAP is held in December and allows multiple attempts, so CAT aspirants can add it with little extra preparation. Many students write both and decide after the results.
Application checklist for CAT-based Pune admissions
- October – December: shortlist 6–10 colleges and fill application forms. Many PGDM institutes close forms in January or February.
- After CAT results: check shortlists and prepare for GD / WAT / PI.
- Documents: CAT scorecard, graduation marksheets, work-experience letters, ID proof, category certificate if applicable.
- Fees: compare total cost including hostel, and check education-loan tie-ups.
- Maharashtra CAP: register on the State CET Cell portal when the CAP process opens (typically June).
Want a personal shortlist?
Got your CAT mock scores and not sure which Pune colleges to apply to? A CollegePune counsellor will build a Safe / Target / Dream list for your percentile and budget. Book counselling from ₹1,100
Frequently asked questions
Does SIBM Pune accept CAT?
No. SIBM Pune and all other Symbiosis MBA institutes admit only through SNAP.
Does PUMBA accept CAT?
Yes. PUMBA (SPPU) admissions run through Maharashtra CAP, where all-India candidates can use CAT scores. Maharashtra-domicile candidates should check the State CET Cell brochure for current rules.
Which is the best Pune MBA college accepting CAT?
For overall value, PUMBA through CAP. Among direct-admission institutes, FLAME University, NIBM and VAMNICOM are among the higher-fee options, so compare their latest median salaries before deciding.
Is 70 percentile in CAT enough for Pune?
It can be enough for some PGDM and private-university programmes. Check each college's last-year cutoff and compare median salary against the fee before you apply.
What is the fee for MBA colleges in Pune accepting CAT?
Most fall between about ₹8.7 lakh and ₹21 lakh for the full programme. PUMBA is far lower at about ₹3.27 lakh.
Can I apply to both CAT and SNAP colleges?
Yes, and most Pune aspirants should. CAT covers PGDM and private universities; SNAP covers all Symbiosis institutes.
CollegePune Team
CollegePune Editorial Team
Expert in Pune college admissions, entrance exam guidance, and higher education in Maharashtra. Helping students make informed decisions since 2020.
