Scoring in the 90-95 percentile range in competitive exams like CAT or XAT is a remarkable feat. It symbolizes clarity of concepts, uniformity, and the capacity to remain cool under pressure. Online forums have extensively talked about MBA entrance exams such as CAT and XAT. Most of these forums revolve around how to score in the 99+ percentile and get into the Indian Institutes of Management. But the truth is far from it. There are many prestigious B-schools that offer outstanding MBA or PGDM courses in the 90-95 percentile range.
For those in the 90-95 percentile range, the emphasis needs to be on “smart college choice.” Most of the colleges that take CAT and XAT scores in this range have a holistic selection process. They take into account work experience, diversity, academic credentials, non-academic achievements, and performance in GD, PI, and WAT sessions. This opens doors for deserving candidates who may not be in the top percentile range to get into relevant and career-oriented MBA courses in India.
Another crucial aspect is that the college name by itself is not a measure of success for an MBA. Many people have achieved success in the fields of consulting, finance, marketing, operations, analytics, and entrepreneurship from colleges in this percentile group. These colleges have strong corporate networks. They provide live projects, internships, and learning opportunities that are in sync with the industry requirements.
This guide will assist students in finding well-researched colleges to apply to with a 90-95 percentile in CAT and XAT. It will also give clarity on the selection procedures, courses available, and the reputation of these colleges. Whether you are a fresher looking to pursue an MBA or a working professional looking to upskill, this information will aid in making better decisions.
- FORE School of Management, New Delhi
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
- Management development institute (MDI)
- Xavier institute of management (XIMB), Bhubaneswar
- Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
- International Management Institute (IMI), Delhi
- IIT BOMBAY (SJMSOM)
- IIT DELHI (DoMS)
- IIT KHARAGPUR (VGSoM)
- IIT ROORKEE
- IIT MADRAS
- IIT KANPUR
- Mudra institute of communications (MICA)
- GOA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (GIM)
- TAPMI, MANIPAL
- KJ SOMAIYA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT
FORE School of Management, New Delhi
Description: FORE School of Management (FSM), New Delhi, was founded in 1981. It is an AICTE-approved, non-profit management institute situated in South Delhi. The institute is recognized for its strong corporate network and experienced faculty members. It provides AIU-similar PGDM courses in Core, Finance, International Business, and Big Data Analytics.
NIRF Ranking: Ranked 37th in the NIRF Management category.
Establishment Year: 1981
Location: South Delhi (main campus) and Gurugram.
Courses Offered: AICTE-approved, 2-year full-time Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs. Specializations include International Business, Financial Management, and Big Data Analytics.
Fees: ₹23.24 lakh for the 2026–28 batch.
Average Placement: INR 16.4 LPA
Exam Acceptance: CAT, XAT, GMAT
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
Description: S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), established in 1981 in Mumbai, is a premier, autonomous, non-profit business school under the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. It is consistently ranked among India’s top 10 B-schools and holds the “Triple Crown” accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS). Known for its focus on value-based leadership and innovative, practice-driven pedagogy, SPJIMR offers PGDM, PGPM, and specialized management programs.
NIRF RANKING: 20
Location: SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) is located on a 45-acre campus within the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan campus in Andheri (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058
Establishment year: 1981
Courses offer: Flagship 2-year full-time PGDM, PGPM (for professionals with experience), PGPGM (weekend executive MBA), and FPM (doctoral program)
Fees: ₹22.5 Lakhs for its flagship two-year, full-time PGDM (BM) program for the 2026–2028 batch
Average placement: ₹33.75 LPA
Exam acceptance: CAT and GMAT
Management development institute (MDI)
Description: MDI Gurgaon: Management Development Institute (All Info 2026)Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon, established in 1973, is a premier, top-ranked private business school located in Gurugram, India. Known for its AACSB and AMBA international accreditations, MDI offers flagship PGDM, executive, and FPM programs focused on leadership and innovation. The campus is renowned for its strong corporate connections, high placements, and a 35- acre green campus.
NIRF RANKING: 9
Establishment year: 1973
Courses offer: 2-year full-time PGDM, PGDM-HRM, PGDMIB, and specialized programs like Business Analytics and Public Policy.
Fees: PGDM (2-Year): Around ₹18.67 Lakhs (tuition for 2025- 27), plus hostel/living costs. Executive MBA/PGDM (2026): Total fees from ₹7.76 Lakhs to ₹17.68 Lakhs depending on the program. Application Form: Around ₹3,590 for general applications.
Average placement: ₹25.6 LPA Exam acceptance: CAT 2025, XAT 2026, or valid GMAT scores for PGDM admission.
Exam acceptance: CAT 2025, XAT 2026, or valid GMAT scores for PGDM admission
Xavier institute of management (XIMB), Bhubaneswar
Description: Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB), established in 1987, is a premier Tier-1 business school in India known for academic excellence, 100% placement records, and a strong Jesuit-driven, student-run culture. Part of XIM University, it offers top-ranked MBA programs (BM, HRM, Rural, Sustainability) with a focus on holistic, industry-oriented education and research.
NIRF RANKING: 45
Establishment year: 1987
Courses offer: MBA (Business Management, HR, Rural, Sustainability, Urban), Executive MBA, and Ph.D. programs.
Fees: ₹28.4 Lakhs
Average placement: ₹18.25 LPA
Exam acceptance: CAT, XAT, GMAT, XGMT
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
Description: Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad, established in 1980, is a premier AACSB- accredited business school in India, top-ranked for its Marketing and PGDM programs. Located in the Delhi-NCR region, it is recognized for strong industry integration, experienced faculty, and high-quality placements in roles like consulting, finance, and marketing.
NIRF RANKING: 30
Establishment year: 1980
Courses offer: Premier 2-year full-time PGDM (equivalent to MBA) in Marketing, Finance, and Banking, alongside an Executive PGDM and Fellow Programme in Management (FPM)
Fees: ₹10.48 Lakhs to ₹23.11 Lakhs
Average placement: ₹16.25 lakhs per annum (LPA)
Exam acceptance: CAT,XAT,GMAT
International Management Institute (IMI), Delhi
Description: International Management Institute (IMI) Delhi, established in 1981 in South Delhi, is India’s first corporate- sponsored business school. It is highly accredited (AACSB, AMBA, NBA, SAQS) and offers AICTE-approved PGDM, PGDM (HRM), PGDM (B&FS), and FPM programs. Known for strong industry links, it ranked 10th overall by Business Today 2024 and 11th in India in the FT Masters in Management 2025 rankings.
NIRF Ranking – 40th
Location : B-10, Qutab Institutional Area, Tara Crescent, New Delhi – 110016.
Establishment Year : 1981
Courses offered : Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM – Flagship). PGDM in Banking and Financial Services (B&FS). PGDM in Human Resource Management (HRM). Executive PGDM (18 months for experienced professionals). Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).
Fees : ₹29.78 Lakhs for 2026-28 PGDM batch.
Average Placement : ₹17.91 Lakh Per Annum (LPA)
Exam Accepted : CAT, XAT, and GMAT scores are accepted for PGDM admissions.
IIT BOMBAY (SJMSOM)
Description: Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), part of IIT Bombay, is a top-ranked, public business school established in 1995 to foster “Renaissance Leaders” through technology-driven management education. It ranks among India’s top 10 management institutes, specializing in MBA, PhD, and executive training with a high- profile faculty and strong industry focus.
NIRF Ranking – 11th
Location: located within the IIT Bombay campus in Powai, Mumbai
Establishment Year: 1995
Courses offer: 2-year MBA, Executive MBA, and Ph.D. programs with specializations in finance, operations, and technology.
Fees: ₹15.16 Lakhs total, including a tuition fee of around ₹14.95 Lakhs
Average Placement: 25 lakhs
Exam Accepted: CAT
IIT DELHI (DoMS)
Description: The Department of Management Studies (DMS) at IIT Delhi, established in 1993, is a premier management school ranked among the top 5 in India (NIRF) and accredited by AACSB. It offers full-time and part-time MBA programs with a focus on technology, systems thinking, and analytics. Known for its high-impact research, it frequently ranks alongside top IIMs.
NIRF RANKING: 4TH
Location: Hauz Khas, New Delhi
Establishment Year – 1961
Courses offer : Undergraduate: B.Tech (various branches like CSE, Electrical, Mechanical), B.Des, and BS (Chemistry); Postgraduate: M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc, M.Des, and MA; Doctoral: Ph.D. in various engineering, science, and humanities fields
Fees : B.Tech: ₹8.55 Lakhs to ₹10.74 Lakhs for the 4-year duration; MBA: ₹12.90 Lakhs M.Tech: ₹1.02 Lakhs
Average Placement : MBA: ₹23.4 Lakh Per Annum (LPA)
Exam Accepted : B.Tech/BS: JEE Advanced (via JEE Main); B.Des: UCEED; M.Tech: GATE; MBA: CAT
IIT KHARAGPUR (VGSoM)
Description: Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM) at IIT Kharagpur, established in 1993, is a premier public business school, often ranked among the top 5-15 in India. As the first management school in the IIT system, it offers a 2- year residential MBA, Executive MBA, Ph.D., and a joint PGDBA program. It is known for its focus on technology- driven management and strong industry placements.
NIRF RANKING: 12TH
LOCATION: IIT Kharagpur is located 120 kilometres west of Kolkata
Establishment Year: 1993
Courses offer: A 2-year flagship residential MBA, a 3-year Executive MBA for working professionals, and a Doctoral (Ph.D.) programme in management
Fees: INR 12.85 to 12.95 Lakhs
Average placement: 20 lakhs
Exam Accepted: CAT
IIT ROORKEE
Description: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, located in Uttarakhand, is a premier national technical institution, established in 1847 and elevated to an IIT in 2001. As Asia’s oldest technical institution, it offers top-tier engineering, architecture, and management programs, consistently ranking among the top engineering schools in India and worldwide.
NIRF RANKING: 6th
Location: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee is located in the city of Roorkee, Haridwar district, in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
Establishment year: 2001
Courses offer: Undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering. Production & Industrial Engineering. Postgraduates. CAD,CAM & Robotics. Machine Design Engineering. Production & Industrial Systems Engineering. Thermal Engineering. Ph. D. Design. Thermal. Production.
Fees: ₹9.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
Average package: 17 lakhs
Exam accepted: CAT
IIT MADRAS
Description: IIT Madras (Indian Institute of Technology Madras) is a prestigious public technical university in Chennai, India, established in 1959 with German collaboration, renowned for high-quality education and research in engineering, sciences, humanities, and management, consistently ranking among India’s top institutions and fostering innovation through initiatives like IITM Pravartak and NPTEL. It’s known for blending rigorous academics with practical application, supported by a strong research ecosystem and a recent push for global expansion with its ‘IITM Global’ initiative.
NIRF RANKING: 10TH
Location: Sardar Patel Road, Chennai (formerly Madras), in Tamil Nadu, India.
Establishment year: 1959
Courses offer: IIT Madras offers a wide range of academic programs across engineering, science, humanities, and management through its 16+ departments. Key offerings include 4-year B.Tech, 5-year Dual Degree (B.S. + M.S./M.Tech), M.Tech, M.S. (research), PhD, M.B.A., and online/non-campus B.S. programmes. Admission for on- campus courses typically requires JEE Advanced (for B.Tech), while B.S. programs use a qualifier process.
Fees: INR 2.35 Lakh to INR 18.09 Lakh
Average package: ₹16.93 LPA
Exam accepted: CAT
IIT KANPUR
Description: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), established in 1959 in Uttar Pradesh, is a premier, first- generation public engineering institution known for excellence in research, innovation, and academics. Located on a 1,055-acre campus, it offers diverse programs in engineering, sciences, humanities, and management, ranking among the top 5 engineering institutions in India.
NIRF RANKING: 4TH
Location: IIT Kanpur is situated on the Grand Trunk Road, approximately 15 kilometers west of the Kanpur City
Establishment year: 1959
Courses offer: Undergraduate (B.Tech, BS) and postgraduate (M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, Ph.D) programs across engineering, sciences, and management
Fees: ₹7.64 lakhs
Average package: INR 17.20 LPA
Exam accepted: CAT
Mudra institute of communications (MICA)
Description: MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) offers premier residential PGDM/PGDM-C programs focused on strategic marketing, communication, and creative strategy. Known for blending creativity with business, the institute prepares leaders for media, brand management, and digital transformation, often referred to as a top marketing-focused MBA in India.
NIRF RANKING: 33
Establishment year: 1991
Courses offer: 2-year PGDM-C (Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications) and PGDM, along with the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM)
Fees: ₹26 lakhs for the full program
Average placement: INR 19.22 LPA
Exam acceptance: CAT, XAT, or GMAT
GOA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (GIM)
Description: Goa Institute of Management (GIM) is a premier, AACSB-accredited business school in India, founded in 1993 and located in Goa. Known for its focus on sustainability and ethical leadership, GIM offers AICTE- approved PGDM programs in core, Healthcare, Big Data Analytics, and Banking. It is highly ranked for analytics and healthcare education, offering a 50-acre campus.
NIRF RANKING: 43
Location: Poriem, Sattari, Goa 403505.
Establishment year: 1993
Courses offer: Post Graduate Diplomas (PGDM) in core management, Healthcare Management (HCM), Big Data Analytics (BDA), and Banking, Insurance & Financial Sector (BIFS)
Fees: ₹21.45 lakhs
Average placement: ₹15.13 LPA
Exam acceptance: CAT,XAT,GMAT
TAPMI, MANIPAL
Description: T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), located in Manipal, Karnataka, is a premier autonomous business school established in 1981, renowned for its academic rigor and 100% placement record. Accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and NBA, it offers PGDM programs with a focus on finance, marketing, HR, and operations. The 44-acre campus provides modern industry-oriented education.
NIRF RANKING: 39th
Location: The T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) is located at P.B No. 9, Manipal-Alevoor Road, Badagabettu, Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka – 576104, India. Situated in the coastal region of Karnataka, this 44-acre green campus is a constituent unit of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
Establishment year: 1980
Courses offer: Flagship 2-year MBA, an MBA in Banking and Financial Services (BKFS), and a new MBA in AI & Data Science
Fees: ₹15.1 lakh to ₹19.9 lakh
Average placement: ₹15.1 LPA
Exam acceptance: CAT,XAT,NMAT,GMAT
KJ SOMAIYA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT
Description: K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM), established in 1981 in Mumbai and part of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, is a top-ranked private business school with AACSB accreditation. It offers 2-year full-time MBA, MCA, and executive programs, specializing in finance, marketing, data science, healthcare, and sports management. The institute features a 50-acre campus, strong placements, and a 14,000+ member alumni network.
NIRF RANKING: 65TH
Location: The K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management is located at Vidyanagar, Vidya Vihar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400077. Situated within a 60-acre campus in the central suburbs, the institute is accessible via the Vidyavihar railway station. It is part of the larger Somaiya Vidyavihar campus, near Ghatkopar East
Establishment year: 1981
Courses offer: K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) in Mumbai, a constituent unit of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, offers a 2-year full-time MBA (core), MBA in Healthcare Management (HCM), Sports Management (SM), and Marketing Communication (MC). It also provides an Executive MBA (15 months), a 3-year part-time MBA, MCA, and PhD programs, focusing on industry-relevant, UGC- recognized education.
Fees: INR 20.87 Lakhs
Average placement: ₹12 LPA to ₹16 LPA
Exam acceptance: CAT, NMAT, XAT, CMAT, and GMAT
