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Aspiring MBA candidates can explore IIM programs that do not require CAT score. These include Executive MBA, Integrated Management Programme, PhD, MDP, FPM, and Professional Certification Courses
Candidates achieving a 99th percentile or higher in the Common Admission Test (CAT) usually secure their places in the top IIMs. (Representative/PTI File)
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are widely regarded as the premier management colleges in India, with IIM Ahmedabad consistently ranking among the very best. Securing admission to IIM Ahmedabad, as well as other top management colleges, typically requires a strong performance in the Common Admission Test (CAT). The CAT exam for 2024 has concluded, with results expected in January 2025. However, it is important to note that there are alternative pathways for aspiring candidates to gain admission to IIMs even without a CAT score.
Gaining admission to any IIM is challenging. Candidates achieving a 99th percentile or higher in the Common Admission Test (CAT) usually secure their places in the top IIMs. However, aspiring students who anticipate difficulty attaining such scores in CAT 2024 should explore alternative pathways.
Several IIM courses, including five-year integrated programmes, do not mandate CAT scores as an eligibility criterion. Commencing preparation for these programmes without delay is advisable.
Which MBA Courses Don’t Require CAT Score?
Aspiring MBA candidates seeking alternatives to the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have several options. Programmes offered by IIMs that do not mandate the CAT include the Executive MBA, Integrated Management Programme, PhD, Management Development Programme (MDP), Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), and various Professional Certification Courses.
Executive MBA Course: The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have designed the Executive MBA (EMBA) course specifically for working professionals. This programme facilitates skill enhancement and increases the likelihood of rapid career advancement to managerial roles. Admission criteria typically require a minimum of two to five years of experience at the executive or managerial level. The EMBA programme offers flexible learning options, including full-time and online modes of study.
Integrated Management Programme: This is a 5-year BBA cum MBA course. After passing the 12th standard, one can take admission to the Integrated Management Programme. Candidates who have passed the 12th standard can apply for this course. They are awarded an MBA degree after the end of the final semester. This course is perfect for students who do not want to spend time preparing for the CAT exam. Admission requires passing the entrance test conducted by the IIMs.
Admission to IIM Executive MBA Programs Without CAT
Candidates interested in pursuing an MBA from an IIM can gain admission to an Executive Management Programme by passing entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE. This course is conducted at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kolkata, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, IIM Shillong, IIM Udaipur, IIM Trichy, IIM Ranchi, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Raipur, IIM Nagpur, IIM Jammu, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Kashipur, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Amritsar and IIM Visakhapatnam.
Admission to IIM Integrated MBA Programmes without CAT
Many IIMs offer five-year Integrated MBA programmes called Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). To secure admission to an IIM’s Integrated MBA programme, candidates must pass an entrance examination and a personal interview. Students interested in pursuing an Integrated MBA course after completing the 12th grade can visit the websites of IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, and IIM Ranchi for further information.
