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Is CAT Mandatory for Online MBA? Check Other Entrance Exams Required
#MBA
The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is a major entrance exam for MBA or other postgraduate management programmes, with approximately 2.93 lakh candidates appearing for CAT 2024. But there is a question, Is CAT required for Online MBA? What are the factors universities consider when providing online MBA admission?
This Story also Contains
- Is CAT Compulsory for an Online MBA?
- Why is CAT Not Mandatory for an Online MBA?
- How to Get Direct Admission to Online MBA Without CAT?
- Top Colleges Offering Online MBA Without CAT
An online MBA is a management degree programme delivered completely in a virtual mode. Anyone, whether a graduate or a working professional, can enrol in an Online MBA degree and enhance their management career. Admission to online MBA programmes is offered based on the candidates' previous academic performance, meeting eligibility criteria, and document verification. While online MBA admission is merit-based, some universities take into consideration management exam scores such as CAT, MAT, or XAT.
IIMs, which are known for high-quality management education in India, ask candidates to have a valid CAT, GMAT, or GRE score. IIM Online MBA are generally designed for working professionals and executives, and their online MBA programmes are called Executive MBA that are offered in blended mode.
Is CAT Compulsory for an Online MBA?
There are more than 77 online MBA colleges in India. Most colleges allow students to pursue an online MBA without CAT. While CAT is not compulsory, having a valid CAT, MAT, or XAT score would be an added advantage for candidates at the time of admission. Candidates have to meet the eligibility criteria set by their colleges for online MBA admission.
Online MBA Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for online MBA programmes may vary from one college to another. However, the basic requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university or its equivalent
- A minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates)
- Work experience (at least 1–3 years if required)
- Some colleges conduct separate aptitude tests and personal interviews
Top UGC Approved Colleges for Online MBA
Download this ebook and get all details related to the top UGC approved colleges for Online MBA.
Download List HereAlso Read: Online MBA Registration 2025 Open: Last Dates, Required Document, Eligibility, Fees
Why is CAT Not Mandatory for an Online MBA?
Online MBA programmes are specifically designed for students who want to work right after their graduation, working professionals, remote learners, and those who are unable to attend regular on-campus classes. Online MBA provide them an alternative option to gain management education without relocating and at their own pace.
Here are the key reasons why CAT is not mandatory for an Online MBA:
- Focus on professionals and remote students: Online MBA programmes target working professionals or remote students.
- Emphasis on experience: Online MBA colleges prefer work experience instead of an entrance exam.
- Direct admission process: Online MBA colleges prefer interviews and academic qualifications and provide merit-based admission.
- Global competition: With growing competition at the global level, everyone wants to upskill and stay ahead of the competition. This is where an online MBA gives them the opportunity to gain a degree in their preferred specialisation without leaving their jobs.
How to Get Direct Admission to Online MBA Without CAT?
To get direct admission to an Online MBA without CAT, candidates are required to consider certain factors, which are as follows:
- Select the right college that provides admission to an online MBA without CAT
- Check the accredited online MBA college, programme and admission criteria, such as academic qualifications, entrance exam and work experience.
- Check what type of assessment the online MBA college conducts for admission: a personal interview and aptitude test.
- Fulfil all the admission criteria, apply online, submit the application with the required documents, and pay the online MBA application fee.
Also Read: Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: What Should You Choose?
Top Colleges Offering Online MBA Without CAT
Online MBA in India is offered by UGC-approved colleges, ensuring the degree meets the industry standards. The following table lists the top colleges offering online MBA without CAT along with their total fees:
Top Online MBA Colleges | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL) | Rs 3,15,000 |
| NMIMS Online | Rs 2,10,000 |
| Amrita University Online | Rs 1,90,000 |
| Amity Online | Rs 1,99,000 |
| Chandigarh University Online | Rs 2,10,668 |
| LPU Online | Rs 2,00,000 |
| ICFAI Online | Rs 2,00,000 |
| Jain Online | Rs 1,96,000 |
Rs 1,89,400 | |
Rs 65,500 | |
Rs 90,000 |
In essence, CAT is not mandatory for Online MBA, however, it is a major examination for management programmes at top B-schools in India. Online MBA without CAT opens various career opportunities in the management field. Candidates can apply for admission to an online MBA and pursue their education without any stress of entrance exams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do employers accept an online MBA without a CAT?
A:
Yes, employers give value and accept online MBA degree if recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Q: What factors should I consider while choosing the best online MBA without CAT?
A:
Candidates should check various factors before enrolling in an online MBA without CAT. These include college accreditation and recognition, faculty experience, curriculum design, course recognition, and placement.
Q: Is CAT compulsory for an online MBA?
A:
No, online MBA does not require CAT. Admission to an online MBA is offered based on merit, which includes academic qualification, document verification, and work experience (for some colleges).
Q: What are the top colleges that offer online MBA without CAT?
A:
Some of the top online MBA colleges offering online MBA without CAT are DYPU Online, NMIMS Online, Symbiosis Online, Amity Online, and Jain Online.
Q: Is there any entrance exam for online MBA?
A:
While several online MBA colleges do not consider entrance exams, online MBA from IIMs requires candidates to have a valdi CAT, GMAT or GRE score.
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Questions related to MBA
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to MBA ?
Hello,
If you join a self-finance MBA course , you will not get full fee reimbursement . For SC/ST students, the government gives full fee reimbursement only in regular (non-self-finance) courses .
In self-finance courses, you may get only a partial reimbursement (around Rs. 35,000) and the rest of the fee has to be paid by you.
Since you are SC and a girl with rank 966, you can get admission easily, but full fee reimbursement will apply only if you choose a regular seat, not self-finance .
Hope it helps !
No, Malla Reddy Engineering College for Women (MRECW), Secunderabad, does not list Business Analytics as a specialization for its MBA program.
the MBA program is offered by them is a general degree.
Good luck..
Hello
I suggest you to:
IGNOUBABA
Provides a comprehensive collection of MBA and MBAOL question papers from all semesters. Each subject's paper is available for free download.
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Some of the best options for an online MBA in India are Amity Online University, Amrita University, D.Y. Patil University (DPU-COL), Manipal University Jaipur, NMIMS Global Access, LPU Online, IGNOU, Shoolini University, and Symbiosis Online. These programs are UGC-approved, offer multiple specializations, flexible schedules, and cater to working professionals. Choose based on accreditation, specialization, faculty, and placement support.
Hello,
The PGCET counselling for MBA typically begins after results are announced. While there aren't any specific dates for this counselling, the Karnataka Examination Authority is responsible for this counselling process. So, you can check the official website for further updates about the counselling date and others.
I hope it will clear your query!!
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