Is CAT Mandatory for Online MBA? Check Other Entrance Exams Required

Is CAT Mandatory for Online MBA? Check Other Entrance Exams Required

Edited By Vivek Kumar | Updated on May 23, 2025 10:56 AM IST | #MBA

The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is a major entrance exam for MBA or other postgraduate management programmes, with approximately 2.93 lakhs candidates appeared 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
  1. Is CAT Compulsory for an Online MBA?
  2. Why CAT is Not Mandatory for an Online MBA?
  3. How to Get Direct Admission to Online MBA Without CAT?
  4. 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 are 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 of 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 75 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.

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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
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Also Read: Is an Online MBA the Shortcut to Executive Success? Find Out Now!

Why CAT is 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 provides merit-based admission.
  • Global competition: With growing competition at 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.
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Also Read: Is Online MBA The Future of Business Education in India?

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 Check: 10 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in An Online MBA

Top Colleges Offering Online MBA Without CAT

Online MBA in India is offered by UGC approved colleges, ensuring the degree meet the industry standards. The following table lists the top colleges offering online MBA without CAT along with their total fees:

Top Online MBA Colleges

Fees
Amity OnlineRs 1,99,000

NMIMS Online

Rs 2,20,000

Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL)

Rs 3,15,000

DYPU Online

Rs 1,70,000

ICFAI Online

Rs 2,00,000

LPU Online

Rs 1,80,000

Jain Online

Rs 2,16,000

Chandigarh University Online

Rs 2,10,668

Amrita University Online

Rs 1,70,000

KL Online

Rs 85,500

Sathyabama Online

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)

1. Is CAT compulsory for an online MBA?

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).

2. What are the top colleges that offer online MBA without CAT?

Some of the top online MBA colleges offering online MBA without CAT are DYPU Online, NMIMS Online, Symbiosis Online, Amity Online, and Jain Online.

3. Is there any entrance exam for online MBA?

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.

4. Do employers accept an online MBA without a CAT?

Yes, employers give value and accept online MBA degree if recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

5. What factors should I consider while choosing the best online MBA without CAT?

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.

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Questions related to MBA

Have a question related to MBA ?

Hello Avantika,

Yes, you can use your 12th board marks for admission into the BBA-MBA integrated course at UPES Dehradun if you meet their eligibility criteria.

Key points:

  • You need a minimum of 50% marks in Class 10 and Class 12 from a recognized board.

  • Admission can be based on board merit if you have at least 75% marks in Class 10 and Class 12.

  • Alternatively, you can take entrance exams like UPESMET-UG, UGAT, or CUET.

  • Application is done online through UPES admissions.

  • Shortlisted candidates may be called for group discussion and personal interview.

This program lasts 5 years and offers specializations in marketing, finance, HR, and operations.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello there,

With 155 marks in CUET PG for MBA, you may not be eligible for top central universities, but you still have chances in several other government or state universities and some private institutions that accept CUET PG scores.

You can consider applying to:

  1. State Universities that participate in CUET PG and have relatively lower cutoffs.

  2. Central Universities with moderate demand in newer regions or remote locations.

  3. Private Universities that accept CUET PG marks and conduct their own interview rounds for MBA.

Final selection usually depends on factors like:

  • Your category (General/OBC/SC/ST)

  • Graduation marks

  • Personal interview or GD (if applicable)

You should also regularly check the official websites of universities you're interested in to see if they have released their CUET PG-based MBA admission notifications.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hi aspirant,

The major MBA entrance exams in India include -

  1. CAT (Common Admission Test)
  2. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
  3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
  4. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
  5. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
  6. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
  7. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
  8. MAH MBA CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)

Top MBA Entrance Exams

You can also refer to the link given above for more information on the same.

All the best!

Hello,

Here is a list of some good colleges in India offering MBA in Digital Marketing :

  1. NMIMS University, Mumbai

  2. Amity University, Noida

  3. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune

  4. Manipal University, Jaipur

  5. UPES Dehradun

  6. Lovely Professional University, Punjab

  7. Christ University, Bangalore

  8. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad

  9. Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai

  10. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

Hope it helps !

Hello there,

If you missed or didn’t perform well in the MBA entrance exam, you still have some options for admission:

  1. Direct Admission: Some private colleges offer direct admission based on your graduation marks or work experience without requiring an entrance exam.

  2. Management Quota: Many private institutes have management quota seats where admission is possible without an entrance exam, usually with higher fees.

  3. Entrance Exam Alternatives: Some colleges accept scores of other exams like GMAT, or their own institute-level tests.

  4. Later Attempts: You can prepare and appear for upcoming entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, or CMAT to apply in the next admission cycle.

  5. Part-Time or Distance MBA: Consider part-time or distance MBA programs that have flexible admission criteria.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.


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