ISBR Business School PGDM Admissions 2025
Last Date of Applications- 22nd April | 250+ Companies | Highest CTC 16 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row
How To Get into IIM Without CAT: IIMs are by far the most sought institutes for pursuing a management degree by almost every aspirant in the country. The CAT exam might seem to be the only alternative to get admission into an IIM. Though most candidates take the CAT exam route for IIM, certain alternatives can be considered by candidates in their academic and professional journeys. These options are designed for both students as well as working professionals with a significant amount of work experience.
CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant: MCQs & Weightages | Chapter-wise MCQs
CAT 2025 Study Material: VARC | Quantitative Aptitude | 60 Days Study Material by Experts
Online MBA: Complete Guide | Top Ranked Colleges | Best Courses by Top Universities
In recent years, IIMs have come up with certain courses and programs that do not require a candidate to undergo the CAT exam. These programs include executive programs for working professionals and integrated management programs for students. Besides these IIMs have also introduced various diploma and certificate programs for candidates to upskill themselves across various disciplines.
The different programs listed by IIM that do not require CAT are mentioned below.
IIMs have introduced a 5-year joint integrated program in management (IPM) for candidates wanting to go for management roles right after school. It has its entrance exam known as the JIPMAT exam. This course can be pursued from 5 IIMs, IIM Jammu, IIM Rohtak, IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Bodh Gaya. The overview of the IPMAT program is given in the table below.
Last Date of Applications- 22nd April | 250+ Companies | Highest CTC 16 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row
Ranked #41 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement | Last Date to Apply: 28th March
Name of the Program | Integrated Program in Management |
Duration | 5 Years |
Entrance Exam | IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) |
Conducting IIMs | IIMs, IIM Jammu, IIM Rohtak, IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Bodh Gaya |
Fees | Rs. 28-30 Lakhs (approx.) |
The IIMs have introduced various executive MBA programs for working professionals across industries that enable them to seek leadership positions at various levels. It is designed to advance the professional careers of candidates with efficient growth. The important details for executive MBA programs of different IIMs are given in the table below.
IIM | Course | Fees (INR approx) | Duration | Work Experience Required |
Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives (PGPX) | 32 lakhs | 1 year | 4 years | |
Post Graduate Program Enterprise Management (PGPEM) | 20 lakhs | 2 years | 4 years | |
IIM Bangalore | Executive Post Graduate Program (EPGP) | 23 lakhs | 1 year | 5 years |
MBA Program for Executives (MBA Ex) | 31 lakhs | 1 year | 5 years | |
Post Graduate Program in Management for Working Executives (PGPWE) | 14 lakhs | 2 years | 3 years | |
IIM Lucknow | International Program in Management for Executives or IPMX | 24 lakhs | 1 year | 5 years |
General Management Program for Executives (GMPE) | 6 lakhs | 1 year | 3 years | |
IIM Indore | Post Graduate Program in Management for Working Executives (PGPMX) | 18 lakhs | 2 years | 5 years |
Executive Post Graduate Program (EPGP) | 14 lakhs | 1 year | 3 years | |
Post Graduate Program in Business Management ( PGPBM) | 12 lakhs | 2 years | 3 years | |
Executive Post Graduate Program in Management ( EPGP) | 12.5 lakhs | 2 years | 2 years | |
Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives (ePGPX) | 8 lakhs | 1 year | 5 years | |
MBA in Global Supply Chain Management | 23 lakhs | 1 year | 3 years | |
Post Graduate Executive Program in Management (PGEXP) | 12.5 lakhs | 2 years | 5 years | |
Post Graduate Program for Experienced Professionals (PGPEx) | 11 lakhs | 1 year | 3 years | |
Post Graduate Program for Working Executives (MBAWx) | 12 lakhs | 2 years | 3 to 5 years | |
Post Graduate Program for Working Executives (MBAWx) | 12 lakhs | 2 years | 3 years |
CAT is mandatory for admission to the MBA/PGDM programs at IIMs. Without CAT, IIM can be joined for an integrated management program and executive MBA programs. These programs can be pursued without CAT.
To join IIM directly after 12th candidates can give the IPMAT exam and join the 5 year integrated program in management. The IPM program is offered by IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Jammu, and IIM Bodh Gaya.
Candidates can go for the GMAT exam instead of CAT exam. Some IIMs accept GMAT scores for admission to their executive MBA programs. GMAT scores might only be considered for a few specific courses.
IIMs do not have any criteria for direct admission. Candidates have to go through accepted exams like CAT, IPMAT, and perform well in the evaluation rounds to secure a seat in the prestigious IIMs.
Yes, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is most important national-level MBA entrance exam to take to get admission in management courses at IIM.
Getting into baby IIMs like IIM Sirmaur, IIM Bodhgaya, IIM Amritsar, IIM Nagpur, and IIM Shillong are easy as compared to major IIMs.
Hey Shathvika,
Let's dive deep into MBA Entrance Exams (Other than CAT)
1. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: XLRI, Jamshedpur
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Marks: No negative marking for General Knowledge.
Key Highlights:
- The Decision-Making section tests analytical and situational judgment skills.
- General Knowledge is evaluated during interviews, not for percentile calculation.
Official Website: https://xatonline.in
---
2. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: Symbiosis International (Deemed) University
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Marks: Total 60 marks (MCQs).
Key Highlights:
- Specifically for admission to Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD.
- Easy-to-moderate difficulty level.
Official Website: https://snaptest.org
---
3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Marks: 400 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Accepted by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes.
- Includes an optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship section.
Official Website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in
---
4. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: All India Management Association (AIMA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Marks: 200 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Held multiple times a year in PBT, CBT, and IBT modes.
- Accepted by more than 600 MBA colleges in India.
Official Website: https://mat.aima.in
---
5. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Marks: 360 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Allows three attempts, with the best score considered.
- Accepted by NMIMS and partner universities worldwide.
Official Website: https://www.mba.com/exams/nmat
---
6. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (final-year students can also apply).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Quantitative Analysis, Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Marks: 300 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Specifically for IIFT’s flagship MBA in International Business.
- General Knowledge plays a significant role in shortlisting.
Official Website: https://iift.nta.nic.in
---
7. TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)
Conducted by: Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: English Proficiency, Mathematics & Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness.
- Duration: 100 minutes.
- Marks: 100 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Focused on social sciences, HRM, and public policy programs.
- General Awareness is crucial (with emphasis on current affairs).
Official Website: https://admissions.tiss.edu
---
8. MICAT (MICA Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: MICA, Ahmedabad
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and a valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Psychometric Test, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, General Awareness, Divergent-Convergent Thinking, and Descriptive Test.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
Key Highlights:
- Psychometric Test is a qualifying section.
- Specifically for MICA’s flagship PGDM-C program in Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Official Website: https://www.mica.ac.in
---
9. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Eligibility: No specific eligibility; bachelor’s degree recommended.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
- Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes.
- Marks: 800 (scaled score).
Key Highlights:
- Globally recognized for MBA programs.
- Popular for Indian B-schools like ISB, SPJIMR, and Great Lakes.
Official Website: https://www.mba.com
---
10. MAH-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
Conducted by: Maharashtra State CET Cell
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Marks: 200 marks (MCQs).
Key Highlights:
- Accepted by top Maharashtra B-schools like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA.
- Known for its speed-intensive nature with 200 questions in 150 minutes.
Official Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org
Let me know if you have any doubts regarding a specific exam or any other query.
Have a nice day !!
Hello Ayush,
K.R. Mangalam University utilizes a blend of MCQs, descriptive formats, and practical assessments to evaluate student performance. The continuous evaluation system ensures that students are assessed regularly throughout the semester, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their academic progress.
Hello,
Here are some simple tips to prepare for the CUSAT CAT exam:
1. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM).
2. Give equal time to all subjects.
3. Use NCERT Books as they are best for basics.
You can refer to following study materials for better practice :-
Hope it helps !
Hello there,
Yes, you can apply for CAT examination after completion of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) .
The Common Admission Test (CAT) has no restrictions regarding your educational background thus allowing you to submit your application following your completion of a Pharm. D degree.
The Common Admission Test permits candidates to take the exam after completing any undergraduate degree without any restrictions to the area of study. The professional doctoral degree of Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) functions as an equivalent to bachelor's level for CAT eligibility recognition.
Therefore, Candidates who received their Pharm. D degree can pursue the CAT exam application process based on their qualification standards.
Hope this will help!
With a CAT percentile of 89.27 and your academic scores, you have a fair chance of getting into some of the top-tier and upper-mid-tier B-schools in India. Here are some of the best options you can target:
Top Colleges You Can Apply To
1. IMI Delhi (International Management Institute)
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Known for: Finance, Marketing, and Consulting placements.
2. IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology)
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Strong alumni network and good placement records.
3. XIMB Bhubaneswar (Xavier Institute of Management)
CAT Cut-off: 85+ percentile
Known for HR, Finance, and Operations.
4. TAPMI Manipal (T.A. Pai Management Institute)
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Consistent placement records in marketing and finance.
5. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Good ROI and strong industry connections.
6. GIM Goa (Goa Institute of Management)
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Known for a strong finance and marketing curriculum.
7. FORE School of Management, Delhi
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Offers good placements and industry exposure.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings)
MBA @ P P Savani University | NAAC A+ Grade | 100% Placement Assistance | Apply Now
Ranked #41 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement | Last Date to Apply: 28th March
NBA Accredited | AICTE Approved | Avail 50% Off on Application Forms | Last Date: 19th Apr’25 | Use Code: Careers360
Unlock GMAT Success Timeline & Expert Videos | Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts
NAAC A++ Grade | Ranked 21st amongst Top B-Schools by Business India