Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026
Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
Mumbai, often referred to as the financial capital of India, is home to a plethora of prestigious educational institutions, particularly in the field of management. For many aspiring students, pursuing an MBA is a significant step toward achieving their career goals. However, the traditional route often involves entrance exams like the CAT (Common Admission Test), which can be daunting for many candidates. Fortunately, several MBA colleges in Mumbai offer admission without requiring entrance exams. This article provides a detailed overview of these institutions, their MBA admission processes, fees, and other essential factors to consider.
Candidates seeking admission to MBA programmes through the Common Admission Test 2025 (CAT 2025) will have to appear in three stages of process for management admissions. The selection procedure includes a written ability test, personal interview round, and group discussion.
This Story also Contains
The city of Mumbai boasts a vibrant educational ecosystem, with numerous colleges offering MBA programs across various specializations. The demand for management education has surged due to the growing corporate sector and the need for skilled professionals. While many top-tier institutions require entrance exam scores, several colleges provide direct admission based on academic performance or other criteria.
Accessibility: Direct admission to MBA programs allows students who may not perform well on standardized tests to pursue their academic goals.
Less Stressful: The absence of competitive entrance exams reduces the pressure on students, allowing them to focus on their studies and professional development.
Flexible Admission Criteria: Many colleges consider overall academic performance, work experience, and personal interviews as part of their selection process.
Diverse Specializations: Institutions offering direct admission often provide a wide range of MBA specializations catering to various interests and career paths.
Here’s a detailed look at some of the prominent MBA colleges in Mumbai that offer direct admission without requiring MBA entrance exam scores:
Location: Malad
Fees: Approximately INR 2.36 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA in Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, and more.
Admission Process: Direct admission based on graduation marks (minimum 50% required) and personal interview.
DSIMS is known for its strong industry connections and robust placement opportunities. The institute emphasizes practical learning and skill development.
Location: Navi Mumbai
Fees: Approximately INR 1.82 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA with various specializations.
Admission Process: Admission is granted based on academic performance in undergraduate studies.
A.C. Patil College provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with essential managerial skills.
Location: Bhavan’s College Campus, Andheri
Fees: Approximately INR 7.44 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA in International Business, Marketing, Finance, etc.
Admission Process: Direct admission based on graduation marks and interview.
Amity University is renowned for its modern infrastructure and global exposure, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and placements.
Location: Tuljapur
Fees: Approximately INR 0.96 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA in Human Resource Management and Labour Relations.
Admission Process: Admission is based on academic performance and personal interview.
TISS is highly regarded for its focus on social sciences and its commitment to social justice through management education.
Location: Churchgate
Fees: Approximately INR 1.36 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA/MMS with various specializations.
Admission Process: Direct admission based on graduation marks and personal interview.
SIMSREE has a strong reputation for its rigorous academic standards and excellent placement records.
Location: Mumbai
Fees: Approximately INR 1.20 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA in Marketing, Finance, HRM, etc.
Admission Process: Admission based on undergraduate performance and interview.
AIAIMS focuses on providing quality education with an emphasis on practical skills necessary for the corporate world.
Location: Kandivali
Fees: Approximately INR 8.50 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA/MMS across various disciplines.
Admission Process: Direct admission based on graduation marks.
Thakur Institute is known for its experienced faculty and good placement support for students.
Location: Karjat (near Mumbai)
Fees: Approximately INR 8.48 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA in Marketing, Finance, Operations Management.
Admission Process: Direct admission based on academic performance and interview.
UBS emphasizes experiential learning through industry exposure and internships.
Location: Chembur
Fees: Approximately INR 6.50 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA/MMS with various specializations.
Admission Process: Direct admission based on graduation marks.
The institute focuses on holistic development through various extracurricular activities alongside academics.
Location: Goregaon
Fees: Approximately INR 1.70 Lakhs
Specializations Offered: MBA/MMS with various specializations.
Admission Process: Based primarily on undergraduate performance along with an interview process.
JBIMS has a long-standing reputation for producing successful business leaders and offers strong networking opportunities through its alumni network.
While each institution has its specific criteria, there are common elements that prospective students should be aware of:
Educational Qualifications: Most colleges require candidates to have completed their undergraduate degree from a recognized university with at least a minimum percentage (usually around 50%).
Personal Interview (PI): Many institutions conduct personal interviews as part of the selection process to assess candidates' communication skills, motivation, and fit for the program.
Work Experience (if applicable): Some colleges may prefer candidates with relevant work experience but it is not always mandatory for direct admissions.
Application Process: Candidates typically need to fill out an application form available on the college's website or campus during the admission window.
Documentation Required: Academic transcripts, proof of graduation, identity proof, and sometimes letters of recommendation may be required during the application process.
The fee structure varies significantly among different institutions offering MBA programs without entrance exams:
College Name | Fees (Approximate) |
INR 2.36 Lakhs | |
INR 1.82 Lakhs | |
INR 7.44 Lakhs | |
INR 0.96 Lakhs | |
INR 1.36 Lakhs | |
INR 1.20 Lakhs | |
INR 8.50 Lakhs | |
INR 8.48 Lakhs | |
INR 6.50 Lakhs | |
INR 1.70 Lakhs |
As evident from the table above, fees can range widely depending on the institution's reputation, location, facilities offered, and faculty expertise.
One significant factor that prospective students consider when choosing an MBA program is placement opportunities:
Industry Connections:
Many colleges have established partnerships with industries that facilitate internships and job placements for students.
Placement Cells:
Most institutions have dedicated placement cells that assist students in preparing for interviews and connecting them with potential employers through job fairs and campus recruitment drives.
Alumni Network:
A strong alumni network can significantly enhance placement opportunities by providing mentorships or referrals within various industries.
Average Salary Packages:
The average MBA salary packages offered to graduates can vary widely among institutions but generally range from INR 5 LPA to over INR 15 LPA depending on the college's reputation and industry connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, according to the official brochures, there has been 100% placement in some of the institutions after an MBA.
The highest package in IIM varies from IIM to IIM and depends on the courses. However, the past couple of years witnessed the highest package going more than Rs. 1 CPA in some of the IIMS.
Like any other competitive examination, CAT is not a very easy exam to crack. However with dedication and proper guidance and training as well as preparations, one can crack it.
Yes, some private universities and autonomous institutions in Mumbai offer direct admission to MBA programs without requiring entrance exam scores. These admissions are often based on academic performance in graduation, a personal interview, and sometimes a statement of purpose (SOP). However, top B-schools in Mumbai typically require scores from exams like CAT, CMAT, NMAT, or MAT.
Yes, the Indian Institutes of Technologies (IIT) accepts CAT scores for admission in MBA programs.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
For a raw score of 56 in CAT 2025 Slot 3, your expected overall percentile is likely to be in the range of the 90th-95th percentile. The exact percentile can vary slightly on the final normalization process and the process and performance of all test-takers. In this article you'll find more about the CAT result.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
Hope this helps you.
Good Morning,
NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.
Thank You.
If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.
And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.
So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.
Ranked among top 10 B-Schools in India by multiple publications | Top Recruiters-Google, MicKinsey, Amazon, BCG & many more.
Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
IBSAT 2025-Your gateway to MBA/PGPM @ IBS Hyderabad and 8 other IBS campuses | Scholarships worth 10 CR
AACSB Accredited | Highest CTC: 22 LPA | Last Date: 31st December 2025
Among top 6% B-Schools globally to be accredited by AACSB | 7000+ Alumni Network
Top 30 Private B-Schools Nationally and Top 3 in Gujarat | Highest CTC- 20 LPA | Average CTC- 8.4 LPA | 40% Pre-Placement Offers | 670+ Recruiters