Is CAT Exam Applicable for Online MBA?

Is CAT Exam Applicable for Online MBA?

Edited By Atul Ade | Updated on Apr 01, 2025 02:44 PM IST | #MBA

According to a report from CAT officials, approximately 2.93 lakh candidates appeared for CAT 2024 across three slots. As one of the most prestigious national-level management exams, CAT raises questions among working professionals and students pursuing online MBA programmes about its applicability for earning an online MBA degree.

This Story also Contains
  1. Is CAT Necessary for an Online MBA?
  2. Why CAT is Not Mandatory for an Online MBA?
  3. Online MBA Eligibility Criteria
  4. Online MBA Admission Process
  5. How to Get Direct Admission Without a CAT Exam?
  6. Top Colleges Offering Online MBA Without CAT

Most of the online MBA colleges in India do not ask for a CAT score to enrol. Online MBA is a two-year postgraduate programme that allows candidates to learn remotely at their own pace. An online MBA degree is the best option for working professionals to upgrade their skills and knowledge without leaving their jobs or taking career breaks.

If you are a working professional or remote student looking for admission to an online MBA, understanding the applicability of CAT examinations in online MBA admission is crucial. Thus, students should understand the admission process, eligibility criteria, and top colleges offering the course.

Is CAT Necessary for an Online MBA?

There are over 75 online MBA colleges in India. While CAT is not mandatory to enrol, colleges provide admission based on previous academic qualifications and work experience, or any other entrance exam such as the GMAT or GRE for international students.

Why CAT is Not Mandatory for an Online MBA?

Most online MBA colleges do not ask for the CAT examination for admission, the following points highlight the reasons:

  • Focus on professionals and remote students: Online MBA programmes mostly target working professionals or remote students rather than fresh graduates.
  • Emphasis on experience: The college prefers work experience instead of an entrance exam.
  • Flexible admission process: The college prefers interviews and academic qualifications and provides merit-based admission.
  • Global competition: Many colleges accept the GMAT and GRE or conduct their separate tests.
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Online MBA Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for online MBA programmes may vary from college to college. However, the basic requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or its equivalent.
  • Work experience (1–5 years if required).
  • Academic performance in bachelor's degree (Some colleges provide merit-based admission)
  • Some colleges conduct personal interviews or separate aptitude tests.
  • Some colleges accept the GMAT or GRE or their entrance exam instead of CAT.
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Online MBA Admission Process

The eligibility criteria for the online MBA programme are a bachelor's degree with minimum passing marks. Applicants must check the admission process below. The admission process for an online MBA includes:

  • Application Form: Candidates should visit the official website of the college, fill out the online application form, and pay the application fee.
  • Document Submission: Submit the academic and work experience documents.
  • Selection Process: Some colleges conduct interviews or tests.
  • Fee Payment: Pay the admission fee to access the online programme.
  • Offer Letter: The final selection is based on the offer letter provided to the candidates.
  • Programme Commencement: Students will be provided with the details for course commencement through orientation sessions.
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How to Get Direct Admission Without a CAT Exam?

Many colleges provide direct admission to online MBA programmes without CAT. The following points highlight how to apply:

  • Select the right college that provides admission to the online MBA without the CAT exam.
  • Check the college, programme and admission criteria, such as academic qualifications, entrance exam, and work experience.
  • Apply online, submit the application with the required documents, and pay the application fee.
  • If the college conducts a personal interview or aptitude test, then attend it.
  • Once candidates get an offer letter, then pay the admission fees and complete the admission.

Top Colleges Offering Online MBA Without CAT

The table below mentions the top colleges offering online MBA without CAT along with their total fees:


CAT is not necessary to get admission to online MBA programmes. Many top online MBA colleges provide direct admission based on academic qualifications and work experience. It provides flexibility and allows the candidates to upgrade their knowledge at their own pace. The candidate should visit the official website to check the programme and admission requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is CAT mandatory to enrol in an online MBA?

Many online MBA colleges provide admission to online MBA courses without a CAT exam. Admission will be offered based on merit, which includes academic qualification, work experience, and personal interviews.

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

Some of the popular online MBA colleges offering admission to online MBA without CAT are DYPU online, NMIMS online, Symbiosis online, Amity online, and Jain University online. Admission is provided based on academic performance and work experience.

3. What are the MBA alternatives to the CAT entrance exam?

Some colleges offer online MBA admission through the GMAT or GRE or conduct their separate aptitude test. These colleges focus on work experience, academics, and personal interviews.

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

Yes, employers accept UGC-recognised online MBA degrees from reputed institutes. They hire the graduates based on their skills and knowledge, not the entrance exam score.

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

The candidates are advised to check various factors before enroling in an online MBA without CAT, such as college accreditation and recognition, faculty, curriculum, industry recognition, course recognition, and placement.

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Questions related to MBA

Have a question related to MBA ?

Hello Harsh,

your plan is well structured for becoming an investment banker. focus on excelling in B.Com (//B.Com) (Hons) clearing CFA levels, and getting into a top MBA program for better career opportunities. also, gain relevant inernships and networking experience to strengthen your profile.

if you want more information then drop the question.

Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query

While considering the best MBA colleges in Bhubaneshwar here is a detail and the type of MBA courses they provide :-

1. XIM University, Bhubaneswar provides a flagship MBA in Business Management, alongside specialized MBA programs tailored to specific career paths. These include Human Resource Management, Rural Management, and Sustainability Management. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards and robust industry connections.

2.KIIT School of Management (KSOM) is a well-regarded business school located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. KSOM offers a range of programs, including:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Doctoral programs in Management (PhD)

It also offers specialised MBA programs.

3.The International Management Institute (IMI) Bhubaneswar is a prominent business school located in the capital of Odisha.

Primarily offers the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM).

Also offers other programs like Fellow Program in Management.

4.Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University:

Offers MBA programs with specializations in:

General Management

Hospital Management

Hospitality Management


Hope this helps!!!



Yes, you can pursue LLB separately after completing your MBA. Here’s how:

Available at law colleges like Delhi University, Government Law College (GLC) Mumbai, and Bangalore University. Admission is usually through entrance exams like DU LLB, MH CET Law, or LSAT India.

Yes, you can pursue an LLB separately after completing your MBA, as the LLB course is open to graduates from any field.

Eligibility:

To pursue an LLB, you need to have completed a graduation degree in any field, which you have already done with your MBA.

Course Duration:

The LLB course is a three-year program.

Admission Process:

Admission to LLB courses can vary depending on the university, with some requiring entrance exams and others having specific minimum percentage requirements in your graduation.

State-Level Entrance Exams:

Some states also conduct common entrance exams for admission to LLB courses.

Career Paths:

An LLB degree can open up various career paths, including practicing law, working in legal departments of businesses, or pursuing further studies like an LLM.

MBA and LLB Combination:

Having both an MBA and an LLB can be beneficial, especially for careers in areas like corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and business law.

Hi aspirant,

After completing an MBA in India, you can pursue LLB independently.  Typically, LLB programs accept graduates from any discipline.
An MBA with an LLB can lead to careers at the confluence of business and law, such as corporate law, regulatory compliance, and legal consultancy.

All the best!

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