CAT 2025: Tier-2 & Tier-3 MBA Colleges You Should Consider

What Are Tier-2 MBA Colleges?

Tier-2 MBA colleges are well-established business schools that offer strong academic frameworks, consistent placement records, and good brand recognition, but fall just below elite Tier-1 institutes like IIMs, XLRI, or FMS. These colleges usually have structured pedagogy, experienced faculty, and stable recruiter relationships, though their cut-offs are comparatively lower.

For CAT 2025 aspirants scoring between 75–90 percentile, Tier-2 MBA colleges represent an excellent balance between quality education, affordability, and career outcomes. Many Tier-2 colleges deliver average salary packages comparable to Tier-1 schools, especially in marketing, finance, analytics, and consulting roles.

What Are Tier-3 MBA Colleges?

Tier-3 MBA colleges focus primarily on employability, skill development, and practical exposure. While they may not enjoy national brand recognition, many Tier-3 institutes offer solid ROI due to lower fees, strong regional corporate connections, and consistent placement support.

For candidates scoring 60–75 percentile in CAT 2025, Tier-3 MBA colleges provide a realistic and effective pathway into corporate careers, particularly in sales, operations, HR, BFSI, and analytics support roles.

Tier-2 vs Tier-3 MBA Colleges: Key Differences

Parameter	Tier-2 MBA Colleges	Tier-3 MBA Colleges
CAT Cut-off	75–90 percentile	60–75 percentile
Fees	₹10–22 lakhs	₹3–8 lakhs
Average Package	₹7–12 LPA	₹4–7 LPA
Brand Value	Strong regional / national	Mostly regional
Recruiters	Consulting, BFSI, FMCG, IT	Sales, BFSI, HR, Ops
ROI	Medium–High	Very High

Tier-2 MBA Colleges Through CAT 2025

1. TAPMI Manipal (Tier-2)

TAPMI is one of India’s most respected Tier-2 MBA colleges, known for academic rigor, analytics-driven curriculum, and strong corporate discipline. The institute emphasizes case-based learning, live consulting projects, and mandatory internships, making students industry-ready from day one.

For MBA 2026 aspirants, TAPMI remains a strong choice due to its consistent placement outcomes and recruiter diversity across consulting, BFSI, analytics, and technology roles. Candidates with balanced academic profiles often receive calls even at slightly lower percentiles.

• Expected CAT Cut-off 2025: 80–90 percentile

• Fees: ₹15–18 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹8–10 LPA

• Highest Package: ₹18+ LPA

2. K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai (Tier-2)

K J Somaiya Institute of Management is a top private Tier-2 B-school located in Mumbai, offering unmatched corporate exposure. Its curriculum focuses on experiential learning, leadership development, and industry immersion through live projects and internships.

The institute consistently attracts recruiters from BFSI, consulting, FMCG, and analytics domains. For CAT 2025 candidates targeting Mumbai-based careers, KJ Somaiya offers strong long-term value despite higher fees.

• Expected CAT Cut-off 2025: 80–86 percentile

• Fees: ₹18–22 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹9–11 LPA

• Highest Package: ₹22+ LPA

3. Great Lakes Institute of Management (Tier-2)

Great Lakes is widely known for its analytics-oriented MBA programs and fast-paced curriculum. The institute focuses on data-driven decision-making, digital transformation, and consulting-oriented skills.

CAT 2025 aspirants with strong profiles and scores around 80–85 percentile have realistic chances. Despite higher fees, Great Lakes maintains strong ROI due to high average placements.

• Expected CAT Cut-off 2025: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹17–20 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹10–12 LPA

• Highest Package: ₹20+ LPA

4. Welingkar Institute of Management (Tier-2)

Welingkar is known for innovation-focused pedagogy, design thinking, and future-ready management education. The institute emphasizes strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership skills alongside traditional MBA learning.

With acceptance across multiple entrance exams, CAT 2025 aspirants scoring 75–85 percentile stand good chances, especially with strong GD-PI performance.

• Expected CAT Cut-off 2025: 75–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹13–15 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹8–9 LPA

• Highest Package: ₹18+ LPA

Tier-3 MBA Colleges Through CAT 2025

1. XIMR Mumbai (Tier-3)

XIMR Mumbai is one of the best ROI-driven Tier-3 MBA colleges in Maharashtra. With affordable fees and consistent placements, it attracts candidates seeking quality education without financial burden.

The institute benefits from its Mumbai location, strong alumni base, and stable recruiter relationships in BFSI, consulting support, and corporate roles.

• Expected CAT Cut-off 2025: 70–80 percentile

• Fees: ₹4–5 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹6–7 LPA

• Highest Package: ₹12+ LPA

2. IMI Bhubaneswar / IMT Hyderabad (Tier-3)

These institutes offer structured MBA programs with strong academic frameworks and improving placement outcomes. They focus on core management skills, internships, and corporate readiness.

Candidates with CAT 2025 scores between 65–75 percentile find these colleges accessible and career-relevant.

• Expected CAT Cut-off 2025: 65–75 percentile

• Fees: ₹10–13 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹6–8 LPA

• Highest Package: ₹14+ LPA

3. IFMR Graduate School of Business (Tier-3)

IFMR is known for its strong finance and analytics orientation. The institute emphasizes quantitative rigor, risk management, and financial modeling, making it suitable for finance-focused candidates.

It maintains good corporate ties with banks, NBFCs, consulting firms, and analytics companies.

• Expected CAT Cut-off 2025: 65–75 percentile

• Fees: ₹13–15 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹7–9 LPA

• Highest Package: ₹16+ LPA

FAQs – CAT 2025 Tier-2 & Tier-3 MBA Colleges

Is Tier-2 MBA worth it after CAT 2025?

Yes. Tier-2 MBA colleges offer strong placements, good ROI, and career growth comparable to Tier-1 institutes.

Can I get a good MBA college with 70 percentile in CAT 2025?

Yes. Several Tier-3 colleges provide solid placements and practical exposure at this range.

Should I repeat CAT or join Tier-2/Tier-3 colleges?

If ROI, placements, and skill development are your priorities, Tier-2 and Tier-3 colleges are a smart choice.

Final Verdict

CAT 2025 Tier-2 & Tier-3 MBA colleges you should consider provide realistic, high-value opportunities for MBA 2026 aspirants. With the right college selection, specialization choice, and effort during the program, these institutes can deliver strong corporate careers without the pressure of ultra-high CAT percentiles.