MAH MBA CET vs CAT: Which Colleges Accept Both? (2025–26 Admission Guide)

Many MBA aspirants appear for both CAT and MAH MBA CET, but a common confusion remains:

Which MBA colleges accept both CAT and CET scores?Is CAT better than CET, or vice versa, for the same college?

In Maharashtra, several MBA colleges accept multiple entrance exams, including CAT, CET, CMAT, and XAT, but the admission dynamics differ significantly.

This blog provides a clear comparison of MAH MBA CET vs CAT, focusing on:

• Colleges that accept both exams

• Admission advantages of each exam

• Which exam gives better chances

• Smart strategy for aspirants

MAH MBA CET vs CAT: Quick Overview

Aspect	MAH MBA CET	CAT
Exam Level	State-level	National-level
Conducting Body	State CET Cell, Maharashtra	IIMs
Difficulty	Speed-based	Concept-based
Colleges	Maharashtra-focused	Pan-India
Fees	Lower	Higher

Both exams serve different but overlapping purposes.

Do Colleges Accept Both CAT and CET?

Yes. Many MBA colleges in Maharashtra accept:

• MAH MBA CET

• CAT

• CMAT / XAT (in some cases)

However:

• Admission priority and cutoffs differ

• Seat quotas vary for CET vs CAT candidates

Top MBA Colleges That Accept Both CAT & MAH MBA CET

Below are well-known MBA colleges where both CAT and CET scores are accepted, subject to CAP rules.

1. SIMSREE Mumbai

• Accepts CAT, CET, CMAT, XAT

• Government institute

• Admission through MAH MBA CET CAP

Official Website:https://www.simsree.org/

2. K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

• Accepts CAT, CET, CMAT

• Autonomous university

• CET candidates admitted through CAP

Official Website:https://kjsim.somaiya.edu/

3. Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai

• Accepts CAT, CET, CMAT, XAT

• Multiple programs and intakes

• CET-based seats allotted via CAP

Official Website:https://www.welingkar.org/

4. SIES College of Management Studies, Mumbai

• Accepts CAT, CET, CMAT

• Strong CET-based intake

• Mumbai location advantage

Official Website:https://siescoms.edu/

5. MET Institute of Management, Mumbai

• Accepts CAT, CET, CMAT

• CET CAP-based admissions

Official Website:https://www.met.edu/

6. Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management, Mumbai

• Accepts CAT and CET

• CET-based allotment via CAP

Official Website:https://www.llim.edu/

7. Vivekanand Education Society’s Institute of Management Studies & Research (VESIM)

• Accepts CAT, CET, CMAT

• CET-driven admission process

Official Website:https://vesim.ves.ac.in/

8. PUMBA (Department of Management Sciences, Pune University)

• Accepts CAT, CET, CMAT

• Government university department

• CET CAP-based admission

Official Website:https://pumba.unipune.ac.in/

Important Rule: CET CAP Is Mandatory

Even if a college accepts CAT scores:

• Admission through CET colleges happens only via CAP

• CAT score is converted to CET percentile (as per rules)

• Option form filling and CAP rounds are compulsory

No direct admission is allowed outside CAP for CET seats.

CET Cell Official Website:https://cetcell.mahacet.org/

Which Exam Is Better for These Colleges?

MAH MBA CET Is Better If:

• You are a Maharashtra State candidate

• You want lower cutoffs

• You are targeting government colleges

• You want strong ROI options

CAT Is Better If:

• You are an OMS (Non-Maharashtra) candidate

• You missed CET or scored low in CET

• You want flexibility across India

• You are targeting non-CET colleges as well

CAT vs CET for OMS Candidates

OMS candidates should note:

• OMS seats through CET are limited

• CET cutoffs for OMS are very high

• CAT often provides better chances for the same colleges

For OMS aspirants, CAT works as a stronger admission lever.

Common Misconceptions

• CAT automatically guarantees CET college admission (False)

• CET colleges give priority to CAT over CET (False)

• Direct admission possible through CAT in CET colleges (False)

CAP rules apply uniformly to all candidates.

Smart Admission Strategy (CAT + CET Combined)

• Appear for both exams if possible

• Register for MAH MBA CET CAP

• Use CAT score strategically in CET CAP

• Fill multiple colleges in option form

• Keep non-CET private colleges as backup

A dual-exam strategy always improves outcomes.

Final Verdict

MAH MBA CET and CAT complement each other, especially for Maharashtra-focused MBA aspirants.

Many top colleges accept both exams, but:

• CET is more advantageous for MS candidates

• CAT offers flexibility and backup for OMS candidates

The best strategy is not choosing one exam, but using both intelligently.

FAQs – MAH MBA CET vs CAT

1. Do CET colleges accept CAT scores?

   Yes, many CET colleges accept CAT scores through CAP.

   
   

2. Is CAP compulsory even with CAT score?

   Yes, CAP registration is mandatory.

   
   

3. Which exam gives better chances for OMS candidates?

   CAT usually offers better chances.

   
   

4. Can I skip CET if I have CAT?

   You can, but you’ll lose CET-specific advantages.

   
   

5. Is CET easier than CAT?

   CET is speed-based; CAT is concept-based.