Top Private MBA Colleges Accepting 80 Percentile in CAT 2025 (MBA 2026 Admissions)

Scoring around 80 percentile in CAT 2025 opens the door to several reputed private MBA colleges in India for MBA 2026 admissions. While top IIMs usually require very high percentiles, many established private B-schools focus on a holistic admission process, considering academic background, work experience, diversity, SOP quality, and GD-PI performance.

For students who have scored between 78–85 percentile in CAT 2025, choosing the right private MBA college can result in excellent ROI, strong placements, and long-term career growth. This guide lists the best private MBA colleges accepting around 80 percentile in CAT 2025, along with updated insights for the 2026 intake.

Is 80 Percentile in CAT 2025 Good for MBA 2026?

Yes. An 80 percentile in CAT 2025 is considered a solid score for Tier-2 and Tier-1.5 private B-schools. At this range, institutes prioritize:

• Overall academic consistency

• Work experience and internships

• Communication skills and personality

• Performance in GD, PI, and WAT

Many students at this percentile secure:

• Average packages of ₹6–10 LPA

• Roles in marketing, BFSI, analytics, consulting, HR, and operations

• Admission to colleges with strong corporate networks

Top Private MBA Colleges Accepting 80 Percentile in CAT 2025

1. Great Lakes Institute of Management (Chennai / Gurgaon)

Great Lakes is one of India’s most respected private business schools and a strong choice for MBA 2026 aspirants with 80–85 CAT percentile. The institute follows a profile-based shortlisting approach, giving importance to academic excellence, work experience, and leadership potential.

The PGDM program at Great Lakes is particularly strong in analytics, consulting, and BFSI domains. With strong corporate partnerships and consistent placement outcomes, Great Lakes offers excellent ROI for candidates slightly below the top CAT percentile bracket.

• Expected CAT Cut-off (2026): 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹17–19 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹14–15 LPA

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2. IMT Nagpur

IMT Nagpur is part of the prestigious IMT Group and is a popular destination for students scoring around 75–85 percentile in CAT 2025. The institute is known for its strong academic framework, experienced faculty, and improving placement record.

IMT Nagpur offers specializations in marketing, finance, HR, and operations, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, internships, and live projects. It is considered a high ROI option among private MBA colleges.

• Expected CAT Cut-off: 75–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹9–10 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹7–8 LPA

3. K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

K J Somaiya is a well-known autonomous institute in Mumbai and accepts CAT scores in the 80–85 percentile range for its MBA programs. The institute benefits significantly from its Mumbai location, offering strong exposure to finance, consulting, and corporate roles.

With a flexible curriculum, strong alumni network, and good industry interface, K J Somaiya is a preferred choice for students seeking a balance between academics and corporate exposure.

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• Expected CAT Cut-off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹20–21 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹10–11 LPA

4. Welingkar Institute of Management (Mumbai / Bangalore)

Welingkar is a popular private B-school known for innovation, leadership development, and experiential learning. While it accepts CAT scores, Welingkar places strong emphasis on profile, diversity, and GD-PI performance.

Candidates with around 80 percentile in CAT 2025 have a realistic chance, especially with a strong academic or professional background. The institute is especially reputed for marketing, media, and analytics programs.

• Expected CAT Cut-off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹13–14 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹8–9 LPA

5. TAPMI Manipal

TAPMI is one of India’s oldest private business schools and a consistent performer in MBA rankings. For MBA 2026 admissions, TAPMI considers CAT percentiles in the 80–85 range, particularly for candidates with strong academics and interview performance.

The institute is known for its rigorous curriculum, case-based learning, and strong finance and marketing programs. TAPMI maintains stable placements even during challenging market conditions.

• Expected CAT Cut-off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹17–18 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹11–12 LPA

  
  

6. IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University

IFMR GSB is highly regarded for finance, analytics, and economics-focused MBA programs. The institute considers CAT scores starting from around 80 percentile, with strong emphasis on quantitative ability and academic performance.

Graduates from IFMR frequently secure roles in analytics, consulting, and BFSI sectors, making it a strong choice for candidates interested in data-driven careers.

• Expected CAT Cut-off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹16–17 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹10–11 LPA

7. BIMTECH Greater Noida

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) is a well-established private B-school offering multiple PGDM programs. It accepts CAT scores in the 75–85 percentile range, depending on the program.

BIMTECH is particularly strong in marketing, finance, and insurance management, with a robust alumni network and consistent recruiter participation.

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• Expected CAT Cut-off: 75–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹12–13 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹8–9 LPA

CAT 80 Percentile vs MBA College Tier

CAT Percentile	College Type
90+	Tier-1 / Top IIMs
80–89	Tier-1.5 & Top Private Colleges
70–79	Tier-2 Private Colleges
Below 70	Emerging / Regional Colleges

How to Convert MBA Calls at 80 Percentile

Students often miss conversions not due to CAT score, but due to poor GD-PI preparation. To maximize your chances:

• Prepare strong SOP answers

• Stay updated with current affairs

• Revise graduation fundamentals

• Practice mock interviews

• Highlight internships and work experience

Final Takeaway

Scoring 80 percentile in CAT 2025 is absolutely sufficient to secure admission into reputed private MBA colleges for MBA 2026. Institutes like Great Lakes, IMT Nagpur, TAPMI, Welingkar, and K J Somaiya offer strong academics, good placements, and excellent ROI for candidates in this range.

With smart college selection and strong GD-PI preparation, an 80 percentile can lead to a successful MBA career.