Colleges Accepting MAT Scores: Top 10 With Placement Stats in 2026

Introduction

MAT — the Management Aptitude Test is one of India’s most widely accepted MBA entrance exams, conducted four times a year by AIMA (All India Management Association) in February, May, September, and December. With approximately 264 MBA colleges across India accepting MAT scores for admission, it offers MBA aspirants one of the broadest institutional access points of any management entrance exam in the country.

But “widely accepted” is not the same as “accepted by good colleges.” The real question is not which colleges take MAT it is which colleges worth attending take MAT. And among those, which ones deliver placement outcomes that justify the investment.

The answer is more encouraging than most aspirants expect. Several NIRF-ranked, NAAC-accredited, and genuinely placement-competitive institutions accept MAT scores not as a fallback, but as a primary admission pathway. This blog lists the top 10 among them, ranked by placement strength, with verified 2025 data, NIRF rankings, fees, and domain highlights.

First, Understand MAT Before Choosing a College

MAT is conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association) and is approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, as a national-level entrance exam for MBA/PGDM admission. [AIMA — MAT Official] It is conducted in three modes: Paper-Based Test (PBT), Computer-Based Test (CBT), and Internet-Based Test (IBT from home). The exam has five sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment.

MAT scores are valid for one year, and candidates can appear multiple times in the same year using the best score for admission. Most colleges set MAT cutoffs between 500–700 on the 800-point scaled score broadly equivalent to the 70th–90th percentile range. A score of 700+ opens up the strongest MAT-accepting colleges on this list.

Top 10 MBA Colleges Accepting MAT Scores — With Placement Stats

1. MICA — Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 32nd. NAAC A++ accredited. Average Package (2025): ₹19.22 LPA (PGP batch 2024–26: ₹20.46 LPA). Highest Package (2025): ₹40.91 LPA (PGP 2024–26: ₹45.67 LPA). Median Package: ₹18 LPA. Placement Rate: 100% for 5 consecutive years. MAT Cutoff: 600+ (composite score).

Official report by the MICA [MICA — Official Placement Report 2025].

MICA is the standout name on this list and arguably the most underrated MBA college in India relative to its actual placement performance. It is India’s only institution exclusively focused on Strategic Marketing and Communication management, and its ₹19.22 LPA average package in 2025 rising to ₹20.46 LPA for the PGP batch places it firmly in the Tier-1.5 bracket alongside institutions ranked far higher nationally.

Key placement highlights for MICA 2025:

• Top Sectors: FMCG, E-commerce, Consulting, Media, Consumer Tech, BFSI
• Top Recruiters: Flipkart, Samsung, L’Oréal, Titan, Nivea, Amul, Tata Consumer Products, Deloitte, HDFC Bank
• PPO Rate: 17% of batch received Pre-Placement Offers
• New Recruiters: 52 of 92 total recruiters were first-time visitors the fastest growing campus recruiter base in this list
• Top 25% Average: ₹31.74 LPA

MICA is the strongest choice for aspirants targeting brand management, marketing communications, digital marketing, and consumer strategy careers. Its Mumbai Ahmedabad axis gives it access to India’s strongest FMCG recruiter network.

2. MDI Gurgaon — Management Development Institute

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 16th. Average Package (2025–26): ₹29.5 LPA. Highest Package (2025–26): ₹97.5 LPA highest in MDI’s history. Placement Rate: 100%. MAT Cutoff: 700+ (composite score).

Official report by the MDI Gurgaon [MDI Gurgaon — Official Placement Report 2025–26]

MDI Gurgaon is the highest NIRF-ranked institution on this list and one of the few Tier-1 B-schools that accepts MAT scores alongside CAT. Its ₹29.5 LPA average in 2025–26 represents a 15.2% jump from the previous year, the largest single-year average package jump among India’s top-20 B-schools. The Gurugram location gives MDI direct access to India’s largest corporate hub, with 250+ Fortune 500 company headquarters within commuting distance.

MDI accepts MAT at its PG (Long Duration) programs though the effective cutoff is among the highest for MAT-accepting colleges. A composite MAT score of 700+ and a strong academic profile are typically required for a realistic shortlist chance.

3. SPJIMR — S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 20th. Average Package (2025–26): ₹33.75 LPA. Highest Package (2025–26): ₹75 LPA. Median Package: ₹32.85 LPA. Placement Rate: 100%. MAT Cutoff: 700+ (composite score).

Official report by SPJMR [SPJIMR — Official Placement Data]

SPJIMR holds the triple crown of international accreditations — EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA and delivers the highest average package of any institution on this list at ₹33.75 LPA. It accepts MAT scores for certain postgraduate programs — aspirants should verify the specific program eligibility on the official SPJIMR admissions page. Its Mumbai location is the strongest Finance and Analytics placement ecosystem in India for a private B-school.

4. Amrita School of Business — Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 28th. Average Package: ₹9.5 LPA (MBA batch); highest package ₹56.95 LPA across programs. Placement Rate: 95%+. MAT Cutoff: 500–600 (composite score).

Official report by the University [Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham — Official Placement Data]

Amrita School of Business is the most geographically accessible option on this list for aspirants from South India, with campuses in Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Chennai. Its NIRF rank of 28th in Management places it firmly in the top-30 nationally ahead of many well-known private B-schools. Amrita accepts MAT scores for its MBA programs with one of the most accessible MAT cutoffs on this list, making it a strong option for aspirants scoring in the 500–600 range. Top MBA recruiters include Amazon, TCS, Infosys, HDFC Bank, and Cognizant.

5. Chandigarh University — Punjab

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 36th. Average Package: ₹7.5–9 LPA (MBA). Highest Package: ₹45+ LPA (across programs). Placement Rate: 90%+. MAT Cutoff: 500+ (composite score).

Chandigarh University is the fastest-growing private university in North India by NIRF rank trajectory and student enrollment. Ranked 36th in NIRF Management 2025, it has built a rapidly growing corporate recruiter base of over 800 companies visiting campus in 2024 across all programs. For MBA aspirants in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh specifically, CU offers one of the strongest regional credentials with broad MAT accessibility.

6. BIMTECH — Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 51st. Average Package (2025): ₹11.70 LPA. Highest Package (2025): ₹34 LPA. Placement Rate: 100%. MAT Cutoff: 500–600 (composite score).

Official report by the BIMTECH [BIMTECH — Official Placement Report 2025]

BIMTECH is one of the most consistent Tier-2 B-schools in the Delhi-NCR region with a 100% placement record maintained for multiple consecutive years and an average package that has shown steady growth. Its PGDM and PGDM International Business programs are the strongest offerings, with a dedicated IB program that attracts export and trade-focused recruiters not typically found at general management campuses.

Key placement highlights for BIMTECH 2025:

• Average Package: ₹11.70 LPA — up from ₹10.5 LPA in 2023
• Highest Package: ₹34 LPA
• Total Recruiters: 120+ companies
• Top Domains: BFSI, Consulting, FMCG, IT, International Business
• Top Recruiters: Deloitte, ICICI Bank, EY, S&P Global, Hindustan Unilever, Amazon

7. IFHE — ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 46th. Average Package (MBA): ₹8–10 LPA. Highest Package: ₹25+ LPA. Placement Rate: 90%+. MAT Cutoff: 500+ (composite score).

IFHE Hyderabad is the top-ranked MAT-accepting institution in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, operating under the ICFAI University system. Its MBA program benefits from the Hyderabad tech ecosystem with IT and BFSI companies accounting for the largest share of campus placements. The ICFAI brand carries strong regional recognition across South India, particularly in banking, finance, and financial services sectors.

8. Amity University Noida — Amity Business School

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 49th. Average Package (MBA): ₹7–8.5 LPA. Highest Package: ₹25+ LPA. Placement Rate: 85–90%. MAT Cutoff: 500+ (composite score).

Official placement report by Amity [Amity Business School — Official Placement]

Amity University Noida is India’s largest private university by enrollment and one of the most widely recognised B-school brands in North India. Its MBA program offered through Amity Business School accepts MAT alongside CAT, XAT, and GMAT. The Delhi-NCR location gives ABS students access to a broad recruiter base across consulting, IT, FMCG, and BFSI sectors. Amity’s QS Asia ranking in the top 250 Asian universities and WES recognition add international portability to the credential.

9. LPU — Lovely Professional University, Punjab

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 38th. Average Package (MBA): ₹6.5–8 LPA. Highest Package: ₹40+ LPA (across programs). Placement Rate: 85%+. MAT Cutoff: 450+ (composite score).

Official placement report by the LPU [LPU — Official Placement Data]

LPU is the most accessible institution on this list by MAT cutoff and is NIRF 38th in Management, a combination that makes it the strongest option for aspirants who scored in the 450–550 range on MAT and want a nationally ranked credential. Its massive campus recruiter base (1,800+ companies across all programs) and strong infrastructure are genuine strengths, though MBA-specific placement outcomes are more modest than its engineering programs.

10. Jaipuria Institute of Management (Noida/Lucknow/Jaipur/Indore)

NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 88th (Lucknow campus). Average Package (2025): ₹8–10 LPA. Highest Package: ₹22 LPA. Placement Rate: 92%+. MAT Cutoff: 500+ (composite score).

Official report by the Jaipuria institute [Jaipuria Institute — Official Placement Data]

Jaipuria is one of the most geographically diverse MAT-accepting institutions with campuses across Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Indore giving aspirants in Tier-2 cities strong access to a nationally recognised MBA credential. The Lucknow campus holds an NIRF Management rank of 88th, and the institute has strong regional recruiter relationships particularly in FMCG, retail, and banking sectors across North and Central India.

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Quick Reference — Top 10 MAT Colleges at a Glance

How to Use Your MAT Score Strategically

A strong MAT score is not just an admission ticket, it is a negotiation tool. Here is how aspirants can use it most effectively:

• Appear in multiple MAT sessions. MAT is conducted four times a year: February, May, September, and December. Appearing more than once allows you to improve your score and use the best result. Most colleges accept the latest or highest score within a valid window.
• Target colleges where MAT is the primary exam, not a fallback. MICA, BIMTECH, and Jaipuria build a significant portion of their batch through MAT which means the GD-PI process is designed for MAT aspirants, not just CAT rejects. This is a meaningful advantage in the selection process.
• Combine with CMAT or XAT for maximum college access. Many MAT-accepting colleges also accept CMAT and XAT a higher CMAT score can open additional doors at BIMTECH, Amrita, and Jaipuria that MAT alone might not. Running parallel preparations for MAT and CMAT is a low-effort, high-access strategy.
• Prepare a strong GD-PI profile early. For institutions like MICA and MDI that accept MAT at high cutoffs, the GD-PI round is equally competitive. Begin preparing your profile narrative, work experience story, and domain knowledge well before the exam result is declared. [Learn more about how to prepare for MBA GD-PI rounds]

How Career Plan B Helps

Choosing the right college from the list of MAT-accepting institutions requires clarity on your career goal, budget, and profile strength, not just a ranking comparison.

Career Plan B’s Personalized Career Counselling helps MBA aspirants identify which MAT-accepting college genuinely fits their domain target and financial reality.

Psycheintel Career Assessment Tests surface your natural aptitudes helping you choose between marketing-focused MICA, finance-heavy MDI, and operations-oriented BIMTECH with data-backed confidence.

Admission and Academic Profile Guidance supports you in building a competitive GD-PI profile for your target institutions, while Career Roadmapping gives you a structured plan from MAT preparation to placement season strategy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which is the best MBA college accepting MAT scores in India?

MICA Ahmedabad is the strongest placement performer among MAT-accepting colleges with a ₹19.22 LPA average package, 100% placement rate, and a top-32 NIRF Management rank in 2025. MDI Gurgaon (16th NIRF) and SPJIMR (20th NIRF) are technically higher-ranked but require scores in the 700+ MAT range, making them highly competitive for MAT-specific applicants.

Q2. What MAT score is required for top colleges?

A composite MAT score of 700+ (out of 800), or roughly the 90th percentile, is typically required for institutes such as MICA Ahmedabad, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR. Meanwhile, scores between 500 and 600 are generally competitive for BIMTECH, Amrita, and Jaipuria. Additionally, candidates with a score of 450+ have realistic shortlisting opportunities at LPU and Chandigarh University.

Q3. Is MAT score valid for government MBA colleges?

Yes — MAT is approved by the Ministry of Education and is accepted by several government-affiliated institutions. However, most of the strongest government MBA colleges (IIMs, NITs, IITs) primarily use CAT scores. MAT’s primary acceptance base is private B-schools, though certain state universities and government-aided institutions also accept it.

Q4. How many times can I take the MAT in a year?

MAT is conducted four times annually in February, May, September, and December. A candidate can appear in all four sessions in the same academic year, and the best score within the validity period (typically one year) can be used for college applications. This makes MAT one of the most attempt-flexible MBA entrance exams in India.

Q5. Is MICA a good option with a MAT score?

Yes — MICA is arguably the best ROI option among MAT-accepting colleges for marketing-focused aspirants. Its ₹19.22 LPA average package, 100% placement rate, and exclusive focus on Strategic Marketing and Communication make it a genuine Tier-1.5 institution. The required MAT score (600+ composite) is accessible for well-prepared aspirants, and the GD-PI process is designed to identify candidates with genuine marketing and communication potential.

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Conclusion

MAT is not a consolation exam.For a well-prepared aspirant, MAT acts as a strategic tool. Moreover, it opens doors to 264 colleges, including several institutions that offer placement outcomes competitive with many CAT-accepting campuses

MICA’s ₹19.22 LPA average, MDI’s ₹29.5 LPA surge, and BIMTECH’s consistent 100% placement record all prove that MAT-accepting colleges are not a second-tier option by default. They are a different option, one that rewards aspirants who choose with intent, prepare rigorously, and target the institutions where their profile genuinely fits.

Appear for MAT. Score as high as you can. Once you’ve compared your options, choose the college that aligns with your career goals and introduces you to the right recruiters.

Want help identifying which MAT-accepting college fits your profile and career goal?

Connect with Career Plan B for personalised guidance from MAT preparation strategy to GD-PI readiness and college selection.