Many students wonder about which best college accepts a MAT score? Pursuing an MBA through the Management Aptitude Test opens the doors to numerous quality business schools across India, especially for the 2026 admission cycle.
Several reputed institute’s value MAT performance alongside other factors like GD and PI rounds. While does IIM accepts MAT score remains a common query, the answer is no—IIMs stick strictly to CAT—but MAT provides solid alternatives with strong industry ties and promising careers.
In this blog we will discuss, the list of top 10 management colleges accepting MAT score for admission 2026 and highlighting MAT colleges with good placements.
The MAT exam, conducted by AIMA multiple times yearly. This tests candidates on language, math, reasoning, and general knowledge, making it accessible for working professionals and fresh graduates alike.
For 2026 aspirants, appearing in February, May, or December sessions allows score improvements, with validity extending to a year for most applications. This flexibility sets MAT apart, enabling students to target management college without the intense CAT pressure.
NCR hubs like Greater Noida and Noida host several such colleges, blending affordability with proximity to corporate offices. Students eyeing MAT colleges with good placements find value here, as recruiters from IT, finance, and consulting visit campuses regularly, offering roles in sales, analytics, and operations.
When evaluating colleges that accept MAT scores focus on accreditation, faculty expertise, infrastructure, and alumni networks rather than rankings alone. AICTE-approved PGDM and MBA programs ensures employability and fees range from 5-15 lakhs for two years, with ROI driven by average packages of 6-12 LPA for freshers.
Location also matters as southern cities like Bangalore excel in tech-driven roles, while northern institutes leverage manufacturing and service sectors. Below is a curated list of leading top colleges accepting MAT score known for established brands, industry linkages, and strong placement outcomes:
KCC-ITM Greater Noida
A reputed name in management education, KCC-ITM accepts CAT/MAT scores for admission into its MBA programs. The institute is popular for its academic rigor combined with placement opportunities.
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore
XIME Bangalore is globally accredited and offers PGDM in General Management and Business Analytics. It is known for its quality education and strong industry interface with an average placement package of around INR 10 LPA.
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida
Famous for its industry-relevant curriculum and experienced faculty, Jaipuria Noida admits students based on MAT and other national-level exams. It offers multiple specializations with quality placements averaging INR 9.5 LPA.
Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Bangalore
IBA Bangalore uses MAT scores along with other competitive exams for admissions into its PGDM programs. It emphasizes practical learning and research.
Christ University, Bangalore
A well-known private university, Christ University admits candidates to its MBA programs through MAT and other management tests, offering good placement packages and exposure.
Lovely Professional University (LPU)
LPU integrates MAT scores into its admission process, particularly for MBA programs in business analytics, finance, and marketing, with strong industry ties.
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida
BIMTECH is a government-recognized institute that admits students on the basis of MAT scores, known for its quality academic programs and corporate collaborations.
Fore School of Management, New Delhi
Fore School recognizes MAT exam results for MBA admissions and offers updated curricula focused on emerging business trends.
National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela
Being a top government institution, NIT Rourkela accepts MAT scores for its management programs and is reputed for its multidisciplinary approach and placements.
These top MBA and PGDM management colleges are among the best MAT colleges with good placements that provide excellent opportunities for career growth and skill development. Their selection process often includes additional rounds such as Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) after the MAT score consideration, ensuring a holistic evaluation of candidates.
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A common doubt among aspirants is “Does IIM accept MAT score” for MBA or PGP programs. The clear answer is no: IIMs accept only CAT scores (and in some cases GMAT/GRE for specific courses or international applicants), not MAT. This policy applies to all older and newer IIMs, so MAT cannot be used as a gateway for admission into their core MBA programs.
However, students who do not crack the IIMs through CAT can still build successful careers by choosing high-quality MAT colleges with good placement and strong industry connect and good ROI. Several MAT-based B-schools offer average packages that are competitive with many non-IIM public and private institutions.
Mentioned below are reasons of choosing the right management colleges that accepts MAT scores and offers several benefits:
Multiple exam sessions: MAT allowing four attempts per year provides flexibility and multiple chances to improve scores.
Wide acceptance: Over 1400 colleges accept MAT scores, making it easier to find suitable programs.
Diverse program options: MAT accepting colleges offer specializations in marketing, finance, human resources, operations, and analytics.
Quality education at affordable costs: Many MAT colleges offer quality MBA and PGDM courses at reasoning fees compared to CAT or XAT participating institutions.
Good placement opportunities: Top B-schools accepting MAT scores maintain strong placement cells and industry connections, ensuring promising career starts for graduates.
To maximize your chances of admission into MAT colleges with good placement, consider the following:
Prepare thoroughly across all five sections of the MAT exam.
Appear in multiple MAT sessions if needed to improve your percentile.
Research individual college cut-offs and eligibility criteria since each MAT accepting college has a different benchmark.
Prepare for GD and PI rounds post-exam to strengthen your profile.
Keep a track of application deadlines aligned with MAT exam results and institute-level admissions.
Final Takeaway
In conclusion, the top colleges that accepts MAT score in 2026 span across best private and reputed government institutions providing diverse specializations and excellent career prospects.
The MAT colleges with good placement schedule offers flexibility and repeated opportunities to appear in the examination, making it a preferred choice among MBA aspirants. Prepare well and target the right MAT accepting colleges to secure admission in a quality management college that aligns with your career aspirations.
FAQs
Q1. Which best college accepts a MAT score for MBA 2026?
Ans1: Among MAT-based institutes, XIME Bangalore, KCC-ITM Greater Noida, JAGSoM Bangalore, Christ University Bengaluru, and Jaipuria Institute of Management are often cited for their strong placement results.
Q2. Does IIM accept MAT score for its flagship MBA?
Ans2: No, IIMs do not accept MAT; they use CAT (and sometimes GMAT/GRE for select categories) as the primary entrance test for MBA/PGP admissions.
Q3. How to identify MAT colleges with good placements in 2026?
Ans3: Check recent reports for placement rate, average CTC, recruiter list, and sector-wise roles at MAT-accepting institutes like KCC-ITM, XIME, JAGSoM, SIES, and Christ.
Q4. Are MAT accepting colleges only private?
Ans4: Most MAT accepting colleges in India are private or deemed universities, but several university departments and autonomous institutes also consider MAT scores for select management programs.
Q5. Is MAT Exam 2026 enough for a good career without CAT?
Ans5:Yes, with the right percentile and sensible college choice, MAT can lead to reputed B-schools that offer strong placements, especially in domains like marketing, HR, operations, and BFSI.