- French business schools accepting CAT dominate the QS Business Masters Rankings 2026, with five schools in the global top 20 for Management.
- The CAT exam evaluates three sections: Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability in 2 hours 40 minutes.
- The CAT exam contains both MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) questions, with no negative marking for TITA questions.
Common Admission Test or CAT can be used to get admission into the top B-schools worldwide. MBA colleges like EMLyon Business School. HEC Paris, SKEMA Business School, etc., accept admission into various management programs like MBA and MiM/M.Sc in Management. The preparation for the CAT exam requires dedication and effort, much like the GMAT, but they both evaluate the candidates on similar skills.
In this blog, we have listed the international colleges and their rankings that accept CAT scores.Pursuing an MBA abroad after the CAT exam can be time-saving and worthwhile for students.
Overview of the CAT Exam
CAT, or the Common Admission Test, is the most prestigious national-level examination conducted by IIMs to impart admission to students into management courses at the post-graduate level. The CAT score is accepted by over 1,200 B-schools across India, and every year, over 2-2.5 lakh students apply for this examination. It is conducted online, at allocated test centers which evaluate verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability. In India, a CAT score is valid for admission to MBA, Executive MBA, PhD in Management, and FPM programs of various IIMs.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Hours 40 Minutes (120 minutes total - 40 minutes per section) |
| Conducting Body in 2025 | IIM Lucknow |
| Exam Fees | INR 1,300 (SC/ST/PwD category) INR 2,500 (General/OBC-NCL/EWS) |
| Exam Dates | Last Sunday of November (typically) |
| Medium of Exam | English language |
| Mode of Exam | Online mode (Computer-based test) |
| Sections | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Type of Questions | MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA - Type In The Answer) |
MBA Abroad after the CAT Exam
Do you know that some foreign B-Schools also accept CAT scores to give entry to Indian students in their MBA and other related management courses? Apart from GMAT and GRE, which are the most important standardised tests to evaluate the competency of the candidates for MBA courses, top B-Schools worldwide also prefer CAT scores. Along with MBA programs, CAT scores are also acknowledged for other management courses such as Master’s in Management (MiM) and Master’s in Management. Unlike MBA courses abroad, MiM programs do not require 2-3 work experience after graduation.
Top International MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Are you interested in pursuing an MBA abroad after the CAT exam? Below, we have enlisted the top MBA colleges accepting the CAT score in abroad countries, apart from GMAT and GRE scores.
| Business School | Courses Offered | QS Business Masters Rankings 2026 (Management) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | Masters in Management, MiM | 1st | France |
| ESSEC Business School | M.Sc in Management | 3rd | France |
| ESCP Europe Business School | Masters in Management, MiM | 6th | France |
| EMLyon Business School | M.Sc in Management | 16th | France |
| EDHEC Business School | Masters in Management, MiM | 18th | France |
| Audencia Business School | M.Sc in International Management | 34th | France |
| SKEMA Business School | Masters in Management, MiM | Unranked | France |
| SP Jain School of Global Management | Masters of Global Business | Unranked | Singapore |
| Singapore Management University | MSc in Management, Masters in Management | Unranked | Singapore |
| Stuart School of Business at Illinois Institute of Technology | Masters of Business Administration, MBA | Unranked | USA |
| Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) | Masters in International Management | Not in Top 100 | Norway |
Study Intakes for MBA Abroad after CAT
Most top international MBA colleges accepting the CAT score offer exceptional admission to their various management programs in fall and spring intakes. The summer intake is either unavailable in some universities or not in demand for full-time programs. Still, it can be utilized for pursuing part-time courses, which are valuable for developing skill sets.
| Study Intakes | Application Duration | Start of Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fall/Autumn Intake (Sept-Dec) | September 2025 - June 2026 (Multiple rounds) • Round 1: Sept-Oct 2025 • Round 2: Jan-Feb 2026 • Round 3: Mar-Apr 2026 • Round 4: May-Jun 2026 | September 2026 |
| Spring/Winter Intake (Jan-May) | July 2025 - November 2025 (Already closed for Jan 2026) For Jan 2027: July 2026 - Nov 2026 | January 2027 |
| Summer Intake (May-Aug) | Limited or Not Available for most full-time Masters/MBA programs | May (if available) |
MBA Abroad after the CAT Exam: Benefits for Students
The following are why an Indian student should consider using their CAT score for admission into MBA and other related management programs.
- Saves time: If a student has a CAT score already, it will save them time and energy to prepare separately for the GMAT or GRE.
- Tie-up with IIMs: Since top international MBA colleges accepting the CAT score have tie-ups with IIMs, students might prefer using the CAT score for taking admission into a management program to use their expertise locally.
- Saves Year: Sometimes, to save their year after failing the GMAT exam or college application process, students appear in the CAT exam to get admission into available colleges. Since the colleges that accept CAT scores are world-renowned, students get several advantages in their chosen field.
Key Takeaways
CAT scores open doors to world-class business schools across France, Singapore, and the USA without requiring separate GMAT or GRE preparation. French business schools dominate the QS Business Masters Rankings 2026, with HEC Paris ranked 1st globally for Management programmes, followed by ESSEC (3rd) and ESCP (6th).
The September 2026 intake accepts applications through multiple rounds from September 2025 to June 2026, giving students flexible deadlines to apply. CAT is accepted for both MBA and Masters in Management (MiM) programmes, with MiM requiring no work experience unlike traditional MBAs.
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FAQs
For how many years CAT score is valid?
Unlike the GMAT exam, the CAT score is valid for one year from the result announcement date.
How much CAT percentile is required to get admission into a foreign B-School?
Most of the top MBA colleges abroad accept admissions in their management courses on the CAT percentile of a minimum of 80-90%, which might differ depending on the institute.
Should I try for the IIM or head for an MBA abroad?
It depends on factors such as student’s interest, availability of institutes and courses, location preferences, career ambitions, etc. Pursuing MBA or related management programs in IIM or foreign B-School imparts different kinds of experience and unmatched educational quality, which are unique to every institute.
What are the fees for an MBA abroad after the CAT exam?
In international top MBA colleges accepting CAT, the average tuition fees range from INR 20 Lakhs to 90 Lakhs, depending on the institute and the specialization.
What are the differences between GMAT and CAT?
While both CAT and GMAT exams have similar aims to check the students’ competency for the management courses, their approaches to checking skills, including duration, application fees, patterns, and syllabus, are different and must be understood before appearing for them.
Do I need work experience for Masters in Management programmes accepting CAT?
No, MiM programmes do not require work experience, unlike MBA programmes which typically require 2-3 years of professional experience.
Can I apply to French business schools with both CAT and GMAT scores?
Yes, you can submit either CAT or GMAT scores; schools accept both, though GMAT (700+) remains the standard benchmark for most international applicants.
What is the average salary after completing MiM from French business schools?
HEC Paris MiM graduates earn average salaries of €121,000 (approximately ₹1.09 crore) three years after graduation, with 99% employment within three months.
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Is IELTS or TOEFL required along with CAT scores for French business schools?
Yes, English proficiency tests (IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 90+) are mandatory for non-native English speakers applying to French business schools.
Can I defer my admission if I get accepted with CAT scores?
Most French business schools allow a one-year deferral for accepted students, though policies vary; check specific school requirements during application.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
