The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH CET) has established itself as one of the most significant MBA entrance exams in India, particularly for aspirants seeking quality management education in Maharashtra. With over 300 colleges accepting MAH CET scores, this exam opens doors to some of the most prestigious and value-for-money MBA programs in the country.
According to recent statistics, more than 130,000 candidates register for the MAH CET exam annually, competing for approximately 50,000 seats across various management institutes in Maharashtra. What makes MAH CET particularly attractive is the exceptional return on investment (ROI) offered by many participating colleges, with government-regulated fees ranging from ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs for the entire two-year program.
This comprehensive guide explores the top MBA institutes accepting MAH CET scores, providing detailed insights into their cutoffs, fee structures, placement statistics, admission processes, and unique strengths. Whether you’re targeting the prestigious JBIMS with its 99.99 percentile cutoff or exploring other excellent options across different percentile bands, this article will help you make an informed decision about your management education journey.
Before diving into specific colleges, it’s essential to understand how the MAH CET admission process works:
The MAH CET MBA examination is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, typically in March-April each year. The computer-based test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections:
Logical Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
Verbal Ability/Reading Comprehension
A key advantage of MAH CET over other MBA entrance exams is the absence of negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without penalty.
Following the declaration of results, admissions to most MAH CET colleges are conducted through a Centralized Admission Process (CAP) managed by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra. The CAP process typically includes:
Online Registration: Candidates register for CAP by submitting personal, academic, and entrance exam details.
Document Verification: Original documents are verified at designated centers.
Option Form Filling: Candidates submit their college preferences in order of priority.
Seat Allocation: Based on merit rank, category, and preferences, seats are allocated in multiple rounds.
Fee Payment and Admission Confirmation: Candidates confirm their admission by paying the required fees.
According to the latest available data, the CAP process for 2025 saw 42,207 students successfully securing admission out of the total intake capacity of 50,501 seats across participating institutes.
These elite institutions typically require 99+ percentile scores and offer exceptional education quality, faculty expertise, and placement opportunities.
Established: 1965
Cutoff Percentile: 99.99+
Program: Master of Management Studies (MMS)
Fees: ₹6 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹27 LPA
Highest Package: ₹44 LPA
Top Recruiters: McKinsey, Accenture, Colgate, JP Morgan, HSBC, Goldman Sachs
Why JBIMS Stands Out:
JBIMS offers perhaps the best ROI among all MBA programs in India, combining relatively low fees with exceptional placements. Located in the heart of Mumbai’s business district, it provides unparalleled industry exposure and boasts a powerful alumni network across banking, consulting, and FMCG sectors. The institute’s case-based pedagogy and rigorous academic environment prepare students for leadership roles across industries.
Established: 1983
Cutoff Percentile: 99.97
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹1.4 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 208
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹14 LPA
Highest Package: ₹24 LPA
Top Recruiters: Amazon, Google, ABG Shipyard, HDFC Bank, Deloitte
Why SIMSREE Stands Out:
SIMSREE offers exceptional value with government-subsidized fees and strong placements. The institute’s location in South Mumbai provides excellent industry exposure, and its strong focus on practical learning through live projects and internships gives students a competitive edge in the job market.
Established: 1977
Cutoff Percentile: 99.5+ (MMS), 87+ (PGDM)
Programs: MMS and PGDM with specializations
Fees: ₹13 lakhs for 2 years (PGDM), ₹2.5 lakhs (MMS)
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹11 LPA
Highest Package: ₹23 LPA
Top Recruiters: Amazon, Google, KPMG, Ernst & Young, Microsoft
Why WeSchool Stands Out:
WeSchool is known for its innovative curriculum and strong focus on design thinking and entrepreneurship. The institute offers dual advantages of both MMS (through MAH CET) and PGDM programs, with specialized tracks in emerging areas like Business Design, E-Business, Healthcare Management, and Rural Management.
Established: 1971
Cutoff Percentile: 99.83
Program: MBA
Fees: ₹3 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 180
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹7.2 LPA
Highest Package: ₹18 LPA
Top Recruiters: Deloitte, Nestle, Amazon, TCS, Infosys
Why PUMBA Stands Out:
PUMBA offers excellent value with its university-backed MBA program at affordable fees. The institute benefits from the prestigious Pune University ecosystem, with strong research facilities and faculty. Its location in Pune’s educational hub provides good industry connections, particularly in manufacturing and IT sectors.
Established: 1995
Cutoff Percentile: 99.85
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹2.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹8.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹16 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Deloitte, Capgemini
Why SIESCOMS Stands Out:
SIESCOMS offers a balanced approach to management education with strong industry connections in the Navi Mumbai region. The institute is known for its comprehensive curriculum, quality faculty, and active placement cell that ensures good opportunities across sectors.
Established: 1963
Cutoff Percentile: 99.86
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹2.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 60
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹9 LPA
Highest Package: ₹18 LPA
Top Recruiters: Deloitte, KPMG, HDFC Bank, TCS, Amazon
Why XIMR Stands Out:
XIMR combines the Jesuit educational philosophy with modern management practices. The institute’s small batch size ensures personalized attention, and its strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility creates well-rounded professionals. The St. Xavier’s College campus provides excellent infrastructure and a vibrant learning environment.
These institutions offer excellent education quality and good placement opportunities for candidates scoring between 90-99 percentile.
Established: 1989
Cutoff Percentile: 97-98
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹3.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 180
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹6.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹12 LPA
Top Recruiters: HDFC Bank, TCS, Infosys, Capgemini
Why MET Stands Out:
MET offers a comprehensive management education with strong industry connections. The institute’s sprawling campus in Bandra provides excellent infrastructure, and its active alumni network helps in placements and mentorship.
Established: 1972
Cutoff Percentile: 97-98
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹2 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 240
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹5.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹10 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro
Why LLIM Stands Out:
LLIM offers affordable management education with a strong focus on practical learning. The institute’s location in South Mumbai provides good industry exposure, and its large batch size creates a diverse learning environment.
Established: 1981
Cutoff Percentile: 99.67
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹3.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹6 LPA
Highest Package: ₹12 LPA
Top Recruiters: HDFC Bank, TCS, Infosys, Wipro
Why Chetana’s Stands Out:
Chetana’s offers a well-structured management program with a strong focus on personality development. The institute’s central location in Mumbai provides good accessibility, and its active placement cell ensures decent opportunities across sectors.
Established: 1983
Cutoff Percentile: 94-95
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹2.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 60
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹5.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹10 LPA
Top Recruiters: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, TCS, Infosys
Why ADMI Stands Out:
ADMI specializes in financial management education, offering specialized knowledge for careers in banking, financial services, and insurance sectors. The institute’s focused approach ensures good placements in the BFSI sector.
Established: 1994
Cutoff Percentile: 97-98
Program: MBA
Fees: ₹3.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 300
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹5.8 LPA
Highest Package: ₹12 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Wipro
Why Indira Stands Out:
Indira Institute offers a comprehensive management program with strong industry connections in the Pune region. The institute’s large campus provides excellent infrastructure, and its active placement cell ensures good opportunities across sectors.
Established: 1999
Cutoff Percentile: 91-92
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹3 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹5.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹10 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro
Why DSIMS Stands Out:
DSIMS offers a well-structured management program with a strong focus on practical learning. The institute’s modern campus in Malad provides good infrastructure, and its active placement cell ensures decent opportunities across sectors.
These institutions offer solid education and reasonable placement opportunities for candidates scoring between 80-90 percentile.
Established: 1981
Cutoff Percentile: 85-90
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹4 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹6 LPA
Highest Package: ₹12 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro
Why K.J. Somaiya Stands Out:
K.J. Somaiya offers a comprehensive management program with strong industry connections. The institute’s sprawling campus in Vidyavihar provides excellent infrastructure, and its active alumni network helps in placements and mentorship.
Established: 1993
Cutoff Percentile: 85-90
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹3.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹5.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹10 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro
Why N.L. Dalmia Stands Out:
N.L. Dalmia offers a well-structured management program with a strong focus on practical learning. The institute’s modern campus in Mira Road provides good infrastructure, and its active placement cell ensures decent opportunities across sectors.
Established: 2002
Cutoff Percentile: 80-85
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹2.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹4.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹8 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro
Why IMCOST Stands Out:
IMCOST offers affordable management education with a strong focus on technology integration. The institute’s location in Thane provides good accessibility, and its active placement cell ensures reasonable opportunities across sectors.
These institutions provide decent education and placement support for candidates scoring between 70-80 percentile.
Established: 1994
Cutoff Percentile: 75-80
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹3 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 60
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹4.5 LPA
Highest Package: ₹8 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro
Why VESIM Stands Out:
VESIM offers a balanced management program with a strong focus on personality development. The institute’s campus in Chembur provides good infrastructure, and its active placement cell ensures reasonable opportunities across sectors.
Established: 2002
Cutoff Percentile: 70-75
Program: MMS
Fees: ₹2.5 lakhs for 2 years
Seats: 120
Placement Statistics:
Average Package: ₹4 LPA
Highest Package: ₹7 LPA
Top Recruiters: TCS, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Wipro
Why TIMSR Stands Out:
TIMSR offers affordable management education with a strong focus on practical learning. The institute’s location in Kandivali provides good accessibility, and its active placement cell ensures reasonable opportunities across sectors.
Beyond percentile requirements and rankings, several factors should influence your choice of a MAH CET college:
MAH CET colleges offer some of the best ROI in Indian management education due to government-regulated fees. Calculate ROI by comparing:
Total program cost (tuition + living expenses)
Average and median placement packages
Career growth trajectory of alumni
For example, JBIMS with its ₹6 lakh fee and ₹27 LPA average package offers an exceptional ROI of over 450%, making it one of the most value-for-money MBA programs globally.
Different MAH CET colleges excel in specific specializations:
Finance: JBIMS, SIMSREE, ADMI
Marketing: WeSchool, PUMBA, SIESCOMS
Operations: PUMBA, K.J. Somaiya
HR: XIMR, Chetana’s
IT & Systems: WeSchool, PUMBA
Choose a college that aligns with your career goals and specialization interests.
The location of your MBA college can significantly impact your learning experience and career opportunities:
Mumbai-based colleges: Offer unparalleled exposure to India’s financial capital, with easy access to corporate headquarters, financial institutions, and consulting firms.
Pune-based colleges: Provide strong connections to manufacturing, IT, and automotive sectors, often with more affordable living costs than Mumbai.
Other cities: Offer specialized regional industry connections and typically lower competition for placements in local companies.
While most MAH CET colleges admit students through the CAP process, some autonomous institutions have additional requirements:
CAP-only colleges: Admission based solely on MAH CET score and CAP merit rank
Autonomous institutions: May conduct additional Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds
University departments: Often have specific academic criteria beyond MAH CET scores
Understanding these nuances can help you prepare appropriately for your target institutions.
The first step is to perform well in the MAH CET exam, which is typically conducted in March-April each year. The computer-based test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 150 minutes, with no negative marking.
Section-wise breakdown:
Logical Reasoning: 75 questions
Abstract Reasoning: 25 questions
Quantitative Aptitude: 50 questions
Verbal Ability/Reading Comprehension: 50 questions
After the declaration of results (usually in May), qualified candidates must register for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) by:
Creating an online profile on the DTE Maharashtra portal
Uploading required documents (mark sheets, category certificates, etc.)
Paying the registration fee
Visiting designated centers for document verification
This crucial step involves listing your college preferences in order of priority. Strategic option form filling can significantly impact your admission chances:
Research colleges thoroughly before ranking them
Consider factors beyond just college reputation (location, specializations, etc.)
Include a mix of ambitious, realistic, and safe options
Pay attention to category-specific cutoffs when making your list
The DTE conducts multiple rounds of seat allocation based on:
Merit rank (derived from MAH CET percentile)
Category (Open, SC, ST, OBC, etc.)
College preferences submitted in the option form
Once allocated a seat, candidates must:
Pay the seat acceptance fee within the stipulated timeframe
Report to the allotted institute for document verification
Complete the admission formalities as per the institute’s requirements
After the completion of CAP rounds, unfilled seats are offered through:
Spot rounds conducted by DTE
Institute-level direct admissions
Management quota admissions (in private institutes)
These rounds can be opportunities for candidates with lower percentiles to secure admission to good colleges.
MAH CET follows reservation policies as per Maharashtra state government norms, with different cutoffs for various categories:
For general category candidates, the approximate cutoffs for top colleges are:
JBIMS: 99.99+ percentile
SIMSREE: 99.97+ percentile
WeSchool (MMS): 99.5+ percentile
PUMBA: 99.83+ percentile
SIESCOMS: 99.85+ percentile
Reserved category candidates benefit from relaxed cutoffs:
SC/ST Category:
JBIMS: 95-97 percentile
SIMSREE: 93-95 percentile
WeSchool (MMS): 90-93 percentile
PUMBA: 90-93 percentile
SIESCOMS: 90-92 percentile
OBC/SEBC Category:
JBIMS: 97-99 percentile
SIMSREE: 95-97 percentile
WeSchool (MMS): 93-95 percentile
PUMBA: 93-95 percentile
SIESCOMS: 93-95 percentile
The placement scenario varies significantly across different tiers of MAH CET colleges:
Institutes like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and WeSchool offer excellent placement opportunities:
Average Packages: ₹10-27 LPA
Highest Packages: ₹20-44 LPA
Placement Rate: 95-100%
Key Sectors: Banking, Consulting, FMCG, E-commerce
Top Recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Amazon, HUL, HDFC Bank, JP Morgan
Colleges like MET, Chetana’s, and Indira Institute offer good placement opportunities:
Average Packages: ₹5-7 LPA
Highest Packages: ₹10-15 LPA
Placement Rate: 85-95%
Key Sectors: IT, Banking, Manufacturing, Retail
Top Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Wipro, Capgemini
Colleges in this range typically offer:
Average Packages: ₹3.5-5 LPA
Highest Packages: ₹7-10 LPA
Placement Rate: 70-85%
Key Sectors: IT, Banking, Insurance, BPO
Top Recruiters: TCS, Wipro, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, small and medium enterprises
One of the most attractive aspects of MAH CET colleges is their regulated fee structure, which offers excellent value compared to private MBA programs:
Institutions like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA offer highly subsidized education:
Fee Range: ₹1.4-6 lakhs for the entire program
Living Expenses in Mumbai/Pune: ₹2.5-4 lakhs for two years
Total Investment: ₹4-10 lakhs
Private institutions participating in CAP have regulated fees:
Fee Range: ₹3-13 lakhs for the entire program
Living Expenses: ₹2.5-4 lakhs for two years
Total Investment: ₹5.5-17 lakhs
Several financial support mechanisms are available for MAH CET MBA students:
Government Scholarships: For SC/ST/OBC and economically weaker sections
Merit Scholarships: Offered by some institutes based on MAH CET rank
Education Loans: Available from nationalized and private banks at competitive interest rates
Work-Study Programs: Some institutes offer part-time work opportunities
How does MAH CET compare with other popular MBA entrance exams in India?
Difficulty Level: MAH CET is considerably easier than CAT
Negative Marking: No negative marking in MAH CET, unlike CAT
Exam Pattern: MAH CET has more questions (200) compared to CAT (66-72)
College Access: MAH CET primarily for Maharashtra colleges, CAT for IIMs and other national institutes
Fee Structure: MAH CET colleges typically have lower fees than CAT-accepting institutes
Difficulty Level: Comparable to SNAP, slightly easier than NMAT
Exam Attempts: Single attempt in MAH CET vs. multiple attempts in NMAT
College Quality: Top MAH CET colleges like JBIMS offer better ROI than most SNAP/NMAT colleges
Geographical Spread: MAH CET limited to Maharashtra, SNAP/NMAT for pan-India institutes
The true measure of any MBA program is the success of its alumni. MAH CET colleges have produced numerous business leaders across sectors:
Ajay Piramal (JBIMS): Chairman, Piramal Group
Uday Kotak (JBIMS): Founder & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank
Manju Agarwal (SIMSREE): Former Deputy Managing Director, State Bank of India
Harish Manwani (JBIMS): Former COO, Unilever
Ashish Shah (PUMBA): Co-founder, Pepperfry
Kavita Shukla (JBIMS): Founder, FreshPaper
Ronnie Screwvala (JBIMS): Founder, UTV Group and upGrad
Rajiv Kumar (JBIMS): Former Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog
Shikha Sharma (JBIMS): Former CEO, Axis Bank
Chanda Kochhar (JBIMS): Former CEO, ICICI Bank
These success stories demonstrate the quality of education and career opportunities available through MAH CET colleges.
MAH CET colleges offer some of the best value propositions in Indian management education, combining quality education with affordable fees and strong placement opportunities. From the prestigious JBIMS with its exceptional ROI to numerous other excellent options across different percentile bands, the MAH CET ecosystem provides pathways for diverse aspirants.
When choosing a MAH CET college, consider factors beyond just rankings and cutoffs – think about specialization strengths, location advantages, and alignment with your career goals. The strategic approach to CAP counseling can significantly impact your admission outcomes, so research thoroughly and prioritize your options wisely.
With proper preparation for the MAH CET exam and a well-planned approach to the admission process, you can secure a place in a quality MBA program that serves as a launching pad for a successful management career – all without the exorbitant fees associated with many private MBA programs.
Q1: Can non-Maharashtra candidates apply for MAH CET colleges?
A: Yes, MAH CET is open to candidates from all states. However, 85% of seats are reserved for Maharashtra state candidates, with only 15% available in the All-India quota.
Q2: Is work experience required for MAH CET MBA programs?
A: No, work experience is not mandatory for most MAH CET colleges. Fresh graduates can apply, though some work experience may provide an advantage during placements.
Q3: How does the CAP counseling process work?
A: CAP counseling involves online registration, document verification, option form filling (college preferences), and multiple rounds of seat allocation based on merit rank and preferences.
Q4: Are there any colleges that accept MAH CET scores but conduct their own GD/PI?
A: Yes, some autonomous institutions like WeSchool (for PGDM), K.J. Somaiya, and a few others accept MAH CET scores but conduct additional selection rounds like GD/PI.
Q5: What is the validity of MAH CET scores?
A: MAH CET scores are valid only for the academic year in which the exam is conducted. Candidates must reappear for the exam if they wish to apply in subsequent years.
