Can I apply to ISB with a CAT score?

Yes. ISB Hyderabad accepts CAT (along with GMAT/GRE) for its PGP. A high CAT percentile (commonly 95+ for competitive profiles) can be used, though many ISB applicants still submit GMAT/GRE. Check ISB's current admissions page for the exact policy and any test-optional provisions.

What CAT score is required for an international MBA?

Where CAT is considered (e.g. ISB, select Asian schools), a 90+ percentile is typically competitive and 95+ stronger. But because most global schools use the GMAT, there is no universal CAT cut-off abroad — the relevant benchmark is usually a GMAT score in the school's published median range.

Should I take CAT or GMAT for MBA abroad?

If your target is IIMs/ISB and Indian MBAs, take CAT. If you want broad international options, take the GMAT — it is accepted almost everywhere and valid for five years. Many students who want both worlds take CAT for India and add GMAT for abroad.

Exams · CAT · 2026

CAT Exam for MBA Abroad — Complete Guide 2026

Q: Is CAT accepted for MBA abroad?

Mostly no. The GMAT (and increasingly the GRE) is the global standard for international MBA admissions. A small number of business schools in Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe may consider CAT case by case or offer GMAT waivers, but you should not assume CAT is accepted — verify with each school. For broad global options, take the GMAT.

Published 18 June 2026 · where CAT works abroad, and where you need the GMAT

CAT is the gateway to the IIMs — but "CAT se foreign MBA ho jayega?" needs an honest answer: mostly you'll need the GMAT abroad, with a few exceptions like ISB and select Asian schools. Here's exactly where CAT counts, the CAT-vs-GMAT call, and how to apply.

Which programmes accept CAT?

ISB Hyderabad (PGP): accepts CAT alongside GMAT/GRE — a 95+ percentile is competitive.
IIMs and most Indian MBAs: CAT is the primary test.
Select Asian/European schools: a few may consider CAT case by case or offer GMAT waivers — never assume; verify with each school.
Most global MBAs (USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia): use the GMAT (or GRE), not CAT.

Acceptance is school-specific and changes yearly. Confirm on each programme's official admissions page before relying on CAT abroad.

CAT vs GMAT — which should you take?

Factor	CAT	GMAT
Primary purpose	IIMs, ISB, Indian MBAs	MBA abroad (global standard)
Recognition	India + a few schools abroad	Accepted almost everywhere
Validity	1 year	5 years
Approx. fee	~Rs 2,400	~Rs 24,000
Take it if	India is your main goal	You want broad global options

Fees indicative (2025-26). Many applicants take CAT for India and add the GMAT only if applying abroad.

MBA abroad or in India? See cost, salary and break-even before you pick a test. MBA ROI: India vs abroad →

How to use a CAT score for MBA abroad

Check the school's policy — does it accept CAT, or only GMAT/GRE?
If CAT is accepted, aim for 90+ (95+ stronger) and present a complete profile (work-ex, essays, recommendations).
If only GMAT is accepted, plan the GMAT — it is valid five years and opens far more schools.
Run the numbers with the Payback Calculator so the MBA pays back.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to ISB with CAT?

Yes — ISB accepts CAT alongside GMAT/GRE; 95+ percentile is competitive.

Is CAT accepted for MBA abroad?

Mostly no — GMAT (or GRE) is the global standard. A few Asian/European schools may consider CAT; verify each.

What CAT score for an international MBA?

Where considered, 90+ (95+ stronger). Most global schools instead want a GMAT in their median range.

CAT or GMAT for abroad?

IIMs/ISB → CAT. Broad global options → GMAT (accepted everywhere, valid 5 years).

Decide with data — calculate your MBA payback for India vs abroad. Open the Payback Calculator →