Maharashtra is India’s leading destination for MBA aspirants, offering 300+ MBA/MMS colleges and more than 35,000 seats every year through the MAH MBA/MMS CET admission process. According to placement reports, top institutes like SPJIMR and JBIMS report average packages above ₹25 LPA, while IIM Nagpur’s highest package reached ₹69.57 LPA in 2024. Government-run colleges like SIMSREE and PUMBA combine low fees (under ₹1 lakh annually) with strong average salaries of ₹10–11 LPA, making them unbeatable in ROI.
- Why Maharashtra is a Top MBA Destination
- Top MBA Colleges in Maharashtra 2025: Fees & Placements
- Private vs Government MBA Colleges in Maharashtra – Which Is Better for You?
- MBA Fees and ROI in Maharashtra (2025 Insights)
- Entrance Exams for MBA Admission in Maharashtra 2025
- Top MBA Colleges in Maharashtra FAQ's
Why Maharashtra is a Top MBA Destination
Maharashtra contributes nearly 15–18% of India’s total MBA capacity, making it one of the largest education hubs. Mumbai alone has 60+ reputed B-schools, while Pune hosts 40+ established management institutions. The state’s strong corporate presence — with over 4,000 registered MNC offices and more than 50 Fortune 500 company branches — provides unmatched internship and placement opportunities.
Corporate & Financial Capital: Mumbai is home to the RBI, NSE, BSE, and global banks.
Industrial Diversity: Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur attract top recruiters from IT, auto, and logistics.
Statewide Access: MAH CET covers 300+ colleges, ensuring a wide reach for aspirants.
Top MBA Colleges in Maharashtra 2025: Fees & Placements
With rising average salaries and premium recruiters, Maharashtra’s top B-schools remain competitive. In 2024, SPJIMR reported a median salary of ₹28.5 LPA, IIM Nagpur achieved 100% placements, and JBIMS students secured offers up to ₹35–40 LPA in finance and consulting roles.
| College | City | Program | Fees (Approx) | Avg / Highest Package (Placement Year) | Highlights |
| IIM Nagpur | Nagpur | MBA (PGP) | ₹5.85 Lakh (total) (2025 batch) | Avg ~₹16.7 LPA; Highest ₹69.57 LPA (Placements 2024) | Rapidly growing IIM with strong industry ties |
| SPJIMR | Mumbai | PGDM | ~₹20 Lakh (2025 intake) | Avg ~₹25–30 LPA (Placements 2024) | Consistently among India’s top 10 |
| NMIMS SBM | Mumbai | MBA | ₹17.8 Lakh (2 yrs) (2025 intake) | Avg ~₹18 LPA (Placements 2024) | Strong placement in consulting & BFSI |
| SIBM Pune | Pune | MBA | ₹10.34 Lakh (p.a.) (2025 intake) | Avg ₹17.48 LPA (Placements 2024) | Flagship Symbiosis campus with national reach |
| JBIMS | Mumbai | MMS | ~₹6 Lakh (total) (2025 intake) | Avg ₹27 LPA (Placements 2024) | Famous for finance and consulting roles |
| SIMSREE | Mumbai | MMS | ₹67,000 (p.a.) (2025 intake) | Avg ₹10.9 LPA (Placements 2024) | Best ROI; CET cutoffs near 99% |
| PUMBA | Pune | MBA | ₹66,000 (p.a.) (2025 intake) | Avg ₹5.4 LPA (Placements 2024) | Affordable, stable placements |
| Welingkar (WeSchool) | Mumbai | PGDM | ₹11–12 Lakh (2025 intake) | Avg ₹9.05 LPA (Placements 2024) | Known for innovation & entrepreneurship |
| ITM Business School | Navi Mumbai | PGDM | ₹9.95 Lakh (2025 intake) | Avg ₹6.5 LPA (Placements 2024) | Strong mid-tier choice for metro jobs |
Private vs Government MBA Colleges in Maharashtra – Which Is Better for You?
Over 40% of Maharashtra’s MBA seats are in private/autonomous colleges, while government colleges dominate in affordability and ROI. Private institutes like SPJIMR, NMIMS, and SIBM Pune charge ₹15–20L+ but offer placements averaging ₹17–28 LPA. In contrast, SIMSREE and PUMBA keep fees under ₹1L while still securing ₹5–11 LPA packages.
| Aspect | Private / Autonomous | Government / University |
| Fees | High (₹10–20 Lakh) | Low (₹50K–₹1.5 Lakh) |
| Placements | National & global recruiters | Strong regional & domestic hiring |
| Infrastructure | Modern, corporate-linked | May be functional but basic |
| ROI | Variable; depends on salary | Usually excellent |
| Brand Value | National / global recognition | Strong within the state |
MBA Fees and ROI in Maharashtra (2025 Insights)
The cost of an MBA varies significantly: from ₹50,000 annually at SIMSREE to ₹20+ lakh at NMIMS or SPJIMR. Yet ROI (Return on Investment) remains strong across many colleges:
High ROI examples: SIMSREE (₹67K/year; avg ₹10.9 LPA), JBIMS (₹6L total; avg ₹27 LPA).
Premium but rewarding: SPJIMR & NMIMS (₹17–20L fees; ₹18–28 LPA avg salaries).
Safe & affordable: PUMBA (₹66K/year; avg ₹5.4 LPA).
Entrance Exams for MBA Admission in Maharashtra 2025
Nearly 85% of MBA/MMS admissions in Maharashtra happen through the MAH MBA/MMS CET, making it the single largest state-level MBA entrance in India. In 2025, the exam saw 1.29 lakh candidates appear, with seven students scoring a perfect 100 percentile. This shows how competitive the test is for aspirants targeting JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, and other top MMS colleges.
Nationally recognized exams like CAT (2.88 lakh+ test takers in 2024), XAT (95,000+), NMAT (60,000+), and CMAT (50,000+) also play a crucial role, as many private B-schools and newer IIMs accept these scores.
Key Exams Accepted
MAH MBA/MMS CET – Primary gateway for 300+ colleges and ~35,000 seats.
CAT – Required by IIM Nagpur, SPJIMR, NMIMS, and select private B-schools.
XAT, CMAT, MAT – Widely accepted by mid-tier and emerging institutes.
NMAT/GMAT – Used by NMIMS and globally oriented B-schools for niche programs.
MAH MBA CET 2025 Admission Process
Registration: Online application through mba2025.mahacet.org.in (applications typically open in Jan–Feb).
Entrance Exam: Conducted April 1–3, 2025, across Maharashtra and select national centers.
Results & Percentiles: Declared on May 28, 2025; top scores hit 99.9+ percentiles.
CAP Rounds (Centralised Admission Process): Seat allotment begins June–July, with registration deadlines like July 8, 2025 this year.
Institute-Level Rounds: Some colleges (esp. private) add GD/PI or WAT to finalize admissions.
Cutoff Snapshot (Recent Trends)
JBIMS (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies): ~99.95 percentile (All India)
SIMSREE (Sydenham Institute): ~99 percentile
Welingkar & PUMBA: 96–98 percentile
K. J. Somaiya & NL Dalmia: 95–97 percentile
Top MBA Colleges in Maharashtra FAQ's
What is the expected cutoff percentile for JBIMS, SIMSREE and other top MBA colleges via MAH MBA CET?
In the MAH MBA CET 2025 exam, seven candidates scored 100 percentile among ~1,29,131 test-takers, showing how competitive the exam is.Historically:
How many colleges in Maharashtra accept MAH MBA CET, and how many seats are available?
Over 300+ MBA/MMS colleges in Maharashtra accept MAH MBA CET scores.The total number of seats offered via this exam and CAP rounds is typically in the range of 30,000+, making it one of the largest state MBA admission systems.
Can out-of-state / non-Maharashtra students apply through MAH MBA CET quota?
Yes, many participating MBA colleges in Maharashtra allow non-domicile / out-of-state candidates to apply, though the quota and seat allocation rules may differ. Some seats are reserved under All India or management quota.However, for top colleges (JBIMS, SIMSREE), competition from local candidates is very stiff.
How many students scored 100 percentile in MAH MBA CET 2025?
In 2025, seven candidates obtained a 100th percentile in MAH MBA CET, among 1,29,131 test takers.This shows the extremely steep competition, and those scoring 99+ percentile are considered strong contenders for premier colleges.
How is the MAH MBA CET final answer key handled and are grace marks given?
The Maharashtra State CET Cell released the final answer key after reviewing objections and awarded grace marks for 28 erroneous questions in the 2025 exam.These adjustments affected candidate scores, especially at the very high percentile levels close to cutoff.
