Not cleared your CAT exam and it is tough to get into an IIM college? Well, with the new strategy launched by IIM Lucknow, no CAT exam is required. Want to know how? Keep reading further.
Is CAT not required for admission to IIM anymore? → This question has sparked curiosity among the CAT aspirants and they wonder if IIM Lucknow is offering admission without a CAT score. The answer to this question is both positive and negative. It is true that IIM Lucknow is offering admission to a course without CAT, but on the other hand, the CAT exam still remains a necessity for admission. To know a clear answer to this much trending question, scroll through this article further, and understand the complete structure of this new non-CAT strategy!
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IIM Lucknow launches the new Blended Master's of Business Administration Program (bMBA)
IIM Lucknow has recently launched a new blended MBA program for working professionals. The most impressive feature of this program is that, the program is a blended mix of offline and online classes, helping the working professionals balance their career as well as studies. The program is ideal for those who have not taken or do not wish to appear for this rigorous examination, but want to get top-notch management education.
Now, candidates must note that this exception of non-CAT exam is only for the BMBA program. The CAT exam is still mandatory for admission to regular MBA at IIM Lucknow, and thus, it has not been scrapped.
Working and preparing for CAT too? → here is your guide by experts to balance career and CAT preparation for CAT 2025
Who can apply to IIM Lucknow's BMBA program without CAT exam - BMBA eligibility criteria
While the CAT exam is not required to be taken for the BMBA program, the candidates must fulfill the other eligibility criteria listed below.
- Minimum 3 years full-time work experience post-graduation (as of August 31, 2025)
- At least 24 years old, with 15 years formal education and a minimum 50% in graduation (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree (or recognized professional qualification like CA/CS/CMA) and a valid test score from CAT/GMAT/GRE in the past 5 years .
BMBA application form important dates → CAT not required in IIM Lucknow
The application process for this blended MBA program went live on July 11 and will end on August 18. Check the important dates for the program below.
Event | Date |
Application Window Opens | July 11, 2025 |
Application Deadline | August 18, 2025 |
Online Interview Window | September 1–3, 2025 |
Announcement of Selection Results | Mid-September 2025 (Tentative) |
Last Date to Confirm Admission & Pay Fee | Around Sept 20, 2025 (Tentative) |
Program Commencement | September 25, 2025 |
Is CAT exam still mandatory for IIM Lucknow?
Yes! The CAT exam is still a mandate for admission to regular MBA program at IIM Lucknow and candidates without a valid score will not be eligible for IIM admissions. The exception of not taking this exam is only for the blended MBA and not otherwise. The CAT 2025 notification is expected to be out anytime soon, and the CAT registration shall begin in the first week of August 2025. However, the CAT 2025 exam date has already been announced and the exam will be held on 30th November 2025 as an online computer-based-test (CBT).
Prepare for CAT exam using just online resources → popular platforms
bMBA course structure and program overview
The BMBA program is divided into 6 semesters spanning over 2 years. Check out the detailed structure tabulated below.
Component | Details |
Program Name | Blended Master of Business Administration (bMBA) |
Institution | Indian Institute of Management Lucknow |
Duration | 2 Years |
Mode of Delivery | Blended (Online + On-Campus Immersions) |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree + 3 years of work experience |
Total Credits | 75 credits |
Core Courses | 18 (across management fundamentals) |
Elective Courses | Offered across multiple domains (Marketing, Strategy, Finance, HR, etc.) |
Capstone Project | Yes, mandatory in the final term |
On-Campus Modules | 3 Immersions (5–7 days each at IIM Lucknow campus) |
Live Online Sessions | Weekends (typically 6–8 hours per week) |
Assessments | Continuous evaluation + End-term exams |
Degree Awarded | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Designed For | Working professionals seeking managerial advancement |
CAT exam dates 2025
Candidates can check the tentative CAT 2025 exam dates in the table below.
CAT Exam Events | Dates (Tentative) |
CAT 2025 official notification release | August 1, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Registration Date | August 1, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Registration Last Date | September 13, 2025 |
CAT Application Form Correction Window | September 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Date | November 10, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Exam Date | November 30, 2025(OUT) |
CAT Answer Key Release Date | 1st Week of December 2025 |
CAT Answer Key Objection Raising Window | 1st Week of December 2025 |
CAT Result Declaration | 1st Week of January 2026 |
IIM Counselling Process | February 2026 |
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 - An Overview
According to the CAT 2025 Exam Eligibility, candidates with a bachelor's degree or its equivalent securing at least 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university can apply for and appear in CAT 2025. Candidates belonging to the reserved categories (SC/ST/PwD) must secured at least 45% marks in aggregate.
For detailed CAT eligibility criteria → click here
Those willing to apply for the exam and take it must check the eligibility of CAT Exam before applying or preparing for the exam. Only if they fulfil the criteria, they can apply for the exam. Below mentioned are the requirements candidates must fulfil in order to be eligible-
- Bachelor's degree in any field or its equivalent from a recognized university.
- Secure at least 50% marks (45% marks for SC/ST/PwD category candidates) in aggregate.
- In final year of bachelor's degree. In this case, candidates will be required to submit the certificate of completion of degree signed by the principal or registrar of their university.
Also see → Best books for CAT preparation
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CAT exam still remains the valid and only criteria for admission to IIM Lucknow and the new blended MBA program has been designed for mid-career professionals looking for career and personal growth. For all new graduates without any work experience, the CAT exam is the only gateway to IIM admission. CAT stands as the most prestigious MBA examinations for MBA and the CAT scores are not only accepted at the 21 IIMs, but also more than 1000+ top B-schools accept the CAT scores. Check the list of CAT score accepting colleges here.
Even for the newly launched bMBA course by IIM Lucknow, a valid CAT score is required. However, the only exception here is that, the candidates need not take the current session exam. If the aspirants of bMBA have taken the CAT exam or any other exam as mentioned above, in the last 5 years that score is valid!
