Does UBS Chandigarh Accept CMAT Score for MBA Admission?

No, University Business School (UBS) Chandigarh predominantly takes CAT (Common Admission Test) results for its flagship MBA programs, rather than CMAT scores, for applicant selection, followed by Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews. While some sources indicate additional tests such as CMAT, the official consensus and current data point to CAT as the required entry exam for core MBA admissions at UBS Panjab University. 

If you want to pursue an MBA in Northern India's spacious landscape, your first stop should be the University Business School (UBS) in Chandigarh. This management institute, part of Punjab University, has emerged as one of the most attractive options for students seeking a superior return on investment (ROI), given its very low fee structure compared to for-profit B-schools.

Does UBS Chandigarh Accept CMAT Scores 2026?

The UBS Chandigarh does not accept the CMAT score for application to the MBA programs, and instead, UBS focuses on the CAT exam. Therefore, for both the 2025 and 2026 academic sessions, all of the UBS MBA programs (General, HR, International Business, and Entrepreneurship) will continue to use CAT (Common Admission Test) as the primary source of getting entry into these programs.

Entrance Exams Accepted by UBS Chandigarh in 2026

The list of entrance exams accepted by UBS Chandigarh has been listed below.

Key Point: Many of the online resources and websites show CMAT Score is accepted by UBS Chandigarh, but they create confusion among those of other colleges affiliated with Panjab University. Some colleges also accept this exam (like UIAMS). Candidates are advised to always refer to the UBS Admissions Portal to confirm what exams they will accept for admission.

Also Read: Best MBA Colleges Accepting MAT, CMAT, NMAT, and SNAP Scores

Why Does UBS Chandigarh Focus on CAT 2026?

UBS Chandigarh is one of the few non-IIM institutions in India that adheres strictly to CAT scores. This is primarily because:

1. Academic Rigor: CAT is considered the most challenging management entrance exam in India. By accepting only CAT scores, UBS ensures a peer group of high intellectual caliber.
2. Niche Status: As a premier university department, UBS receives thousands of applications every year for its limited seats (approx. 165–170). The CAT filter helps manage this high volume effectively.
3. Institutional Legacy: UBS has a long-standing tradition of following the IIM testing standard for its admission process.

Also Read:

• Government MBA Colleges in Haryana 2026
• List of Colleges Accepting CMAT Score 2026

UBS Chandigarh MBA Admission Criteria 2026

Since CMAT isn't an option, it’s vital to understand the actual admission metrics. For the 2026 batch, the selection is a three-stage process involving the entrance test, group discussion, and personal interview.

UBS Chandigarh Selection Weightage

UBS uses a composite score to prepare the final merit list. Unlike many IIMs, they do not give heavy weightage to past academic records (10th/12th/Graduation) during the final selection; they focus almost entirely on your performance in the current admission cycle.

UBS Chandigarh Cutoffs 2026

Since you can't use CMAT, you'll need a solid CAT percentile. The cutoffs at UBS Chandigarh are quite competitive, especially for the General category.

Expected CAT Cutoffs for 2025/2026

Note: These are based on historical data. The actual cutoff can vary depending on the pool of applicants each year.

UIAMS vs. UBS: Which is Better for CMAT Aspirants?

If you have already taken the CMAT and are determined to study at Panjab University, there is a silver lining. While UBS doesn't accept CMAT, another institute within the same university does.

UIAMS (University Institute of Applied Management Sciences)

The UIAMS (University Institute of Applied Management Sciences) is from the Panjab University campus and offers a variety of specialized MBA programmes, including retail, banking, IT/telecom, etc.

• Exams Accepted -  UIAMS Accepts PU-MET (Panjab University Management Entrance Test).
• Consideration for CMAT - Not Primarily accepts CMAT or CAT, but for the limited no. of seats, it offers to accept CAT and CMAT Scores.

However, the primary method of admission remains through the PU-MET.

How to Apply to UBS Chandigarh 2026?

If you wish to apply to UBS Chandigarh for the MBA program beginning in 2026, and you have taken the CAT exam, please follow the process outlined below:

1. Online Registration- Go to the UBS Admissions Website
2. Application Date Range- Usually, applications are open for online registration towards the end of November until the end of January each year.
3. Complete Application- When filling out your application, use your CAT 2025 registration number and scores.
4. Application Fee- The application fee for the general category is approximately ₹3,250 and for SC/ST/PwD candidates ₹1,625.
5. Hard Copy Submission- In addition to your electronic submission, you may be required to mail a hard copy of your application form and supporting documents to the UBS Office via post. This is unique to Panjab University.

Also Read:

• MBA at IMT Ghaziabad
• List of MBA Colleges Accepting 90+ Percentile in CMAT 2026

Is UBS Chandigarh Worth the Effort?

If you are not hopeful that your CMAT score won't work here, you might think if it’s worth taking the CAT specifically for UBS. The answer is a YES.

The ROI Factor

The UBS Chandigarh tuition fee for the MBA program is approximately INR 40,000 to INR 100,000 for two years (depending on the specialization). Contrast this with an average placement package of INR 12 LPA to INR 14 LPA, and you have one of the highest ROI ratios in the country.

Top Recruiters

The campus attracts marquee names across sectors:

• Consulting & Finance: Deloitte, KPMG, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank.
• FMCG & Manufacturing: Trident Group, Asian Paints, Tolaram Group.
• Tech: Infosys, Wipro, IBM.

Conclusion

If you possess a CMAT score, many other prestigious institutions will accept it, including GIM Goa, K J Somaiya and Great Lakes Chennai. However, if you would like to be admitted to UBS Chandigarh, you need to prepare for the CAT and achieve at least a 90 percentile score.

Each year, the UBS Chandigarh MBA program continues to be an exceptional opportunity for individuals willing to engage in hard work and demonstrate a strong academic foundation. While the fact that they do not accept CMAT scores is challenging for some, the opportunities provided by receiving an MBA from UBS Chandigarh far outweigh the challenges in preparing for the CAT and gaining entrance into this institution.