CUSAT vs Rajagiri Business School: Who Accepts Lower KMAT Scores for MBA?
CUSAT and Rajagiri Business School rank among the top MBA colleges in Kerala. While 250+ scores in KMAT ease admission, moderate scores often make college selection a bit challenging. This guide helps students decide which college aligns with their KMAT results and admission approach.
Both CUSAT and Rajagiri Business School remain among the top institutes for MBA aspirants in Kerala. Because of the long-standing reputation of both colleges, it attracts many KMAT applicants. If you have scored 250+ in KMAT, then it’s easy for you to get into any top college. But if your score is moderate, then it becomes comparatively challenging to choose a college.
Students often assume that a government university like CUSAT might be more lenient and a private institute like Rajagiri Business School (RBS) may be more flexible. But this is absolutely not the case. The KMAT counselling procedure is similar for all the colleges. In this article, we will help you decide which MBA college you can choose after KMAT results.
Also Check -CUSAT MBA 2026 Placements: Highest Package & Top Recruiters
How MBA Colleges Use KMAT Scores?
KMAT Keralais a common entrance examination for all private and government colleges in the state. Official 2026 selection weightage includes:
KMAT Entrance Score: 80%
Group Discussion (GD): 10%
Personal Interview (PI): 10%
But not all colleges use the same concept to interpret the score. Broadly, two approaches exist. Some colleges treat KMAT as a strict cut-off filter. Others use it as a qualifying benchmark, followed by other evaluation processes like GDPI. This is why candidates with the same scores may get calls from one college but not the other. Before looking at college cut-offs, you must meet the minimum qualifying score set by the Commissioner of Entrance Exams (CEE), Kerala. For 2025-26, the qualifying benchmarks are:
General / SEBC: 10% of total marks (72 out of 720)
SC / ST / PWD: 7.5% of total marks (54 out of 720)
MBA Admission Approach: CUSAT vs Rajagiri Business School
The process of evaluating the KMAT candidates is different for both CUSAT andRajagiri Business School. One common thing is that both colleges accept KMAT scores.CUSATis a government college with NAAC A+ status, so it relies more on rank and cut-offs. Rajagiri Business School, Kochi is an ACBSP-accredited institution, which has a broader way to deal with the admission process. The college uses profile-based assessments. This gives you another chance to balance out the poor performance in KMAT.
Aspect | Cochin University of Science and Technology | Rajagiri Business School |
Role of KMAT Score | KMAT score and rank carry heavy weight in shortlisting | KMAT is an eligibility requirement and is used as an initial screening tool |
Flexibility in Cut-offs | Very limited flexibility once cut-offs are set | Flexible for moderate scorers |
Category Influence | Category merit lists will be applied, relief will be limited, and close to the cut-off | Category advantage exists along with a holistic evaluation |
Importance of GD–PI | Interview performance has less impact after the cut-off | GD and PI play a major role in the final selection |
Profile Consideration | Academic profile and interviews rarely compensate for low scores | Clarity of aim, Communication skills, and consistency matter. |
Selection Weightage | 70% (Entrance Score) + 15% (GD) + 15% (Interview) | 35-40% (Entrance) + 20% (Business Awareness) + 40% (GD/PI) |
Historical Cutoffs | 350–480+ | 108+ is a common baseline |
KMAT Weightage | 70% | 35% |
Chances at Lower KMAT Scores | Difficult for lower or mid-score candidates | Moderate scorers often remain competitive |
Now it must be clear that RBS is generally more open to candidates with moderate KMAT scores. On the other hand, CUSAT is more rigid as it has a rank-driven admission structure.
Also Check -CUSAT Kochi KMAT Cutoff 2026: Your Guide to Securing an MBA Seat
Why Rajagiri Business School Appears More Lenient at Lower Scores?
It’s not like RBS is easier to enter with a low score in KMAT. The institution follows a different admission approach.
CUSAT will prioritise the students who have scored a higher rank and high scores.
Rajagiri Business School checks the overall profile of the student.
RBS believes that apart from the KMAT score, other important aspects also matter. Qualities like communication and decision-making ability are important to survive in the marketing world. While RBS is more flexible, it can be on the expensive end.
CUSAT, being a government university, relies more heavily on score-based filtering. This difference in the admission process explains why many students with average scores convert to RBS but struggle with CUSAT.
Student’s Testimonial:"I was worried when I scored around 210 in KMAT, thinking my MBA dreams were over. But RBS' profile-based selection looked at my internship experience and my performance in the 'Business Awareness' round. They value how you think and communicate just as much as your entrance rank. If you have a moderate score, don't lose heart—prepare for the GD-PI like your life depends on it." — Anjali M., MBA Batch of 2024, Placed in a Big Four Consulting Firm
College to Target Based on Your KMAT Score
After the release of the KMAT score card, you need to plan your college counselling procedures.
High KMAT Score:With a high KMAT score, both CUSAT and RBS are realistic options.
Moderate Score:RBS becomes a safer and more practical option. CUSAT may turn borderline.
Lower Score (below 140):CUSAT is generally not advisable. RBS may still be possible, but you need excellent GDPI preparation.
You should set realistic expectations based on your overall KMAT exam performance.
Student’s Testimonial:"I chose CUSAT because the academic rigor is unparalleled for the price you pay. The syllabus is deep, and the evaluation is strict, which forces you to truly master the subjects. Being a government university, the brand value is immense, especially if you plan to work in the public sector or pursue research. It’s the best return on investment you can find in Kerala." — Rahul K., MBA Batch of 2023, School of Management Studies (SMS)
Also Check -KMAT Kerala 2026: How 50-75 Marks Impact Your Admission Based on Category
Insider Tips: Cracking the GD-PI at CUSAT & Rajagiri Business School
To succeed in the final selection, you must tailor your preparation to what each panel is looking for. Based on recent interview trends, here are three specific topics and focus areas for each:
CUSAT (School of Management Studies)
CUSAT panels are known for their academic and logical rigor. They often test your grasp of fundamental concepts and your awareness of how national policies impact the economy.
Topic 1: The "Why MBA" Logic
Be ready for follow-up questions like "Why should a [your degree] graduate switch to management?" They value consistency between your past education and future goals.
Topic 2: Current Economic Policies
Expect discussions on topics like “The impact of India’s Digital Currency (e-Rupee) on rural banking” or “Sustainability vs. Rapid Industrial Growth.”
Topic 3: Academic Depth
If you are a BCom or BBA graduate, expect technical questions from your core subjects (e.g., "What is the difference between an asset and a liability in a circular economy?").
Topic 4: Strategic Preparation Tip
Revise your final year graduation projects and have a clear, data-backed stance on 1-2 major national economic issues.
Rajagiri Business School
RBS places a high premium on Business Awareness and Social Sensitivity. They want to see if you can think like a manager under pressure while remaining empathetic.
Topic 1: Business Awareness Test (BAT)
Unlike CUSAT, RBS often has a dedicated component to test your knowledge of brands, CEOs, and global market shifts. Example: "Who is the current CEO of Starbucks, and what challenge are they facing?"
Topic 2: Abstract & Ethics-Based GDs
RBS frequently uses abstract topics to test creativity, such as “Is the color red more powerful than blue in marketing?” or ethical dilemmas like “Profit with purpose: Is CSR just a marketing gimmick?”
Topic 3: Stress Interview / Behavioral
They may "grill" you slightly on your hobbies or self-awareness. Expect questions like: "Tell us about a time you failed and how exactly you handled the emotional fallout."
Topic 4: Strategic Preparation Tip
Read the Economic Times daily for two weeks before the interview. Focus on "Corporate India" news.
The ROI Face-off: Fees vs. Placements
For mostMBAaspirants, the final decision comes down to the Return on Investment (ROI). While CUSAT (SMS) is a subsidised government university, RBS is a private institution with a strong emphasis on corporate networking.
Particulars | CUSAT (SMS) | Rajagiri Business School |
Total Program Fee | INR 1.16 Lakhs – INR 2.17 Lakhs | INR 7 Lakhs – INR 8.6 Lakhs |
Average Package | INR 6.5 – INR 8.5 LPA | INR 6.5 – INR 8 LPA |
Highest Package | INR 20 – INR 24 LPA | INR 16 LPA |
Placement Rate | Approx. 95% | Approx. 93% |
Top Recruiters | EY, TCS, DHL, SAP, Kellogg’s | KPMG, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, HUL, Amazon |
*Note:The above data was last checked on 20th February 2026.
Common Mistakes Made by KMAT Candidates
Many students with average scores make the following mistakes duringKMAT Kerala 2026 counselling.
They apply only to government colleges like CUSAT because of its reputation.
They ignore RBS and their cut-offs.
Dropping out of counselling midway after early rejection.
For choosing colleges like CUSAT and Rajagiri Business School, you have to make a planned decision. The university will assess your entire character while evaluating your application. Your interview performance and communication skills will impact your total assessment, which includes your KMAT score. Choose CUSAT if you are rank-driven and seeking low fees, and choose RBS if you have a strong personality/profile but a slightly lower entrance score. Confused about selecting after receiving yourKMAT Kerala 2026 result? Contact theCollegeDekhomentors to get complete details and guidance throughout the counselling procedure.
If you have further queries regarding admission totop private management colleges in India, you can write to hello@collegedekho.com or call our toll free number 18005729877, or simply fill out ourCommon Application Formon the website.