Common Admission Test Cut Off
Common Admission Test Cut Off
The Common Admission Test (CAT) cut-off represents the minimum percentile required for admission to MBA and PGP programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management and other top business schools across India.
CAT cut-offs vary every year based on factors such as exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability. Each IIM releases its own sectional and overall cut-off percentile for shortlisting candidates.
Table of Contents
CAT Cut-Off 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Cut-Off Type | Sectional and Overall Percentile |
| Top IIM Cut-Off | 95–100 Percentile |
| Mid-Level B-Schools | 80–95 Percentile |
| Other Colleges | 60–80 Percentile |
| Validity | Applicable for current admission cycle |
Expected CAT Cut-Off 2026
The expected CAT cut-off for top IIMs usually ranges between 95 and 100 percentile. However, actual admission depends on academic profile, work experience, and interview performance.
| Institute Category | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|
| Top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) | 98–100 |
| New IIMs | 90–97 |
| Top Private B-Schools | 85–95 |
| Other MBA Colleges | 60–85 |
IIM-wise CAT Cut-Off Trends
- IIM Ahmedabad: 99–100 percentile
- IIM Bangalore: 98–99 percentile
- IIM Calcutta: 98–99 percentile
- IIM Lucknow: 97–98 percentile
- IIM Kozhikode: 97–98 percentile
- New IIMs: 90–96 percentile
Factors Affecting CAT Cut-Off
- Total number of candidates appearing for the exam.
- Difficulty level of the CAT exam.
- Number of seats available in institutes.
- Previous year cut-off trends.
- Reservation policy and category-wise seats.
How to Check CAT Cut-Off
- Visit the official CAT result portal after results are declared.
- Login using User ID and Password.
- Download scorecard and percentile details.
- Check institute-wise cut-off for admission.
- Apply to colleges based on percentile.
FAQs on CAT Cut-Off
Q1: What is the minimum CAT cut-off percentile required for admission into top Indian Institutes of Management?
Top IIMs generally require 98 to 100 percentile in CAT. Sectional cut-offs must also be cleared. Actual admission depends on academic profile and interview. Work experience and diversity factors are also considered. Higher percentile increases chances of shortlisting.
Q2: Does clearing the CAT cut-off guarantee admission into IIMs or top MBA colleges in India?
Clearing the cut-off does not guarantee admission. It only qualifies candidates for the next selection stage. Shortlisted candidates must appear for GD, PI, or WAT. Final selection depends on overall profile and performance. Academic records and work experience also matter.
Q3: How is the CAT cut-off determined every year and what factors influence its variation?
Cut-offs depend on exam difficulty and number of applicants. Seat availability in institutes also affects cut-offs. Previous year trends are considered by institutes. Category-wise reservation impacts final cut-off. Each IIM sets its own admission criteria.
Q4: What percentile is considered safe for getting admission into good MBA colleges through CAT exam?
A percentile above 95 is considered safe for top institutes. For new IIMs and top B-schools, 85–95 percentile is good. Many colleges accept 70–85 percentile as well. Selection also depends on academic profile. Higher percentile improves admission chances.
Q5: Are sectional cut-offs important in CAT exam and what happens if a candidate clears overall but not sectional cut-off?
Yes, sectional cut-offs are very important for IIM admission. Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs. Failing sectional cut-off may lead to rejection. Some private colleges consider overall percentile only. Always check institute-specific criteria carefully.
Q6: How can candidates check college-wise CAT cut-off after result declaration for MBA admissions?
Candidates should download their CAT scorecard first. Compare percentile with previous cut-off trends. Visit institute admission pages for cut-off details. Apply to colleges matching your percentile. Monitor admission updates regularly.