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.
| 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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.