Introduction: The Numbers That Define Your Destiny

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is over. You have given it your all, and now begins the agonizing wait for the results. For millions of MBA aspirants across India, the CAT percentile is not just a number; it is the key that unlocks the doors to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other premier B-schools. But what percentile do you actually need to get an interview call from your dream IIM? Is a 95 percentile enough for IIM Lucknow? Do you need a 99+ for IIM Ahmedabad? And what happens if you are just a few points short of the cutoff?

Understanding the IIM cutoffs is crucial for managing your expectations and planning your next steps. The cutoff percentiles are not static; they vary slightly from year to year based on the difficulty of the exam, the number of test-takers, and the IIMs' internal admission policies. As the CAT 2025 results are about to be declared in early January 2026, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the expected cutoffs for all the top IIMs for the 2026 admissions cycle. We will break down the cutoffs by category, explain how the IIMs use these percentiles, and provide strategic advice on what to do once you know your score.

Understanding IIM Cutoffs: More Than Just a Number

Before we dive into the specific cutoff percentiles, it is important to understand what these numbers actually mean and how the IIMs use them in their selection process.

What is a Cutoff Percentile?

The cutoff percentile is the minimum CAT percentile required to be eligible for the next stage of the IIM admission process, which is typically the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). It is important to note that meeting the cutoff does not guarantee admission; it only makes you eligible for further evaluation.

Overall Cutoff vs. Sectional Cutoff

The IIMs use a two-tier cutoff system:

•Sectional Cutoff: You must score above a certain percentile in each of the three sections of the CAT exam (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability). If you score below the sectional cutoff in even one section, you will not be shortlisted, even if your overall percentile is very high.

•Overall Cutoff: After clearing the sectional cutoffs, your overall CAT percentile must be above the institute's overall cutoff to be considered for an interview call.

Category-Wise Cutoffs

The IIMs have different cutoff percentiles for different categories to ensure diversity and inclusivity. The categories are:

•General (GEN/UR): Unreserved category, the highest cutoffs.

•EWS (Economically Weaker Section): For candidates from economically weaker sections of the General category.

•NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer - Other Backward Classes): For candidates from OBC communities who do not fall under the creamy layer.

•SC (Scheduled Caste): For candidates from Scheduled Caste communities.

•ST (Scheduled Tribe): For candidates from Scheduled Tribe communities.

•PwD (Persons with Disabilities): For candidates with disabilities (usually the lowest cutoffs).

Expected CAT 2025 Cutoffs for Top IIMs (2026 Admissions)

Based on the trends from previous years and the difficulty level of CAT 2025, here are the expected cutoff percentiles for the top IIMs. Please note that these are estimates, and the actual cutoffs will be announced by the respective IIMs in January 2026.

IIM Ahmedabad (IIM-A)

IIM Ahmedabad is the most prestigious B-school in India, and its cutoffs are among the highest.

Key Points:

•IIM-A has a relatively lower overall cutoff (80 percentile for General) compared to other top IIMs, but this is deceptive. IIM-A uses a very complex shortlisting process that gives significant weightage to your 10th, 12th, and undergraduate academic performance, as well as your work experience and diversity factors.

•A high CAT percentile alone is not enough. Your overall profile needs to be strong.

IIM Bangalore (IIM-B)

IIM Bangalore is known for its holistic admission process and slightly higher cutoffs.

Key Points:

•IIM-B has higher sectional cutoffs compared to IIM-A, making it harder for candidates who are weak in a particular section.

•IIM-B also considers your academic diversity and work experience in its shortlisting process.

IIM Calcutta (IIM-C)

IIM Calcutta has a reputation for being the most quantitatively rigorous IIM, and its cutoffs reflect that.

Key Points:

•IIM-C's sectional cutoffs, especially for the Quantitative Ability section, can be quite high.

•A strong performance in the QA section is crucial for getting a call from IIM-C.

IIM Lucknow (IIM-L)

IIM Lucknow is one of the most popular IIMs due to its excellent placements and relatively more accessible cutoffs.

Key Points:

•IIM-L has higher overall cutoffs compared to IIM-A, B, and C, making it more competitive in terms of the CAT score alone.

•However, IIM-L's shortlisting process is more straightforward and relies heavily on the CAT score.

IIM Kozhikode (IIM-K)

IIM Kozhikode has seen a steady rise in its reputation and cutoffs over the years.

Key Points:

•IIM-K's cutoffs are similar to IIM-L, making it a popular choice for aspirants in the 90-95 percentile range.

•The campus is known for its beautiful location and strong student culture.

IIM Indore (IIM-I)

IIM Indore is the oldest of the newer IIMs and has a strong brand.

Key Points:

•IIM-I's cutoffs are on par with IIM-L and IIM-K.

•It is known for its five-year integrated program (IPM) and its strong academic rigor.

Other Top IIMs (The Baby IIMs)

The newer IIMs, often referred to as the "Baby IIMs," have slightly lower cutoffs but are rapidly improving in quality and placements.

Key Points:

•These IIMs are excellent options for candidates in the 80-90 percentile range.

•They offer good placements, lower fees compared to the top IIMs, and the prestigious IIM brand.

Beyond the Cutoff: The Shortlisting Process

It is crucial to understand that meeting the cutoff is just the first hurdle. The IIMs use a complex shortlisting process that considers multiple factors beyond your CAT score.

Factors Considered in Shortlisting:

1.CAT Score: The most important factor, but not the only one.

2.Academic Performance:

•10th Standard Marks/Percentage

•12th Standard Marks/Percentage

•Undergraduate Degree Marks/Percentage/CGPA

3.Work Experience: The number of months of work experience and the quality of your work profile.

4.Academic Diversity: Preference for non-engineers to ensure a diverse classroom.

5.Gender Diversity: Some IIMs give additional weightage to female candidates.

6.Other Factors: Some IIMs consider extracurricular achievements, publications, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Each IIM has its own unique formula for calculating the shortlisting score. For example, IIM Ahmedabad gives very high weightage to your 10th and 12th marks, while IIM Lucknow relies more heavily on the CAT score.

What to Do After Getting Your CAT Score

Once the CAT results are out in early January 2026, here's a strategic roadmap based on your percentile:

If You Scored 99+ Percentile:

Congratulations! You are in the elite club and can expect calls from the top 3-5 IIMs (A, B, C, L, K).

•Immediate Action: Start preparing for the WAT, GD, and PI rounds. Focus on revising your undergraduate subjects, current affairs, and your resume.

•Strategy: Aim to convert at least one of the top 3 IIMs. Prepare specific answers for "Why this IIM?" for each institute.

If You Scored 95-98.99 Percentile:

You are in a very strong position and can expect calls from IIM L, K, I, and possibly IIM B or C (depending on your profile).

•Immediate Action: Start interview preparation immediately. You will likely have 5-8 interview calls.

•Strategy: Focus on converting the best possible IIM. Don't underestimate the newer IIMs; they offer excellent value.

If You Scored 90-94.99 Percentile:

You will get calls from the newer IIMs and some top non-IIM B-schools (XLRI, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, etc.).

•Immediate Action: Apply to all the top non-IIM B-schools. Start preparing for NMAT, SNAP, and XAT if you haven't already.

•Strategy: Cast a wide net. Apply to 10-15 B-schools to maximize your chances of getting into a top-tier institute.

If You Scored 85-89.99 Percentile:

You will get calls from some of the newer IIMs and a good number of top non-IIM B-schools.

•Immediate Action: Focus on the non-IIM options. Schools like XLRI, FMS, SPJIMR, SIBM, and SCMHRD are excellent and offer placements on par with the mid-tier IIMs.

•Strategy: Your NMAT, SNAP, and XAT scores will be crucial. Prepare well for these exams.

If You Scored Below 85 Percentile:

Don't lose hope. There are still many good B-schools that accept lower CAT scores or have their own entrance exams.

•Immediate Action: Focus on MAT, CMAT, and state-level entrance exams. Apply to Tier 2 and Tier 3 B-schools.

•Strategy: Consider taking a gap year to prepare better for CAT 2026, or pursue an MBA from a decent Tier 2 college and then aim for an Executive MBA from a top B-school after gaining work experience.

The Myth of the "Safe Score": There is No Guarantee

One of the most common questions aspirants ask is: "What is a safe score for IIM-A?" The truth is, there is no such thing as a completely safe score. Even a 99.99 percentile does not guarantee admission to IIM-A if your overall profile (academics, work experience) is weak. Conversely, a candidate with a 95 percentile but an exceptional profile might get a call from IIM-B.

The key takeaway is this: Focus on building a strong overall profile, not just chasing a high CAT score. Your 10th, 12th, and undergraduate marks matter. Your work experience matters. Your story matters.

Conclusion: The Journey Has Just Begun

Getting a high CAT percentile is a significant achievement, but it is just the first step in your MBA journey. The real test lies ahead—in the WAT, GD, and PI rounds. Use the time between now and your interviews wisely. Prepare thoroughly, stay confident, and remember that the IIMs are not just looking for smart candidates; they are looking for future leaders.

Your CAT score has opened the door. Now it is up to you to walk through it and seize the opportunity. Good luck!

Got your CAT score and not sure which B-schools to target? Confused about your chances of converting an IIM call? Get a free profile evaluation and personalized guidance from a Gyanplug expert. Our counselors, many of whom are IIM alumni, can help you build a winning strategy for the interview season. Book your free session today!

References

[1] IIM Ahmedabad. (2025). Admission Criteria. Retrieved from the official IIM-A website.

[2] IIM Bangalore. (2025). Shortlisting Process. Retrieved from the official IIM-B website.

[3] IIM Calcutta. (2025). Admission Process. Retrieved from the official IIM-C website.