CAT Colleges Cut-off

CAT, one of the most coveted examinations in India, is used as a gateway for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) offering Post Graduate programs in management and is a prerequisite for entry into some of the top business schools across India. The CAT Colleges Cut-off is an important criterion in the selection process for admission to the IIMs, where it is among the determinants for offering a student a ‘Call’ to complete the admissions process for various Post Graduate programs such as MBA, PGP, PGDM, PGBM, etc. In addition, the CAT Cut-offs also play a pivotal role in determining a student’s chances of selection into other premier B-schools such as FMS (Delhi), IIFT, and JBIMS to name a few. 

The CAT Exams are conducted annually by the IIMs and are taken by thousands of students aspiring to get into the top B-schools across India. The CAT Exam consists of three sections and the CAT Colleges Cut-off percentile for each section is determined by the respective institute. For instance, the CAT Colleges cut-off percentile for the three sections – Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal and Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning & Decision making in the case of the IIMs usually varies between 95-98. On the other hand, the cutoff for other B-schools such as FMS and IIFT could range from 80-90 percentile. 

To be considered for the final selection process at any of the CAT participating institutes, a student generally needs to score a percentile of at least 70-75 in each of the three sections. However, since the CAT Colleges Cut-off changes every year depending on the performance of the candidates in the CAT Exam, the cut-offs for each of the sections may also vary from year to year. It is important to note that while the CAT Exams are usually conducted every year, depending on the number of candidates, the CAT Colleges Cut-off may not be static. 

The CAT Colleges Cut-off is determined based on the performance of all the candidates appearing for CAT and is established to ensure that only the best-performing candidates are selected. Apart from the CAT Colleges Cut-off percentile score in the three sections of the CAT Exam, each institute also evaluates the past academic performance of the candidates. In addition, some institutes also consider factors such as diverse work-ex, gender diversity, rural background and noteworthy extracurricular activities of the candidate. This is done to identify those candidates who, apart from having an impressive academic profile, also have the ability and passion to excel in the field of management. 

Since the CAT Colleges Cut-off is considered to be one of the deciding factors for admission into top B-schools, it is important for students to be aware of the same while preparing for the CAT Exam. One needs to understand that the cut-offs may vary from institute to institute depending upon the number and type of candidates, the exam difficulty level, the number of questions attempted by the candidate, etc. Additionally, a candidate must also keep in mind that the CAT Exam cut-offs not only depend on the aggregate performance of the entire student batch that appears for the CAT exam but is also determined by the profile of the candidate such as gender, work-ex and academic profile as mentioned earlier. To make sure they are well prepared for the CAT Exam, students must assess their performance by taking mock tests regularly and should strive for a higher score to secure a seat in a CAT Participating Institute. 

The start of admission season for premier institutes like the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) comes with expectations of the Common Admission Test (CAT) cut-offs released by the institutes. An aspirant probably needs to start preparing and studying hard to meet these cut-off scores, but before doing that it is vital to understand what the CAT cut off and how the IIMs decide on the cut-off score. 

CAT Cut-off  

The CAT cut-off may vary with different institutions and with consideration of different criteria. Here is a short overview on the CAT cut-offs: 

• IIMs: The expected cutoff percentile for the General category is around 95 for IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta, 98 for IIM Ahmedabad, and 92 for IIMs participating in the CAT CAP counseling. These cutoff percentiles may vary slightly for other categories. 
• Non-IIMs: Some top non-IIM colleges like SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and XIME are expected to have CAT cutoff percentiles between 90-95. For top non-IIMs like IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and FMS Delhi, the cutoff range is around 90-99 percentile. 
• Other MBA Colleges: The cutoff percentiles for top MBA colleges such as SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, FMS Delhi, IMI New Delhi, and IMT Ghaziabad are mentioned in the provided Information. These cutoffs range from 90 percentile and above for admission in the year 2024. 

CAT Cut-off List 

For CAT 2023, the cutoff scores for different colleges and categories are as follows: 

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad: CAT score is the major criterion for admission to IIM-A. An SMS notification is sent to the CAT applicants once the scores are declared. Candidates can then log into their IIM CAT Accounts and view their respective CAT percentile scores. Within a few days after the CAT results are announced, IIM-A releases the cut-off percentile marks that candidates need to secure in order to be eligible for admission to their flagship post-graduate programme in management. The expected cutoff percentile for the General Category: 98-100 

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore: IIM Bangalore mainly follows the percentile-based CAT cut-off. The cut-off score is decided based on the performance of the candidates in verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR) and quantitative ability (QA). Furthermore, IIM Bangalore announces the minimum percentile based on the CAT examination, and candidates scoring more than the cut-off get selected for the next step of the selection process. The expected CAT cut-off for General Category: 95 

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta: The CAT (Common Admission Test) Score is used as the major determinant for admission at IIM-Calcutta.The CAT score of IIM-Calcutta has become progressively more and more important for the admissions process. The CAT cut-off score required for admission to IIM-Calcutta has seen continuous fluctuation over the years. The cut-off score for IIM-Calcutta varies from year to year depending on the quality of applicants. The expected CAT Cut-off for General Category in Percentile: ≥85  

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow: The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) is one of the leading business schools in the country, and its selection process is considered strict. Each academic year, various students from all over the nation are invited to appear for the IIM Lucknow CAT Cut-off. The cut-off is one of the essential parameters for selection to IIML, and students whose scores surpass the cutoff are eligible for the program at the institute. The expected CAT cut-off for General Category in Percentile: 90 

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore: IIM-Indore offers the Post Graduate Programme in Management and the Post Graduate Programme in Business Administration. Admission to both the programmes is based on the CAT score. The IIM-Indore Cut-off score has become one of the most important considerations for applicants who are aspiring to pursue a management course from this prestigious institute. IIM Indore has set a very high cut-off score in order to select the smartest students from the largest number of applicants. This cut-off score not only ensures the quality of the admissions but also ranks the institute amongst the best institutes in India. The expected CAT cut-off for General Category in Percentile: ≥90  

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Tiruchirappalli: The Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy) is one of the best management institutes in India and has seen growing popularity among aspirants. With every passing year, the cut-off for the Common Admission Test (CAT) keeps increasing, making it very difficult for aspiring students to make it to the institute. The cut-off criteria of IIM Trichy are, however, uniform for all categories from which candidates can appear for CAT. The institute also takes into account the performance of candidates in other competitive exams while determining the cut-offs. The expected CAT cut-off for General Category in Percentile: 92   

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong: The IIM Shillong CAT cut-off also depends on the past academic performance of the candidate. Candidates with a degree from any of the top institutes or colleges receive an added advantage. The percentage of marks obtained in the degree program correlates to the student’s percentile in the CAT. The maximum cut-off for a BTech (Bachelor of Technology) degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) was 99.8 percentile. In comparison, the same cut-off was 97 percentile for candidates with a bachelor’s degree from any other college. 

Moreover, the CAT cutoff of IIM Shillong also depends on the work experience of the candidate. The minimum work experience required to apply for the CAT exam was one year. The expected CAT cut-off for General Category in Percentile: 90 

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Udaipur: IIM Udaipur is one of the most reputed Indian Institutes of Management in India. Every year, it sees hundreds of aspirants from across the country competing for admission to its prestigious programs. To gain a seat in the coveted institution, aspirants have to clear the Common Admission Test (CAT).IIM Udaipur also reserves certain seats for candidates from the categories of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The minimum CAT cut-off percentile for these categories is less than the cut-off percentile for the General Category (Open Category). The expected CAT cut-off for General Category in Percentile: 92.  

SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai: SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) is one of the top B-schools in India, located at the heart of Mumbai. The institute is known for its internationally competitive programs and high standards of education and training. The institute is also known for its Center of Technical Excellence, which provides students with the latest technology and tools to facilitate progress of their respective fields. SPJIMR does not have a separate cut-off for the various categories such as SC/ST/OBC. However, they consider the reservation policy of the government of India and reserve a certain percentage of seats for each category. The Expected CAT Cut-off: 90-95 percentile  

Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon: For getting admission to MDI, Gurgaon, it is mandatory for the candidates to appear for Common Admission Test (CAT). CAT is held by the Institutes of Management in India each year for admission to post-graduate management programmes. Candidates need to have an excellent score in CAT to be eligible for admission to MDI, Gurgaon. The CAT Cut-off for MDI, Gurgaon has been increasing year by year. The Expected CAT Cut-off: 90-95 percentile  

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University: The selection procedure for admissions into FMS Delhi University is based on the Common Admission Test (CAT). Aspirants from all over the country appear for this test to pursue their dreams of making it into the premier institute. The CAT Cut-off for admissions into FMS Delhi University is quite steep. The expected overall CAT Cut-off for the 2021-22 batch is more stringent than the previous year. It is expected to be in the range of 90 to 95 percentile marks in Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Verbal & Reading Comprehension (VARC). The admission process is a three-tier process that includes shortlisting the candidates based on their CAT scores followed by Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview round (PI). Expected CAT Cut-off: 90-99 percentile.  

Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar (XIMB): Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar XIMB is a renowned institution for management studies as it offers excellent academic and research infrastructure. The institute has an excellent placement record, with a number of leading organizations offering attractive packages to its graduates. XIMB has been consistently ranked among the top B-schools in India and is accredited by the AACSB, AMBA and EFMD. The institute has also been consistently ranked among the top B-schools in India by NIRF and other rankings. The admission process in XIMB starts with the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is one of the most popular entrance examinations for management courses in India. The Expected CAT Cut-off: 90-95 percentile  

Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad: The Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad (IMT-G) is one of the premier business schools in India offering a wide range of courses in management. It has been ranked amongst the top business schools in India by various surveys, such as the Economic Times and Business Today. To gain admission into the institute, an applicant must score well in the Common Admission Test (CAT). IMT-G typically sets the CAT cut-off at a score of 90 percentiles and above. Expected CAT Cut-off: 90+ percentile  

Conclusion 

The CAT cut-off marks vary from institute to institute. While some institutes set very high CAT cut-off marks, others maintain a slightly lower cutoff score. 

It is important to note that the CAT Exam Cut-offs are an important selection criterion for admission into the IIMs as well as other top B-schools. Understanding the CAT Colleges Cut-off, the way it is determined and the performance that is expected of the candidates is essential for the students aspiring to pursue a Post Graduate Program in Management. 

Frequently Asked Questions about CAT Colleges Cut-off

Q. What is a CAT Cutoff? 

Ans. A CAT cut off is the minimum score that the candidate needs to score in order to be qualified for the admission process. The CAT cut off marks, are released by the IIMs for various courses in Management, such as: PGP, PGPEM, PGDM, and PGPPM. 

Q. How do the IIMs decide on the CAT Cutoff Score? 

Ans. The IIMs do not follow any hard and fast rules to decide the cut-off scores for CAT. Generally, the CAT cut-off is calculated on the basis of competition, the number of candidates appearing for the exam, the previous year's CAT cut-off, the difficulty level of the exam, the number of seats available, reservation policy, etc. 

Q. What is the purpose of conducting the CAT Exam? 

Ans. The CAT entrance exam is conducted for the purpose of admission to various management courses and each course has its own eligibility criteria. Each IIM has to decide the CAT cut off mark based on these criteria. 

Q. What is a CAT college cut-off? 

Ans. CAT college cut-off refers to the minimum score or percentile required in the Common Admission Test (CAT) to be eligible for admission to various MBA programs offered by colleges participating in the CAT exam. 

Q. How is the CAT college cut-off determined? 

Ans. The CAT college cut-off is determined by individual colleges based on various factors such as the number of applicants, available seats, the difficulty level of the CAT exam, and the college’s admission criteria. 

Q. Are CAT college cut-offs the same for all colleges? 

Ans. No, CAT college cut-offs vary from college to college. Each college sets its own cut-off based on its specific requirements and admission policies. 

Q. Can the CAT college cut-off change from year to year? 

Ans. Yes, the CAT college cut-off can change from year to year depending on factors such as the performance of candidates in the CAT exam, the overall competitiveness of the applicant pool, and any changes in the college’s admission policies. 

Q. What factors influence the CAT college cut-off? 

Ans. Several factors can influence the CAT college cut-off, including the number of available seats, the number of applicants, the diversity of applicants, the performance of candidates in the CAT exam, and the college’s historical admission trends. 

Q. Are there different cut-offs for different categories (such as SC/ST/OBC)? 

Ans. Yes, many colleges have separate cut-offs for different categories to ensure diversity and equal opportunities. These cut-offs may vary based on reservation policies and government regulations. 

Q. How can I check the CAT college cut-off for a specific college? 

Ans. You can check the CAT college cut-off for a specific college by visiting the college’s official website, checking the admission section, or contacting the college’s admission office for the most up-to-date information. 

Q. Is the CAT college cut-off the only criteria for admission? 

Ans. No, the CAT college cut-off is not the sole criterion for admission. Colleges also consider other factors such as academic background, work experience, group discussion, personal interviews, and sometimes even a written aptitude test or essay. 

Q. Can I get admission to a college if I don’t meet the cut-off? 

Ans. It is unlikely to get admission to a college if you do not meet the specified CAT college cut-off. However, some colleges may have a relaxation policy for exceptional candidates or offer admission through other management quotas or alternative admission processes. 

Q. How can I improve my chances of meeting the CAT college cut-off? 

Ans. To improve your chances of meeting the CAT college cut-off, you can focus on preparing well for the CAT exam by studying the relevant syllabus, practicing with mock tests, seeking guidance from mentors or coaching centers, and consistently working on your problem-solving and time management skills.