Cat Percentile Required for Top 5 iim Colleges

What is CAT Percentile?

CAT Percentile – A Gateway to IIM Admissions: It is much more than just a number and the ultimate benchmark that decides your entry into the prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools of India. Unlike a raw CAT score, which only reflects your marks, the percentile is a relative ranking system that compares your performance with lakhs of aspirants across the country. For example, a CAT percentile of 95 means you have outperformed 95% of all candidates who appeared for the exam, placing you in the top talent pool. This percentile is the real currency in the MBA admission process, as every IIM sets its own CAT cutoff percentile for shortlisting candidates.

A minimum CAT percentile for IIM varies; older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta typically demand a 98–100 percentile, while newer IIMs may shortlist candidates around the 90–92 percentile range. For reserved categories, the CAT percentile required for IIM for SC/ST/OBC students is comparatively lower, often ranging between 70–90 percentiles. In essence, your CAT percentile acts as a passport to IIM admissions, showing whether your CAT score needed for IIM meets the required cutoff. The chances are higher with a higher percentile to secure a place in top management institutes.

CAT Percentile & IIM Cutoffs

Every Indian Institute of Management (IIM) sets its own CAT cutoff for IIM admissions, and these cutoffs are the decisive filter between lakhs of aspirants and a handful of shortlisted candidates. The IIM CAT percentile cut off is not the same for everyone. It varies by institute, category, and even program. For the general category, the bar is set extremely high, with most of the older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta demanding a minimum CAT percentile for IIM of 98–99+. This means only the top 1–2% of test-takers get a chance at the first shortlist.

The reserved categories are a little relaxed, though there is no fall in competition. The CAT percentile for IIM for SC category usually ranges between 80–90 percentile, while OBC and EWS candidates may need around 90–95 percentile. Simply put, the CAT percentile required for IIM is your ticket to enter the shortlist race, but crossing the cutoff alone doesn’t guarantee admission; it only opens the door to the next stages of the process like the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).

Top 5 IIMs in India – Fees, Salary Packages & Career Growth

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the dream destination for MBA aspirants aiming for world-class education, premium placements, and rapid career growth. Among them, the Top 5 IIMs: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and Kozhikode, stand out with high CAT percentile cutoffs, competitive program fees, and exceptional salary packages. From the CAT cutoff for IIM admissions to the average salary at IIMs, these institutes not only promise a strong return on investment (ROI) but also open doors to global leadership opportunities.

IIM Ahmedabad – Fees, Salary & Career Growth

IIM Ahmedabad, India’s top-ranked B-school, charges around ₹25–26.5 Lakhs for its flagship PGP program. The average salary in 2025 stands at ₹34.5–35.4 LPA, with the highest package touching ₹1.15 Crore. Renowned for its case-study pedagogy, global exposure, and 100% placements, IIM Ahmedabad attracts elite recruiters like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and Google, making it one of the best MBA investments in India.

IIM Bangalore – Fees, Salary & Career Growth

IIM Bangalore, known for its strong alumni network and entrepreneurial ecosystem, charges around ₹24.5–26.2 Lakhs for its PGP program. The average salary in 2025 is ₹34.9–35.9 LPA, with the highest package exceeding ₹1 Crore. With top recruiters from consulting, finance, and tech, IIMB continues to be a preferred destination for global firms like Bain, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and Amazon.

IIM Calcutta – Fees, Salary & Career Growth

IIM Calcutta, the finance hub of India, offers its MBA program at a fee of about ₹27 Lakhs. The average salary in 2025 is ₹34.5 LPA, while the highest package touched ₹1.45 Crore. Known for its strength in finance and consulting, IIMC attracts leading recruiters such as JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, BCG, and Google, ensuring outstanding ROI and global career opportunities.

IIM Lucknow – Fees, Salary & Career Growth

IIM Lucknow, one of the most prestigious second-generation IIMs, charges around ₹20.75 Lakhs for its MBA program. The average salary stands at ₹30–32 LPA, with the highest package crossing ₹1 Crore. With consistent placements in consulting, finance, and FMCG, IIM Lucknow continues to offer high value and strong ROI for MBA aspirants.

IIM Kozhikode – Fees, Salary & Career Growth

IIM Kozhikode, celebrated for its scenic campus and rapid rise in rankings, has fees of about ₹20.5 Lakhs. The average salary in 2025 is ₹28–29 LPA, while the highest package exceeded ₹1 Crore. With stellar placements in consulting, analytics, and tech, IIMK has emerged as a top choice for aspirants seeking excellent ROI and global exposure.

Note:

• IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore & Calcutta continue to lead with strong average placements around ₹34–35 LPA.
• IIM Ahmedabad stands out with its highest package crossing ₹1 crore.
• While IIM Bangalore saw marginal salary growth, IIM Lucknow and Kozhikode experienced notable declines in average compensation in recent years, indicating shifting placement dynamics in the market.
• IIM Calcutta maintained steady placement performance, while IIM
• Ahmedabad's average package also remains robust.

CAT Score Vs CAT Percentile

Your raw CAT score for IIM is always converted into a CAT percentile, which reflects how you rank against lakhs of test-takers. The CAT score needed for IIM admission is never fixed; it shifts each year depending on exam difficulty and competition. On average, the minimum CAT score for IIM to cross the 95 percentile is around 72-80 raw marks, but the CAT score required for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta is much higher, often in the range of 110–120+ raw marks for a 99 percentile. Simply put, the CAT score to get into IIM depends on both the paper’s overall toughness and the IIM percentile cutoffs, making percentile the decisive factor for shortlisting.

CAT Percentile + Profile = Admission Chances

A high CAT percentile is crucial for IIM admissions, but not a guarantee. The CAT cutoff for IIM varies—top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta need 98–99+ percentile, newer IIMs accept 90–92, and for reserved categories the cutoff can be 80–90. Clearing the sectional cutoff in CAT for IIM, plus strong academics, work experience, and interview performance, is essential. Many non IIMs accepting CAT score such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and MDI also provide great opportunities. In the end, the cat cutoff percentile gets you shortlisted, but your profile and PI decide the final admission.

What Matters Beyond Percentile?

The CAT cutoff for IIM depends on the institute and category. Older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta set the IIM CAT percentile cut off at 98–99+, while mid-tier IIMs (Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, Shillong) accept 95–97 percentile, and newer IIMs may consider a minimum CAT percentile for IIM of 90–92. For reserved categories, the CAT percentile for IIM for SC category is usually 80–90, making the IIM minimum CAT score lower. Most IIMs require clearing the sectional cutoff in CAT for IIM, though a few IIMs without sectional cutoff exist. Alongside percentile, academics, work experience, and diversity matter. Beyond IIMs, several non IIMs accepting CAT score like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and MDI offer strong placements with slightly lower cutoffs.

Academic Profile and Its Role in IIM Admission

Your academic profile—marks in class 10th, 12th, and graduation—plays a vital role in IIM shortlisting, along with your CAT percentile. Institutes like IIM Bangalore and IIM Indore give particularly high weightage to academics, meaning even if you clear the CAT cutoff for IIM, your past scores can influence your selection. While the IIM CAT percentile cut-off for top campuses is usually 98–99+ percentiles, a strong academic record can help you stand out when many students have similar percentiles. For newer IIMs, the minimum CAT percentile for IIM may be around 90–92, and for reserved categories, the CAT percentile for IIM for SC category can be 80–90, making the IIM minimum CAT score lower than for general category students. Most IIMs require clearing the sectional cutoff in CAT for IIM, though there are some IIMs without sectional cutoff. Beyond the IIMs, many non-IIMs accepting CAT score such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR also look at academics closely while setting their CAT cutoff percentile and deciding the CAT score required for admission.

Work Experience and IIM Admissions

Having 1.5–3 years of quality work experience in reputed firms adds significant weight to your IIM application. Many top recruiters prefer candidates with prior exposure, and IIMs often give extra points for it during the selection process. However, freshers still have strong chances—especially if they meet the CAT cutoff for IIM and perform well in interviews. The IIM CAT percentile cut off for top institutes like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta is generally 98–99+ percentile, while mid-tier and newer IIMs may shortlist candidates with a minimum CAT percentile for IIM around 90–95. For reserved categories, the CAT percentile for IIM for SC category can be lower, often 80–90, reducing the IIM minimum CAT score needed. Most IIMs demand clearing the sectional cutoff in CAT for IIM, though some IIMs without sectional cutoff provide flexibility. Beyond IIMs, top non IIMs accepting CAT score like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon also consider both CAT percentile and work experience when deciding admissions. In short, while the CAT score to get into IIM is crucial, relevant experience can give you the edge when many applicants share similar CAT cutoff percentile performance.

Diversity Factors in IIM Admissions

IIMs place strong emphasis on diversity factors to create balanced classrooms. Gender diversity initiatives allow female candidates some relaxation in the CAT cutoff for IIM, making the process more inclusive. Similarly, academic diversity ensures that non-engineers often receive bonus points during shortlisting, since a large share of applicants are from engineering backgrounds. While the IIM CAT percentile cut-off for top institutes like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta is typically 98–99+, diversity factors can slightly lower the CAT percentile required for IIM for certain groups. For reserved categories, the CAT percentile for IIM for SC category may fall in the 80–90 range, reducing the IIM minimum CAT score compared to general candidates. Most IIMs also enforce the sectional cutoff in CAT for IIM, though a few IIMs without a sectional cutoff exist. Apart from IIMs, top non IIMs accepting CAT score—such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and MDI Gurgaon—also value diversity, which can improve your chances even if your CAT cutoff percentile is slightly below average. In short, while a strong IIM percentile and solid CAT score to get into IIM are crucial, diversity factors can provide that extra edge in the final selection.

Performance in WAT/GD-PI

Scoring a high CAT percentile is only the beginning of the IIM admission journey. In spite of top percentile, you may miss the chance if you perform below the mark in the writing test, group discussion and interview. While clearing the CAT cutoff for IIM and meeting the IIM CAT percentile cut off ensures you get shortlisted, final admission depends heavily on how you perform in these rounds. For top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, the CAT score needed for IIM is often 110–120+ marks to reach 99 percentile, while the min CAT score for IIM to cross 95 percentile is around 72 – 80  marks. However, the CAT score required for IIM is not enough on its own—candidates must also display confidence, clarity, and leadership in interviews. For reserved categories, the CAT percentile for IIM for SC category may be as low as 80–90, making the IIM minimum CAT score lower, but strong PI performance is still crucial. Most institutes demand clearing the sectional cutoff in CAT for IIM, though some IIMs without a sectional cutoff exist. Similarly, many non IIMs accepting CAT score like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and MDI Gurgaon, also weigh GD-PI heavily in their final selection. In short, while the CAT cutoff percentile gets you shortlisted, your performance in WAT/GD-PI is what finally converts your IIM percentile and CAT score to get into IIM into an actual admission offer.

When Does Percentile + Profile Guarantee Admission?

A high CAT percentile combined with a strong profile can make IIM admission almost certain. For the General Category, candidates who score 99.5+ percentile and also have a strong academic record (90%+ in 10th and 12th, 80%+ in graduation), coupled with quality work experience and a confident interview, are nearly guaranteed calls from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta with a high chance of conversion. For reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), even an 80–90 percentile with decent academics is often enough to secure calls from multiple IIMs, though final selection still relies on PI performance. In some cases, exceptional profiles—like IIT graduates, national-level achievers, toppers, or CA/CS rank holders—receive additional weightage, allowing them to convert seats even at slightly lower percentiles. In short, while the CAT cutoff percentile gets you shortlisted, it is the blend of percentile, profile, and performance that ultimately guarantees admission.

To sum up

• Percentile gets you shortlisted
• Profile + PI performance gets you admission

So, percentile + profile increases your chance massively, but admission is never 100% guaranteed unless you ace the interview stage.