The CAT cut off for reserved categories is generally 2–5 percentiles lower than the General category cut off. However, clearing both the overall and sectional cut-offs is mandatory for all candidates, irrespective of their category. Every year, the cut-off scores for top IIMs and other leading B-schools vary, but one thing remains constant – meeting the minimum CAT cut-off is mandatory for getting shortlisted for the next rounds of admission. For example, if the General category cut off for a top IIM is around 98-100 percentile, then the cut off for OBC candidates might be around 95-97 percentile, while SC/ST candidates may get shortlisted with 80-90 percentile, depending on the IIM.
What is the CAT Cut Off?
The CAT cut off is the minimum percentile score that a candidate must secure in the exam to be shortlisted for the WAT-PI (Written Ability Test & Personal Interview) round of MBA colleges. The cut-off is not just an overall score; most top B-schools, especially IIMs, also have sectional cut-offs. This means you need to score the minimum required percentile in all three sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
ALSO READ: CAT 2025 Reservation Rules: SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS, PWD
CAT Cut Off for Top IIMs
For General category students, the CAT cut-offs for top IIMs (like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) usually range between 98 to 100th percentiles.
For reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, PwD), the cut off is slightly lower, typically between 95 to 98 percentile.
CAT 2025 Cut Off For Reserved Category: Why Does it Differ?
- Government-mandated reservation policy ensures better representation of candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories.
- Each IIM allocates a certain number of seats for reserved categories, which reduces the minimum percentile requirement.
CAT Cut Off for Other Top MBA Colleges
As you know, the MBA institutes accept CAT scores. The cut-offs for colleges like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and XIMB usually range from 90 to 99 percentile.
Types of CAT Cut Off
There are two types of CAT cut-offs when it comes to IIM admission:
- Qualifying Cut Off:
- Also called the IIM eligibility cut off, it is released before the CAT results.
- It is the minimum percentile required to apply for the PI shortlist.
- Example: An IIM might announce that candidates with 85th percentile or above will be considered.
- Final Cut Off:
- This is the actual cut-off at which candidates get shortlisted for WAT-PI rounds.
- It is never released publicly by IIMs. Candidates can see it only through their login accounts.
What Is the Use of CAT Cutoff?
- It helps you set a target percentile while preparing.
- Every B-school has a different cutoff. For example, to aim for IIM A, you need to target the 99+ percentile, while for FMS or SPJIMR, a 96-98 percentile may be sufficient.
- Knowing cut-offs helps you make smart choices while filling out college preferences.
CAT Cut Off 2025 for Reserved Categories: Key Insights for MBA Aspirants
When MBA aspirants get admission through Admission into MBA institutes (IIMs), the cut off for reserved category candidates plays a crucial role in ensuring fair opportunities. While the competition remains tough, IIMs and other top MBA colleges have slightly lower CAT cut-offs for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates compared to General category students.
