CAT has no single cut-off. Each IIM sets two kinds of numbers: (1) a minimum overall and sectional percentile you must clear just to be considered, and (2) the actual percentile at which interview calls go out, which depends on your academics, work experience, gender and category too. IIMs publish the first in their admission policy; the second is not officially published and is only reported by coaching institutes and RTI data. All figures below are percentiles, General category unless stated, and are typical or reported, not guaranteed.
IIM Ahmedabad: minimum CAT percentile to be considered (PGP 2026-28, using CAT 2025) - reported from IIMA admission policy
| Category | Overall percentile | Each section percentile |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 95 | 85 |
| NC-OBC | 90 | 80 |
| SC | 85 | 75 |
| ST | 75 | 65 |
| PwD (Gen/EWS/NC-OBC/SC) | 85 | 75 |
Source: insideiim.com
IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta: minimum CAT percentile, General category (2026-28 policy) - as reported by coaching sites
| IIM | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Bangalore | 80 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
| IIM Calcutta | 80 | 80 | 75 | 85 |
Source: cracku.in
Typical overall percentile at which interview calls are reported (General category) - estimates, not official
| Institutes | Typical call range (percentile) |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta | 99+ |
| IIM Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode | 97 - 99 |
| Newer IIMs (CAP group) | 94 - 97 |
| Baby IIMs | 90 - 95 |
| FMS Delhi | 98.5 - 99+ |
| MDI Gurgaon (PGPM) | 95 - 97 |
| IIT Bombay SJMSOM | 94 - 96 |
| IIT Delhi DMS | 92 - 95 |
Source: imsindia.com
Notes
- Calls for women, non-engineers and reserved categories often go out at lower percentiles.
- Most IIMs also need a positive raw score or minimum percentile in every section, so a very weak section can rule you out even with a high overall percentile.
- Always read the latest admission policy on each IIM's own website.