The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top MBA institutions. Understanding the CAT cutoff criteria is crucial for aspiring candidates aiming to secure admission to their dream B-schools. Each IIM sets its unique cutoff based on various parameters, including category, to determine eligibility for further selection stages.
This article provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the IIM CAT 2024 cutoff, covering expected percentile ranges, section-wise thresholds, and steps to access official cutoff details.
The CAT cutoff refers to a candidate’s minimum percentile score to qualify for admission to IIMs or other MBA institutions. It serves as the initial screening mechanism and varies depending on:
Institute reputation (older IIMs often have higher cutoffs).
Category (e.g., General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS, PWD).
Program popularity and competition.
Understanding these variations allows candidates to tailor their preparation and set realistic expectations.
Expected CAT 2024 Cutoff Insights for Top IIMs
For 2024, cutoff expectations indicate a range from 85 to 99+ percentile based on the institute’s ranking and demand. Established IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta generally require higher percentiles (97-99+), while newer IIMs have slightly more accessible thresholds (85-95+). These differences underscore the importance of researching individual IIM requirements.
Section-Wise Expected Cutoff Percentiles
Section-wise cutoffs play a critical role in the admission process. Below is a breakdown of expected section-wise scores for specific percentiles:
Percentile
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
QA (Quantitative Ability)
Overall Score
80
17
13
11
40
90
24
18
17
53
98
35
28
31
80
99
41
31
36
91
Candidates must balance their preparation across all three sections to meet overall and section-specific cutoffs.
Category-Wise Cutoff Expectations for IIMs
Each IIM determines its cutoff scores for categories: General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS, and PWD. These cutoffs aim to ensure inclusivity while maintaining high academic standards. Below is a summary of category-specific cutoffs for key IIMs:
IIMs
UR
EWS
OBC
SC
ST
PWD
IIM Ahmedabad
80+
80+
75+
70+
60+
70+
IIM Bangalore
85+
75+
75+
70+
65+
60+
IIM Indore
90+
90+
80+
60+
45+
45+
IIM Lucknow
90+
82+
82+
65+
60+
60+
IIM Kozhikode
85+
75+
75+
65+
55+
55+
These thresholds vary significantly across IIMs, highlighting the need to analyze specific institute preferences.
Steps to Check the CAT 2024 Cutoff Online
The official CAT 2024 cutoff will be released on the IIM CAT portal shortly after the results are announced. Follow these steps to access the cutoff scores:
Click on the link labelled ‘CAT Cut Off 2024.’
A new page will display category-specific and section-wise cutoff details.
Review the scores relevant to your application and plan your next steps.
Tips for Strategizing Based on Cutoff Insights
Set Target Scores: Aim for a percentile higher than the minimum cutoff to improve your chances during the next selection stages.
Balanced Preparation: Focus on achieving consistent performance across all sections to meet both section-wise and overall cutoffs.
Stay Updated: Regularly check updates on official websites to align your preparation strategy with evolving requirements.
FAQs on IIM CAT 2024 Cutoff
1. What is the significance of section-wise cutoffs?
Section-wise cutoffs ensure that candidates demonstrate balanced aptitude across all test areas. Scoring well in one section but failing in another may disqualify a candidate despite a high overall percentile.
2. Are cutoff scores the same for all categories?
No, cutoffs vary by category to promote diversity and inclusion. Reserved categories like SC, ST, and PWD typically have lower cutoffs than the General category.
3. How can I improve my chances of meeting the cutoff?
Focus on consistent preparation, take regular mock tests, and analyze your performance to identify weak areas. Time management and familiarity with the test format are also crucial.
4. Do all IIMs require CAT scores?
Yes, all IIMs use CAT scores for admissions, but their cutoff thresholds, selection processes, and fee structures differ.
5. Can I secure admission to an IIM with a low percentile?
Admission to older IIMs may be challenging with a low percentile. However, newer IIMs or non-IIM top MBA programs may still consider your application based on other parameters like work experience or academic background.
Akesh is an avid job enthusiast with a passion for uncovering the latest job vacancies. From the most recent admit card news to trending recruitment updates, Akesh thrives on exploring what’s new in the job market. Akesh delivers comprehensive insights and honest opinions to readers, helping them navigate their career paths with confidence and clarity.
