The competition for CAT 2024 is as fierce as ever, with the cutoff scores for IIMs and top MBA colleges expected to play a decisive role in admissions. In CAT 2023, nearly 2.8 lakh students appeared for the exam, marking a steady increase in aspirants compared to previous years. This signals even more intense competition for 2024.
This article explores the expected CAT cut off scores for 2024, including category-specific cutoffs and percentiles for top IIMs and MBA colleges.
About CAT Cut Off 2024
To qualify for MBA admissions, meeting the minimum CAT cut off is essential. You must achieve both an overall and sectional CAT cut off to advance to the WAT-PI (Written Ability Test-Personal Interview) round in MBA colleges.
For general category candidates, the cut-offs for top IIMs typically range from the 98th to 100th percentile, while reserved category cut-offs are slightly lower, between 95th and 98th percentiles.
Other renowned MBA colleges like FMS, MDI, and SPJIMR generally set their cut-offs between the 90th and 99th percentiles.
CAT Cut Off 2024: Scores and Percentile (Expected)
Below are the projected CAT cut offs based on previous exam difficulty levels. The expected percentiles account for the range of difficulty levels observed in recent CAT exams.
CAT Percentile
VARC Score
DILR Score
QA Score
Overall Score
99.9
48
36
48
106
99.5
44
32
32
89
99
40
28
28
80
98
36
25
24
71
95
30
19
19
57
90
25
16
15
49
85
21
13
12
40
80
19
11
10
36
75
17
10
9
31
70
15
9
8
29
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According to recent trends, the general category cutoffs for top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta usually range around the 99th percentile.
Here’s a table with a breakdown of the expected CAT cutoff for IIM admission.
College Name
Qualifying CAT Cutoff for IIM 2024
Final CAT Cutoff for IIM 2024 (Percentile)
IIM Ahmedabad
80
99-100
IIM Calcutta
85
98-99
IIM Bangalore
85
99-100
IIM Shillong
75
90
IIM Lucknow
90
97-99
IIM Rohtak
95
96-97
IIM Kozhikode
85
97-98
IIM Nagpur
85
94-95
IIM Indore
90
97-98
IIM Trichy
93
94-95
IIM Udaipur
92
92-94
IIM Visakhapatnam
80
94-95
IIM Kashipur
92
94-95
IIM Bodhgaya
92
94-95
IIM Sirmaur
92
94-95
IIM Jammu
90
94-95
IIM Ranchi
92
94-95
IIM Sambalpur
92
95-96
IIM Amritsar
85
95-96
IIM Raipur
92
94-95
Category-wise Qualifying CAT Cut Off 2024 for IIMs (Expected)
The table below provides a category-wise breakdown of the expected CAT cutoff for IIMs.
Among the key components of the CAT, sectional cutoffs are a critical factor in the selection process. These are the minimum scores required in each section—Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA)—for candidates to qualify for the next stage of admission.
Here’s an expected breakdown of the sectional cutoffs for top IIMs.
What is the CAT Cut Off for IIM and the CAT Percentile for IIM?
The CAT cut off for the IIMs varies by institute and category but typically ranges from 98 to 100 percentile for general category candidates. For reserved category students, the cut-offs are lower, usually falling between 95 to 98 percentile.
Which IIM has the Lowest CAT Cut Off?
IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Shillong have relatively lower cut-offs than other IIMs.
What is the Minimum Cut Off for CAT?
The minimum CAT cut off required for admission to top IIMs typically varies depending on the category (General, OBC, SC/ST, etc.) and the specific IIM. For top IIMs, the cut-off for general category is typically between 99 and 100 percentile.
Previous Years CAT Cut Off for IIMs
The CAT cutoff for IIMs can vary slightly each year based on factors such as exam difficulty, the number of applicants, and the specific category. Below is a general overview of the CAT cut-offs for the top IIMs in previous years.
Category-wise CAT Cut Off 2023 for IIMs
The table below shows the category-wise breakdown of the CAT cutoff for IIMs admission in 2023.
College Name
General
OBC
EWS
SC
ST
IIM Ahmedabad
80
75
80
70
60
IIM Bangalore
85
75
75
70
65
IIM Kozhikode
85
75
75
65
55
IIM Calcutta
85
75
75
70
65
IIM Lucknow
90
82
82
65
60
IIM Mumbai
85
75
75
70
65
IIM Indore
90
80
90
60
50
IIM Raipur
92
74
70
54
40
IIM Rohtak
95
78
90
55
30
IIM Udaipur
92
74
70
54
40
IIM Kashipur
92
74
70
54
40
IIM Trichy
92
74
70
54
40
IIM Ranchi
92
74
70
54
40
IIM Shillong
75
75
75
60
50
IIM Visakhapatnam
80
70
72
45
35
IIM Jammu
Male- 90
Female- 87
Male- 72
Female- 70
Male- 68
Female- 65
Male- 52
Female- 50
Male- 37
Female- 34
IIM Nagpur
92
74
70
54
40
IIM Amritsar
85
75
85
55
40
IIM Bodh Gaya
92
74
70
54
40
IIM Sambalpur
74
74
70
54
40
IIM Sirmaur
92
74
70
54
40
CAT Cut Off 2020
The table below highlights the CAT percentile for IIMs in 2020.
A combination of factors influences the CAT (Common Admission Test) cut-off for 2024, each impacting how high or low the percentile requirements might be for MBA admissions across top management institutes, including the IIMs.
Here's a detailed look at the main factors shaping the expected CAT 2024 cut-off.
1. Difficulty Level of CAT 2024 Exam
The overall difficulty of the CAT exam is a primary factor in determining CAT cut offs each year. If the exam is perceived as more challenging than in previous years, cut-offs might be adjusted lower to accommodate the general performance.
2. Number of Candidates Appearing
The number of test-takers significantly impacts the competitiveness of the cut-off.
3. Total Number of Seats Available
The availability of seats in each institution, especially the IIMs, plays a major role.
4. Past Performance Trends of CAT Cut Off
If the average score distribution in previous years shows a trend toward higher performance, cut-offs may be adjusted upward.
5. All India Ranking of the Institute
Institutes ranked among the top 10 in the NIRF or other reputed lists often see a higher demand among CAT applicants.
Qualifying CAT Cut Off vs Final CAT Cut Off
When it comes to CAT cut offs, it’s important to understand the distinction between the Qualifying CAT Cut Off and the Final CAT Cut Off.
Here’s a table that details the differences between these two cut-offs and what they mean for MBA aspirants.
Criteria
Qualifying CAT Cut Off
Final CAT Cut Off
Purpose
Minimum eligibility score required to be considered for the selection process
A higher percentile needed to move forward to WAT/GD-PI rounds
Timing
Announced before the CAT results are declared
Determined post-CAT results
Announcement
Publicly disclosed in IIMs’ admission notifications
Not officially disclosed; only accessible to shortlisted candidates
Selection Guarantee
Meeting this cut-off does not guarantee progression to the interview rounds
Achieving this cut-off does not assure admission, as final selection considers other criteria
Percentile Range
Typically above 90 percentile for most IIMs; some, like IIM Ahmedabad, may set it around 85 percentile for general category
Often 99.5+ percentile for top IIMs; around 95+ percentile for newer IIMs
CAT Sectional Cutoff
Includes both sectional and overall cut-off requirements
Also includes sectional and overall criteria
Category-Based
Yes, cut-offs are category-specific with lower thresholds for reserved categories
Yes, varies by category; general cut-offs are higher, especially for engineering background candidates
Other Names
Known as the IIM eligibility cut-off or IIM call cut-off
Referred to as IIM shortlist cut-off or final call percentile
Want a quick breakdown of the CAT Exam Fees for 2024-25? Read this blog.
CAT Cut Off 2024 for Top MBA Colleges (Non-IIM)
While IIMs are often the first choice for MBA aspirants, more than 1,000 top-tier non-IIM colleges also accept CAT scores and have their own competitive cut-offs.
Here’s a table with an overview of the expected CAT cut offs for popular non-IIM MBA colleges.
Both CAT cut off score and percentile are crucial for understanding how candidates are evaluated, but they represent different aspects of the examination.
Refer to the table below for the estimated range of CAT scores corresponding to different CAT percentiles.
CAT Percentile
CAT VARC
CAT DILR
CAT QA
Overall Score
99.5
44
36
39
101
99
41
31
36
91
98
35
28
31
80
95
29
22
24
66
90
24
18
17
53
85
20
15
14
45
80
17
13
11
40
CAT Cutoff for IIM: Admission and Selection Criteria
The admission process at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is highly competitive, with a focus on various factors beyond the CAT scores. The final admission offer is based on a composite score, which combines the candidate's performance across multiple stages of the selection process.
The table below highlights the selection criteria for admission to top IIMs.
Factor
Details
CAT Score
The CAT exam's overall and sectional percentiles are crucial for shortlisting candidates. Both are heavily weighed in the selection process.
WAT/GD-PI Performance
The scores from the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds are integral to the final selection.
Class 10 Score
The percentage scored in Class 10 is considered, with higher marks strengthening the candidate’s profile.
Class 12 Score
The percentage achieved in Class 12 is also a key element in the evaluation process, reflecting the candidate's early academic performance.
Graduation Score
The candidate’s overall undergraduate (3-year Bachelor's or equivalent) score is an important part of the composite score.
Gender Diversity
Female and transgender candidates receive an additional 0-5 points to enhance gender representation in the cohort.
Academic Diversity
Candidates from non-engineering backgrounds may receive 0-5 additional points to encourage diversity in academic profiles.
Work Experience
Relevant work experience at an executive or managerial level can add 0-5 points to the final score, helping candidates demonstrate practical skills and maturity.
Curious about the latest CAT Exam Pattern for 2024-2025? Dive into the details on sectional cutoffs, syllabus, and prep tips to excel!
Achieving the ideal CAT cut-off is important if you are aiming to secure admission into top business schools. By understanding and preparing for the expected CAT cut-off, you can better prepare your study strategies to focus on areas that will maximise your score. Ultimately, with the right preparation and focus, your goal of entering a prestigious MBA program is within reach.
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The CAT cutoff for IIM varies by institute and category. For top IIMs, the expected CAT cut off 2024 for general category candidates typically ranges between the 99th and 100th percentiles.
How is the CAT cut off for IIM for general candidates determined?
The CAT cut off for IIM for general candidates is determined based on factors like exam difficulty, the number of candidates, and past performance trends. For 2024, it is expected to be around the 99-100 percentile.
How does the CAT percentile for IIM affect admissions?
The CAT percentile for IIM is crucial for admissions as it determines eligibility for the WAT-PI rounds. Higher percentiles increase the chances of being shortlisted for interviews.
What is the difference between CAT percentile vs college cutoffs?
While IIMs typically require higher percentiles (99-100), many other reputable colleges may accept lower percentiles, usually starting from 90.
What are the CAT cut off 2024 scores for popular MBA colleges?
The CAT cut off 2024 scores for popular MBA colleges like FMS and SPJIMR are expected to be between 95-99 percentile, making them competitive options for candidates.
What is the significance of CAT sectional cutoff in the selection process?
The CAT sectional cutoff is significant as candidates must meet both overall and sectional requirements to qualify for the next stages of the admission process.
Which IIM has the lowest CAT cutoff for IIM?
IIM Shillong is known to have one of the lowest CAT cutoff for IIM, with expected scores around the 90th percentile for general category candidates.
How can I prepare to meet the CAT cut off for IIM for general candidates?
To meet the CAT cut off for IIM for general candidates, focus on strengthening your weak areas, practising mock tests, and understanding the exam pattern thoroughly.
Are there different CAT cutoffs for IIM based on categories?
Yes, there are different CAT cutoffs for IIM based on categories. Reserved categories typically have lower cutoffs than the general category.
How does one check their CAT percentile for IIM after the exam?
You can check your CAT percentile for IIM by visiting the official website, where results and percentiles will be published post-examination.
What factors influence the CAT cutoff for IIM each year?
Factors influencing the CAT cutoff for IIM each year include the exam's difficulty level, the total number of candidates, and the overall performance trends from previous years.
What are the implications of not meeting the CAT sectional cutoff?
Failing to meet the CAT sectional cutoff means you will not qualify for the WAT-PI rounds, regardless of your overall score, significantly affecting your chances of admission.
How can I improve my CAT percentile vs college chances?
Improving your CAT percentile involves targeted preparation, focusing on high-yield topics, and practising under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment.
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