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.
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CAT Cut Off 2024 for IIMs (Expected)
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.
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.
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CAT Sectional Cutoff (Expected) for Top 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.
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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.
Check out the XAT Cutoff 2025: Category-wise
CAT Cut Off 2020
The table below highlights the CAT percentile for IIMs in 2020.
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IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cut Off 2019
The table below highlights the sectional cut-offs for IIM Ahmedabad in 2019 for various categories.
IIM Calcutta CAT Cut Off 2019
The table below highlights the sectional cut-offs for IIM Calcutta in 2019 for various categories.
IIM Bangalore CAT Cut Off 2019
IIM Rohtak CAT Cut Off 2019
CAT Cut Off 2018
Below is a table of the CAT 2018 percentile cut-offs for some of the top IIMs.
IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Bangalore CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Kozhikode CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Indore CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Trichy CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Raipur CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Rohtak CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Udaipur CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Sirmaur CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
IIM Sambalpur CAT Cut Off (2017, 2016)
Factors Determining CAT Cut Off 2024
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.
If you want to get admission into top IIMS for an MBA, explore the admission process in detail.
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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.
Do Check out the blogCAT Exam Fees for 2024-25 for a detailed overview of the fees involved in this exam.
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.
Read our blog on full MBA Syllabus for 2024-2025, and top colleges offering the program to learn what your MBA journey will cover.
CAT Cut Off: Score vs. Percentile
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 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.
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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