HomeBlogsCAT Percentile Required for Top 5 IIM Colleges, Check Now

Table of Contents

CAT Percentile Required for Top 5 IIM Colleges, Check Now

Introduction

Cracking the CAT Exam is the dream of every MBA aspirant who wishes to secure admission into India’s most prestigious B-schools. Among them, the Top 5 IIMs – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and Indore – set the highest standards. The CAT percentile required for these IIMs varies every year depending on the competition, but aspirants can get a fair idea from previous trends. Planet E brings you a detailed insight into the CAT percentile needed to make it to the top.


CAT Percentile Required for Top 5 IIMs

1. IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 99+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 70+, DILR – 70+, QA – 70+

  • Known for its case-study based pedagogy, IIMA looks for a strong overall percentile along with academic consistency.

2. IIM Bangalore (IIMB)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 99+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 75+, DILR – 75+, QA – 75+

  • IIMB emphasizes academic records and work experience in addition to a high CAT score.

3. IIM Calcutta (IIMC)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 99+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 80+, DILR – 80+, QA – 80+

  • Known for its Finance specialisation, IIMC requires one of the highest sectional cut-offs among all IIMs.

4. IIM Lucknow (IIML)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 98+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 85+, DILR – 85+, QA – 85+

  • A strong contender in management education, IIML shortlists candidates with slightly lower overall percentile than IIMA, IIMB, and IIMC.

5. IIM Indore (IIMI)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 97–98+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 80+, DILR – 80+, QA – 80+

  • IIMI is among the fastest-growing IIMs, with increasing demand for its PGP program.


Key Insights for Aspirants

  • 99 percentile and above is usually safe for the top 3 IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta).

  • A 97–98 percentile can still fetch calls from IIM Lucknow and Indore.

  • Along with CAT scores, academic profile, diversity, and work experience play a vital role in final selection.


Conclusion

Getting into the Top 5 IIMs requires more than just a high CAT percentile. Aspirants must balance their preparation across all sections while also maintaining a strong academic record. With the right strategy and guidance from Planet E, you can maximize your chances of securing a seat in your dream IIM.

Introduction

Cracking the CAT Exam is the dream of every MBA aspirant who wishes to secure admission into India’s most prestigious B-schools. Among them, the Top 5 IIMs – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and Indore – set the highest standards. The CAT percentile required for these IIMs varies every year depending on the competition, but aspirants can get a fair idea from previous trends. Planet E brings you a detailed insight into the CAT percentile needed to make it to the top.


CAT Percentile Required for Top 5 IIMs

1. IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 99+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 70+, DILR – 70+, QA – 70+

  • Known for its case-study based pedagogy, IIMA looks for a strong overall percentile along with academic consistency.

2. IIM Bangalore (IIMB)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 99+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 75+, DILR – 75+, QA – 75+

  • IIMB emphasizes academic records and work experience in addition to a high CAT score.

3. IIM Calcutta (IIMC)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 99+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 80+, DILR – 80+, QA – 80+

  • Known for its Finance specialisation, IIMC requires one of the highest sectional cut-offs among all IIMs.

4. IIM Lucknow (IIML)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 98+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 85+, DILR – 85+, QA – 85+

  • A strong contender in management education, IIML shortlists candidates with slightly lower overall percentile than IIMA, IIMB, and IIMC.

5. IIM Indore (IIMI)

  • Expected Cut-off Percentile: 97–98+

  • Sectional Cut-offs: VARC – 80+, DILR – 80+, QA – 80+

  • IIMI is among the fastest-growing IIMs, with increasing demand for its PGP program.


Key Insights for Aspirants

  • 99 percentile and above is usually safe for the top 3 IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta).

  • A 97–98 percentile can still fetch calls from IIM Lucknow and Indore.

  • Along with CAT scores, academic profile, diversity, and work experience play a vital role in final selection.


Conclusion

Getting into the Top 5 IIMs requires more than just a high CAT percentile. Aspirants must balance their preparation across all sections while also maintaining a strong academic record. With the right strategy and guidance from Planet E, you can maximize your chances of securing a seat in your dream IIM.


Stay updated with Planet E for the latest CAT preparation tips, percentile analysis, and IIM admission guidance.

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Experience Perfection in Your Preparation

Strategic Mentoring, Right Guidance

Book Free Counseling

You May Also Like

Preparing for MBA CET 2026? The journey to your dream MBA college starts today! The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MBA...
In today’s fast-changing job market, one of the most debated questions remains — “Does an MBA really get you a...
Introduction The Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA), has released the Application Form for Admission 2025. MICA is one of...
Introduction If you are planning to pursue an MBA from a top B-school in India, the NMAT by GMAC™ 2025...
Introduction Planning to pursue your MBA from a top B-School in Maharashtra? The MBA CET 2026 is your gateway to...
  • September 30, 2025
Introduction Are you planning to pursue your MBA from a top B-School in Maharashtra? Then, MBA CET 2025 is one...
  • September 30, 2025
Planet E Thane
Planet E Dadar

Get a Free Call From our education Counsellor