All IIM Cut Off 2026-28: CAT 2025 Expected Qualifying & Final Calling Percentiles

For any MBA aspirant, the journey to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) begins with understanding the CAT Cutoff. However, there is often a massive confusion between Qualifying Cutoffs and Final Calling Cutoffs.

As we move into the 2026-28 admission cycle (based on CAT 2025 results), this guide provides the most accurate and updated breakdown of what percentile you actually need to secure a seat at your dream IIM.

---

Qualifying Cutoff vs. Final Call Cutoff: The Big Difference

Before looking at the numbers, you must understand these two terms:

1. Qualifying Cutoff (Eligibility): This is the minimum percentile set by an IIM to even consider your application. Meeting this does NOT guarantee an interview call.
2. Final Call Cutoff (Shortlist): This is the actual percentile at which IIMs send out interview invites. This is always significantly higher than the qualifying cutoff.

For example, IIM Ahmedabad might have a qualifying cutoff of 95, but the actual calls for General category candidates usually start at 99.5+ percentile.

---

IIM Cut Offs 2026-28: Expected Percentiles (General Category)

---

Category-Wise Cutoff Relaxations

IIMs provide significant relaxations for reserved categories. While a General candidate might need a 99+ percentile for an Old IIM, the requirements for other categories are typically:

• NC-OBC / EWS: 90–95 Percentile
• SC: 80–85 Percentile
• ST: 70–75 Percentile
• PwD: 65–70 Percentile

---

The Importance of Sectional Cutoffs

Almost all IIMs have Sectional Cutoffs. If you score a 99.9 percentile overall but fail to meet the 80th percentile in Quants (QA) or DILR, you will be disqualified from most top IIMs.

Typical Sectional Thresholds for 2026:

• VARC: 80–85 Percentile
• DILR: 80–85 Percentile
• QA: 75–80 Percentile

---

Selection Criteria Beyond CAT Scores

Getting a high CAT percentile is only 50-60% of the battle. Most IIMs use a Composite Score (CS) for shortlisting, which includes:

1. CAT 2025 Score: (40% - 60% weightage)
2. Class 10th & 12th Marks: High weightage at IIM Bangalore and Indore.
3. Graduation Scores: Diversity in background (Non-engineers often get extra points).
4. Work Experience: Usually 2-4 years is the "sweet spot" for maximum points.
5. Gender Diversity: Many IIMs (like IIM Kozhikode and IIM Rohtak) give extra points to female and transgender candidates.

---

What if You Score 80-90 Percentile?

If you fall in the 80-90 percentile range, don't lose hope. While the top IIMs might be out of reach, you can still target:

• Baby IIMs (via CAP if you have a strong profile/diversity).
• Top Private B-Schools like FORE, GIM, or Great Lakes.
• Check our guide on Top MBA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile.

---

Expert Tips for IIM Admission 2026-28

1. Don't ignore the WAT-PI: Once you get a call, everyone is on a level playing field. Prepare for current affairs and your undergraduate subjects.
2. Check Individual Admission Policies: Every year, IIMs tweak their weightage. IIM Calcutta might focus more on Quants, while IIM Ahmedabad focuses on academic consistency.
3. Target the New/Baby IIMs via CAP: The Common Admission Process (CAP) is a great way to secure an IIM seat with a single interview for 10+ institutes. Read our Baby IIMs Honest Review for more details.

---

Need Help with Your MBA Journey?

At CareerWithMohit, we help you navigate the complex IIM admission process with personalized profile evaluation and interview coaching.

Book a Free Counselling Session | Explore Our Mock Test Series

---

Related Reading

• Complete List of 21 IIMs: Courses & Placements
• All About CAT Exam: Syllabus, Dates & Preparation
• MBA vs PGDM: Which is Better for You?

---