The IIMs with the highest cutoffs are typically the top-tier Indian Institutes of Management, which consistently require a 99+ percentile in the Common Admission Test (CAT).
Understanding IIM Cutoffs
Admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is highly competitive, primarily based on the CAT score. While the minimum CAT cutoff for general admission to any IIM or other top MBA colleges in India is often around the 90 percentile, the cutoffs for the most sought-after IIMs are significantly higher. For instance, the minimum CAT 2022 cutoff for admission to any IIM or top MBA college was 90 percentile.
Top IIMs with Highest Cutoffs
Several premier IIMs collectively hold the distinction of having the highest CAT cutoffs, often exceeding the 99th percentile. These "Top IIMs" include:
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
These institutions are consistently at the pinnacle of MBA education in India, attracting a vast pool of highly talented applicants. Their high cutoff percentiles reflect the intense competition for limited seats.
What Does "Highest Cutoff" Mean?
While it's common to ask "Which IIM has the highest cutoff?", it's more accurate to understand that the very top IIMs often have similar, extremely high cutoffs (99+ percentile), making them all part of the "highest cutoff" group. The exact cutoff can vary slightly each year based on various factors, including:
- The overall difficulty level of the CAT exam.
- The total number of candidates appearing for the exam.
- The number of available seats for different programs.
- The performance distribution of candidates in the specific examination year.
- The specific admission criteria of each IIM, which often include not just overall percentile but also sectional cutoffs, academic records, work experience, and performance in subsequent interview rounds.
CAT Cutoff Percentiles for Top IIMs
To illustrate the high bar set by these institutions, here's a general overview of the CAT percentile typically required for the top IIMs:
| IIM | General CAT Cutoff Percentile (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ |
| IIM Bangalore | 99+ |
| IIM Calcutta | 99+ |
| IIM Lucknow | 99+ |
| IIM Kozhikode | 99+ |
Note: These are general cutoff percentiles for overall CAT scores. Actual admission depends on a comprehensive assessment, including sectional cutoffs and a candidate's composite score across various parameters.
Aspiring candidates should aim for a percentile significantly above the general minimum cutoffs to increase their chances of securing an interview call from these top-tier IIMs.
