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CAT Cutoff for NC-OBC Category for top MBA Colleges
The CAT cutoff for NC-OBC candidates is significantly lower than the General category at most IIMs because of the IIM Reservation Policy. However, clearing the minimum qualifying cutoff does not guarantee an interview call or admission. The actual percentile required depends on the IIM, your academic profile, work experience, gender diversity, and the overall competition. For CAT 2026 aspirants belonging to the NC-OBC category, aiming only for the minimum percentile cutoff can be risky. A higher percentile greatly improves your chances of receiving calls from top IIMs and other leading MBA colleges.
CAT Cutoff for NC-OBC: Previous Year RTI Data
The table below is based on official RTI responses and admission data released by various IIMs. These represent the lowest CAT 2024 percentile at which admissions were offered for the batch 2025-27, not the official qualifying cutoffs.
IIM | NC-OBC CAT Percentile (RTI) |
IIM Ahmedabad | 77.53 |
IIM Bangalore | 81.70 |
IIM Lucknow | 86.20 |
IIM Kozhikode | 75.20 |
IIM Indore | 80.17 |
IIM Mumbai | 86.45 |
Note: These figures are based on RTI data for previous admission cycles and may vary slightly every year depending on applicant quality, seat availability, and institute-specific admission criteria.
Key Observations:
Observation | Insight |
Lowest RTI cutoff | Around 75 percentile (IIM Kozhikode) |
Most old IIMs | Generally require 80–90 percentile for NC-OBC candidates |
Interview call ≠ Final admission | Final selection depends on PI, WAT, academics, work experience and diversity |
Profile matters | Strong academics or work experience can compensate for a slightly lower CAT percentile |
Also Read: Minimum Percentile Required for IIM Admission 2026, RTI Data
Expected CAT Cutoff for NC-OBC Candidates in Top IIMs
Based on previous trends, admission policies and RTI data, the expected CAT 2026 cutoffs for Admission into Top IIMs are as follows:
IIM | Minimum Percentile (Qualifying) | Safe Percentile |
IIM Ahmedabad | 90 | 97+ |
IIM Bangalore | 75 | 97+ |
IIM Calcutta | 75 | 97+ |
IIM Lucknow | 82 | 95+ |
IIM Kozhikode | 75 | 92+ |
IIM Indore | 80 | 95+ |
IIM Mumbai | 75 | 95+ |
IIM Shillong | 75 | 98+ |
IIM Udaipur | 81 | 92+ |
IIM Trichy | 89 | 94+ |
IIM Nagpur | 85 | 95+ |
IIM Raipur | 75 | 92+ |
IIM Ranchi | 75 | 92+ |
IIM Rohtak | 83 | 92+ |
IIM Amritsar | 80 | 90+ |
IIM Visakhapatnam | 72 | 92+ |
IIM Kashipur | 81 | 92+ |
IIM Jammu | 74 | 90+ |
IIM Bodh Gaya | 77 | 90+ |
IIM Sirmaur | 75 | 90+ |
IIM Sambalpur | 75 | 90+ |
Safe percentile indicates the score at which candidates generally have a stronger chance of receiving and converting interview calls, assuming a decent academic profile.
CAT Cutoff for NC-OBC in Non-IIM MBA Colleges
Several other top MBA colleges outside the IIM system also accept CAT scores and provide category-based relaxation.
Following is a list of of NC-OBC Category CAT Cutoff for Top Non-IIMs:
MBA College | Expected NC-OBC CAT Percentile |
FMS Delhi | 96–98 |
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) | 93–95 |
IIT Delhi (DMS) | 90–94 |
IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM) | 88–92 |
IIT Madras (DOMS) | 85–90 |
MDI Gurgaon | 90–94 |
IMT Ghaziabad | 85–90 |
TAPMI Manipal | 80–85 |
BIM Trichy | 75–85 |
Great Lakes Chennai | 75–85 |
Many non-IIM institutes also evaluate candidates based on GD, PI, academics and work experience in addition to CAT scores.
Also Read: Top 20 Non-IIM MBA Colleges in India 2026, Cut Offs, Fees
Minimum vs Safe CAT Percentile for NC-OBC Candidates
Many aspirants confuse the minimum cutoff with the required percentile for admission. The Actual Percentile required to secure admission to top MBA colleges is often much higher than the minimum category-wise eligibility of qualifying scores prescribed by them for just the initial shortlisting.
Following is the difference explained Between Minimum and Safe Percentile:
Type | Meaning |
Minimum Percentile | Lowest percentile required to become eligible for consideration or shortlisting. |
Safe Percentile | Percentile at which candidates usually have a realistic chance of interview calls and final admission. |
Comparison
Target College | Minimum | Safe |
Old IIMs | 80–90 | 96–98+ |
New IIMs | 80 | 91–94 |
Baby IIMs | 80 | 88–91 |
IIT MBA Colleges | 85 | 90–95 |
Top Private MBA Colleges | 80 | 85–95 |
What Should You Aim For?
CAT Percentile | Admission Possibilities |
80–85 | Baby IIMs, CAP institutes (depending on profile) |
85–90 | Several new IIMs and IITs |
90–95 | Strong chances at many new IIMs and some old IIM interview calls |
95–97 | Competitive for almost all IIMs |
98+ | Excellent chances at top IIMs with a strong overall profile |
Also Read: CAT Score vs Percentile 2026, 2025, 2024 Detailed Analysis
Factors That Affect CAT Cutoff for NC-OBC Admission
Although reservation reduces the qualifying percentile, the final cutoff is influenced by several other factors.
Factor | Impact |
Number of applicants | More competition generally increases cutoffs. |
CAT exam difficulty | Tougher papers usually reduce percentile requirements. |
Number of seats | More seats may lower interview cutoffs. |
Academic profile | High Class 10, 12 and graduation marks improve composite scores. |
Work experience | Many IIMs award additional marks for relevant work experience. |
Gender and academic diversity | Some IIMs provide diversity points. |
Institute-specific admission criteria | Every IIM uses its own composite score formula. |
Important Points
- Clearing the CAT cutoff alone does not guarantee admission.
- Sectional cutoffs are equally important.
- PI, WAT, academics and work experience significantly influence final selection.
- Admission criteria vary across IIMs and are updated every year.
CAT Cutoff for NC-OBC Category 2026: Conclusion
The CAT 2026 cutoff for NC-OBC candidates is expected to remain between 80 and 90 percentile for eligibility at most IIMs. However, candidates targeting premier institutes such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, or Mumbai should aim for 95–98+ percentile to remain competitive. Instead of preparing only to clear the qualifying cutoff, focus on achieving the highest possible percentile while also building a strong academic profile and interview performance. Since every IIM follows a different admission criteria, understanding institute-specific selection criteria is just as important as your CAT score.
