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CAT Cutoff for EWS Category 2026
The CAT cutoff for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates is lower than the General category at most IIMs due to the 10% EWS reservation. However, meeting the minimum qualifying cutoff does not guarantee admission. Final selection depends on your CAT percentile, academic profile, work experience, PI/WAT performance, and the respective IIM admission criteria of the respective IIM. For CAT 2026, EWS candidates should aim well above the qualifying cutoff to maximise their chances of securing interview calls from top MBA colleges.
CAT Cutoff for EWS: Previous Year RTI Data
IIM | Previous RTI EWS CAT Percentile |
IIM Ahmedabad | 97.30 |
IIM Bangalore | 91.03 |
IIM Lucknow | 90.13 |
IIM Kozhikode | 82.26 |
IIM Indore | 92.14 |
IIM Mumbai | 90.55 |
Also Read: Minimum Percentile Required for IIM Admission 2026, RTI Data
Expected CAT Cutoff for EWS Candidates in Top IIMs
The expected CAT 2026 cutoff for ST candidates is based on previous RTI data, official qualifying cutoffs, and admission trends. While the minimum percentile to qualify in the initial shortlist generally ranges from 70 to 85, candidates should target 97-99+ percentile for top IIMs and 88-95+ percentile for most new IIMs to maximise their chances of receiving interview calls.
Based on previous admission trends, official qualifying cutoffs, and RTI data, the expected CAT 2026 cutoffs for ST candidates are:
IIM | Expected Minimum Qualifying Percentile | Safe Percentile |
IIM Ahmedabad | 95 | 99+ |
IIM Bangalore | 75 | 99+ |
IIM Calcutta | 75 | 99+ |
IIM Lucknow | 82 | 97+ |
IIM Kozhikode | 75 | 96+ |
IIM Indore | 90 | 97+ |
IIM Mumbai | 75 | 97+ |
IIM Shillong | 75* | 97+ |
IIM Udaipur | 81 | 94+ |
IIM Trichy | 89 | 93+ |
IIM Raipur | 89 | 93+ |
IIM Ranchi | 89 | 93+ |
IIM Kashipur | 89 | 92+ |
IIM Nagpur | 85 | 93+ |
IIM Jammu | 74 | 90+ |
IIM Bodh Gaya | 81 | 90+ |
IIM Sirmaur | 75 | 90+ |
IIM Sambalpur | 80 | 90+ |
IIM Amritsar | 90 | 90+ |
IIM Visakhapatnam | 72 | 92+ |
*IIM Shillong does not have Overall Cutoff, it only has sectional cutoff for all sections
CAT Cutoff for EWS in Non-IIM MBA Colleges
Many reputed MBA colleges outside the IIM system also accept CAT scores while following Government of India reservation policies wherever applicable. While the required percentile for EWS candidates is generally lower than that for the General category, the actual cutoff varies by institute, seat availability, and the overall applicant pool.
The table below provides the expected CAT 2026 cutoff range for top non-IIM MBA colleges based on previous admission trends:
MBA College | Expected CAT Percentile for EWS Candidates |
FMS Delhi | 95–98+ |
MDI Gurgaon | 90–94+ |
SPJIMR Mumbai* | 85–95+ |
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) | 90–95+ |
IIT Delhi (DMS) | 90–95+ |
IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM) | 85–90+ |
IIT Madras (DoMS) | 80–85+ |
IIT Roorkee (DoMS) | 80–85+ |
IMI New Delhi | 85–90+ |
IMT Ghaziabad | 85–90+ |
TAPMI Manipal | 80–85+ |
Great Lakes Chennai | 80–85+ |
FORE School of Management | 80–85+ |
BIM Trichy | 80–85+ |
K J Somaiya Institute of Management | 84–88+ |
Also Read: List Of Top 30 Non IIM MBA Colleges in India, Check Now
Minimum vs Safe CAT Percentile for EWS Candidates
The minimum qualifying percentile only makes a candidate eligible for consideration, whereas the safe percentile represents the score generally required for a realistic chance of interview calls and final admission.
Type | Meaning |
Minimum Percentile | Official qualifying percentile required for shortlisting consideration. |
Safe Percentile | Percentile that offers a strong chance of interview calls and final admission. |
Comparison Table:
Institute Category | Minimum | Safe |
Old IIMs | 75–85 | 97–99+ |
New IIMs | 75 | 92–95 |
Baby IIMs | 75 | 90–92 |
IIT MBA Colleges | 88 | 92–97 |
Top Private MBA Colleges | 80 | 88–95 |
Admission Possibilities by Percentile
CAT Percentile | Admission Chances |
75–85 | Eligible for several Baby IIMs and CAP institutes (profile dependent) |
85–90 | Good chances in many new IIMs and IIT MBA colleges |
90–95 | Competitive for most new IIMs and several top MBA colleges |
97+ | Excellent chances for top IIMs with a strong overall profile |
Factors Affecting CAT Cutoff for EWS Admission
The CAT cutoff for EWS candidates varies each year based on multiple factors, including the number of applicants, exam difficulty, seat availability, and institute-specific admission policies. Understanding these factors helps candidates set realistic targets and prepare strategically.
Factor | Impact |
Number of applicants | Higher competition generally increases cutoffs |
CAT exam difficulty | Tougher papers usually reduce percentile requirements |
Seat availability | More seats may lower effective cutoffs |
Academic profile | Strong academics improve composite scores and reduce percentile requirements |
Work experience | Many IIMs award additional marks again reducing required percentile |
Gender and academic diversity | Diversity points may improve final ranking |
PI and WAT performance | Significant role in final admission |
Institute-specific admission criteria | Every IIM follows its own selection formula |
Also Read: CAT Score vs Percentile 2026, 2025, 2024 Detailed Analysis
Previous Year CAT EWS Cutoff Trends and Expected 2026 Cutoffs
Official qualifying cutoffs for EWS candidates at the older IIMs have remained relatively stable over the past few years, generally ranging between 75 and 80 percentile. However, actual interview calls and final admissions often require much higher CAT percentiles, especially at the top IIMs.
Institute Category | Previous Qualifying Cutoff | Expected 2026 Safe Percentile |
Old IIMs | 75–80 | 97–99+ |
New IIMs | 75 | 92–95 |
Baby IIMs | 75 | 90–92 |
IIT MBA Colleges | 85–90 | 92–97 |
Top Private MBA Colleges | 80–85 | 88–95 |
Key Trends:
Trend | Observation |
Qualifying cutoffs | Largely unchanged in recent years |
Competition | Continues to increase annually |
Safe percentile | Rising gradually for top IIMs |
Final selection | Increasing emphasis on profile and interview performance |
CAT Cutoff for EWS Category: Conclusion
The CAT cutoff for EWS candidates in 2026 is expected to remain between 75 and 85 percentile for eligibility at most IIMs. However, candidates aiming for top institutes such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, and Mumbai should target 97–99+ percentile to maximise their chances of receiving interview calls. Rather than preparing only to clear the minimum qualifying cutoff, EWS candidates should focus on achieving the highest possible CAT percentile while also building a strong academic profile, gaining relevant work experience, and prepare for the GDPI and WAT. A well-rounded profile significantly improves the chances of converting an interview call into a final admission offer.
