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CAT Cutoff for ST Category 2026
The CAT cutoff for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates is considerably lower than that for the General category due to the reservation policy followed by the IIMs. However, clearing the minimum minimum percentile for initial shortlisting is only the first step. Final admission depends on several factors, including your CAT score, academic background, work experience, diversity factors, Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), and the institute's final selection criteria.
For CAT 2026 aspirants, understanding the expected cutoff trends, previous RTI data, and the difference between the minimum and safe percentile can help set realistic preparation goals.
CAT Cutoff for ST: Previous Year RTI Data
The table below is based on RTI responses and previous admission data released by various IIMs. These figures indicate the lowest CAT 2024 percentile at which ST candidates received admission in 2025-27 admission cycle. They should not be treated as official qualifying cutoffs.
IIM | Previous RTI CAT Percentile (ST) |
IIM Ahmedabad | 73.14 |
IIM Bangalore | 76.33 |
IIM Lucknow | 60.30 |
IIM Kozhikode | 55.17 |
IIM Indore | 49.23 |
Note: RTI data reflects previous admission cycles and may vary each year depending on applicant quality, seat availability, and institute-specific admission policies.
Key Insights
Observation | Details |
Lowest reported RTI cutoff | Around 49 percentile |
Old IIMs | Generally admitted ST candidates between 60–76 percentile (minimum reported case) |
Higher percentile improves chances | Candidates with better CAT scores receive more interview opportunities |
Composite score matters | Final admission depends on PI, academics, work experience, and diversity factors along with CAT percentile |
Also Read: Minimum Percentile Required for IIM Admission 2026, RTI Data
Expected CAT Cutoff for ST 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 45 to 52, candidates should target 85–90+ percentile for top IIMs and 80–85+ 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 Percentile | Safe Percentile |
IIM Ahmedabad | 52 | 85+ |
IIM Bangalore | 46 | 85+ |
IIM Calcutta | 50 | 85–88+ |
IIM Lucknow | 50 | 82+ |
IIM Kozhikode | 41 | 80+ |
IIM Indore | 47 | 82+ |
IIM Mumbai | 52 | 85+ |
IIM Shillong | 45 | 78+ |
IIM Udaipur | 45 | 75+ |
IIM Trichy | 45 | 75+ |
IIM Raipur | 45 | 75+ |
IIM Ranchi | 45 | 75+ |
IIM Kashipur | 45 | 75+ |
IIM Nagpur | 45 | 75+ |
IIM Jammu | 45 | 72+ |
IIM Bodh Gaya | 45 | 72+ |
IIM Sirmaur | 45 | 72+ |
IIM Sambalpur | 45 | 72+ |
IIM Amritsar | 45 | 72+ |
IIM Visakhapatnam | 45 | 75+ |
Safe percentile represents the percentile at which ST candidates generally have a stronger chance of receiving interview calls, assuming they meet sectional cutoffs and have a reasonable academic profile.
CAT Cutoff for ST 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 ST 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 (ST) |
FMS Delhi | 82–88 |
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) | 75–82 |
IIT Delhi (DMS) | 72–80 |
IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM) | 68–75 |
IIT Madras (DOMS) | 65–72 |
MDI Gurgaon* | 70–80 |
IMT Ghaziabad | 65–75 |
TAPMI Manipal | 60–70 |
BIM Trichy | 55–65 |
Great Lakes Chennai | 55–65 |
*Private institutes may have different admission policies and may not implement Government reservation norms in the same way as central institutions.
Also Read: Top 20 Non-IIM MBA Colleges in India 2026, Cut Offs, Fees
Minimum vs Safe CAT Percentile for ST Candidates
The official qualifying cutoff only makes a candidate eligible for consideration. In practice, interview calls and final admission usually require a higher percentile.
Type | Meaning |
Minimum Percentile | Official qualifying percentile required for shortlisting consideration. |
Safe Percentile | Percentile that provides a realistic chance of interview calls and final admission. |
Comparison Table
Institute Category | Minimum | Safe |
45–55 | 80–85+ | |
45 | 75–80 | |
45 | 70–75 | |
65 | 75–82 | |
55 | 65–80 |
Admission Possibilities by Percentile
CAT Percentile | Admission Chances |
45–55 | Eligible for several Baby IIMs and CAP institutes (profile dependent) |
55–70 | Good chances in many new IIMs and IIT MBA programmes |
70–80 | Competitive for most new IIMs and interview calls from several top IIMs |
80+ | Excellent chances across almost all IIMs with a strong overall profile |
Factors That Affect CAT Cutoff for ST Admission
The CAT cutoff for ST candidates varies every year based on several factors, including the number of applicants, exam difficulty, seat availability, and each institute's admission policy. Understanding these factors can help candidates set a realistic CAT percentile target and plan their preparation more effectively.
The table below highlights the key factors that influence the final cutoff:
Factor | Impact on Admission |
Number of applicants | Higher competition may increase effective cutoffs |
CAT exam difficulty | Tougher papers usually reduce percentile requirements |
Seat availability | More seats may lower interview cutoffs |
Academic performance | Strong Class 10, 12 and graduation scores improve composite scores |
Work experience | Additional marks are awarded by many IIMs |
Gender and academic diversity | Diversity points may improve final ranking |
PI and WAT performance | Carry significant weight in final selection |
Institute-specific admission policy | Every IIM follows its own composite score formula |
Important Points
- Clearing the minimum CAT cut-off does not guarantee admission.
- Sectional cutoffs are equally important.
- PI, WAT, academics, and work experience significantly influence final selection.
- Every IIM follows its own admission process and weightage criteria.
CAT Cutoff for ST Category 2026: Conclusion
The CAT cutoff for SC candidates in 2026 is expected to remain around 45-55 percentile to meet the IIM Admission Criteria. However, candidates aspiring to join top institutes such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, or Mumbai should target 85–90+ percentile to maximise their chances of receiving interview calls and securing final admission. Rather than preparing only to clear the minimum qualifying cutoff, aspirants should focus on achieving the highest possible percentile while also strengthening their academic profile, work experience, and interview preparation. Since every IIM follows a different admission process and composite score formula, understanding institute-specific selection criteria is just as important as scoring well in CAT.
