IIM Bangalore Cut-off 2026
IIM Bangalore remains one of the most competitive MBA colleges in India. Every year, thousands of CAT toppers aim for a seat in its flagship PGP (MBA) programme. The IIM Bangalore Cut Off 2026 will play a crucial role in deciding who moves to the next stage of selection.
The institute does not declare a single fixed cut-off number. Instead, it uses overall CAT percentile, sectional percentiles, academic scores, and work experience for shortlisting. Past trends show that competition keeps rising, especially for the General category.
This blog explains the expected overall cut-off, section-wise requirements, category-wise trends, and previous year analysis. Let’s get into the details and know where you stand.
Download IIM Bangalore Selection Criteria PDF
IIM Bangalore Overall Cut-off 2026
In general, all B-schools will have some cut-off, but coming to the top IIM colleges like IIMB, the minimum cut-off itself is high. However, the minimum score can only define whether you can apply for PI/WAT; it doesn’t decide your admission. Also, the final admission cut-offs can be much higher than you anticipated.
IIM Bangalore Minimum CAT Cut-Off (Qualifying – First Shortlist)
| CATEGORY | Section 1 (VARC) | Section 2 (DILR) | Section 3 (QA) | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 80 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
| NC-OBC | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| EWS | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| SC | 65 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
| ST | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| PWD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
Note Points
- This only filters eligible candidates from the CAT qualifiers.
- Very large number of candidates clear this because of the minimum cut-off
- No interview call guarantee in case the other applicants have a higher CAT 2025 percentile.
Also Read, IIM Bangalore Calls 2026 OUT, Interview Dates & PI Process
IIM Bangalore Section-wise cut-off
IIM Bangalore Section-wise cut-off is not new to MBA aspirants, this is to test the candidates' strength in logical, verbal and decision-making skills. But this sometimes results in not qualifying the candidates, even with a high percentile, 99+. This mainly happens to tech students. They are good at DILR and QA, but in VARC, their percentile will be significantly low, which results in not qualifying. So, during preparation, you must concentrate on your weaker sections and gain a good score in all three sections.
You can already see the minimum IIM Bangalore sectional cut-offs in the previous section. Here is the expected cut-off details.
Important points:
- Even one low section can block shortlisting
- DILR remains the biggest eliminator
- Balanced preparation matters more than extreme strength in one section.
IIM Bangalore strictly applies sectional requirements during shortlisting.
IIM Bangalore Category-Wise Cut Off
Based on an Indian reservation system, IIM Bangalore also follows the category-wise cut-offs to maintain the class diversity. This section combines safe-zone percentiles and actual reported call percentiles. These ranges help candidates judge realistic chances.
Previous Year Minimum CAT Percentile Reported for WAT/PI Call (RTI Data)
| Category | PGP 2025 (Min) | PGP 2025 (Max) | PGPBA 2025 (Min) | PGPBA 2025 (Max) |
| General | 94.06 | 100 | 92.33 | 100 |
| NC-OBC | 75.57 | 100 | 84.84 | 100 |
| EWS | 86.10 | 99.19 | 86.99 | 99.99 |
| SC | 73.04 | 99.96 | 72.79 | 99.96 |
| ST | 66.82 | 99.95 | 66.82 | 99.95 |
| PwD | 60.16 | 99.99 | 60.16 | 99.99 |
For more information about the minimum percentile required, checkout IIM Bangalore RTI Data
Safe-Zone Percentile Range
| Category | Safe CAT Percentile |
| General | 99.5+ |
| EWS | 98+ |
| NC-OBC | 95+ |
| SC | 83+ |
| ST | 75+ |
How to use safe-zone data:
- The below safe zone means low probability. Although minimum cut-offs can make many students qualify for the stage-1 shortlisting. But moving forward, it gets difficult due to the high percentile candidates' applications.
- Inside a safe zone means a realistic chance. With this data, you can work strategically for an interview.
- Above safe-zone improves call certainty, but even with low percentile and high work experience, your way of interview progress can take you to the next level.
Fact: Academic scores and work experience still influence final shortlists.
IIM Bangalore Previous Year Cut-off Analysis
Past trends help predict future cut-offs. IIM Bangalore saw intense competition in recent years, which is mainly due to the rise of CAT applicants in 2024. Let’s see how IIM Banglore previous year cut-offs work.
| Category | CAT 2024 Overall Percentile | CAT 2024 Sectional Percentile | CAT 2023 Shortlisting Percentile Range |
| General | 99 – 99.5 | 85+ | 99 – 99.8 |
| EWS | 96 – 97 | 75+ | 96 – 98 |
| OBC-NCL | 95 – 97 | 75+ | 95 – 97 |
| SC | 90 – 92 | 65+ | 90 – 92 |
| ST | 85 – 88 | 55+ | 85 – 90 |
| PwD | 80 – 85 | 50+ | 80 – 85 |
Note Points
- Higher participation raised cut-offs
- Strong preference for academic consistency
- Engineers dominated the top percentiles
Facts: Minimum cut-offs give you a chance to sit for an interview, but not admission confirmation. So, if your percentile is low, start your PI preparation and plan your strategy.
Does IIM Bangalore have sectional cutoffs?
Yes. IIM Bangalore clearly applies sectional cut-offs during the first shortlist stage.
Each section of CAT must have:
- A positive raw score
- A minimum percentile, based on the category and sections
Why sectional cut-offs matter
- Prevent one-section dependency
- Ensure academic balance
- Improve classroom diversity
Failing one section means elimination, even with a high overall percentile.
IIM Bangalore Cut-off 2026: Conclusion
Finally, you got to know the IIM Bangalore cut-off details. Based on your category, overall percentile, and section-wise score, position yourself and start your PI strategy. You can flip the scene with work experience and a good academic background. Also, keep a backup plan ready, if not IIMB, then do apply for other colleges. For more analysis and latest updates, do follow us.
