IIM Bangalore UG Safe Score 2026
The safe score is not simply the absolute lowest score to make it through the interview, but rather a score on which the candidate may safely assume the shortlisting rounds will result in an interview call. Given there are 80 seats in the IIMB UG 2026 admission cycle and the number of applications, this figure will certainly be considerably higher than the specified cutoffs. This article will help you understand IIM Bangalore UG Safe Score 2026, the stated cutoffs, the expected cutoffs, and its sectional cutoffs.
IIM Bangalore UG Cutoff 2026
IIM Bangalore UG cutoff for the 2026-27 admissions cycle is announced on the cutoff section of the results section of the admissions portal. While the overall cutoff stands at 114 for the general category, the QADI section cutoff is also mandatory.
The following table gives the previous year Cutoff for the IIMB UG programmes:
Candidate Category | QADI Section Percentile Cutoff | Overall Written Test Cutoff Score (Out of 180) |
General | 80th Percentile | 114 |
EWS | 75th Percentile | 78 |
NC-OBC | 75th Percentile | 75 |
SC | 70th Percentile | 69 |
ST | 70th Percentile | 50 |
PwD | 70th Percentile | 60 |
Based on the released cutoff data and the reactions of test-takers, here is a realistic view of the IIMB UG safe score range for 2026:
Category | B.Sc. (Hons) Economics Safe Score Range | B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science Safe Score Range |
General | 120 - 147 marks | 120 - 150 marks |
EWS | 108 - 135 marks | 117 - 144 marks |
OBC-NCL | 108 - 135 marks | 117 - 144 marks |
SC | 93 - 120 marks | 108 - 126 marks |
ST / PwD | 93 - 120 marks | 108 - 126 marks |
IIM Bangalore UG Selection Process
Are conducted in a transparent, multi step, merit-based process designed to measure an individual's quantitative ability, reasoning skills, ability to communicate effectively and overall suitability for a rigorous and research oriented undergraduate Degree Program.
Stage 1: Online Application
Candidates use the official IIMB UG admissions portal to submit previous academic records and personal details. Each candidate may apply to one or both programmes, choosing a preference - programme allocation then is in decreasing order of composite score, starting with the preferred programme.
Stage 2: IIMB Undergraduate Admissions Test (UG-AT)
A 120-minute, computer-based test taken at the IIM Bangalore campus (IPMAT or any other exam score not accepted as a replacement). In the past, three sections of the test have been used:
Section | No. of Questions | Marks Allocated | Sectional Weightage |
Section 1: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QADI) | 30 | 90 Marks | 50% |
Section 2: Logical Reasoning (LR) | 15 | 45 Marks | 25% |
Section 3: English Comprehension (EC/VARC) | 15 | 45 Marks | 25% |
Negative marking of -1 applies for every incorrect answer, and each of the 60 questions carries defined positive marks - making accuracy far more valuable than blind attempts.
Stage 3: Personal Interview Shortlist
Only those, who clear the cut off for all the sections of QADI and also manages a positive score in all the sections and further scores well to find a mention in the UG-AT short-listed candidate names are able to gain the final selection round - this shortlist again, based only on UG-AT marks and ability to make the cut, does not grant admission to the final decision for PI rounds.
Stage 4: Personal Interview (PI)
The students need to attend an interview in person, it requires all such candidates to prove themselves through the skill sets that the specific programme demands - from verbal and analytical acumen to self and the broader awareness of everything. In the true sense of selection procedure and decision-making it carries as much importance as the written exam carries on the results, all in determining who gets to call himself/herself a part of his/her desired institution or academic.
Stage 5: Final Merit List - the composite score formula
Component | Weightage |
IIMB UG Admissions Test (UG-AT) | 60% |
Personal Interview (PI) | 40% |
Read More: IIMB UG Exam Pattern 2026, Weightage, Marking Scheme
How many marks are required for IIM Bangalore UG admission?
To determine the total marks required, evaluate both shortlisting for the PI stage and securing a seat in the final merit list.
- Marks needed for a call for PI (Stage 1 Shortlist)
- Marks needed for convincing the offer and securing final admission (Final Composite Rank)
1. Marks needed for short listing (Stage 1 cut-off)
114 marks is the actual cut-off score for getting a PI call if the applicant belongs to the Unreserved General Category but, with 114 marks your interview position is the lowest.
2. Marks needed for final conversion of seats:
With the importance of 60% for the entrance examination in the overall composite score of selection, candidates with low margins will be under much more pressure to impress during PI.
The following helps to calculate the target score needed for final admission, consider how the 60:40 formula rewards test top-scorers:
Exam Score (Out of 180) | Scaled Exam Contribution (60%) | Required PI Score out of 100 for a Top Merit Rank |
114 Marks (Bare Minimum Cutoff) | 38.00 / 60 | Must score 85+ / 100 in PI (Extremely Challenging) |
126 Marks (Competitive) | 42.00 / 60 | Must score 75+ / 100 in PI (Achievable) |
138 Marks (Strong Advantage) | 46.00 / 60 | Must score 65+ / 100 in PI (Safe Zone) |
150 Marks (Top 1% Score) | 50.00 / 60 | Must score 55+ / 100 in PI (Highly Secure) |
Does IIM Bangalore UG have a sectional cutoff?
Yes - just for one section . The IIM Bangalore UG programmes Mandate a sectional cut-off on the Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation section in the initial shortlisting process. No sectional cut-off is imposed on the Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning section.
Rules on sectional cuts-offs that you should remember:
- For QADI there exists an overall minimum score that each category is required to satisfy.
- There are no sectional cut-offs for Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning. But the candidates need to score in positive numbers (above 0) in each section.
- Having an outstanding score in the QADI section cannot overcome the penalty for scoring 0 or below, as this means that candidates are deemed to not be suitable, even if they display strong analytical/logical or linguistic skills in other sections.
This policy of the IIM Bangalore UG program exists because while it intends to have candidates for an Economics / Data Science program who are absolutely indispensable when it comes to Quant skills, it does not seek to compromise on analytical / logical skills.
Read More: IIMB UG Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Reservation Criteria
IIM Bangalore UG Safe Score 2026: Conclusion
The IIM Bangalore UG Safe Score 2026 is expected to remain significantly higher than the minimum qualifying cutoff because only 80 seats are available across the Economics and Data Science programmes. General-category candidates should ideally target at least 120 marks, while scores near 138 or above may provide a stronger advantage during the final selection process.
Candidates must also meet the QADI sectional cutoff and secure positive marks in English Comprehension and Logical Reasoning. Since the UG Admissions Test carries 60% weightage and the Personal Interview carries 40%, applicants should prepare for both stages instead of relying only on a high written-test score.
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