CAT 2025 has been completed, and scorecards have yet to be released. But students might have calculated their percentile through the answer key and their response sheet. For now, all you can do is explore the top B-schools' ROI, cut-offs, and what new changes have emerged in the admission process. For now, let’s check the IIM Sambalpur cut-off changes. Similarly, IIM Rohtak also doesn’t have any sectional cut-off for PI shortlisting.
However, this blog's main aim is to give you details on why IIM Sambalpur removed the sectional cut-off for MBA 2026-28.
Download IIM Sambalpur Cut-off Changes Official PDF
What Has Changed in IIM Sambalpur Admission Criteria 2026–28?
IIM Sambalpur has now clarified its approach clearly for MBA 2026–28 admissions.
The biggest change is the removal of sectional percentile cut-offs at the CAT shortlisting stage. Instead of filtering candidates section by section, the institute now looks at the overall CAT percentile and basic sectional eligibility.
This update aligns with IIM Sambalpur’s stated objective. The institute wants to assess candidates using multiple parameters like academics, work experience, and interview performance, not just CAT sections.
What stays important:
- Overall CAT performance
- Consistency across academics
- Relevant work experience
- Personal Interview performance
What is removed:
- Fixed sectional percentile cut-offs
Note: This change applies only to eligibility for shortlisting. Strong section-wise performance still helps during score calculation. Also, other IIM colleges still have sectional-cutoffs.
IIM Sambalpur CAT Cutoff 2026 – Overall Percentile Explained
For Stage 1 shortlisting, IIM Sambalpur uses minimum overall CAT percentile cut-offs. These cut-offs decide who moves forward in the admission process.
The cut-offs are eligibility thresholds, not guaranteed call benchmarks. Actual calls may require higher scores depending on the competition.
Minimum Overall CAT 2025 Percentile for MBA 2026–28
| Category | Overall CAT Percentile |
| General | 90 |
| EWS | 80 |
| NC-OBC | 75 |
| SC | 55 |
| ST | 40 |
| DAP | 40 |
Special relaxation:
- General category male candidates with at least one year of relevant work experience
- All female candidates
For these groups, the General category cut-off reduces to 85 percentile.
Note: Meeting the cut-off only makes a candidate eligible. It does not ensure a PI call.
Does IIM Sambalpur Have Any Sectional Cutoff in CAT 2025?
This is the most important clarification for students. IIM Sambalpur does not apply any sectional percentile cut-off for CAT 2025. However, one basic condition still exists.
Sectional Requirement Explained Simply
- No minimum percentile required in VARC, DILR, or QA
- Each section must have a positive raw score
- Zero or negative score in any section leads to rejection
This rule ensures basic competence without penalizing uneven performance. A candidate strong in two sections but average in one still remains eligible.
Why this matters for students:
- One weak section no longer blocks the application
- Overall preparation matters more than sectional perfection
- Reduced stress during CAT exam attempts
Note: Section-wise percentiles still contribute to the CAT score calculation used later. Use the online score calculator to know your score and prepare well for interviews.
IIM Sambalpur Previous Year Cutoffs
Last year, for the session of 2025-2027 clearing both sectional and overall CAT cutoff was mandatory for shortlisting for GDPI. But, This year IIM Sambalpur has removed the sectional cutoffs.
| Category | QA | DILR | VARC | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 65 | 65 | 65 | 90 |
| EWS | 60 | 60 | 60 | 80 |
| NC-OBC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 75 |
| SC | 40 | 40 | 40 | 55 |
| ST | 35 | 35 | 35 | 40 |
| DAP | 35 | 35 | 35 | 40 |
How This Change Affects IIM Calls for CAT 2025 Aspirants
The removal of sectional cut-offs changes preparation strategy and expectations. Many aspirants benefit directly from this update.
Positive Impact on Shortlisting
- Candidates with uneven section scores stay in the race
- Non-engineers and first-time test-takers gain confidence
- More students qualify for Stage 1 shortlisting
Balanced Evaluation in Later Stages
After Stage 1, IIM Sambalpur uses a Pre-PI score out of 75. This score considers multiple factors.
Key components include:
- CAT score weightage
- Academic consistency
- Relevant work experience
- Gender diversity
The CAT score calculation itself includes section percentiles, but the weight remains balanced. No single section dominates the evaluation. No matter what, you should maintain a well academic background.
What Students Should Focus On For the Future
- CAT 2026 aspirants must aim for a safe overall CAT percentile
- Students must avoid leaving any section unanswered
- Candidates should strengthen their academic and work experience profiles
- Lastly, give the same priority as CAT to the Personal Interview
Note: A decent CAT score combined with strong interviews can outperform a high CAT score alone. Use this chance and get into your dream B-school.
IIM Sambalpur Removes Sectional Cut-off: Conclusion
Through the above details, you might have understood why IIM Sambalpur removed the sectional cut-off for MBA 2-26-28. This decision takes away unnecessary pressure from MBA aspirants. The admission process now feels simpler and inclusive. Students can take a breath and concentrate on PI preparation instead of worrying about that one section where they performed poorly.
For future MBA students, all you need to do is prepare well and answer confidently. Ensure you apply to the colleges that are in your score range. Don’t miss any updates. Follow us for more insights.
If you are preparing for CAT 2026, online coaching is open. Do checkout the syllabus and start your preparation, and strengthen your fundamentals.
