IIMB UG 2026 Expected Cut-Off, Category-Wise Cut-Off

IIMB UG Cut-Off 2026

The IIMB UG Cutoff 2026 is the minimum mark candidates must have obtained in the first IIMB UG Admissions Test. This score is vital. It determines who qualifies for the subsequent interview stage for the B.Sc. (Hons) Economics and B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science programs. IIM Bangalore employs a highly selective two-stage process. The entrance test is the first major hurdle.

The final admission decision relies on a weighted composite score. The score from the Entrance Test carries a substantial 60% weightage. The Personal Interview (PI) accounts for the remaining 40%. Since this is the first year the test is being conducted, there is no historical data. Expert analysis points to extremely fierce competition. Why? Because the total intake is strictly limited to only 80 seats.

IIMB UG Expected Cut Off 2026

The expected raw score cutoff for the IIMB UG interview shortlist is projected to be between 40 and 50 questions correct. This is out of 60 total questions. Achieving this threshold makes candidates eligible for the Personal Interview round. The IIMB UG Admissions Test is administered as a Computer-Based Test. The maximum possible score is 180 marks.

The scoring system is strict. Every correct answer earns +3 marks. Conversely, –1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response. This penalty system makes accuracy critical. The official test date for this exam was 13 December 2025. Initial analysis suggested the overall test difficulty was Moderate. A safe raw score demands selective attempts. Minimize negative marking. Maximize accuracy.

IIMB UG Expected Raw Score for Interview Shortlist (Questions Correct Out of 60)

The predicted ranges show a slight difference. The B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science specialization might demand a marginally higher score for shortlisting . In the case of a General category, the highest level of predicted cutoff is 50 correct questions. This implies increased competition. It also indicates the fact that the exam highly focuses on quantitative and data skills, which are central to the Data Science program.

Also Read, IIMB UG Answer Key 2026, Release Date, Download Link

IIMB UG Category-Wise Cut Off

IIM Bangalore sets category-wise cutoffs. This creates differentiated score requirements across all groups. The reservation quotas directly apply to the small total pool of 80 seats.

The competition for seats in the General category is intense. Reservation policies reduce the number of available general seats. While the minimum score for reserved categories is typically lower, the competition remains high. Scores are measured against the strongest performers within that specific reservation group.

IIM Bangalore follows mandatory reservation quotas:

• Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): 27%
• Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%
• Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%
• Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 10%
• Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwD): 5%

These percentages translate into the required raw score ranges. The expected raw mark ranges for EWS and OBC-NCL shortlists are very close. This suggests a similar level of competitive performance in both groups. The limited number of seats means that even a small increase in the number of high-scorers in any Reserved category can rapidly push up the minimum qualifying score.

Detailed Expected Cutoff Scores by Program and Category (Raw Marks out of 180)

The cutoff score for any Reserved category is defined by the strongest applicants in that group. High scores are necessary. The small seat matrix amplifies performance differences. Even for reserved seats, top scores are required to secure an interview call.

Also Read, IIMB UG 2026 Result, Release Date, Cut-Off & Download Link

IIMB UG Score vs Percentile

The IIMB UG Admissions Test score is the raw mark obtained out of the 180 maximum points. The percentile is a statistical tool. It shows your relative performance against all other candidates who appeared for the test.

First, calculate your raw score. Use the +3 and −1 marking rules. This raw score is then converted into a percentile. This number indicates the percentage of test takers you have outperformed. For example, a 95th percentile means the candidate scored better than 95% of the total test takers. The selection process relies on this high percentile ranking for shortlisting candidates.

Percentiles are calculated using a comparative evaluation method. The candidate's rank (r) is measured against the total number of test takers (N). A normalization procedure is applied to ensure fairness. This helps account for any difficulty differences if the exam were conducted in multiple slots, although the 2026 exam was held in a single slot.

IIMB UG Admissions Test Section Breakdown

The Q&DI; section was noted as being lengthy and challenging in the 2026 examination. Candidates must aim for balance. IIM Bangalore does not publish formal sectional cutoffs for the UG test, but balanced performance is standard in most IIM selections. A weak score in English Comprehension or Logical Reasoning can undermine a strong Q&DI; performance.

Also Read, IIMB UG 2026 Response Sheet, Release Date, Download Link

Factors Affecting IIM Bangalore UG Cut-Off 2026

Several key factors determine the IIMB UG Cutoff 2026. These include the stringent admission process, the limited seats, and the quality of the applicant pool.

The constraint of only 80 total seats for both the Economics and Data Science majors is the dominant factor. This small intake means any marginal increase in high-scoring applicants will immediately increase the minimum raw score required for interview eligibility. Furthermore, the difficulty of the entrance test matters greatly. The 2026 test was judged Moderate. If future tests are easier, the raw score needed to achieve the high cutoff percentile will rise.

The qualification criteria guarantee a high quality of the candidates. All candidates must have:

• Completed Class XII.
• Learned Mathematics in Class XII.
• Entered Class X with at least 60% marks in Mathematics.

This requirement is to ensure that the applicant is already prepared in terms of quantitative ability. This adds pressure to competition.

Final Selection Factor Breakdown (Composite Score)

The Personal Interview (PI) is the most decisive stage. It accounts for 40% of the final composite score. Simply clearing the raw score cutoff is often not enough for a final admission offer. The PI is heavily weighted. It assesses communication skills, clarity of motivation, and intellectual curiosity.

A candidate who scores just above the cutoff can still secure an offer. How? By excelling in the interview. The PI's performance is the final determinant for selection among all shortlisted candidates. The candidate’s history of academic performance, including Class X and XII marks, is reviewed during the interview . Consistency is a prized quality at IIM Bangalore.

Read More: IIM B UG Previous Year Question Papers, Download PDF

IIMB UG 2026 Cut-Off: Conclusion

The IIMB UG 2026 cutoff is a critical threshold for candidates seeking admission to the B.Sc. (Hons) Economics and Data Science programs. While achieving a competitive raw score in the Entrance Test is necessary, the Personal Interview (PI) plays an equally important role, accounting for 40% of the final selection. Understanding the expected cutoffs, factoring in category-wise differences, and preparing for the PI will help candidates maximize their chances of securing admission. Strategic preparation and balanced performance across sections are essential to clearing the cutoff and excelling in the final selection process.