In this article, we will talk about IIM CAT cutoff scores 2024, which will be the minimum out of the percentile candidates require to get into the Indian Institutes of Management.
IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Every year, lakhs and lakhs of students take the Common Admission Test (CAT) under various IIMs to pursue their dreams to study in IIMs. Such candidates become eligible for further steps in the admission process, for example, Written Ability Tests (WAT) Personal Interviews (PI) and Group Discussions (GD) depending on satisfied overall and sectional cutoff criteria.
Also, read the Best CAT Coaching in India
The IIM CAT cutoff scores 2024 are expected to be between 98 to 100 percentile for the very old IIMs while for new IIMs the expected cutoff may be a bit lower. Such cutoffs depend on several factors namely the number of test-takers, seats available, and levels of difficulty of the paper. It’s very important to understand these cutoff trends for your further preparation whether it is IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore, or even Indore.
Stay tuned with us as we will further talk about detailed insights into the IIM CAT cutoff scores 2024, expected sectional and overall cutoffs, category-wise cutoffs, and the factors affecting these cutoffs.
Factors Affecting IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
Many factors determine the minimum percentile required for admission into IIMs, candidate’s cutoff score unpredictable. Candidates will understand these on the course of preparation and prediction of the cutoff trends. Look at some of these crucial determinants that affect IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024:
Trend of Past Year
The expected cutoffs for the coming year 2024 are determined chiefly by historical trends of CAT cutoffs. While older IIMs such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta have maintained a significant cutoff range (around 98-100 percentile), cutoffs for new IIMs such as Jammu and Bodh Gaya tend to be lower at around 93-96 percentile.
Number Of Test Taker
The count of applicants appearing successfully to the CAT exam in a given year becomes one of the significant determinants of IIM CAT cutoff scores, as has been visualized in previous years. More candidates lead to higher competition in admissions and thus cutoffs have been higher in the years gone by. Whereas, lower candidates tend to mean comparatively lower cutoffs.
Seat Availability
The cut-off scores vary according to availability among the diverse IIMs. Institutes such as IIM Ahmedabad or Bangalore that accommodate very few students would have an exceptionally high cut-off score while those with about the same number of seats, say IIM Kashipur or IIM Raipur, would have slightly lower cutoffs.
Toughness of Exam
The exam is considered tough, the number of students who get very high marks diminishes and consequently, cutoff scores are lowered. An easier exam, on the other hand, raises the cutoff since more candidates have scored higher marks.
Category Wise Reservation
IIMs have a category wise reservation system, and the IIM CAT cut off 2024 differs between categories. The expected cut off for the general category will range between 98-100 percentile. The cut off for all reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) will be much less as compared to this range.
Expected Overall IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
Cutoff scores for IIM CAT 2024 will surely vary according to different percentile ranges and scores. The next table gives an estimated overall cutoff score for percentile brackets made from the above:
| Percentile | Expected Overall Score (2024) |
| 99.9 | 102 |
| 99.5 | 89 |
| 99.0 | 80 |
| 98.0 | 71 |
| 95.0 | 57 |
| 90.0 | 49 |
| 85.0 | 40 |
| 80.0 | 36 |
| 75.0 | 31 |
| 70.0 | 29 |
This data shows that for candidates with a score close to percentile 99 and above, it should be possible to target scores between 80-106 depending on competition levels and the paper’s difficulty.
Expected Sectional IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
Besides the overall IIM CAT cutoff scores 2024, candidates need to reach the minimum sectional cutoffs in each of the three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). In-depth analysis of the section wise expected cut-offs for IIM CAT cutoff scores 2024 is as follows:
VARC Sectional Cutoff (Expected) in IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
This section, including VA-RC, tests language skills, reading comprehension and verbal reasoning. High-rank aspirants must do well in this section.
| Percentile | Expected VARC Score |
| 99.9 | 48 |
| 99.5 | 44 |
| 99.0 | 40 |
| 98.0 | 36 |
| 95.0 | 30 |
| 90.0 | 25 |
| 85.0 | 21 |
| 80.0 | 19 |
| 75.0 | 17 |
| 70.0 | 15 |
QA Sectional Cutoff (Expected) in IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
Quantitative Aptitude is a part of mathematics, and scoring well in this section demands strong preparation.
| Percentile | Expected QA Score |
| 99.9 | 48 |
| 99.5 | 32 |
| 99.0 | 28 |
| 98.0 | 24 |
| 95.0 | 19 |
| 90.0 | 15 |
| 85.0 | 12 |
| 80.0 | 10 |
| 75.0 | 9 |
| 70.0 | 8 |
DILR Sectional Cutoff (Expected) in IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
DILR section tests one’s analytical and logical reasoning abilities. Balanced preparation can help an aspirant to generate the expected cutoff.
| Percentile | Expected DILR Score |
| 99.9 | 36 |
| 99.5 | 32 |
| 99.0 | 28 |
| 98.0 | 25 |
| 95.0 | 19 |
| 90.0 | 16 |
| 85.0 | 13 |
| 80.0 | 11 |
| 75.0 | 10 |
| 70.0 | 9 |
The aspirants need to clear both the sectional and overall IIM CAT cutoff scores 2024 to be filtered for the further stages of the admission process. Excel in every section through a balanced study plan and consistent practice.
Also, check the CAT 2025: Registrations, Exam Dates, Syllabus, and Pattern.
Category-Wise IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
The IIM CAT cutoffs for the year 2024 will be quite distinctive in nature for the different categories, which will be based on the guideline of the reservation policies in order to promote inclusion. In fact, candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and EWS would have lower cutoff marks compared to those of the general category. A detailed analysis regarding the expected cutoffs is given below:
Expected Overall Cutoff Scores by Category
| Category | Expected Percentile Range |
| General (Unreserved) | 75-98 |
| OBC-NCL | 72-80 |
| EWS | 65-75 |
| SC | 54-70 |
| ST | 30-65 |
| PwD | 30-60 |
Category-Wise Sectional Cutoffs (Expected)
| Category | VARC Percentile | QA Percentile | DILR Percentile |
| General | 70–85 | 70–85 | 70–85 |
| OBC-NCL | 60–75 | 60–75 | 60–75 |
| EWS | 60–75 | 60–75 | 60–75 |
| SC | 50–65 | 50–65 | 50–65 |
| ST | 40–55 | 40–55 | 40–55 |
| PwD | 35–50 | 35–50 | 35–50 |
Reasons for Category-based Cutoffs in IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
- Reservation Policies: The Government of India has the provisions for reservation reflected as part of the IIM admission approach in educational institutions under certain categories.
- Ensures Diversity: Not to be selective, but all candidates from all backgrounds have equal chances of studying in these institutions like IIM, owing to lowered cutoffs for the reserved categories.
- Merit-Based Criteria: Merit will be demanded even if the cutoffs are low-they will not select anyone based on lesser performance.
This clarity regarding category-wise IIM CAT cutoffs 2024 will help aspirants channel their preparation according to it and even keep realistic targets in mind for each section.
Expected IIM-Specific CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
IIM CAT cutoffs will differ for the year 2024 across the many different IIMs as per their reputations, programs they offer, and the number of seats in them. Whereas for older IIMs such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, cutoffs are generally higher, newer ones such as Jammu and Bodh Gaya have a little low requirement.
Here is a fine detail of probable overall cutoffs per IIM in 2024:
Overall Cutoff Scores for IIMs (Expected)
| IIM | Expected Overall Percentile |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99-100 |
| IIM Bangalore | 99-100 |
| IIM Calcutta | 99 |
| IIM Lucknow | 97-98 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 97-98 |
| IIM Indore | 97-98 |
| IIM Shillong | 90 |
| IIM Ranchi | 94-95 |
| IIM Udaipur | 92-94 |
| IIM Rohtak | 92-94 |
| IIM Raipur | 94-95 |
| IIM Kashipur | 94-95 |
| IIM Trichy | 94-95 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 92-94 |
| IIM Jammu | 90 |
| IIM Vizag | 92-94 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 95-96 |
| IIM Nagpur | 95-96 |
| IIM Amritsar | 95-96 |
Sectional Cutoff Scores for IIMs (Expected)
Specific to every IIM are sectional cutoffs, which a candidate must meet in order to proceed to major admission processes:
| IIM | VARC | QA | DILR |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| IIM Bangalore | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| IIM Calcutta | 80 | 75 | 80 |
| IIM Lucknow | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| IIM Indore | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| IIM Jammu | 73 | 73 | 73 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 73 | 73 | 73 |
Salient features of specific-IIM cutoffs
- Older IIMs have higher cutoffs: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata demand near-perfect percentiles, looking at their elite status.
- Importance of Sectional Balance: All three sections-VARC, QA, and DILR-are equally important for the aspirants, as sectional cutoffs also have to be cleared along with the overall score.
- New IIMs Open Gateways: IIM Jammu or IIM Bodh Gaya can turn out to be a pretty good option for those who are in mid-nineties percentile.
Qualifying vs Final IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
Now with the IIM CAT cutoff marks for 2024, the difference between the qualifying cutoff and the final cutoff needs to be made. Both are significant in the admission cycle, yet both serve different functions in the admission process and, therefore, are released at different stages. This is a detailed separation of the two:
What is the Qualifying CAT Cutoff?
The qualifying cutoff, or eligibility cutoff, is the least percentile any candidate must obtain for consideration at the next stage of admission. The IIM publishes its qualifying cutoff before the CAT exam, and it is normally lower than the final cutoff.
- Purpose: Only eligible candidates reach the shortlisting stage for Written Ability Test, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview.
- Nature: Fixed and officially announced by IIM.
Main characteristics
- Category specific cutoffs lower for reserved category applicants.
- Achievable easy in comparison to final cutoff.
What is CAT’s Final Cutoff?
This is the last percentile required to gain admission after the shortlisting process. It is kept confidential, but can be assumed according to previous trends and admission statistics.
- Purpose: Determines the candidates who will be offered admission after the WAT, GD, and PI rounds.
- Nature: Higher than the qualifying cutoff and varies with the IIMs selection criteria.
Key Features
- Based on the performance of candidates in the CAT, WAT, GD, and PI.
- Consider also the academic records and work experience besides the diversity factors.
| Aspect | Qualifying Cutoff | Final Cutoff |
| Purpose | Eligibility for shortlisting | Final admission after selection rounds |
| Announcement | Before the CAT exam | After WAT, GD, and PI rounds |
| Nature | Fixed and official | Variable and not publicly disclosed |
| Level | Lower than final cutoff | Higher than qualifying cutoff |
| Selection Criteria | CAT score only | CAT score, academic profile, WAT, GD, PI, etc. |
How to Approach These Cutoffs in IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
- Target the Final Cutoff: While qualifying cutoffs are relatively easier to achieve, aspirants should aim for the final cutoff to secure admission.
- Focus on Comprehensive Preparation: Along with excelling in the CAT exam, work on WAT, GD, and PI skills to improve your chances of clearing the final cutoff.
- Understand IIM-Specific Criteria: Each IIM has its own selection process, so familiarize yourself with the admission criteria of your target IIMs.
With a clear understanding of both qualifying and final IIM CAT cutoff scores 2024, candidates can plan their preparation and post-CAT strategies effectively to maximize their chances of success.
FAQs on IIM CAT Cutoff Scores 2024
What will be the cutoff scores for the IIM CAT in 2024?
The cutoff scores of IIM CAT 2024 shall constitute the minimum percentile corresponding to admission for different IIMs. It includes sectional and overall cutoff scores which are different for every IIM and the category of admission along with its process. So, top IIMs like Ahmedabad and Bangalore are expected to be having cutoffs from 98 to even 100 percentile.
Do Pre-qualifying Cut-offs and Final Cut-offs Have the Same Values?
The qualifying cutoff is the minimum percentile which lets a candidate be shortlisted for the next phase while the final cutoff is the score that has to be met, in most cases the final cutoff is higher than the qualifying cutoff and considers various factors ranging from the actual CAT score.
How does the IIM CAT cutoff, for that year 2024, get determined?
The IIM CAT cutoff scores 2024 have been decided after considering various factors such as – the number of candidates appearing for the test, number of seats available for the year, policy reservation and difficulty level of CAT.
Do we need to clear both Sectional and Overall cutoffs?
Yes, candidates need to score both sectional and aggregate cutoffs to qualify for the next stages of the admission process.
Which IIM will have the lowest cutoff in CAT in 2024?
Among all IIMs, newer institutes like IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya have generally lower cutoffs.
