Not Done Well in CAT 2024? Don't Fret, You Can Still Get Admission in a Good B-School

Senior Manager - Content

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 20:31 IST

Don't worry if your CAT 2024 performance does not match your expectation and you feel you may not be able to make it to your dream B-School. You can still get into a good MBA college, if do the college search right.

CAT 2024 result has been announced today. Some are hopeful of getting a high percentile, while some are nervous. Don’t be demotivated if you feel your scores are not as per your expectation in CAT 2024 exam. Don’t lose heart, all doors are not closed for you. You can still find a good B-School to pursue PGDM/MBA programme. In fact, if you score between 80-90 CAT percentile, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta are still within your reach. Yes, the qualifying CAT cut off score for 2024 for IIM Ahmedabad is 80 percentile. For IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta too, it is 85 percentile for General category students. Although, the actual CAT 2024 cut off could be higher you still have a chance if your academic record is good (Predict Your CAT 2024 Percentile).

Explore colleges based on CAT

IIM Ahmedabad - Indian Institute of Management institute image

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IIM Bangalore - Indian Institute of Management institute image

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IIM Kozhikode - Indian Institute of Management institute image

Kozhikode

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IIM Calcutta - Indian Institute of Management institute image

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Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi institute image

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Total Fees Range₹12 L

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IIM Lucknow - Indian Institute of Management institute image

Lucknow

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Indian Institute of Management Mumbai institute image

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IIM Indore - Indian Institute of Management institute image

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Latest Updates:

CAT 2024 result OUT, download IIM CAT scorecard, check cut offs Live Updates

CAT 2024 toppers list; Name, 100 percentilers, 99.99 percentilers

Q: Is only CAT score a factor for admission in IIMs?

No, CAT (Common Admission Test) score is not the only factor considered for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (Iims). While the CAT score is an important factor, it is just one of the several components that are evaluated in the selection process. The selection process for Iims typically involves several stages, which may include: CAT score: The first stage of the selection process is the CAT exam. Candidates who meet the cutoff score set by the IIMS are shortlisted for the next stage. Written Ability Test: The What is a written test that evaluates a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in written form. This stage tests a candidate's writing skills and analytical ability. Group Discussion GD In the GD stage, candidates are divided into groups and given a topic to discuss. This stage tests a candidate's ability to work in a team and communicate effectively. Personal Interview PI- The PI stage evaluates a candidate's overall personality, communication skills, work experience, academic background, and other factors. Academic Record: The academic record of a candidate is also an important factor considered in the selection process. This includes the candidate's academic performance in school and college, as well as any professional certifications and degrees. Overall, while CAT score is an important factor, it is just one of the components considered in the selection process for IIMs. Candidates are evaluated on multiple parameters, and the final selection is based on a combination of factors such as CAT score, academic record, work experience, What, GD and PI performance.

Q: Which courses are offered by IIMs through CAT?

CAT is the common entrance test for a range of post management courses offered by the Indian Institute of Management. The CAT score is accepted for admission to PGP, MBA, Executive MBA, Ph.D. and FPM courses.

Here is the list of courses offered by every IIM.

IIM Ahmedabad: PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGD-ABA (post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Business Analytics), PhD
IIM Amritsar: MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, EMBA, PhD
IIM Bangalore: PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PhD
IIM Bodh Gaya: PGP, Ph.D. (FPM)
IIM Calcutta: MBA, PhD
IIM Indore: PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM (Master of Science in Data Science and Management), FPM
IIM Jammu: MBA, MBA (Hospital Administration & Healthcare Management, Executive MBA (Blended Mode), Ph.D. (Full-Time Mode), Ph.D. (Part-Time Mode)
IIM Kashipur: MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBAA (Executive Master of Business Administration Analytics), PhD
IIM Kozhikode: PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP Kochi, PhD
IIM Lucknow: PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-some, PGPWE, PhD
IIM Nagpur: MBA, MBA (Executive), Ph.D. (Executive)
IIM Raipur: PGP, FPM/PhD, EFPM
IIM Ranchi: PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics), Ph.D. EPhD
IIM Rohtak: PGP, EPGDSM, PhD
IIM Sambalpur: MBA, Executive MBA, Ph.D. Executive PhD
IIM Shillong: PGP, PGPEX, MBA (WE), Ph.D. PhDWP
IIM Sirmaur: MBA, MBA (T&HM), ExMBA (Digital Transformation & Analytics), PhD
IIM Tiruchirappalli: PGPM & PGPM-HR, DPM, E-DPM
IIM Udaipur: MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBAWE, PhD
IIM Visakhapatnam: PGP, PGPEx, PGPDGM, Ph.D.

Q: What is the selection process of IIM Ahmedabad?

The selection process for the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad is highly competitive and rigorous. It typically consists of multiple stages that assess the candidates' academic performance, work experience, aptitude, and communication skills. While the specific process may vary from year to year, here is a general overview of the selection process for IIM Ahmedabad: 1. Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by IIM Ahmedabad, which typically include a minimum academic qualification (usually a bachelor's degree) with a specified minimum percentage or CGPA. Additionally, candidates need to appear for and qualify in the Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management. 2. CAT Exam: Candidates are required to take the CAT exam, which assesses their quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. The CAT score serves as a crucial component in the selection process. 3. Shortlisting for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI): Based on the CAT scores, IIM Ahmedabad shortlists candidates for the next stage of the selection process, which typically includes a Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). The shortlisting criteria may also consider factors such as academic performance, work experience, and diversity. 4. Written Ability Test (WAT): In the Written Ability Test, candidates are given a topic or a case study and are required to write an essay or provide a written response within a given time frame. This stage evaluates candidates' analytical and communication skills. 5. Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates appear for a Personal Interview, where they are assessed on various parameters such as academic achievements, work experience, general awareness, communication skills, and leadership qualities. The PI panel may include faculty members, industry professionals, and alumni. 6. Final Selection: After considering the CAT score, WAT performance, and PI performance, the final selection is made. The selection criteria may also include factors like academic diversity, work experience, and gender diversity. The weightage assigned to each component may vary each year. It's important to note that the exact selection process and criteria may change from year to year, and IIM Ahmedabad may introduce additional components or variations based on their discretion. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official website of IIM Ahmedabad or refer to the admission notifications and brochures released by the institute for the specific academic year you are interested in.

Not only the IIMs but many other popular B-Schools are within your reach. B-schools such as GIM-Goa, K J Somaiya-Mumbai, TAPMI-Manipal, FORE-New Delhi, IFMR-Chennai, IRMA-Anand, MICA-Ahmedabad, LIBA-Chennai, XIME-Bangalore etc. accept students with CAT score range of 70-95 percentile. Moreover, it is not only the CAT score but your academic record and performance in Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) play a bigger role in MBA selection.

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IIM qualifying CAT 2024 cut-off for PGP admission

Reserved category students don’t need to worry much as they are given marks relaxation in IIMs as per government rule. The below mentioned cut off marks are qualifying marks. The actual cut off marks may be higher, to be declared after CAT result 2024 declaration.

IIM	CAT 2024 cut offs (qualifying)
IIM Ahmedabad	80
IIM Bangalore	85
IIM Calcutta	85
IIM Lucknow	90
IIM Kozhikode	85
IIM Indore	90
IIM Rohtak	95
IIM Visakhapatnam	80
IIM Trichy	94
IIM Udaipur	90
IIM Ranchi	94
IIM Amritsar	90
IIM Shillong	75
IIM Kashipur	90
IIM Sambalpur	90
IIM Jammu	94
IIM Sirmaur	94
IIM Nagpur	85
IIM Raipur	94
IIM Bodhgaya	94

CAT 2024 Cut Offs: Non-IIMs

Given below is the table indicating expected CAT 2024 cut offs of other top MBA colleges in India.

B-School	Expected CAT cut offs 2024
FMS, Delhi	98-99
SPJIMR, Mumbai	95-99
IMT, Ghaziabad	95-97
JBIMS, Mumbai	96
MDI, Gurgaon	97-99
IMI, New Delhi	90
XIM, Bhubaneshwar	91
GIM Goa	85
K J Somaiya, Mumbai	86
TAPMI, Manipal	80
FORE, New Delhi	85
IFMR, Chennai	80
IRMA, Anand	80
MICA, Ahmedabad	80
LIBA, Chennai	70
XIME, Bangalore	70

Predict Your MBA Admission Chances

After the exam, you will have a fair idea of your performance and how much marks will you score. With that tentative score check out which IIMs and MBA colleges are within your reach. Shiksha has launched an online tool which helps in shortlisting colleges. The IIM & Non-IIM Predictor Tool is free and easy to use.

Check CAT Cut offs and predict calls from IIMs and other Top MBA Colleges, whether your CAT score is 70 percentile, 80 percentile or 90 percentile. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and eligibility of all MBA Colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict IIM & Non IIM Calls

Let’s look at the options available to the candidates, incase they miss the minimum CAT cut off percentile mark:

Apply to new IIMs

If you can’t make it through to the WAT-PI round of the top IIMs, you still stand a chance in new IIMs like IIM Bodhgaya, IIM Ranchi, IIM Shillong, IIM Kashipur and IIM Sambalpur as their cutoff eligibility is low compared to top IIMs and other top B-Schools. So keep this option open.

Q: What is the CAT score required for TAPMI MBA admission?

The CAT score required for TAPMI varies depending on the category of the candidate. TAPMI CAT cutoff is released for admission to the MBA course at the time of admission. However, based on the previous year's trends, the required CAT cutoff for General category candidates is around 85 percentile.

Also, the cutoffs for admission to TAPMI may vary for candidates with work experience of more than 20 months. The institute follows a profile-based shortlisting process that considers various factors such as academic performance, work experience, and extracurricular achievements.

Q: Does Delhi School of Management accept CAT scores for MBA admission?

Yes, DSM accepts CAT scores for MBA admission. However, for MBA from DSM/ USME , those with a valid score in MAT can also apply. Candidates seeking admission to MBA offered via DSM or USME are required to apply online on the official website of the Common Management Admission Committee (CMAC Delhi). Additionally, they must meet the below eligibility for admission:

Must have completed a UG degree with a minimum aggregate ranging between 50% and 60% (10% relaxation for SC/ST/ PwD candidates)
Final year students with a proof of eligibility can also apply

Apply to non-IIMs

Another option for those scoring low in CAT exam is applying to non-IIMs.

Many B-Schools like SPJIMR, IMI Delhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, TA Pai Management Institute accept CAT scores between 80-90 percentile. These institutes rank above some of the IIMs in the NIRF-MHRF’s ranking list.
Candidates with CAT score from 70 to 80 percentile can apply to institutes like Amity University, BIMTECH, BITS-Pilani, Great Lakes Institute of Management, IBS Business School and Institute of Management, Nirma University.
Candidates with CAT score from 60 to 70 percentile can apply to institutes like Doon Business School, IIBS, Bangalore, Indus Business Academy, Jagan Institute of Management, Sharda University and MIT School of Telecom Management.

CAT percentile cutoff range for Non-IIMs accepting CAT score for admission

MBA Colleges accepting CAT scores range 70 to 80 percentile	MBA Colleges accepting CAT score above 85 percentile
MBA Colleges accepting CAT scores range 80 to 90 percentile	Colleges accepting CAT score range 50-60 percentile
MBA Colleges accepting CAT scores range 60 to 70 percentile	Top MBA colleges accepting CAT apart from IIMs

Complete list of colleges accepting CAT scores

Take other MBA entrance exams

Typically, every MBA aspirant applies to more than one MBA entrance exam. On the top of the list are CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, NMAT by GMAC and SNAP. So, in case you are not happy with your performance in CAT exam, pay attention on other exams you will be taking in the coming months. Do well in them. Better scores in those MBA entrance exams will help you secure admission in a well reputed college. A poll conducted by Shiksha reveals that CMAT is a preferred choice among MBA aspirants after CAT. The CMAT is easier and its score is accepted by both private and government institutes. CMAT 2025 will be held on January 25, 2025, so don't miss it.

Also Read: 20 MBA exams you can take this year

However, if you don’t want to compromise on your dream institute, then you may take a break and prepare for the CAT 2025. But take this decision only after weighing all the pros and cons of taking a gap year.

Top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores	Top MBA colleges accepting SNAP scores
Top MBA colleges accepting MAT scores	Top MBA colleges accepting NMAT scores
Top MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores	20 MBA colleges you should apply to apart from IIMs

FAQs Related to CAT Result, Cut Offs and Admission

Q: What is a good score in CAT?

A: CAT score can be termed as good or bad depending upon the admission cut off of your desired institute. Admission into IIM requires a better score as compared to other institutes. More than 95 percentile can help you fetch a call from IIM for the admission process.

Q: What score should I get on the CAT to get into an IIM?

A: All the 20 IIMs have a separate cutoff score. Candidates meeting the sectional and overall cutoff criteria can get their names included in the IIM shortlist for the admission process. Typically, a score more than 95 percentile in CAT is good to go.

Q: What are the top institutes, other than IIMs, accepting CAT scores?

A: Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, GIM, LIBA and Department of Management Studies of all IITs, are some of the top institutes accepting CAT scores for admission.

Q: Which are the top B-schools considering candidates having 60-70 percentile in CAT?

A: Some of the top B-schools offering MBA admissions based on CAT 60-70 percentile include Institute of Management Nirma University, JIMS Delhi and PSG College, ISBR Business School, NDIM, Indian Institute of Financial Planning, Presidency College, and LBS Pune.

Q: Which are the top B-schools considering candidates having 70-80 percentile in CAT?

A: ICFAI Business School, XIME Bangalore, SDMIMD Mysore, CIMP Patna, BIM Trichy, BITS Pilani, etc., are some institutes accepting CAT 70-80 percentile for MBA admission.

Q: Is a 95+ score mandatory to get calls from an IIM?

A: Scoring high percentile in CAT is a basic requirement to get shortlisted for the admission process at IIMs, but it is not the only requirement. It is not necessary that a 95 percentile will make you eligible to receive a call for the admission process.

Q: Apart from the CAT score, what qualifications are needed to get into an IIM?

A: Candidates will get admission into IIM based on several factors, including work experience, diversity factors, academic performance, PI-WAT performance, along with the CAT scores.

Q: Which IIMs give a low weightage to CAT scores?

A: IIM Indore and IIM Nagpur give the lowest weightage to CAT scores while preparing the final selection list. However, it doesn't mean that selection process is lenient for these institutes.

Q: Can I attempt CAT more than once?

A: Yes. IIM has provided a maximum limit of eight attempt limits on CAT. Thus, in case of a low CAT score, you can appear for the national level exam in the next session.

Q: Can exams other than CAT land me into a good B-school?

A: Yes, candidates can appear for management exams other than CAT such as MAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT, among others, for MBA/PGDM admissions in India.

Q: What is the validity of the CAT score?

A: CAT score is valid for a period of one year. For admission in the subsequent admission cycle, you need to appear for CAT again.

About the Author

Vipra Shrivastava

Senior Manager - Content

Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio

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Not Done Well in CAT 2024? Don't Fret, You Can Still Get Admission in a Good B-School

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