With the CAT 2024 exam approaching, aspiring MBA candidates across the country are preparing rigorously, aware of the competitive edge required to secure a seat at the Top MBA Colleges in India like the IIMs and other prestigious B-schools. The cutoff for CAT 2024 will be a pivotal factor in determining which candidates receive interview calls from their preferred institutions. Although the official cutoffs will be declared in January 2024, historical trends and current factors provide us with significant insight into what to expect.
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Understanding CAT Cutoffs
CAT cutoffs are generally divided into two categories: minimum qualifying cutoffs and final admission cutoffs. The minimum cutoffs indicate the lowest percentile a candidate must achieve to be eligible for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GDPI) rounds. On the other hand, final admission cutoffs represent the actual scores of candidates who receive calls for admission. Historically, final cutoffs are significantly higher than the minimum thresholds, especially for top-ranked institutions.
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Factors Influencing CAT Cutoff 2024
Several factors will play a crucial role in determining the CAT 2024 cutoff:
- Exam Difficulty: The complexity of the question paper has a direct impact on cutoff scores. A more difficult exam generally leads to lower cutoff scores.
- Number of Applicants: In 2023, approximately 3.3 lakh candidates appeared for the CAT. If this number increases in 2024, cutoffs are likely to be higher due to increased competition.
- Available Seats: The number of seats at institutions like the IIMs fluctuates annually, and changes in reservation policies may also affect seat distribution.
- College Reputation: Top-tier institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta often have the highest cutoffs due to their prestige.
- Minimum Qualifying Candidates: The number of candidates who meet the minimum sectional and overall cutoffs also influences the final cutoffs.
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Expected Final Admission CAT Cutoff for IIMs in 2024
Based on trends from previous years, candidates aiming for top IIMs need to target exceptionally high percentiles. The table below offers a guide to the expected cutoffs for 2024:
| IIM | Expected CAT Cutoff 2024 (Percentile) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 94-100 |
| IIM Bangalore | 94-100 |
| IIM Calcutta | 94-100 |
| IIM Lucknow | 91-99.5 |
| IIM Indore | 91-99.5 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 91-99.5 |
| IIM Amritsar | 90+ |
| IIM Nagpur | 90+ |
| IIM Sambalpur | 90+ |
| IIM Trichy | 90+ |
| IIM Raipur | 90+ |
| IIM Ranchi | 90+ |
| IIM Kashipur | 90+ |
| IIM Vizag | 90+ |
| IIM Rohtak | 90+ |
| IIM Udaipur | 90+ |
CAT Cutoff 2024 for Top Non-IIM Colleges
Non-IIM institutions also set high cutoff marks, reflecting their reputation and placement opportunities. Here’s what candidates can expect for some of the leading non-IIM B-schools:
| Institute | Expected CAT Cutoff 2024 (Percentile) |
| FMS (Faculty of Management Studies) | 99 |
| IIT Delhi | 98 |
| IIT Bombay | 97 |
| MDI Gurgaon | 95 |
| IIT Madras | 95 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90 |
| SPJIMR (Profile-Based Calls) | 85 |
Candidates aspiring for these institutes must aim for percentiles close to or exceeding 95%, ensuring they meet the rigorous academic and profile standards these institutes demand. Also Read: CAT Syllabus 2024
Minimum Qualifying CAT Cutoff for IIMs
While final cutoffs are indicative of the score needed for an interview call, the minimum qualifying cutoff is the benchmark that ensures eligibility for further rounds. For CAT 2024, the expected minimum qualifying cutoffs for IIMs are as follows:
| IIM | Expected Minimum CAT Cutoff 2024 (Percentile) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 80 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 |
| IIM Indore | 90 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | 94 |
| IIM Shillong | 75 |
| IIM Raipur | 94 |
| IIM Ranchi | 94 |
| IIM Kashipur | 94 |
| IIM Udaipur | 94 |
Sectional Cutoffs for CAT 2024
Clearing the overall cutoff isn’t enough; candidates must also meet the sectional cutoffs in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Missing even one section cut off by a small margin can disqualify a candidate from the GDPI process.
| IIM | Sectional Cutoff 2024 (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 70, 70, 70 |
| IIM Bangalore | 80, 80, 80 |
| IIM Calcutta | 80, 80, 75 |
| IIM Indore | 80, 80, 80 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 75, 75, 75 |
| IIM Lucknow (PGP) | 85, 85, 85 |
| IIM Udaipur | 73, 73, 73 |
CAT Cutoff Marks vs. Percentiles
To understand the relationship between CAT percentiles and raw marks, it’s essential to look at previous years’ data. Below is a breakdown of how percentiles have translated into raw marks over the years.
| Percentile | Marks in CAT 2022 | Marks in CAT 2021 | Marks in CAT 2020 | Marks in CAT 2019 |
| 99.9 | 112 | 120 | 131 | 196 |
| 99.5 | 107 | 115 | 170 | 183 |
| 99 | 97 | 102 | 157 | 173 |
| 95 | 75 | 90 | 120 | 139 |
While these scores may vary slightly depending on the difficulty level of the exam and other factors, they provide a useful guide for understanding how raw scores will correlate with percentiles in CAT 2024.
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Conclusion
As CAT 2024 draws near, understanding the expected cutoffs is essential for strategic preparation. Aiming for the highest possible score will maximize your chances of securing a GDPI call, especially from the top-tier IIMs and non-IIM institutions. However, keep in mind that clearing the CAT cutoff alone does not guarantee admission. Other factors, such as past academic records, work experience, and overall profile strength, also play a significant role in the final selection process.
Make sure to stay updated on any announcements from IIMs regarding changes to cutoff criteria for admission policies to ensure your best chance of success.