The Minimum CAT Percentile for IIMs in NC OBC Category

Those who aspire to get into IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta (often referred to as IIM A, B, and C) are faced with a high bar in terms of cut-offs. These institutes are historically among the most prestigious and sought after, leading to extremely competitive entrance exams.

The NC OBC Category and Cut-off Percentile

For the National Cream of Other Backward Classes (NC OBC) category, the cut-off is typically around 80 percentile. However, to get into these top-tier IIMs, a much higher percentile is often required. The IIMs themselves have a higher expectation, aiming for a cut-off of around 90 percentile or above.

Understanding the Differences in Cut-offs

It's important to recognize that whatever cut-off is set by the IIMs, there's a strong likelihood that they will increase it further. This is because an 80 percentile can often be achieved by students who are of average caliber. It is not guaranteed that every student with an 80 percentile will be admitted. Therefore, if you are targeting IIM A, B, and C, setting a goal of 90 percentile or higher is necessary.

Conclusion and Career Advancement

Your preparation and target should be on achieving a score well above 90 percentile. If you do, securing an admission into these prestigious institutions will become more feasible.

Refer to the admissions pages of each institute for cut-offs, as they vary each year. It's also crucial to weigh the reasons for applying as an OBC candidate. While it's important to acknowledge the historical inequality in India, recent generations have seen significant changes in socioeconomic dynamics. Therefore, the merit and hard work of general category candidates should not be undervalued.

Additional Considerations

The calls from these old IIMs are not solely determined by your CAT scores. Additional factors such as X and XII examination results and work experience can also influence your chances. For example, a CAT score of around 97 percentile, combined with high X and XII scores of over 90 and around 2 years of work experience, can significantly enhance your prospects.

Remember, the competition for these seats is fierce. As you prepare for the CAT, keep in mind that achieving a high percentile is key to your success.

All the best in your preparation and career advancement!