For the top 10 IIMs, the minimum CAT percentile usually starts around 90–95 percentile for general shortlisting, but for the very top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Lucknow, candidates often need around 98–99+ percentile to stay competitive.
What is the minimum CAT percentile for top 10 IIMs?
The minimum CAT percentile required for admission into the top 10 IIMs is generally very high, though it varies slightly based on the institute, category, and overall profile of the candidate. For top institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta, a 99–100 percentile is usually considered safe for general category students. These institutes are extremely competitive, and along with a high score, they also consider academic performance, work experience, and interview rounds. For other leading IIMs such as IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Indore, the cutoff typically ranges between 97–99 percentile. Meanwhile, newer but well-ranked IIMs like IIM Shillong, IIM Udaipur, IIM Trichy, and IIM Raipur generally have cutoffs around 95–98 percentile. It’s important to note that the official minimum cutoff may be lower (around 80–90 percentile), but actual interview calls are usually given at much higher scores. Overall, aiming for 98+ percentile gives you a strong chance of getting into a top 10 IIM, provided you also have a well-rounded profile.





