CAT (Common Admission Test) Cut-Off Marks
Official CAT qualifying cut-off marks are published by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) across General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories. Clearing the Prelims/Tier 1 benchmark requires scoring approximately 45%–55% of the total 198 Marks (66 Questions), evaluated after negative marking (+3 for correct, -1 for incorrect MCQ; No negative marking for Non-MCQ (TITA) questions).
CAT Category-Wise Cut-Off Matrix
Official scores published by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
2024 - IIM Ahmedabad Call
Total: 100%ile| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 99.75 | Minimum CAT percentile for PGP PI shortlisting |
| General | 99.75 | Minimum CAT percentile for PGP PI shortlisting |
2024 - IIM Bangalore Call
Total: 100%ile| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 99.60 | Minimum CAT percentile for PI shortlisting |
| General | 99.60 | Minimum CAT percentile for PI shortlisting |
2024 - IIM Calcutta Call
Total: 100%ile| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 99.50 | Minimum CAT percentile for PI shortlisting |
| General | 99.50 | Minimum CAT percentile for PI shortlisting |
2024 - FMS Delhi Shortlist
Total: 100%ile| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 99.20 | Shortlisting percentile with high VARC weightage |
| General | 99.20 | Shortlisting percentile with high VARC weightage |
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4 Factors That Determine CAT Cut-Offs
Total Vacancies Notified
An increase in vacancies directly lowers the qualifying cut-off multiplier, whereas a reduction intensifies competition.
Difficulty of Question Paper
A tougher question paper lowers raw qualifying marks. Multi-shift examinations apply mathematical normalization to maintain parity.
Applicant Volume
Rising registration numbers across India elevate competition density, especially within the General, OBC, and EWS tiers.
Reservation Norms
Central/State statutory quotas (OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, PwD) govern the distribution of qualifying thresholds across all stages.
Recommended Safe Target Score for 2026/2027
Based on 5-year statistical cut-off fluctuations, our academic faculty recommends aiming for +10% to +15% above the previous year's threshold to guarantee a comfortable selection margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the previous year cut-off for CAT (General / UR Category)?
For CAT (Common Admission Test), the qualifying score benchmark varies by exam stage. In recent cycles, candidates in the General (UR) category required roughly 45% to 55% of the total maximum marks to qualify for the next stage or final merit list.
How much concession is given to OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates in CAT cutoffs?
Cut-offs for OBC and EWS categories typically track within 2% to 6% of the General merit list, while SC and ST cutoffs typically range 12% to 25% lower, subject to government reservation guidelines and category-wise seat distribution.
What factors cause fluctuations in CAT cut-off scores each year?
Cut-offs fluctuate primarily based on three key factors: (1) Total vacancies officially notified by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), (2) Difficulty level and shift normalization of question papers, and (3) The total number of candidates appearing for the examination.
Where can I predict my rank and qualifying probability for CAT?
You can calculate your estimated percentile, category qualifying probability, and college/service allocation using the TargetClasses Rank & Cut-off Predictor, or consult our academic counselors at +91 63528 74776.
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