If you’ve scored around 90 percentile in CAT, you may be wondering whether getting into an IIM is still possible. Let’s answer this popular question in detail.
Can I Get Into an IIM with 90 Percentile in CAT?
Yes, it is possible to get into certain IIMs with a 90 percentile in CAT especially with the newer IIMs and a few of the baby IIMs. Therefore, the probability of being selected by IIM A, B, or C which are the premier institutes is quite hard since they prefer candidates with 98+ percentile. However, your probability of selection is higher if you have a good academic background, work experience, diverse background, and good performance in the WAT-PI rounds.
Which IIMs Accept 90 Percentile in CAT?
Below is a table highlighting IIMs and their general CAT percentile cut-offs:
|
IIM Name |
Approx. CAT Percentile Cut-off |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
IIM Ahmedabad |
99+ |
Very high cut-off |
|
IIM Bangalore |
98.5+ |
Focus on academics & work-experience |
|
IIM Calcutta |
99+ |
High cut-off and academic weightage |
|
IIM Shillong |
90–92 |
Higher chance with good profile |
|
IIM Rohtak |
90+ |
Possible with good PI performance |
|
IIM Kashipur |
90+ |
Consider academic & diversity profile |
|
IIM Ranchi |
90+ |
Accepts candidates with good profile |
|
IIM Nagpur |
85–90 |
Profile-based shortlisting |
Note: Cut-offs may change every year and vary by category (General, OBC, SC/ST).
What Other Factors Matter Besides CAT Score?
However, there are other factors that influence your admission despite the 90 percentile score.
• Academic Performance: Consistency in the 10th, 12th and Graduation examination scores.
• Experience: Fresh candidates are welcome, although candidates with previous work experience of 1-3 years will be given preference.
• Gender and Academic Diversity: Candidates with non-engineering background or female applicants are given diversity points.
• WAT & PI: Your performance in the Written Ability Test and Personal Interview will be important to your success.
Read More: How Many Hours Do CAT Toppers Study?
How Can I Prepare for Future IIM Calls with 90 Percentile?
If you are preparing to try for CAT again or for WAT-PI, then your priorities should be on:
• For those who want to improve their preparation, using a VARC book for CAT is a good idea especially if you have a weak section in verbal ability and reading comprehension.
• Solving the CAT Previous year question papers to familiarise with the actual format and level of difficulty that students are going to face during the examination.
• To ensure a balanced preparation for the CAT, the best CAT books for QA, DILR and VARC sections should be used.
Can I Improve My Profile for the Next CAT Attempt?
Absolutely! Below is the way of improving the profile for the next round of admissions:
• Acquire work experience if you are a fresher and in case you are already working then try to get relevant experience.
• Engage in certifications (as in analytics or communication).
• Begin with newspapers, editorials, and a good VARC book for CAT daily.
• Attempt mock tests and solve the questions of CAT Previous year papers frequently.
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Thus, if one has scored 90 percentile in CAT, it is not the end of the road for getting into IIMs. However, with a good profile and adequate preparation, it is still possible to secure admission into some of the IIMs. Emphasize on the process of practicing, use the best CAT books to enhance your strategies and never neglect to study the trends by solving CAT Previous year papers.
Stay on your toes and continue studying effectively, and you may be in your dream B-school than you imagine.
