Can I Get an IIM with 85 Percentile in CAT 2025? – Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for CAT, out of which only a few can get a percentile above 90. While it is assumed that “IIMs are only for 99%ilers,” the reality is a bit different. One can definitely get into their dream IIM with an 85 percentile in CAT 2025; however, it may account for factors apart from your CAT score, like academics, diversity, work experience, and many more. A person securing an 85 percentile may change their strategy and should alter their focus from targeting “Old IIMs” to focusing on New IIMs, Baby IIMs, and top-tier private B-schools that value a comprehensive profile.
In this blog, we’ll go over the IIMs you can target, the importance of category reservations, and the best non-IIM options for an 85 percentile score.
Also Check: CAT 2025 Result Released
Table of Contents
IIM Qualifying Cutoff vs. Final Call Cutoff
One of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between the Qualifying Cutoff and the Final Shortlist Cutoff.
- Qualifying Cutoff: This score represents the minimum score required for consideration. Numerous top IIMs, such as IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, often set their qualifying cutoffs between 80 and 85 percentile.
- Final Call Cutoff: This is the actual percentile at which calls are sent out. For General category students at top IIMs, this usually shoots up to 99+ percentile.
Note: If you are a General category candidate with an 85 percentile, you might meet the qualifying criteria for IIM Bangalore or Calcutta, but the chances of receiving a final interview call are slim unless you have an extraordinary profile (e.g., National level athlete, published author, or significant work experience).
Can Reserved Category Candidates Get an IIM at 85 Percentile?
For candidates belonging to NC-OBC, SC, ST, or PwD categories, an 85 percentile is often a “Golden Ticket.”
| Category | Potential IIM Calls at 85 Percentile |
| NC-OBC / EWS | New IIMs (Ranchi, Raipur, Trichy) & Baby IIMs |
| SC | Old IIMs (Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode) & All New/Baby IIMs |
| ST / PwD | Almost all IIMs, including IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta |
If you are from a SC, ST, or PWD group, an 85%ile is well above the cutoff, which means you have a good chance of getting into the best IIMs in India.
Also Read: Category-Wise CAT Cutoff
Can I Get an IIM with 85 Percentile in CAT 2025?
Getting a call from the top IIMs or IIM BLACKI is difficult for General category students securing a 85 percentile. However, one can definitely target the Newer IIMs as they offer admissions based on candidates’ profile more than their CAT score.
The baby IIMs, such as IIM Jammu, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Sambalpur, and IIM Bodh Gaya, have category-wise final cutoffs that usually go up to 85+ percentile for certain profiles. These institutes have shown adaptability in their selection criteria, frequently placing greater emphasis on gender and academic diversity.
Example: A female candidate with a non-engineering background and securing an 85 %ile definitely stands a chance to get a call from these institutes.
Top Non-IIM MBA Colleges Accepting 85 Percentile in CAT
If an IIM is not an absolute necessity, the 85 percentile range provides access to some of the top private B-schools in India. Several of these provide superior ROI and placements compared to the newer IIMs.
| College Name | Expected CAT 2025 Cutoff | Renowned Specializations |
| TAPMI, Manipal | 83 Percentile | Banking & Financial Services |
| MICA Ahmedabad | 85+ Percentile | Strategic Marketing & Communication |
| BITSOM Mumbai | 85+ Percentile | Leadership & Strategy |
| IMI Delhi | 85+ Percentile | Banking & Financial Services, HRM |
| FORE School of Management, Delhi | 85 Percentile | International Business & Marketing |
| GIM, Goa | 85 Percentile | Healthcare & Big Data Analytics |
| KJ Somaiya, Mumbai | 85+ Percentile | Healthcare & Sports Management |
| IRMA, Anand | 85 Percentile | Rural Management & Social Impact |
| Great Lakes, Chennai | 85 Percentile | Analytics & Data Science, AI-ML |
Also Check: CAT 2025 Cutoff for Non-IIMs Colleges
Factors That Can Compensate for a Lower CAT Score
If you are stuck at the 85 percentile but still dream of an IIM, you need to leverage the Composite Score. IIMs don’t just look at your CAT score; they also check:
- Academic Background: A good score in 10th and 12th can significantly improve your composite score.
- Work Experience: 2–4 years of quality work experience is highly valued.
- Academic Diversity: Non-engineers (Arts, Commerce, Science) often get “diversity points” ranging from 2 to 5 marks.
- Gender Diversity: Most IIMs give extra diversity points to female & transgender applicants.
Strategic Planning For 85 Percentilers
- Don’t Wait for IIMs: Apply to top private colleges like MICA, FORE, and GIM immediately. Their deadlines often close before CAT results.
- Focus on OMETs: If CAT 2025 didn’t go as planned, focus on XAT, SNAP, or NMAT. These exams offer a second chance at Tier-1 colleges.
- Prepare for GD-PI: At 85 percentile, your interview must be “Flawless.” Since you are at the lower end of the score spectrum, your performance in the Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT) will decide your fate.
Conclusion: Is 85 Percentile Enough?
Achieving an 85 percentile in CAT 2025 might not help you receive a call from any of the top IIMs, including IIM BLACKI, Rohtak, and Shillong, especially for a General category student. However, it is totally based on your profile and the composite score obtained, as these IIMs focus more on candidates’ profiles, academics, diversity, and work experience. If you don’t receive a call from any of the old IIMs, this percentile will definitely get you a call from some of the leading private institutions, such as TAPMI and FORE. Gaining admission to an ideal B-school for yourself requires a thoughtful and strategic approach to the college application. One should focus more on finding the right fit for their career goals rather than simply pursuing the brand name.
Read More: Government colleges Accepting CAT Score | CAT GD-PI-WAT Preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get an IIM Ahmedabad call at 85 percentile?
A: Yes, if your profile is strong or you are from a reserved category (SC/ST/PwD) or apply through a specialized diversity quota (like AC-5 for Arts/Medicine) with a markable academic record it is definitely possible to get a call from IIM Ahmedabad.
Q: Are sectional cutoffs important?
A: Yes, most IIMs and leading B-schools have strict sectional cutoffs as a part of their admission process. It is usually around 70–80 percentile for each section across different colleges.
Q: Should I retake the CAT exam or join a Tier-2 college?
A: If you aim to secure a package of ₹25+ LPA, think about retaking the CAT exam. If you are content with a starting salary of ₹12–16 LPA and are eager to kickstart your career, institutions such as GIM, TAPMI, or IMT present outstanding options.
Q: Do these colleges accept other exams?
A: Yes, many of the private colleges listed (like GIM or TAPMI) also accept XAT or GMAT scores.
