CAT Cutoff For SC Category: Iims, Top B-Schools & Admission Percentiles 2026
CAT Cutoff For SC Category is the minimum percentile required for admission to MBA programs across IIMs and other top B-schools, with qualifying cutoffs for SC candidates at IIM Ahmedabad reaching an overall 85 percentile for the 2026-28 batch. This threshold, while significantly lower than the General category, still demands consistent performance across all sections of the Common Admission Test. The 2026 cutoff will be updated post-release, with current data reflecting the 2025 admission cycle.
CAT Cutoff For SC Category 2026: Notification, Application & Exam Date Schedule
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 schedule outlines key dates for notification, application, and examination, providing a roadmap for aspiring candidates.
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 26, 2026 |
| Application Start | August 1, 2026 |
| Application Close | September 20, 2026 |
| Correction Window | Last Week of September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | November 12, 2026 |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | December 21, 2026 |
IIMs CAT 2025 Category-wise Cutoff: SC Overall & Sectional Percentiles (Latest — 2026 awaited)
The CAT cutoff for SC category in 2025 varied across the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), with specific overall and sectional percentile requirements for shortlisting candidates for further admission rounds.
| IIM | Overall Percentile (SC) | VARC Percentile (SC) | DILR Percentile (SC) | QA Percentile (SC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 85 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| IIM Bangalore | 70 | 65 | 60 | 60 |
| IIM Calcutta | 70 (Qualifying) / 80-85+ (Actual Shortlisting) | – | – | – |
| IIM Lucknow | 65 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
| IIM Indore | 60 (Expected) | – | – | – |
| IIM Kozhikode | 65 (Expected) | – | – | – |
| IIM Raipur | 54 (Expected) | – | – | – |
CAT 2026 Counselling Schedule: Registration, Choice Filling & Seat Allotment Dates
The counselling process for MBA/PGP admissions based on CAT 2025 scores for the 2026-28 batch involves several stages, from shortlisting to final seat allotment.
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Counselling Process Start | January 2026 |
| WAT/PI Shortlisting | February – April 2026 |
| Interviews Conducted | February – April 2026 |
| Final Admission Offers | May 2026 |
| Document Verification & Formalities | June 2026 |
FAQs
Q: When will the CAT 2026 cutoff for SC category be released?
A: The official CAT 2026 cutoff for the SC category is expected to be released by IIMs in their admission policies around July 2026, after the CAT 2026 notification, with results coming out in December 2026.
Q: What is a good CAT percentile for SC candidates to get into top IIMs?
A: For top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, SC candidates typically need an overall percentile in the range of 70-85 for qualifying, with actual shortlisting often requiring 80-92+ percentile. For newer IIMs, a percentile around 55-70 can be considered good for shortlisting.
Q: Are there sectional cutoffs for SC candidates in CAT?
A: Yes, most IIMs apply sectional cutoffs in addition to the overall CAT percentile for SC candidates. These sectional cutoffs are generally lower than for the General category, but candidates must clear them in each section (VARC, DILR, QA).
Q: What is the reservation percentage for SC candidates in IIMs?
A: There is a 15% reservation for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Q: Do non-IIMs also have relaxed CAT cutoffs for SC category?
A: Yes, many top non-IIM MBA colleges also offer relaxed CAT cutoffs for SC category candidates. For instance, some IIT B-schools and other reputable institutions may have cutoffs around the 60-80 percentile range for SC candidates.
Q: What is the CAT 2026 exam date?
A: The CAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026.
What is the expected CAT cutoff for SC category candidates for IIMs and top MBA colleges?
For SC/ST candidates, the CAT cutoffs are generally lower compared to the General category. For leading private MBA colleges, SC/ST candidates may aim for 70-80 percentile. Baby IIMs typically have a lower cutoff, starting around the 70th percentile for SC candidates.
Where can I find the official CAT cutoff for SC category candidates?
IIMs release their official CAT cut-offs in their respective admission criteria. The sectional-wise CAT cut-off will also be released by the CAT-a. You should check the specific IIMs you are interested in for their detailed admission criteria.
What factors determine the CAT cutoff for the SC category each year?
Qualifying cutoffs vary by institute and category, including SC/ST. These cutoffs change annually depending on factors like exam difficulty, the total number of applicants, and the availability of seats.
Are CAT cutoffs for SC category candidates different for various IIMs?
Yes, CAT cutoffs for SC candidates differ across IIMs. Baby IIMs, such as IIM Jammu and IIM Sirmaur, typically have lower cutoffs compared to the top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, where cutoffs are considerably lower for reserved categories but still competitive.
What is the significance of the CAT cutoff for SC candidates in the admission process?
The CAT cutoff, available category-wise and section-wise, is a crucial factor for GD/PI shortlisting. Meeting this minimum cutoff is essential for consideration in the subsequent stages of the admission process for IIMs and other top MBA colleges.
What happens after an SC candidate meets the CAT cutoff for an IIM?
Meeting the CAT cutoff is a prime factor for shortlisting for the Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. After these rounds are conducted, institutes then prepare a final merit list for admission.
