IIM CAP 2026 Safe CAT Percentile for OBC-NCL to Get a Call

For OBC-NCL students, a CAT percentile of 80 or above overall is the safe score to target for IIM CAP 2026 shortlisting — the confirmed minimum eligibility cutoff is 75 percentile overall, with section-wise cutoffs of 75 in VARC and 65 each in DILR and QA.

IIM CAP 2026 (Common Admission Process) is the joint admissions round conducted by IIM Bodhgaya for three IIMs — IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, and IIM Sirmaur. OBC-NCL students who scored in CAT 2025 must clear category-specific cutoffs to receive a WAT-PI call. Knowing the safe percentile band helps you assess your admission chances accurately.

• IIM CAP 2026 OBC-NCL overall minimum cutoff: 75 percentile
• Safe score for OBC-NCL (male): 80 percentile and above
• Section-wise cutoffs (OBC-NCL): 75 in VARC, 65 in DILR, 65 in QA
• Female OBC-NCL relaxation: 2 percentile lower across all cutoffs
• Participating IIMs in CAP 2026: IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Sirmaur
• Coordinating institute: IIM Bodhgaya

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What is IIM CAP 2026 and Which IIMs Participate

IIM CAP is the Common Admission Process, a centralised WAT-PI round that consolidates shortlisting and interviews across multiple IIMs into a single framework. For the 2026-28 batch (based on CAT 2025 scores), IIM Bodhgaya coordinates IIM CAP 2026, and three IIMs participate: IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, and IIM Sirmaur.

All three institutes accept CAT 2025 scores. Students register on the IIM Bodhgaya CAP portal, apply to their preferred IIMs from the list, and attend a single WAT-PI process if shortlisted. A single application covers all three institutes you choose to apply to.

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IIM CAP 2026 OBC-NCL Category Minimum CAT Cutoff

The confirmed minimum CAT 2025 percentile for OBC-NCL students to be eligible for IIM CAP 2026 shortlisting is 75 percentile overall. Below this threshold, no call is issued from any of the three participating IIMs regardless of your academic record or work experience.

OBC-NCL female students receive a 2 percentile relaxation across all cutoffs — both overall and sectional. Clearing the minimum cutoff makes you eligible; the actual shortlist is determined by a composite score that also weighs your academic marks and work experience.

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Section-wise CAT Percentile Cutoff for OBC-NCL in IIM CAP 2026

Meeting the overall cutoff alone is not sufficient. OBC-NCL students must clear the section-wise cutoff in each of the three CAT 2025 sections — a low score in even one section disqualifies you regardless of your overall percentile.

The VARC cutoff for OBC-NCL is notably higher than for DILR and QA, making verbal preparation critical. Students who are strong in quant and reasoning must not overlook their reading comprehension and verbal reasoning skills before CAT exam day.

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Safe CAT Score vs Minimum Cutoff: What the Difference Means for OBC-NCL

The minimum cutoff is the floor — you need it just to be considered. The safe score is the band where you are likely to receive a call without depending on exceptional academics or work experience to compensate for a borderline CAT result.

An OBC-NCL student scoring 80 percentile or above in CAT 2025 with balanced section-wise performance stands a strong chance of receiving at least one IIM CAP 2026 call. Students in the 75–79 band must ensure their academic profile is well above average to make the shortlist.

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Factors Beyond CAT Percentile That Affect OBC-NCL Shortlisting

IIM CAP participating institutes do not shortlist based on CAT percentile alone. A composite score methodology is used, and your CAT score is one input among several evaluated criteria.

• CAT 2025 Percentile: The primary gate — typically weighted at 40–50% of the composite score. Must be cleared before other factors apply.
• Academic Record: 10th and 12th board marks and graduation percentage carry significant weight. Strong academics can compensate for a borderline CAT score.
• Work Experience: Relevant professional experience adds points, particularly for students with 12–24 months or more of work experience.
• Gender Diversity: Female OBC-NCL students get a 2 percentile relaxation across all cutoff thresholds.
• Academic Diversity: Non-engineering backgrounds may receive an additional diversity consideration at some institutes within the CAP pool.

If your OBC-NCL percentile falls in the 75–79 band, strong scores across 10th (85%+), 12th (80%+), and graduation (70%+) become essential to securing a shortlist call. This multi-factor model means your complete profile — not just CAT — determines your IIM CAP outcome.

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