Students scoring under 60 percentile in ATMA 2026 can still secure admission to several reputed B-schools across India that accept lower percentile scores for their MBA and PGDM programmes.
ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions) is conducted multiple times a year by AIMS, and a score below 60 percentile does not close all doors. Many private B-schools, especially in Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi, have set cutoffs in the 40–58 percentile range, making MBA accessible to a wide range of students.
- ATMA 2026 is conducted multiple times; the July 2026 session is scheduled for July 21, 2026.
- Scores below 60 percentile are accepted by over 30 AICTE-approved B-schools across India.
- Many of these colleges offer PGDM and MBA programmes with fees ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per year.
- Students can apply to multiple B-schools using a single ATMA score as the exam is accepted widely.
| Direct Link to ATMA 2026 Official Website (Active) |
| https://atmaaims.com/ |
What Does Under 60 Percentile Mean in ATMA?
ATMA scores are reported on a scale of 180 marks across three sections — Analytical Reasoning Skills, Verbal Skills, and Quantitative Skills. A 60 percentile in ATMA typically corresponds to a scaled score of around 95–105 out of 180, based on 2024 and 2025 trends. It means you scored higher than 60% of all test-takers in that session.
While top-ranked B-schools typically require 70–85 percentile, a large segment of AICTE-approved and NAAC-accredited colleges have set their ATMA cutoffs below 60 percentile, particularly for their PGDM and MBA programmes in specialisations like Marketing, Finance, HR, and Operations.
B-Schools Accepting Under 60 Percentile in ATMA 2026
The table below lists B-schools across India that have accepted ATMA scores under 60 percentile, based on 2024–2025 admission trends. Cutoffs are expected to remain in a similar range for the 2026 admissions cycle.
| College Name | Location | ATMA Cutoff (Percentile) | Programme | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISBR Business School | Bangalore | 50–55 | PGDM | Rs 4.5–5.5 lakh |
| Chetana’s Institute of Management and Research | Mumbai | 45–55 | MMS / PGDM | Rs 3.5–4.5 lakh |
| ITM Business School | Navi Mumbai | 50–60 | PGDM | Rs 5–7 lakh |
| Indus Business Academy (IBA) | Bangalore | 45–55 | PGDM | Rs 4–5 lakh |
| IFIM Business School | Bangalore | 50–58 | PGDM / MBA | Rs 5–6.5 lakh |
| GITAM School of Business | Hyderabad / Vizag | 50–60 | MBA | Rs 4.5–6 lakh |
| Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS) | Delhi | 50–58 | PGDM | Rs 4–5.5 lakh |
| Presidency College | Bangalore | 45–55 | MBA | Rs 3.5–4.5 lakh |
| Acharya Institute of Management and Sciences | Bangalore | 45–55 | MBA | Rs 3–4 lakh |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Noida / Lucknow / Jaipur | 50–60 | PGDM | Rs 5–7 lakh |
| IPE Hyderabad (Institute of Public Enterprise) | Hyderabad | 50–58 | MBA | Rs 4–5.5 lakh |
| Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management | Hyderabad | 45–55 | MBA | Rs 3.5–4.5 lakh |
| Taxila Business School | Jaipur | 45–55 | PGDM | Rs 3.5–4.5 lakh |
| NSB Academy | Bangalore | 40–50 | PGDM | Rs 3–4 lakh |
| Amity University (select campuses) | Multiple | 50–60 | MBA | Rs 5–8 lakh |
Cutoffs are based on 2024–2025 admission trends and are expected to remain similar for 2026.
City-wise Low Cutoff ATMA Colleges
Students often prefer colleges in specific cities for placement networks and cost of living. Here is a quick overview of cities with the most low-cutoff ATMA colleges:
| City | Estimated Colleges (Under 60 Percentile) | Average ATMA Cutoff Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | 8–10 | 40–58 percentile |
| Hyderabad | 5–7 | 45–58 percentile |
| Mumbai / Navi Mumbai | 4–5 | 45–60 percentile |
| Delhi / NCR | 4–6 | 50–60 percentile |
| Jaipur / Rajasthan | 3–4 | 45–55 percentile |
| Lucknow / UP | 3–5 | 45–58 percentile |
How to Apply to Low Cutoff ATMA B-Schools
Once you have your ATMA 2026 score, follow these steps to apply to B-schools accepting under 60 percentile:
- Download your ATMA scorecard from the official website at atmaaims.com.
- Shortlist colleges where your percentile meets or exceeds the published cutoff, as notified on each college’s official website.
- Fill the college application form online or offline as specified by each institute. Many colleges charge a separate application fee of Rs 500–Rs 1,500.
- Attend the GD-PI round — even for low-cutoff colleges, most require a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Your academic record and work experience can compensate for a lower ATMA percentile.
- Submit documents including your ATMA scorecard, graduation marksheets, ID proof, and passport-sized photographs at the time of counselling or admission.
- Accept the offer letter and pay the admission fee within the deadline to secure your seat.
Key tip: Apply to 5–8 colleges simultaneously. Admission processes run in parallel, and shortlisting from multiple options gives you better negotiating power on fees and deadlines.
Tips to Improve Your ATMA Score Before the Next Attempt
ATMA is conducted multiple times a year. If your current score is below your target, you can re-appear. Here are the key areas to focus on:
- Analytical Reasoning Skills: This section carries significant weightage in ATMA. Practise syllogisms, blood relations, seating arrangements, and coding-decoding daily.
- Verbal Skills: Reading comprehension and vocabulary are tested here. Read editorial articles and practise para-jumbles to improve speed and accuracy.
- Quantitative Skills: Arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation form the bulk of this section. Revise class 10–12 maths fundamentals and solve previous-year ATMA papers.
- Time management: ATMA has 180 questions in 180 minutes. Practise completing full mocks within time to avoid leaving questions unattempted.
- No negative marking: ATMA does not penalise wrong answers, so attempt all questions even if unsure — a guess is always worth making.
ATMA 2026 Low Cutoff B-Schools FAQs
Ques. Which B-schools accept ATMA score under 50 percentile?
Ans. Several B-schools accept ATMA scores as low as 40–50 percentile, including NSB Academy Bangalore, Indus Business Academy, Chetana’s Institute of Management, Presidency College Bangalore, and Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management. These colleges are AICTE-approved and offer valid PGDM or MBA degrees.
Ques. Is a 55 percentile in ATMA 2026 good enough for MBA admission?
Ans. Yes, a 55 percentile in ATMA 2026 is sufficient for admission to many private B-schools across Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Your graduation marks, work experience, and GD-PI performance also play a significant role in the final selection.
Ques. How many times is ATMA conducted in 2026?
Ans. ATMA is conducted multiple times in 2026, typically in February, May, and July. Each attempt is independent and you can use your best score for college applications. The July 2026 session is scheduled for July 21, 2026.
Ques. What is the total score in ATMA?
Ans. ATMA has a total of 180 marks across 180 questions in three sections — Analytical Reasoning Skills (60 questions), Verbal Skills (60 questions), and Quantitative Skills (60 questions). Each correct answer carries 1 mark and there is no negative marking.
Ques. Can I get into a good MBA college with a low ATMA score?
Ans. Yes. Many NAAC-accredited and AICTE-approved B-schools accept ATMA scores under 60 percentile. A strong GD-PI performance, good academic record, and relevant work experience can help you secure admission even with a lower ATMA percentile.
Ques. Does the ATMA score have an expiry date?
Ans. ATMA scores are valid for one admission year. A score from the 2026 sessions is valid for 2026–27 academic year admissions only. You must re-appear in ATMA in the next cycle if you plan to seek admission in 2027–28.
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