The IIM Bangalore has officially released the first shortlisting cutoff for the next PGP Batch of 2026-28, as per the CAT 2024. For the general category candidates, the IIM Bangalore Minimum Cutoff is 80 Percentile in VARC, 75 percentile in DILR, 75 percentile in QA, and an overall aggregate of 85 percentile.
- For OBC and EWS Candidates, the overall aggregate percentile is 75; for SC Candidates, it is 70, and for ST candidates, it is 65.
- If you clear these cutoffs, then you will be eligible for WAT-PI, but it will not guarantee you an admission call.
- As the actual shortlisting will depend upon the evaluation of CAT Performance, academic record, work experience/ professional qualification and WAT-PI Performance.
The IIM Bangalore gives more weightage to academic excellence in class 10th and 12th, along with quality work experience, which can impact your composite score during selection.
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Key Summary
In this Article, we have discussed IIM Bangalore CAT Cutoff & admission criteria, including Category-wise cutoff and Placement Opportunities.
- The IIM Bangalore is one of the most selective IIMs, having a low acceptance rate and strong competition for more than 500+ PGP Seats.
- The Qualifying cut-off alone will not guarantee you shortlisting for PI; a sectional cutoff is also mandatory.
- For the general category candidates, an overall 99+ percentile is required and a strong sectional percentile.
- The Candidates from the reserved category have a lower qualifying percentile, which makes it more accessible for them.
- IIM Bangalore Cutoff CAT 2025: Minimum Qualifying Cutoff
- What CAT Percentile will get you a Call from IIM Bangalore?
- How IIM Bangalore Chooses Candidates: Check the complete Admission Process.
- Who Can Apply to IIM Bangalore: Check the Eligibility Criteria
- IIM Bangalore CAT Cut-off: Last 4 Year Performance Analysis (2024-2021)
- FAQs for IIM Bangalore Cutoff & Admission Criteria
IIM Bangalore Cutoff CAT 2025: Minimum Qualifying Cutoff
The IIM Bangalore has released the first official, shortlisting cutoff for the PGP Batch of 2026 to 2028. To be eligible for the WAT/PI Round, you have to clear both the sectional and overall percentile.
Official IIM Bangalore CAT 2025 Cut-offs for First Shortlist
- For admission, along with the overall percentile, you should meet the minimum percentile of all three sections.
- As the competition level is increasing, you should aim for a minimum cutoff of 95 to 99 as a general category candidate to improve your chances of getting a call from WAT/PI and getting final admission.
| Category | VARC (Section-1) | DILR (Section-2) | QA (Section-3) | Overall (Aggregate) Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 80 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
| NC-OBC | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| EWS | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| SC | 65 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
| ST | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| PwD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
Note: These cut-offs qualify a candidate for the first shortlist (WAT/PI eligibility) — they do not guarantee a call or admission.
Source: https://www.iimb.ac.in/admissions/pgp-admissions/admission-process
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Ques. Are sectional cutoffs important for IIM Bangalore admission?
Ans. Yes, Section-wise performance in the entrance test is important. At IIM Bangalore, it's not just a high overall score in CAT; you have to clear the minimum required percentiles.
IIM Bangalore 2025 Minimum Sectional & Overall Cutoffs (for First Shortlist)
| Category | VARC Cutoff | DILR Cutoff | QA Cutoff | Overall Cutoff (Aggregate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 80 percentile | 80 percentile | 80 percentile | 85 percentile |
| NC-OBC / EWS | 70 | 70 | 70 | 75 |
| SC | 60 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
| ST | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| PwD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
Ques. If I meet the qualifying cutoff, will I get a PI call from IIM Bangalore?
Ans. If you meet the minimum CAT Cutoffs, you will be eligible for WAT/PI at IIM Bangalore. But it will not guarantee an admission call.
Shortlisting Criteria for PI Call (Pre-PI) at IIM B
| Component | Relative Weight / Role (Pre-PI Shortlist) |
|---|---|
| CAT score (with section scores) | Primary filter — determines baseline eligibility |
| 10th & 12th board marks | Considered under academics — helps differentiate among eligible candidates |
| Graduation marks / UG performance | Important for academic consistency assessment |
| Work Experience / Professional Course (if any) | Adds value — experienced candidates are often rated higher |
| Gender / Diversity considerations | Used to promote a balanced cohort when scores are comparable |
Ques. Do 12th class and graduation marks matter for cutoffs/shortlisting at IIM Bangalore?
Ans. Yes, in IIM Bangalore, your academic profile of class 10th, 12th and graduation performance, which is a part of the selection process.
- In the first shortlisting, IIM Bangalore gives 10th, 12th and graduation marks.
- The candidates who have similar CAT Scores, candidates having high academic scores, have high chances to be shortlisted for WAT/PI.
What CAT Percentile will get you a Call from IIM Bangalore?
The IIM Bangalore releases the shortlisting cutoff for CAT, but the actual percentile required to get WAT/PI calls is much higher.
- As per the RTI and previous year admission trends, you require higher scores than the minimum eligibility percentile, especially if you are a general category candidate.
- The General Category candidates usually need more than 93 to 94th percentile to get a call, but aiming for 95-99+ is better.
- It is crucial to get balanced sectional scores to secure a call from WAT/PI.
Expected Minimum IIM Bangalore Cutoff Percentile
| Category | Minimum CAT Percentile Reported for WAT/PI Call | Typical “Safe-zone” Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|
| General | 93.66 | 95 – 99+ |
| EWS | 81.96 | 85 – 90+ |
| NC-OBC | 81.86 | 85 – 92+ |
| SC | 70.68 | 75 – 85+ |
| ST | 66.82 | 70 – 80+ |
You can check this video by @IMSCATPrep for the IIM Bangalore Selection process, along with eligibility, CAT cut-offs, and weightage:
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How IIM Bangalore Chooses Candidates: Check the complete Admission Process.
The IIM Bangalore final admission process is based on an entire, multi-step selection process. The Shortlisting for WAT/PI is the first stage; the final selection process includes:
- CAT Performance
- Academic Weightage
- Work Experience
- Performance in WAT/PI
IIM Bangalore Shortlisting for WAT/PI
The IIM Bangalore has released the category-wise initial shortlisting cutoffs. The Candidates meeting the same criteria will be eligible for the WAT/PI Stage.
The Sectional Cutoffs are critical, as with a high overall score, you won’t be shortlisted.
| Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 80 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
| NC-OBC | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| EWS | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| SC | 65 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
| ST | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| PwD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
IIM Bangalore Composite Score Calculation (Pre-PI)
Before the WAT/PI Process, the IIM Bangalore will calculate a required composite score to prioritise the candidates. This will ensure a balanced evaluation beyond the CAT Scores.
- The CAT Score will dominate, but the academic consistency will impact the Pre-PI Ranking.
- The Work Experience will add more value, mainly for candidates with leadership and impactful roles.
| Component | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| CAT Score | 55 |
| Academic Performance (10th, 12th, Graduation) | 30 |
| Work Experience / Professional Achievement | 10 |
| Gender Diversity Factor | 5 |
IIM Bangalore Written Ability Test (WAT)
- The WAT will evaluate the candidates on the basis of analytical thinking, clarity and communication skills. Strong writing skills can change the minor gaps in the CAT Sectional scores.
| Component | Evaluation Criteria | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity of Thought | Idea articulation and logic | 40% |
| Structure | Essay organisation and coherence | 30% |
| Content Quality | Relevance and insightfulness | 30% |
IIM Bangalore Personal Interview (PI)
The P.I. will test the candidate's personality, leadership skills and if they are a good fit for the IIM Bangalore program. It is an important component for the final selection.
The Panel will ask questions related to academics, work experience, hobbies and current affairs.
| Component | Focus | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership & Impact | Demonstrated initiatives and achievements | 30% |
| Communication | Clarity, confidence, and articulation | 30% |
| Analytical Skills | Problem-solving and logical reasoning | 20% |
| Fit with IIMB | Alignment with values & culture | 20% |
IIM Bangalore Final Merit List and Admission Offer
The IIM Bangalore final selection is based on a composite score, which includes CAT, Academics, WAT, PI, Work Experience and diverse factors.
| Component | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| CAT Score | 55 |
| Academics | 30 |
| Work Experience | 10 |
| WAT & PI | 5 |
| Gender Diversity | 5 |
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Ques. Does IIM Bangalore provide profile-based calls like some other IIMs?
Ans. Yes, IIM Bangalore calls for WAT/PI, not only on the basis of CAT Percentile, but they also use the pre-PI Composite score, which will combine CAT Performance with the academic profile (10th, 12th, UG), work experience (if any), and diversity factors.
Key Components for Pre-PI Shortlist
| Component | Weight / Role in Pre-PI Shortlist |
|---|---|
| CAT Score (all sections) | 55 points |
| 10th Board Marks | 10 points (normalised) |
| 12th Board Marks | 10 points (normalised) |
| Bachelor’s Degree Marks / Professional Course | 10 points (normalised) |
| Work Experience / Professional Qualification (e.g. CA/ICWA/CS) | 10 points (work experience) or equivalent course score |
| Gender Diversity Bonus | 5 points (for diversity; only in pre-PI) |
Ques. How does IIM Bangalore calculate the final composite score?
Ans. After the WAT and PI Process, IIM Bangalore will calculate a final composite score to check the admission offers. This will include a mix of CAT Performance, Academic credentials, work experience, WAT, PI and normalised marks.
Post-PI Final Composite Score Weightage
| Component | Final Score Weightage |
|---|---|
| Personal Interview (PI) | 40 points |
| Written Ability Test (WAT) | 10 points |
| CAT Score (all sections) | 25 points (VARC + DILR + QA breakdown) |
| Work Experience / Professional Course (quality-adjusted) | 10 points |
| 10th Board Marks | 5 points |
| 12th Board Marks | 5 points |
| Bachelor’s Degree / Graduation Marks | 5 points |
Ques. Will internships and achievements help in the selection process at IIM Bangalore?
Ans. For IIM Bangalore, only full-time paid work experience or professional qualifications will be counted. The Internships, apprenticeships or unpaid work are not considered to calculate the work experience or professional course.
| What Counts / Helps | What Doesn’t Count / Doesn’t Help |
|---|---|
| Full-time paid work experience (months ≥ 1) — scored as 10×months/36 (capped) | Internships, articleships, unpaid work, freelance or part-time work |
| Completed professional course (CA/ICWA/CS) —normalised score considered | Ongoing or incomplete professional courses |
| Strong academic records (10th, 12th, UG) + consistent performance | Just extracurricular achievements without an academic/work component |
Who Can Apply to IIM Bangalore: Check the Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply to IIM Bangalore, you should meet the required educational and professional requirements. If you meet these criteria, you will be considered for the admission process. The IIM Bangalore will focus on academic qualification, minimum marks and work experience.
IIM Bangalore Eligibility Requirements:
| Criteria | Requirement / Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university |
| Minimum Marks | 50% for General & EWS/OBC-NCL, 45% for SC/ST/PwD |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply, but admission is provisional until graduation is completed |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory, but valued for holistic assessment |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit; preference may be given to candidates with relevant work experience |
| Other Factors | Academic consistency, diversity, and leadership potential are considered during shortlisting. |
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Ques. Is there any minimum percentage required in Graduation for eligibility at IIM Bangalore?
Ans. Yes, if you want to apply for the IIM Bangalore PGP Programme, you should have completed your bachelor’s degree with a minimum required percentage.
Graduation Eligibility Criteria at IIM B
| Category / Situation | Minimum Required Marks / CGPA |
|---|---|
| General category (regular bachelor’s degree) | 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) |
| SC / ST / PwD / reserved categories | 45% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) |
| Professional qualification (e.g. CA/CS/ICWA instead of a regular degree) | Same minimum — 50% (45% for reserved) if accepted as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree. |
Ques. Can final-year UG students apply for IIM Bangalore admission?
Ans. Yes, IIM Bangalore allow the final year UG Students to apply for PGP if they present a valid certificate and meet the minimum graduation criteria after completion.
- If you are currently in your final year, you can apply for the same.
- The IIM Bangalore admission offer will be provisional until the submission of the final degree certificate with proof of graduation.
- After the results, candidates should have a final marksheet or a degree certificate to confirm their eligibility and admission.
Ques. Are international students eligible for PGP at IIM Bangalore?
Ans. Yes, IIM Bangalore accepts international candidates for its PGP Programme under the special admission for foreign/international students.
Eligibility & Admission Process for International Students at IIMB
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement for International Applicants |
|---|---|
| Academic qualification | Must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) recognised globally or Indian-equivalent, meeting IIMB’s minimum requirement. |
| Admission test | International applicants may need to submit equivalent test scores (as per IIMB’s requirement) if the CAT is not applicable. |
| Application & Interview | International applicants undergo a remote video-conference interview + writing assessment as part of standard selection. |
IIM Bangalore CAT Cut-off: Last 4 Year Performance Analysis (2024-2021)
The IIM Bangalore is one of the most competitive B-Schools in India, in which the cutoff is the highest cutoff in the country. The Eligibility cutoff is low, but the actual shortlisting percentiles are higher, mainly for the general category candidates.
IIM Bangalore Cutoff CAT 2024
- The IIM Bangalore Cutoff in 2024 was slightly higher because of participation and tougher competition.
- The Cutoff for general category candidates is 99+ percentile, with high weightage given to class 10th/12 Scores.
| Category | Overall Percentile | Sectional Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| General | 99 – 99.5 | 85+ |
| EWS | 96 – 97 | 75+ |
| OBC-NCL | 95 – 97 | 75+ |
| SC | 90 – 92 | 65+ |
| ST | 85 – 88 | 55+ |
| PwD | 80 – 85 | 50+ |
IIM Bangalore Cutoff CAT 2023
- It was the most competitive and highest cutoff, including more toppers with similar scaled scores.
- More candidates are shortlisted from the engineering backgrounds.
| Category | Shortlisting Percentile Range |
|---|---|
| General | 99 – 99.8 |
| EWS | 96 – 98 |
| OBC-NCL | 95 – 97 |
| SC | 90 – 92 |
| ST | 85 – 90 |
| PwD | 80 – 85 |
IIM Bangalore Cutoff CAT 2022
- There was a decrease in the cutoff from earlier because the weightage was given based on the profile of the candidate.
- Higher weightage was given to work experience, with more than 2-3 years of experience for high competition.
| Category | Expected Shortlisting Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 99 – 99.5 |
| EWS | 95 – 97 |
| OBC-NCL | 94 – 96 |
| SC | 88 – 90 |
| ST | 82 – 85 |
| PwD | 80 – 82 |
IIM Bangalore Cutoff CAT 2021
| Category | Shortlisting Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 99+ |
| EWS | 95 – 96 |
| OBC-NCL | 94 – 95 |
| SC | 88 – 90 |
| ST | 80 – 85 |
| PwD | 80 – 82 |
From Offers to Salaries: IIM Bangalore PGP Placement Trends 2024 vs 2025
The IIM Bangalore placement cycle shows why its leadership is top among India’s Premier B-Schools. With a high number of offers, strong participation from top recruiters and a healthy average salary, the PGP Batch of 2023-25 has shown the value of the institute along with the connection in industry.
IIM Bangalore PGP + PGPBA Placement: 2024 vs 2025
- If you join PGP at IIM Bangalore, your chances of getting placed will be even higher in a large group of people.
- The Average package may have a median salary that is somewhat similar to the previous year.
- The placements offered increased from 572 to 660, and the recruiters increased from 163 to 177.
- More than 41% of the offers are from the consulting firms, which is the major strength of IIM Bangalore placements.
| Parameter | 2025 (Batch 2023-25) | 2024 (Batch 2022-24) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Students (appeared for placement) | 602 | 517 |
| Total Offers Made | 660 | 572 |
| Number of Companies Participated | 177 | 163 |
| Pre-Placement Offers (PPO) — Accepted | 208 (PPOs made: 263) | 203 (PPOs made: 247) |
| Lateral Offers — Accepted | 89 (offers made: 100) | 71 (offers made: 83) |
| International Offers | 22 | 29 |
| Average Package (LPA) | ₹ 34.88 LPA | ₹ 35.92 LPA |
| Median Package (LPA) | ₹ 32.61 LPA | ₹ 32.50 LPA |
FAQs for IIM Bangalore Cutoff & Admission Criteria
Ques. Is it difficult to get into IIM Bangalore (IIM-B)?
Ans. Yes, getting into IIM Bangalore is considered very difficult. Admission is very competitive because of high application numbers, as the seats are limited, with a strict cutoff.
| Factor | How It Increases Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Very Low Acceptance Rate | IIM-B receives a large number of applications and admits only a small percentage, making the acceptance rate very low. |
| High CAT & Sectional Cutoffs | General-category aspirants often need a 99+ percentile (or near) to have a chance, raising the bar high. |
| Holistic Shortlisting (Profile + CAT + Past Academics + WAT/PI) | CAT alone doesn’t guarantee; consistent academics, profile strength, WAT/PI performance matter — reduces “pure percentile-based” admissions. |
| High Competition Among Strong Candidates | Many test-takers clear high CAT percentiles — making relative performance, interviews, and profile decisive. |
Ques. Can I get a “free seat” in IIM Bangalore?
Ans. No, you can’t get a free seat in IIM Bangalore as per the admission policies. Every candidate should qualify for he admission process.
- Under the IIM Bangalore Official admission policy, the candidates with quota or relaxation can’t get a free seat.
- Even for the reserved categories, the minimum eligibility is applied as well.
- The Admission will be based on merit and composite evaluation, not on any donations.
Ques. Which IIMs accept 95 percentile (or around) in CAT?
Ans. Some new or low-tier IIMs can accept the CAT Percentiles around 95 depending upon category, seat availability and total number of applicants, but the top older IIMs generally require a higher percentile.
General Trend: IIM-wise Acceptable Percentile Range
| IIM / Type | Typical Shortlisting Percentile Range (General Category) |
|---|---|
| Top-tier IIMs (e.g. IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta) | Usually 98–100 percentile to get calls. |
| Mid / Newer IIMs (relatively lower competition) | Around 95–98 percentile — sometimes lower depending on reservation & profile. |
| Lower-tier / newly established IIMs or management colleges | Possible even with 90–95 percentile for certain categories, subject to profile and availability. |
Ques. Is IIM Bangalore’s MBA (PGP) worth it?
Ans. Yes, IIM Bangalore is one of the most reputed management institutes in India, and its MBA offers strong ROI as per learning, exposure and placements.
- The Admission process is very selective, so the batch will include high-calibre candidates.
- There are strong placements and recruitment opportunities, including high packages and diverse roles.
- Exposure to the best faculty, alumni, and network makes it a strong platform for leadership and entrepreneurship growth.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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