30 marks in CAT percentile usually come in a range of 70-75. With a raw score of 30-40, candidates can get into well-known B schools and institutes. 30 marks in CAT percentile means you are in the top 30% of the total test takers.
Depending upon slot difficulty, you can even get a higher percentile with 30 marks in CAT. With 30 marks in CAT percentile, you can get into over 1300 colleges in India. Most Tier 2 cities’ well-known colleges admit candidates with 30 marks in CAT.
- Top IIMs, Mid-tier IIMs, and Baby IIMs have a minimum shortlisting score of the 80th percentile for the General/OBC/EWS, which is equal to 30 marks in CAT percentile.
- For the Reserved categories, it is as low as 50-60. With 30 marks in CAT, if you fall into the reserved category, you can still secure a seat in IIMs as well.
- 30 marks in CAT Percentile can help you get into top private B-Schools like Woxsen Business School, IBA Bangalore, ISME Bangalore, UPES Dehradun, BML Munjal and MYRA Business School
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Key Summary
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What is the overall 30 marks in CAT percentile?
Scoring 30 marks in the CAT exam can have different implications depending on the exam's difficulty and the number of test takers. In CAT 2023, where over 2.88 students appeared, a 30 score translated to the 76th percentile. In 2024, it was in the 70th-75th range against 2.93 candidates.
- A raw 30 marks in CAT percentile usually scales to 34-36 and translates to a 69.8-75 percentile.
- This score bracket includes about 55,000-70,000 students every year.
- Over 1300 MBA colleges accept candidates in this range, including Baby IIMs.
- Reserved category students with a strong academic and professional background and good WAT-PI can get into IIMs.
- Answering 6-10 questions per section with high accuracy can achieve this mark.
| Raw score | 30 |
|---|---|
| Scaled score range | 34-36 |
| CAT 2024 Percentile | ~69.8 |
| CAT 2025 Percentile (Estimated) | ~70-75 |
| Number of candidates in this range | ~55000-70000 |
| Colleges accepting this score | 1300+ |
| IIM chance for General |
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| IIM chance for Reserved Categories |
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| Other Options |
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30 marks in CAT vs Percentile
In CAT, a score of 30 marks often results in a scaled score between 34-36 and falls within the 70-75 percentile range. The variation depends on difficulty and slot normalisation. In 2023, 30 marks fetched 76 percentile, while it was 69.8 in 2024. 30 marks can yield a percentile between 69.8 to 76, varying by year and slot.
- A 1-mark increase may improve the percentile by 1-2 points.
- Candidates in the 70-75 range qualify for colleges like TAPMI, IRMA, FORE, and XIME.
- This percentile is ideal for applicants with strong work experience or academic profiles.
- Private colleges and non-IIM B-schools readily accept 70+ percentile candidates.
| Raw score Range | Approx.Scaled score | 2024 Percentile | Estimated 2025 Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29-30 | 34-36 | 69.8 | 70 |
| 31-32 | 36-38 | 73.4 | 73.6 |
| 32-33 | 37-39 | 75.2 | 75.4 |
| 33-34 | 38-40 | 76.7 | 76.9 |
| 35-36 | 39-41 | 78.6 | 78.8 |
| 36-37 | 40-42 | 80.9 | 81.1 |
| 38-39 | 41-43 | 82.8 | 83 |
Read More: CAT Score Vs Percentile
30 Marks in each Section CAT
If you're scoring 30 raw marks in any section, you can easily get into the top 10 to 11 percentiles for that section.
With consistently 30+ in all sections, the overall percentile can go to the 95+ percentile.
Most IIMs need 85% in each section for the general category. So if you're scoring 30 in each section, it is ensured that you will be well placed in any Mid-Tier and Baby IIMs. Provided your WAT-PI performance and academic and professional profile are strong, you can still have a high chance for the Top IIMs.
- 30 raw marks per section yield scaled scores of 35-37 each.
- This ensures a 95+ overall percentile in CAT.
- Such a profile easily meets sectional cutoffs for all IIMs.
- Colleges like IIM Amritsar, Nagpur, and Bodhgaya shortlist such candidates.
- Top IIMs become accessible for SC/ST/OBC/EWS students with strong interviews.
| Raw score Range | Approx.Scaled score | 2024 Percentile | Estimated 2025 Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29-30 | 35.2-36.5 | 91.1 | 91.5-92 |
| 30-31 | 36.5-37.4 | 92.3 | 92.6-93 |
| 31-32 | 37.4-38.3 | 93.5 | 93.7-94.1 |
| 33-34 | 38.8-40.0 | 95.1 | 95.5-95.8 |
| 35-36 | 40.2-41.8 | 96.3 | 96.6-96.9 |
| 37-38 | 42.0-43.2 | 97.5 | 97.7-98 |
| 38-39 | 43.2-44 | 98.3 | 98.5-98.7 |
30 Marks in VARC Section CAT
A raw score of 30 in the VARC section of the CAT indicates excellent reading and analytical ability. In CAT 2024, this score was scaled to about 35.2-36.5 and gave a 91.1 percentile. It meets the cutoff for almost all IIMs and elite institutes like FMS.
- 30 raw marks in the VARC scale up to 35.2-36.5.
- It corresponds to about 91.1 percentile in CAT 2024.
- This score satisfies the cutoffs for all IIMs and even FMS, MDI.
- Achieving it usually requires 10-11 correct answers in RC/VA.
- Law, arts, and humanities graduates often perform well in this section.
- Such a high VARC score strengthens the overall profile and diversity factor.
| Raw score Range | Approx.Scaled score | 2024 Percentile | Estimated 2025 Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29-30 | 35.2-36.5 | 91.1 | 91.5-92 |
| 30-31 | 36.5-37.4 | 92.3 | 92.6-93 |
| 31-32 | 37.4-38.3 | 93.5 | 93.7-94 |
| 33-34 | 38.8-40 | 95 | 95.5-95.8 |
| 35-36 | 40.2-41.8 | 96.3 | 96.6-96.9 |
| 37-38 | 42-43.5 | 97.5 | 97.7-98 |
| 38-39 | 43.5-44 | 98.3 | 98.5-98.7 |
30 Marks in DILR Section CAT
Scoring 30 raw marks in both the DILR and QA sections of the CAT shows strong problem-solving and quantitative skills.
In CAT 2024, DILR 30 marks were scaled to a 90.7 percentile. These scores meet the cutoff for top IIMs, especially for reserved category students. Mastering 1.5 sets in DILR or attempting 10 accurate questions in QA can help reach this benchmark.
- 30 raw marks in DILR yield around 90.7 percentile.
- Both sections scale to scores of 32-36, depending on paper difficulty.
- DILR 30 usually comes from solving 1.5 sets with full accuracy.
- These scores are enough to clear the cutoffs of most top IIMs.
| Raw score Range | Approx.Scaled score | 2024 Percentile | Estimated 2025 Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29-30 | 34-35.4 | 90.7 | 91-91.4 |
| 30-31 | 35.4-36.3 | 91.8 | 92-92.5 |
| 31-32 | 36.3-37 | 92.8 | 93-93.6 |
| 33-34 | 37-6-39 | 94.4 | 94.8-95 |
| 35-36 | 39-40.2 | 96 | 96.3-96.6 |
| 37-38 | 40.2-41.5 | 97 | 97.4-97.6 |
| 38-39 | 41.5-42.8 | 98 | 98.2-98.5 |
30 Marks in QA Section CAT
Scoring 30 raw marks in the QA sections of CAT shows strong problem-solving and quantitative skills.
In CAT 2024, QA 30 gave 89.6. These scores meet the cutoff for top IIMs, especially for reserved category students. Attempting 10 accurate questions in QA can help reach this benchmark.
- In QA, 30 marks correspond to about 89.6 percentile.
- Scoring 10-11 correct attempts in arithmetic or algebra can secure 30 in QA.
- These scores are enough to clear the cutoffs of most top IIMs.
| Raw score Range | Approx.Scaled score | 2024 Percentile | Estimated 2025 Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29-30 | 32-33.5 | 89.6 | 90-90.4 |
| 30-31 | 33.5-34.7 | 90.8 | 91.2-91.6 |
| 31-32 | 34.7-35.9 | 91.9 | 92.3-92.7 |
| 33-34 | 36-37.5 | 93-8 | 94.2-94.5 |
| 35-36 | 37.5-38.9 | 95.2- | 95.5-95.9 |
| 37-38 | 38.9-40.3 | 96.4 | 96.7-97.1 |
| 38-39 | 40.3-41.6 | 97.6 | 97.8-98 |
Read More: CAT Percentile Calculation
Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
Candidates scoring 30 marks in CAT have abundant choices across India. Many state-level MBA colleges, both private and public, offer excellent programs at affordable rates.
- Over 150 colleges across fifteen-plus states accept 70th to 75th percentile, which is equal to 30 marks in CAT.
- Reserved categories often are eligible for special quota seats and scholarships.
- PUMBA, ITM Nabi Mumbai NITIE PGDIE accepts 70th to 75th percentile
- XIME, Christ University, and Alliance University admit from the 70th percentile
- Great Lakes Chennai, BIM Trichy, VIT Vellore accept 72 to 78 percentile
- LBSIM, JIMS, NDIM, and IIFM shortlist starts around the 70th to 75th percentile
- IRMA Anand, IBS Kolkata, and Calcutta Business School accept the CAT course in the 70th to 75th percentile range
Maharashtra MBA Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
| Institute Name | CAT Cutoff | Type | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL Dalmia Institute | 78-80th | Private | General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD |
| IES's Management College and Research Centre, Mumbai | 75th-78 | Private | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Chetana's Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai | 75th-78 | Private | General, OBC |
| SIES College of Management Studies, Navi Mumbai | 77-80th | Private | General, OBC, SC |
| Balaji Institute of Modern Management Pune | 78 | Private | General |
| MIT School Of Business Pune | 70th-75th | Private | General, OBC |
| PUMBA Pune | 78 | University | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| MET Institute of Management Mumbai | 75th-78 | Private | General |
| Dr. DY Patil B School Pune | 72-76 | Private | General |
| Vishwakarma Institute of Management Pune | 70th-75th | Private | General, OBC |
Karnataka MBA Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
| Institute Name | CAT Cutoff | Type | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acharya Bangalore BSchool | 70th-75th | Private | General, OBC |
| AIMS Institutes Bangalore | 75th-78 | Private | General, OBC, SC |
| Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore | 70th-75th | Private | General |
| Indus Business Academy Bangalore | 78 | Private | General, OBC |
| GIBS Business School Bangalore | 72-75th | Private | General |
| Ramaiah Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore | 78-80th | Private | General, OBC |
| Alliance University Bangalore | 77 | Private | General |
| ISME Bangalore | 70th-73 | Private | General |
| PES University Bangalore MBA | 78 | University | General |
| CMR University | 70th-75th | Private | General |
Tamil Nadu MBA Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
| Institute Name | CAT Cutoff | Type | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRM Institute of Science & Technology | 75th-78 | Private | General |
| VIT Business School | 78 | Private | General, OBC |
| Amrita School of Business Coimbatore | 78-80th | Private | General |
| PSGIM | 78 | Private | General, OBC |
| BIM Trichy | 80th | Government | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| GLIM Chennai | 80th | Private | General, OBC |
Delhi MBA Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
| Institute Name | CAT Cutoff | Type | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortune Institute of International Business, New Delhi | 75th-78 | Private | General |
| JIMS Rohini | 78-80th | Private | General, OBC |
| DSB | 70th-75th | Private | General |
| Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies, New Delhi | 70th-75th | Private | General, SC |
| JIMS Kalkaji | 75th-78 | Private | General, OBC |
Uttar Pradesh MBA Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
| College Name | CAT Cutoff (%) | Type of Institute | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| JIM Noida | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS |
| IMS Ghaziabad | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS |
| GL Bajaj Institute of Management and Research, Greater Noida | 70th | Private | General |
| IILM Academy of Higher Learning Lucknow | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST |
| Sharda University | 70th | Private | General, SC, ST |
| Jaipuria School of Business Ghaziabad | 70th | Private | General, SC, ST |
Check: CAT Percentile Predictor 2025
Madhya Pradesh Which IIM can I get into with a 30?
With a score of 30, only candidates of the reservation category(SC/ST/PwD) have a fair chance to get into Baby IIMs.
Q. What's the least cut-off for the SC/ST category?
The cutoff for the SC/ST category can be as low as 55 to 65 in new or baby IIMs, and it can be around 65 to 75 in IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta.
Q. Is there any percentile relaxation for the OBC and EWS categories?
Yes, there is relaxation for OBC-NCL and EWS categories. Based on the institute and state, the relaxation may vary. You can expect 3-10 percentile relaxation.
Q. What's the validity of the CAT score?
The CAT score is valid for one year. If you write CAT in 2025, then the result will be valid to take admission for the immediate academic year only. If you write CAT this year (2025), you can use the score to get admission in 2026-27. The score will be valid from January to December. You should get admitted by December.
Q. I'm an engineer candidate with 97th percentile, can I get into the top IIMs?
Getting into the Top 3 IIMs with 97 percentile is challenging. If you belong to the reserved categories, you have a high chance.
Q. I got 30 in CAT. What's next?
It is suggested to retake the CAT, analyse weak areas, also build a strong professional profile.
Q. I have secured 30 in CAT. Do I have to retake the CAT?
You need to retake the CAT. With a score of 30, you might get into many colleges, but if you are aiming for IIMs, start preparing for the next CAT.
| College Name | CAT Cutoff (%) | Type of Institute | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prestige Institute of Management & Research, Gwalior | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST, OBC |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management Indore | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS |
| IIMR | 70th | Private | General |
| ITM University Gwalior | 75th | Private | General |
| SAGE University Indore | 70th | Private | General, SC, ST |
Rajasthan MBA Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
| College Name | CAT Cutoff (%) | Type of Institute | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST, OBC |
| Taxila Business School Jaipur | 75th | Private | General |
| IIS Jaipur | 70th | Private | General |
| NIMS University Jaipur | 70th | Private | General |
| J K Lakshmipat University, Jaipur | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST |
West Bengal
| College Name | CAT Cutoff (%) | Type of Institute | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Globsyn Business School Kolkata | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST |
| BIBS | 70th | Private | General |
| IMS Business School, Sunstone, Kolkata | 70th | Private | General |
| IISWBM Kolkata | 75th | Government | General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS |
| IEM Kolkata | 75th | Private | General |
Punjab MBA Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
| College Name | CAT Cutoff (%) | Type of Institute | Categories Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh University | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST, OBC |
| LM Thapar School of Management, Derabassi, Chandigarh | 75th | Private | General, SC, ST |
| Chitkara University Patiala | 75th | Private | General |
| LPU | 70th | Private | General |
| Amritsar College of Engineering and Technology | 70th | Private | General |
Goa, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam MBA Colleges accepting 30 Marks in CAT Percentile
| College Name | State | CAT Cut-off (General) | Category Accepted | Type |
| GIM Goa PGDM Healthcare Management | Goa | 75th | Gen, OBC, SC/ST | Private |
| DBS Global University Dehradun | Uttarakhand | 70th | Gen, OBC, SC/ST | Private |
| GEHU Dehradun | Uttarakhand | 70th | Gen, OBC | Private |
| UPES School of Business | Uttarakhand | 75th | Gen, OBC | Private |
| Chitkara University Patiala | Himachal Pradesh | 75th | Gen, OBC, SC/ST | Private |
| ICFAI University Baddi | Himachal Pradesh | 75th | All | Private |
| HNLU Raipur | Chhattisgarh | 70th | Gen, OBC | State Univ. |
| RCET Bhilai | Chhattisgarh | 70th | Gen | Private |
| Assam Institute of Management, Guwahati | Assam | 70th | Gen, SC/ST | Govt. |
| Kaziranga University | Assam | 70th | Gen | Private |
| SMVDU | J&K | 75th | Gen, SC, ST | State Univ. |
| The Business School, University of Jammu | J&K | 70th | All | Govt. |
| CU Jammu | J&K | 75th | Gen, OBC, SC | Central Univ. |
| University of Ladakh | Ladakh | 70th | Gen | Govt. |
| IIM Jammu | J&K | 80th (OBC), 70th (SC) | SC/ST, OBC, SAP | Govt. |
| Tripura University, West Tripur,a MBA | Tripura | 70th | All | Central Univ. |
| Manipur University Imphal | Manipur | 70th | Gen, SC/ST | Govt. |
| Mizoram University Aizawl | Mizoram | 70th | All | Central Univ. |
| Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, East Sikkim | Sikkim | 75th | All | Private |
| Arunachal University of Studies Lohit | Arunachal Pradesh | 70th | All | Private |
30 Marks in CAT Percentile FAQS
Q. Which IIM can I get into with a 30?
With a score of 30, only candidates of the reservation category(SC/ST/PwD) have a fair chance to get into Baby IIMs.
Q. What's the least cut-off for the SC/ST category?
The cutoff for the SC/ST category can be as low as 55 to 65 in new or baby IIMs, and it can be around 65 to 75 in IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta.
Q. Is there any percentile relaxation for the OBC and EWS categories?
Yes, there is relaxation for OBC-NCL and EWS categories. Based on the institute and state, the relaxation may vary. You can expect 3-10 percentile relaxation.
Q. What's the validity of the CAT score?
The CAT score is valid for one year. If you write CAT in 2025, then the result will be valid to take admission for the immediate academic year only. If you write CAT this year (2025), you can use the score to get admission in 2026-27. The score will be valid from January to December. You should get admitted by December.
Q. I'm an engineer candidate with 97th percentile, can I get into the top IIMs?
Getting into the Top 3 IIMs with 97 percentile is challenging. If you belong to the reserved categories, you have a high chance.
Q. I got 30 in CAT. What's next?
It is suggested to retake the CAT, analyse weak areas, also build a strong professional profile.
Q. I have secured 30 in CAT. Do I have to retake the CAT?
You need to retake the CAT. With a score of 30, you might get into many colleges, but if you are aiming for IIMs, start preparing for the next CAT.
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