Many candidates worry that a weak score in one CAT section will cost them a shot at good colleges, even if they have an overall strong CAT percentile.
- To get into top IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, or Lucknow, aspirants typically need high sectional cutoffs along with high overall CAT percentiles. However, not all reputed MBA colleges expect equal balance across sections.
- Several respected B-schools, including IITs, shortlist candidates using overall CAT percentile or a composite profile and not strict sectional cutoffs.
“Learn how to analyse your options and shortlist institutes that align with your profile, goals, and percentile range, especially in selecting the best MBA college with no sectional cut-offs”, says Rahul Singh from CATKing.
Also Read:
- Check IIM Cutoffs and Sectional Cutoffs in CAT 2025
- CAT Cutoffs for top IITs: MBA admission criteria for 2026-28 batch
IIM without Sectional Cutoffs (IIM Rohtak)
- IIM Rohtak stands out as the primary IIM that doesn’t consider strict sectional cutoffs, focusing only on the overall CAT percentile for shortlisting candidates for its MBA program.
- You need a strong 95+ CAT percentile to be considered for the calls, but weak performance in any section doesn’t disqualify you.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall CAT Percentile | 95+ |
| Programs | MBA |
| Total Fees | 14 Lakhs |
| Average CTC | 18 LPA |
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Ques. Are there any IIMs without CAT sectional cutoffs?
Ans. Only IIM Rohtak officially has no sectional cutoffs. All other IMS require both overall and sectional cutoffs.
Also Read:
- Check IIM Rohtak CAT Cutoff and sectional criteria
- Check Correct Answers Vs Percentile for all slots
Top IIT B-Schools Without Sectional Cutoffs
- IITs are the most reputed technical institutes in India, and their management programs are highly valued. Many management departments don’t impose a CAT sectional cutoff for their MBA programs.
- These IIT programs accept candidates based on work experience, academic performance, and personal interview performance, along with overall CAT percentile.
- The Department of Management Studies at IIT Madras doesn’t have strict sectional cutoffs; it focuses only on the overall CAT percentile, often needing 95+.
| Institute | Overall CAT Percentile | Program | Course Fee | Average Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Madras (DoMS) | 95+ | MBA | 12 Lakhs | 17-18 LPA |
| IIT Delhi (DMS) | 96-98 | MBA | 12 Lakhs | 20-21 LPA |
| IIT Kharagpur (VGSoM) | 94-95+ | MBA | 12 Lakhs | 18-19 LPA |
| IIT Roorkee (DoMS) | 94-95 | MBA | 9.7 Lakhs | 16-17 LPA |
| IIT Kanpur | 90-95 | MBA | 7-8 Lakhs | 15-16 LPA |
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Ques. Do IIT Management departments have CAT sectional cutoffs?
Ans. Most of the IIT management departments don’t have sectional cutoffs. IITs like IIT Madras and IIT Kharagpur don’t have sectional cutoffs.
Top B-Schools Without CAT Sectional Cutoffs
- Many top non-IIT colleges also follow a flexible admission approach without strict sectional cutoffs in CAT 2025.
- Premier B-schools such as FMS Delhi, MICA, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI Delhi, IRMA, etc colleges focus on overall CAT percentile and other factors such as academic performance and work experience.
| Institute | Overall CAT Percentile | Program | Course Fees | Average Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMS Delhi | 98+ | MBA | 2 Lakhs | 34 LPA |
| MICA Ahmedabad | 85+ | PGDM | 26 Lakhs | 19.2 LPA |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90+ | PGDM | 22 Lakhs | 16.2 LPA |
| IMI Delhi | 87+ | PGDM | 23 Lakhs | 16.7 LPA |
| IRMA | 85+ | PGDRMMBA in Agri Business Management | 18-19 | 15.4 LPA |
| GIM | 90+ | PGDM | 20 Lakhs | 15 LPA |
| TAPMI | 85+ | MBA | 19 Lakhs | 14 LPA |
| GLIM Chennai | 85+ | PGDM | 16-20 Lakhs | 15 LPA |
Also Read:
Check IIMs that accept 80 Marks in CAT 2025
Ques. Is it worth applying if one section is very low?
Ans. If your overall percentile is good, with a low sectional percentile, you can target colleges with no sectional cutoffs, like IITs, or FMS Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad, etc.
Other Notable B-Schools With No Sectional Cutoffs
Here are more quality institutions, such as K J Somaiya, FORE, NIBM, DSE, and other colleges that offer admission without strict sectional CAT requirements.
| Institute | Overall CAT Percentile | Program | Course Fee | Average Package |
| K J Somaiya | 80-82 | MBA | 20 Lakhs | 17 LPA |
| FORE School of Management | 82+ | PGDM | 20 lakhs | 16 LPA |
| NIBM Pune | 94+ | PGDM | 16 lakhs | 14 LPA |
| DSE | 95+ | MBA | 1 Lakh | 13 LPA |
| Altera Institute | 80+ | PGP | 16 Lakh | 16 LPA |
| SOIL Institute of Management | 80+ | PGPMPGDM | 15-16 Lakhs | 11.34 LPA |
B-Schools without sectional CAT cutoff provide excellent opportunities for the candidates who may have scored lower in 1 section but have a strong overall performance.
When applying to these colleges, focus on building a strong overall profile. Your CAT score is important, but your academic profile, work experience, and interview performance have the same importance during the admission process.
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