CAT 2026: While the registration for the CAT 2026 exam is ongoing, the exam is getting closer for MBA aspirants. If candidates secure 85 percentile in CAT exam, they can get into management institutions such as Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Mumbai, etc. However, candidates from other categories can get admission to these top Indian Institutes of Management if they have secured 75-55 percentile in the exam.
The anxiety of securing admission to the top Indian Institute of Management builds up since the announcement of the exam. This is why candidates can check the minimum cutoff scores which is released by the IIMs beforehand, to ensure candidates are meeting the required eligibility criteria for admission to MBA (Master’s in Business Administration). Check the NIRF rankings, IIM options at 85 percentile and category-wise minimum cutoff for each institute provided below.
Also Check: CAT 2026: How Many Candidates Are Expected To Appear? Check Past Year Registration Trends
CAT 2026 Admission: Key Highlights
The table shared below includes CAT 2026 exam details and other related information. The registration process for the exam will close on September 15, 2026 and the exam will be conducted in November, allowing students enough time to revise and prepare well for the exam.
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Particulars
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Description
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Conducting Body
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Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore)
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Exam Name
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CAT (Common Admission Test)
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Registration Date
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August 3, 2026
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Registration Closing Date
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September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST)
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Exam Registration Fee
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Admit Card
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November 4, 2026
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Programs covered
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MBA or equivalent management program
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Purpose of the exam
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Candidates can enroll in 22 IIMs, MDI, SPJIMR, IIFT, IIT-DoMs, FMS, and others after qualifying for the CAT exam.
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Exam Date
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November 29, 2026 (will be conducted in three slots)
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Expected Result Date
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First week of January 2027
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Official Website
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iimcat.ac.in
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Top IIM NIRF Rankings 2025-26
As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework for year 2025, IIM Bangalore stands at top holding 2nd ranking under management category. This is followed by IIM Kozhikode, IIM Mumbai, IIM Calcutta etc for admission to MBA program after securing 85 percentile in CAT 2026 exam. Check a complete list of Indian Institutes of Management holding top rankings during NIRF 2025 review.
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IIM Name
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NIRF Rankings 2025
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IIM Bangalore
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2
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IIM Calcutta
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7
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3
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38
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6
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29
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List of IIMs at 85 Percentile for CAT 2026: Minimum Cutoff Score
The table provided below offers a list of Indian Institutes of Management schools offering admission at 85 percentile. Candidates who have qualified for the CAT 2026 exam and have potentially secured the percentile can take admission in management institutions like IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, etc.
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As per the official institute-wise minimum cutoff released by each management institutes, general candidates can secure admission to IIM Bangalore at 85 percentile, but EWS candidates can secure MBA admission if they have 75 percentile.
Similarly, candidates aiming for admission to IIM Calcutta, can secure admission at the set percentile. However, categories like EWS (Economically Weaker Section), OBC (Other Backward Class) SC, (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe) and PwD can get admission within the percentile range of 77 to 55.
Check for other listed IIMs category-wise minimum cutoffs at which MBS admission is possible after qualifying for for the exam shared below.
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IIM Name
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Cutoff General
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Cutoff EWS
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Cutoff NC OBC
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Cutoff SC
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Cutoff ST
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Cutoff PwD
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Bangalore
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85
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75
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75
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70
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65
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60
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Calcutta
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85
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75
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75
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70
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65
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55
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Kozhikode
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85
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75
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75
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65
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55
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55
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Shillong
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75
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75
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70
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60
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50
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50
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Mumbai
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85
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75
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75
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70
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65
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55
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Visakhapatnam
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82
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72
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72
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50
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40
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40
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What will be the next step?
After going through the admission possibilities at top IIMs with 85 percentile in CAT, candidates are left with a question as to what will be the next step. The next step should be for students to aim for different business institutions based on high return rates.
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Build a backup business school that offers a higher return on investment.
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Along with CAT 2026 exam, also look for alternatives such as XAT, NMAT, SNAP exam to explore wider opportunities.
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Add professional experience and achievements by securing certifications and corporate experience.
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Prepare strategically for interviews, GD rounds, and analytical skills, while also building a clear path to pursue MBA.
Also Check: CAT 2026 Cutoff for IIMs: Check Expected Percentile, Sectional and Category Wise