Can You Get Into an IIM with Less Than 60 Marks in CAT?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is undoubtedly one of the most competitive exams for MBA aspirants in India. Thousands of candidates compete every year for a spot in top business schools, especially the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), which are known for their academic excellence and prestigious reputation. However, scoring above 90 percentile has become increasingly difficult for many aspirants, leaving them wondering whether it’s even possible to get into IIMs or other reputed institutions with a CAT score below 60 marks.

In this blog, we will explore the possibility of getting into an IIM with less than 60 marks in CAT and look at some of the best colleges you can target with scores below 60 percentile. This will help you identify alternatives that still offer quality education and good placement opportunities.

1. Understanding CAT Scoring and Percentile

Before diving into the details, it is essential to understand the relationship between your raw marks in CAT and the percentile you receive. The CAT exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). The total marks are divided among these sections, and your percentile reflects how well you perform compared to other candidates.

For instance:

• A score of 60 marks in CAT might give you anywhere between 50-60 percentile, depending on factors like the overall difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates, and their performance.

• Typically, 90+ percentile requires more than 100 marks, and 100 percentile represents a perfect score.

  
  

2. Can You Get Into an IIM with a CAT Score Below 60?

Getting into an IIM with less than 60 marks (and therefore, a score below 60 percentile) is highly unlikely. Most of the IIMs, especially the older and more prestigious ones like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta, have very high cutoff percentiles for CAT. These institutes typically require candidates to score at least 85-95 percentile to be considered for shortlisting in the next round of selection.

However, this doesn’t mean all hope is lost. IIMs have started offering admission to candidates with lower percentiles in certain circumstances:

• Special categories: Some IIMs reserve a certain percentage of seats for candidates from reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC, which can sometimes reduce the cutoff required for admission.

• Work Experience: Candidates with substantial work experience may be given some leeway in terms of cutoff marks.

• Academic Excellence: Those with excellent academic records or outstanding achievements in extracurricular activities might also have a chance for a lower percentile cutoff.

• Alternative Admission Routes: Some IIMs, like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak, offer 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM), which has different admission criteria.

  
  

That said, if your CAT score is below 60, it is important to consider other options. While IIMs may be out of reach, there are several other good colleges that can provide quality education and a successful career path.

3. Best Colleges with a CAT Score Below 60 Percentile

Even with a lower CAT score, there are several reputed B-schools in India that offer excellent MBA programs. These institutions have lower cutoffs compared to the IIMs but still provide quality education, good faculty, and great placement opportunities. Here are some of the best colleges you can target with less than 60 percentile in CAT:

College Name	CAT Percentile Range	Location	Course Duration	Average Placement Package
Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI)	50-55 percentile	Jamshedpur	2 years	₹22-25 Lakhs
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)	50-55 percentile	Pune	2 years	₹18-20 Lakhs
Institute of Management Technology (IMT)	50-60 percentile	Ghaziabad	2 years	₹10-12 Lakhs
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management	50-60 percentile	Mumbai	2 years	₹10-12 Lakhs
Great Lakes Institute of Management	50-60 percentile	Chennai	2 years	₹12-15 Lakhs
University Business School (UBS)	50-60 percentile	Chandigarh	2 years	₹8-10 Lakhs
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)	50-60 percentile	Mumbai	2 years	₹10-12 Lakhs
FORE School of Management	50-60 percentile	Delhi	2 years	₹8-10 Lakhs
Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)	50-60 percentile	Anand	2 years	₹7-9 Lakhs
International Management Institute (IMI)	50-60 percentile	Delhi	2 years	₹8-10 Lakhs

4. Why These Colleges Are Worth Considering

While the IIMs are often the first choice for MBA aspirants, these colleges also have a lot to offer. Below are some reasons why you should consider these institutions:

Quality Education and Faculty

These institutions may not carry the same brand name as the IIMs, but they often have experienced faculty and a rigorous curriculum that provides a strong foundation in management concepts. Many of these colleges also focus on industry-relevant skills, making their graduates highly employable.

Industry Connections and Placement Opportunities

Most of these colleges have strong corporate ties and active placement cells. Companies across various sectors—banking, consulting, FMCG, IT, and more—frequently visit these campuses for recruitment. Some, like XLRI and SIBM, even have excellent placement records, offering lucrative salary packages.

Specialized MBA Programs

Many of these colleges offer specialized MBA programs, such as in rural management (IRMA), social sciences (TISS), and business analytics (IMT), catering to specific industries that may provide a niche but rewarding career path.

Affordability

The tuition fees for these colleges are generally lower compared to the top IIMs, making them an attractive option for those looking for quality education at a more affordable cost.

5. What Should You Do Next?

If your CAT score is below 60, it’s important to stay motivated and explore your options. Here are a few things to consider:

• Retake the Exam: If you’re still passionate about pursuing an MBA and have the time and energy to prepare again, retaking the CAT with better preparation might open doors to better colleges.

• Consider Other Exams: Apart from CAT, there are several other exams like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and IIFT, which can help you secure a place in good B-schools.

• Evaluate Other Colleges: Look beyond the top IIMs and consider applying to the colleges mentioned above. They offer good academic standards, industry exposure, and solid placement records.

• Work Experience: Gaining some work experience can also strengthen your application, especially for top-tier colleges that look for candidates with a strong professional background.

  
  

Don’t Give Up, Explore Your Options

While getting into an IIM with less than 60 marks in CAT may seem difficult, it’s not the end of the road. Many other top institutions offer excellent management programs with good placement opportunities. Focus on exploring all your options and choose the one that best aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Even if the road to an IIM is blocked, there are several other ways to succeed in your MBA journey. Stay persistent, work hard, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.