CAT 2025 Safe Percentile for XIM Bhubaneswar Admission

Category / Scenario

Estimated Safe Percentile for CAT

Rationale / Notes

General (All-India)

91–94 percentile

Historical closing CAT percentile for XIMB MBA BM has been around 91.

For “safe” margin (i.e., good chance to get interview + convert), aiming a bit above the last known cutoff provides a buffer.

General — Very Safe (Targeting First Round Call)

93–94 percentile +

To be safer (to ensure shortlist even in tough cycles), targeting higher than 91 (which has been the cutoff) is advisable. Given competition, 93+ gives more cushion.

Reserved / OBC / SC / ST / EWS

80-90 percentile

Public sources don’t consistently report distinct cutoffs by category for XIMB in CAT.

However, actual “safe” depends on category and applicant pool; if you belong to a reserved category, a slightly lower percentile may suffice — but aiming near or above 90+ is still prudent.

Sectional Percentiles (VARC, DILR, QA)

VARC ~ 75, DILR ~ 55, QA ~ 55 (approx.)

According to XIMB’s sectional cutoffs for CAT 2024: VARC around 75, DILR ~ 55, QA ~ 55 for male candidates.

So, to be safe, don’t just aim overall — clear these sectionals by a comfortable margin.

Profile with Work Experience / Strong Academics

Slightly lower target (~ 91–92)

If you have a strong profile (good undergrad grades, work experience, gender, or diversity “bonus”), you might convert even with the lower end of the cutoff. However, 91 is still the historical barrier — not guaranteed.

Weak Profile / No Work Experience

Aim for > 93–94

Because the profile is weaker, you need to compensate with a higher CAT percentile to secure call + conversions.

Stage

What Happens / Requirement

Details / Notes

1. Eligibility

Minimum Academic Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree (3-year or equivalent) in any discipline with ≥ 55% aggregate.
• Final-year students (graduation) may also apply if they will complete their degree by a specified date (e.g. June 15).

Work Experience (if applicable)

• Not mandatory for full-time MBA programs.
• For EMBA (Executive MBA): Minimum ~3 years experience (5 years if self-employed).

2. Entrance Exams Accepted

Which Tests Are Valid

• XIMU / XIMB accepts: XAT, CAT, GMAT, X-GMT for MBA-BM and other programs.
• For some MBA specializations (e.g., MBA-HRM, MBA-RM, Sustainability, Urban Mgt), they also accept NMAT.

3. Application Process

Applying to XIM University / XIMB

• Fill out the online application form via XIM University admission portal.
• Submit exam scores, academic transcripts, and other required documents.
• Pay the application fee.

4. Shortlisting

How Candidates Are Shortlisted for Next Rounds

• Shortlist based on performance in the entrance exam (XAT / CAT / GMAT / X-GMT) + academic profile + work experience + diversity.
• XIMB publishes a shortlist for WAT + GD + PI (Writing Ability Test, Group Discussion, Personal Interview) rounds.

5. Selection Rounds

What Selection Rounds Are Conducted

• WAT (Written Ability Test)
• GD (Group Discussion)
• PI (Personal Interview)
• These are held in different cities: e.g., Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai (depending on the year)
• Final selection is based on a composite score combining exam score, WAT+GD+PI performance, academic record, and work experience.

6. Final Admission Offer

Confirmation & Seat Allocation

• Based on the composite (weighted) score, candidates are given admission offers.
• Once selected, candidates need to confirm admission by paying the seat-acceptance fee / admission fee.
• Document verification is done during this stage.

7. Waitlist / Alternate List

Handling Waitlisted Candidates

• XIMB often maintains a waitlist. Candidates may be required to pay a “waitlist fee” to retain their spot on the waitlist. (According to some student reports.)
• Waitlist movements happen after initial offers; depending on dropouts, candidates on the waitlist may be offered admission later.

8. Admission & Start of Classes

Joining the Program

• After seat confirmation, students join the MBA program.
• Academic session typically begins mid-year (XIM University’s MBA classes often start around June–July, based on past admission cycles).