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CAT OBC Reservation Criteria for Admission to IIMs

CAT OBC Reservation Criteria for Admission to IIMs give clarity on the 27% OBC quota, how seats are shared across categories, and the expected intake for CAT 2025. Know how many seats fall under OBC before applying across several IIMs.

CAT OBC Reservation Criteria for Admission to IIMsindicate how many seats are distributed for the OBC category for the CAT 2025 admission cycle, as per the Government of India’s reservation policy. Out of roughly 5,500+ seats offered by various IIMs, around 3,491 seats fall under the open category, nearly 809 are reserved for OBC candidates, and close to 538 seats are allotted to the SC/ST category, with the remaining seats assigned to EWS and PwD applicants.

WithCATbeing an extremely competitive exam, having a valid OBC certificate can increase your chances of securing a seat for the next academic cycle (2026-28). In this article, you can find an overview of the CAT OBC Reservation Criteria for Admission to IIMs across India.

Also Read:CAT Reservation Policy for OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD at IIMs

CAT OBC Reservation Percentage in IIMs for MBA

Aspirants from the OBC category can apply for 27% of the available seats at IIMs for MBA admissions. This equates to almost 809 seats that are exclusively set out for OBC applicants. The expected qualifying percentiles for OBC students for the 2026-28 admissions cycle are predicted to fall between 80 and 90. Each IIM determines its own CAT cutoff for the OBC category.

Particulars

Details

Reservation Percentage for OBC in IIMs for MBA

27% of total seats

Total OBC Category Seats in IIMs

809 seats (approx)

CAT Cutoff Variation for OBC Candidates in IIMs

Varies among different IIMs

Expected Qualifying Marks for IIM CAT (OBC Category)

80 to 90 percentiles

IIM-Wise Seats Reserved for OBC Category

Here is a detailed analysis of the CAT OBC reservation criteria or seat distribution for admission to IIMs across India:

Note:An asterisk (*) has been used next to the seat numbers to give clarity on colleges where the availability of seats might vary a bit. This should help in giving a more accurate view of seat distribution across institutions.

Total Seats at IIMs Across India

Here’s a breakdown of the total number of seats available across all the IIMs for admissions:

List of IIMs

Total Number of Seats (approximately)

IIM Ahmedabad

385

IIM Amritsar

240

IIM Bangalore

565

IIM Bodh Gaya (IIM BG)

120

IIM Calcutta

462

IIM Indore

450+150

IIM Jammu

120

IIM Kashipur

210

IIM Kozhikode

525

IIM Lucknow

490

IIM Mumbai

550

IIM Nagpur

240

IIM Raipur

210

IIM Ranchi

210+150

IIM Rohtak

240+60

IIM Sambalpur

120

IIM Shillong

180

IIM Sirmaur

170

IIM Tiruchirappalli

210

IIM Udaipur

150

IIM Vishakhapatnam (IIM Vizag)

120

IIMs offer explicit reservation guidelines, as stated in their official notification if you are an OBC candidate preparing for the CAT. Of all the restricted categories, the percentage of OBC candidates' reservations is the highest at 27%. But be careful as only individuals on the list at the time of CAT registration closing will be eligible for this reservation. Make sure to consult the most recent OBC list issued by the Central Government.

Also Read:

Stay updated withCollegeDekhofor more information related to CAT 2025 reservation criteria! Reach out to us through theQnA Zonefor any questions and doubts related to CAT 2025.

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FAQs

How many seats are reserved for the OBC category in IIMs for MBA?

For IIMs, the OBC reservation percentage is usually 27%. The overall number of seats available in each IIM determines the precise number of seats set aside for OBC candidates. However, 809 out of the 5,500 seats are set aside for candidates from the OBC category. 

What are the eligibility criteria for OBC reservation for admission in IIMs?

To qualify for the eligibility criteria for OBC reservation for admission in IIMs, you must be in the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) of the OBC category and hold a current OBC certificate from an authorized authority. Ensure the certificate is issued after April 1 of the admission year.

What documents are required to claim an OBC reservation for admission in IIMs?

To claim an OBC reservation for admission to IIMs, you will need specific documents: - A valid OBC certificate from an authorized authority - A caste certificate, if it is requested by the particular IIM you are applying to - An income certificate, if it applies in your case

Is there a separate cutoff for OBC candidates in IIMs?

Yes, there will usually be a specific cutoff to satisfy if you are an OBC candidate applying to an IIM. However, the precise cutoff frequently varies based on variables like the volume of applications and their overall performance. This may result in marginal changes to the required cutoff score every year.

Can I claim an OBC reservation if I belong to the Creamy Layer?

You are not eligible for reservation benefits if you belong to the OBC category's Creamy Layer. To concentrate help on individuals who might need it more, this category is not eligible for reserved seats. To make use of the benefits provided by the reservation policies, one must be a member of the Non-Creamy Layer.

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