CAT Cut Off 2020: Qualifying & Final Cutoffs for IIMs and Non-IIMs

CAT Cutoff 2020

The CAT cutoff 2020 for admission to IIMs and other top MBA colleges is set at a minimum of 90 percentile, with prominent IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and Kozhikode maintaining cut-offs exceeding 99 percentile. Tier 3 colleges typically have cut-offs at 60 percentile and above, while Tier 2 institutions fall within the range of 70 to 80 percentile. It's crucial to check these cut-offs before applying for MBA programs.

IIMs and leading MBA schools such as FMS, IMT, SPJIMR, and MICA release preliminary cut-offs for WAT-PI shortlisting well before the result declaration. The final CAT cut-offs are announced post-result or at the beginning of PI shortlisting, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about these criteria for MBA admission. Candidates can find further details with regard to the CAT cutoff 2020 below.

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CAT Cutoff 2020: Qualifying Cut off Vs Final Cut off

Understanding the difference between Qualifying CAT Cut-off and Final CAT Cut-off is crucial for students aspiring to secure admission to IIMs. The Qualifying Cut-off is the minimum CAT score required to advance to the WAT/GD-PI round, while the Final CAT Cut-off is the higher minimum percentile set by IIMs for selecting candidates for the WAT/GD-PI process. Both the qualifying and final CAT cutoff vary each year, candidates must take a look at the CAT 2021 cutoff and CAT 2022 cutoff to understand the cutoff pattern well. It's important to note that the Final Cut-off is always higher than the Qualifying Cut-off. Candidates can view the key differences between Qualifying and Sectional cutoff in the table below:

CAT Cutoff 2020: Qualifying Cutoff for IIMs

IIMs unveil their qualifying cutoffs pre-result, signifying the minimum mark required for WAT-PI shortlisting. The final cutoff is subsequently released. Refer to the table below for the qualifying CAT cutoff 2020 for each IIM:

CAT Cut Off 2020: Sectional Cutoff for IIMs

While overall cutoffs suffice for IIM admission, meeting sectional cutoffs is also imperative. IIMs set specific cutoffs for each section, ensuring candidates clear these benchmarks for final selection. Explore the sectional CAT cutoff 2020 for top IIMs:

CAT 2020 Cut Off: Final Cutoff for IIMs

The final cutoff, also known as the calling cutoff, is disclosed post-result. Candidates surpassing this benchmark are invited for interviews and the final selection, incorporating CAT score, academic background, PI performance, and other facets. The table below showcases the final CAT 2020 cutoff set by IIMs:

CAT Cutoff 2020 for Top B-schools

CAT scores are widely accepted by over 100 B-schools beyond the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Many of these institutions consistently rank high and are highly sought after by candidates for the opportunities they provide. The following table outlines some of these esteemed colleges and their respective CAT 2020 percentile requirements:

CAT Score vs Percentile 2020

CAT score vs percentile analysis helps understand the score needed for a desired percentile. The table below depicts the CAT score vs percentile 2020 for VARC,LRDI, and QA:

Factors Affecting CAT 2020 Cutoff

The CAT cut-off percentile for each institute is determined by considering several key parameters, including:

• Difficulty Level of the Exam: The complexity and challenges presented by the CAT exam play a crucial role in setting the cut-off percentiles for different institutes.

• Number of Aspirants who Took the Exam: The total count of candidates who participated in the CAT exam contributes to the percentile calculation, reflecting the overall performance distribution.

• Number of Aspirants who Cleared the Exam: The count of candidates who successfully cleared the CAT exam impacts the percentile requirement, influencing the competitiveness of the selection process.

• Number of Seats for PGP/MBA in a Particular Institute: The availability of seats for the Post Graduate Program (PGP) or MBA in a specific institute influences the cut-off percentile, as it reflects the level of selectivity in admissions.

• Ranking of the Institute: The overall ranking and reputation of the institute in the academic and business community are considered in determining the CAT cut-off percentile, as more prestigious institutions may have higher percentile requirements.

Ways to Clear CAT Cutoff 2020

Clearing the CAT cutoff, considered one of the most challenging management entrance exams in India with over 2 lakh annual participants, demands diligent effort due to intense competition and limited seats in premier institutions like IIMs. However, with dedicated preparation, success is achievable. Here are key steps to navigate this challenge:

• Effective Preparation: Utilize test series and sectional tests to pinpoint and address weak areas. These tools offer an insightful analysis of performance at each stage, aiding focused improvement.
• Structured Schedule: Establish a disciplined schedule that comprehensively covers all major areas, considering individual strengths and weaknesses. Time management is crucial, especially with limited time before the CAT exam.
• Time Allocation: Divide time effectively for each section over a month, ensuring equal attention to every area. Strategic planning enhances proficiency across all components of the exam.
• Topic Prioritization: Identify and prioritize topics based on individual needs. Leverage previous year's CAT question papers, dedicated question banks, and an understanding of section weightage to streamline preparation.
• Video Lectures: Attend a variety of video lectures during the preparation period. This approach provides extensive exposure to the exam content, contributing to a comprehensive understanding and increasing the likelihood of success.
• Mock Tests: Regularly practice tests to gauge progress and identify areas requiring additional effort. Analyzing mock exam results is essential for refining strategies and enhancing performance.
• Stay Informed: Stay updated with previous exam analyses and the latest notifications, including any changes in exam dates, syllabus, paper patterns, and ranking schemes. Being well-informed contributes to a holistic and effective preparation strategy.

CAT IIM Admission and Selection Process

The process for getting into IIMs involves three main steps:

• CAT Score Screening: Initially, candidates are selected based on their scores in the CAT exam.
• WAT/GD-PI Round: Those who qualify then participate in the WAT/GD-PI round, usually held in February and March. This is like a discussion and interview session.
• Final Selection: Successful candidates receive admission offers in April and May.

When called for the WAT/GD-PI round, candidates need to bring important documents:

• Original and photocopies of mark sheets for class 10, class 12, and Graduation.
• Caste/class/disability certificates for specific candidates.
• For those still in their final year of a bachelor's degree, a certificate signed by the university or institution confirming at least 50 per cent marks (45 per cent for some categories) is required.

The final admission offer depends on a composite score, considering various factors:

• CAT score, both overall and in each section.
• Performance in the WAT/GD-PI round.
• Marks from class 10, class 12, and Graduation.
• Gender diversity, with extra points for female/transgender candidates.
• Academic diversity, with extra points for candidates from non-Engineering backgrounds.
• Work experience, with extra points for those with relevant executive or managerial experience.