Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2027
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The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the most sought-after management institutes for every CAT aspirant, but given the IIMs competitiveness, not many aspirants make it in. But there are several prestigious non-IIMs, also known as top B-schools, like MICA, MDI, LIBA and TISS that also accept CAT scores for admission to their management programs. Knowing the expected cutoffs for these institutions is crucial for aspirants aiming to secure a seat in these reputed MBA colleges. Below, we explore the expected CAT cutoffs for these top non-IIMs MBA colleges in 2025, along with admission tips and insights.
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The MICA CAT cutoff for 2025 PGDM is expected between 80-85 percentiles for general categories. MICA Ahmedabad is renowned for its flagship program, PGDM-C (Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications). Candidates must appear for CAT and MICAT (MICA’s entrance test). However, clearing MICAT and excelling in the personal interview % Group discussion are equally crucial.
MICAT performance- 25%
CAT score (used as a qualifying criterion)- 35%
Group Exercise (GE) and PI performance- 10% & 20% respectively
Academics- 5%
Diversity Factors- 5%
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) accepts CAT scores for admission to its HRM and LR programs at the Mumbai campus. The expected cutoff is 70 percentile for the general category.
TISS also conducts its own entrance exam, TISSNET, and candidates must excel in this test to secure admission. CAT scores are used as a supplementary factor in the selection process.
The minimum CAT cutoff 2025 (overall) for the OA shortlisting round for TISS MA programmes is mentioned in the table below.
| TISS category | TISS MA (HRM&LR and ODCL) | TISS MHA |
|---|---|---|
| General/KM/AF/EWS | 70 | 60 |
| NC-OBC | 63 | 54 |
| SC/ST | 53 | 45 |
SPJIMR CAT 2025 cut off is expected at 95+ percentile (Score-based selection)
Test centres are available in 70+ cities across India | 75,000+ aspirants apply for the NMAT exam | Accepted by 58+ institutions like NMIMS, KJSIM, ISB, SPJIMR and Great Lakes.
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FMS Delhi CAT cut off 2025 is likely to be 99+ percentile (extremely competitive)
IMT Ghaziabad CAT 2025 cut off is expected to be 90+ percentile
MDI Gurgaon CAT cut off 2025 is expected at the 93+ percentile
KJ Somaiya CAT cut off 2025 Overall would be around 85+ percentile
Understand the Selection Criteria: Institutions like MICA and TISS consider factors beyond CAT scores, such as profiles, essays, and personal interviews. Research the specific requirements.
Ace the Sectional Cutoffs: Balance your preparation across all sections to meet the individual sectional cutoffs.
Prepare for GD/PI: Most non-IIMs emphasise group discussions and personal interviews. Start preparing early.
Leverage Your Strengths: Institutes like SPJIMR offer profile-based selections. Highlight your achievements and strengths.
Stay Consistent: Practice mock tests regularly to improve your overall and sectional scores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The top MBA colleges accepting CAT 2025 scores (Non-IIMs) include FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT Delhi and IIT Delhi DOMs.
MICA CAT cutoff for 2025 is expected to be around the 80-85+ percentile.
Institutions like KJ Somaiya, TISS, and Fore School of Management accept CAT scores around 85 percentile.
GD/PI is crucial for most non-IIMs, as they focus on holistic evaluation beyond CAT scores.
No, TISS also conducts TISSNET, which is mandatory for admission. CAT scores are supplementary.
No, MICA also requires candidates to appear for MICAT, along with CAT, XAT, or GMAT scores.
On Question asked by student community
Hello Student,
With a CAT 2025 percentile of 98.25, you have a good chance of receiving calls from several IIMs, particularly newer IIMs. However, IIM Ahmedabad , Bangalore , Calcutta , and Lucknow generally require higher percentiles for General-category candidates. Calls also depend on sectional percentiles, academics, work experience, and
Hello CAT Aspirant!
If you mean the CAT ( Common Admission Test) EWS certificate, the important point is whether the certificate is valid and issued in the prescribed format, rather than simply the language used on it.
Yes, a Hindi EWS certificate can generally be accepted for CAT, provided it
If you have already received your final MA result and have technically completed the degree , but you are only waiting for the revaluation outcome, you would generally be considered a graduate rather than someone whose master's degree is still completely in progress. However, CAT has specific instructions about qualification
If you mean CAT (Common Admission Test) preparation, you can practise with previous-year CAT papers. IIM has a collection of CAT papers from 2017 to 2025, covering VARC, DILR and Quant across different slots, along with solutions and explanations. Solving the recent papers first can help you understand the current
Hello Student,
Yes, you can apply for CAT with an EWS certificate issued in Hindi, provided it is issued by the competent authority and follows the required format. However, CAT applicants need a Central-level EWS certificate, not merely a state-level EWS certificate. Since you are from Uttar Pradesh, ensure your
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