CMAT Percentile vs College Admission: Cutoffs, Top B-Schools & Selection Factors

CMAT Percentile vs College Admission: Cutoffs, Top B-Schools & Selection Factors

Edited By Himanshu Shekhar | Updated on Feb 27, 2025 05:05 PM IST | #CMAT

CMAT Percentile vs Colleges: The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is one of the most widely accepted MBA entrance exams in India, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Thousands of students appear for CMAT every year, aiming to secure admission to top management institutes across the country. However, understanding how your CMAT percentile translates into college admissions is crucial for making informed decisions.

This Story also Contains
  1. Understanding CMAT Percentile and Score
  2. CMAT Percentile vs College Admission: A General Overview
  3. Top CMAT Accepting Colleges and Their Cutoffs
  4. Factors Affecting CMAT-Based Admissions
  5. How to Improve Your CMAT Score for Better Colleges?
  6. CMAT Percentile vs Top Colleges
CMAT Percentile vs College Admission: Cutoffs, Top B-Schools & Selection Factors
CMAT Percentile vs College Admission: Cutoffs, Top B-Schools & Selection Factors

In this article, we will explore the relationship between CMAT percentiles and college cutoffs, discussing the top institutions accepting CMAT scores, their CMAT cutoff percentile, and factors affecting admissions.

Understanding CMAT Percentile and Score

Before diving into specific colleges, it’s important to understand how the CMAT percentile is calculated. Your percentile indicates how you have performed relative to other test-takers.

CMAT percentile formula:

1740652036035

For example, if you have secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 1,000 in a total of 50,000 candidates:

1740652035996

This means you have scored better than 98% of the candidates who appeared for the exam.

CMAT Percentile vs College Admission: A General Overview

Different management colleges in India have varying CMAT cutoff percentiles for admissions. Generally, institutes are categorized based on their cutoff percentiles as:

  1. 90+ Percentile – Top-tier B-schools

  2. 80-90 Percentile – High-ranking colleges

  3. 60-80 Percentile – Mid-tier colleges

  4. Below 60 Percentile – Decent private colleges

Let's break these down further.

CMAT-Percentile-vs-Colleges

Top CMAT Accepting Colleges and Their Cutoffs

1. CMAT 90+ Percentile Colleges (Top-Tier B-Schools)

Candidates scoring above the 90th percentile stand a good chance of securing admission in some of the most reputed B-schools in India. These institutes offer excellent faculty, infrastructure, placement opportunities, and industry exposure.

2. CMAT 80-90 Percentile Colleges (High-Ranking Colleges)

Candidates in this range can still get into good B-schools with decent placements and industry connections.

3. CMAT 60-80 Percentile Colleges (Mid-Tier Colleges)

If you score within the 60-80 percentile range, you can still secure admission in reputed institutes with decent infrastructure and job opportunities.

4. CMAT Below 60 Percentile Colleges (Decent Private Institutes)

If your percentile is below 60, you can still pursue an MBA from private colleges that focus on skill-building and industry-relevant learning.

College Name

CMAT Cutoff Percentile

ITM Navi Mumbai

55-60

AIMS Bangalore

50-55

Asian Business School, Noida

50+

NDIM Delhi

50-55

Factors Affecting CMAT-Based Admissions

Although the CMAT percentile plays a crucial role, colleges also consider other factors for admissions:

1. Academic Background

Many top B-schools assess 10th, 12th, and graduation scores along with CMAT performance. A strong academic profile can strengthen your application.

2. Work Experience

Some institutes give preference to candidates with relevant work experience, especially for executive MBA programs.

3. Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI)

Most top-tier institutes conduct a GD-PI round to assess a candidate's communication skills, leadership potential, and industry awareness.

4. Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Extracurriculars

Some institutes require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or a record of extracurricular activities to evaluate the applicant holistically.

How to Improve Your CMAT Score for Better Colleges?

If your CMAT score is below expectations, don’t worry. You can either prepare for the next attempt or improve your overall profile. Here’s how:

1. Strengthen Your Preparation Strategy

  • Focus on Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness.

  • Solve mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.

  • Revise previous year’s papers to understand question trends.

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2. Apply to Multiple Colleges

  • Apply to institutes that match your percentile range.

  • Consider institutes offering profile-based admissions instead of just CMAT cutoffs.

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3. Improve GD-PI Skills

  • Stay updated with current affairs and business trends.

  • Work on communication and presentation skills for the interview process.

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CMAT Percentile vs Top Colleges

Your CMAT percentile determines which colleges you can apply to, but other factors like GD-PI, academic records, and work experience also influence admissions. A percentile above 90 can secure a seat in top-tier B-schools like JBIMS, GIM, and KJ Somaiya, while those in the 80-90 percentile range have good options like Welingkar and IMT Hyderabad. Even candidates in the 60-80 percentile range can get into well-recognized B-schools like Christ University and BIMTECH.

If your CMAT percentile is lower than expected, don’t lose hope. You can still explore decent private colleges, improve your profile, or prepare for a retake to achieve a higher score next time.

By understanding how different percentiles correlate with college admissions, you can strategically apply to the right institutes and increase your chances of securing a top MBA seat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get into a top B-school with a CMAT score of 85 percentile?

Yes, institutes like Welingkar, XIME, and IMT Hyderabad accept candidates with an 85+ percentile.

2. Which colleges accept a 70 percentile in CMAT?

Colleges like Jaipuria Lucknow, BIMTECH, and Amity Business School accept candidates in the 70 percentile range.

3. Is 95 percentile in CMAT good?

Yes! With a 95+ percentile, you can apply to top institutes like GIM, KJ Somaiya, and SIMSREE.

4. How can I improve my CMAT score?

Revise concepts, practice mock tests, and work on time management to boost your score.

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Questions related to CMAT

Have a question related to CMAT ?

Hii,

No, not all MBA programs require these tests. These are merely entrance exams that are accepted by a lot of universities. Depending on the college you wish to attend, you can take any of them (such as MAH CET, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, or ATMA).

Additionally, some universities have entrance exams of their own. Therefore, for the majority of MBA admissions, you only need to take one appropriate exam. To find out which tests the college accepts, always visit their website.

Hii,

It may be challenging to gain admission to an MBA program through common entrance based on rank if you have not taken the CMAT. Don't worry, though! Additionally, a lot of colleges offer direct admission based on your graduation grades or through state-level exams, MAT, or XAT.

For information on each college's admissions procedure, visit their websites. Certain private universities also allow management quota admissions or have their own exams. You can still enroll in an MBA program even if you don't have a CMAT. Continue your exploration!

Hii,

It is possible to gain admission to certain MBA programs without taking the CMAT exam. Based on your prior grades or interviews, a lot of private colleges grant direct admission. Other tests, such as the CAT, MAT, or GMAT, are accepted by some universities.

However, CMAT or other tests are typically required for government or elite colleges. It is best to inquire about the rules of the college you wish to attend. Therefore, you still have some options even if you don't have CMAT!

Hello aspirant,

MBA candidates are not required to take entrance examinations like the CMAT in order to get admitted.  While CAT is a requirement for admission to IIM MBA programs, several Tier-2 and Tier-3 MBA colleges have adopted alternative admissions methods.  A lot of MBA schools use entrance tests to choose their students.  Colleges administer the XAT and NMAT as MBA entry exams.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

if you belong to general category, the requisite is to get 85 percentiles. it would be quite difficult to get your desirable college. but if that's not the case then, you have chances as the cut offs drops to lower. the admission criteria vary annually based on factors like the number of applicants, seat availability, and category-specific reservations. so, keep checking the official ACPC Gujarat (https://acpc.gujarat.gov.in/) website or contact BKSBM directly for the most accurate and updated information regarding admission eligibility and cutoff

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