Out of the total 5500 IIM seats combined across the MBA and PGDM programs, a staggering 27% of the IIM seats are reserved for the OBC category candidates. The OBC candidates fill in the IIM seats for the OBC category by clearing the CAT exam with the required CAT percentile. The CAT percentile for the OBC category is different from one IIM to another. CAT 2024 concludes on November 24 in three different shifts.
This Story also Contains
To select the candidates for the IIM seats for the OBC category a set selection process takes place. A candidate’s entire profile along with CAT score and work experience (if applicable) is taken into consideration for final shortlisting.
The total number of seats in IIM for the OBC category is around 809 approximately. The percentage-wise distribution of IIM seats for different categories is given in the table below.
Category | Distribution of IIM Seats |
40.5% | |
IIM Seats for OBC Category | 27% |
7.5% and 15% | |
PwD and EWS | 10% |
Check out the Total Seats in IIM for MBA/PGDM
Different IIMs have different seats reserved for the OBC category as per the total IIM seats offered by them. The total IIM seats for the OBC category candidates in different IIMs are provided in the table below.
Name of the IIM | Total IIM Seats | IIM seats for the OBC Category |
398 | 104 | |
412 | 103 | |
462 | 125 | |
436 | 113 | |
450 | 122 | |
525 | 102 | |
240 | 33 | |
240 | 33 | |
120 | 37 | |
210 | 28 | |
210 | 32 | |
210 | 32 | |
120 | 37 | |
150 | 32 | |
120 | 33 | |
180 | 32 | |
170 | 17 | |
240 | 32 | |
550 | 148 |
The CAT cutoff is mandatory to clear for any candidates wishing to apply to any IIM for admission to its MBA/PGDM programs. The CAT cutoff depends on several factors including CAT exam difficulty level, normalization, total qualifying candidates, reservation criteria, etc. The CAT cutoff for IIM seats for the OBC category is given in the table below.
Name of the IIM | CAT 2024 cutoff for IIM seats for OBC Category (Expected) |
75 | |
75 | |
75+ | |
77 | |
80 | |
75 | |
75 | |
76.5 | |
74 | |
74 | |
74 | |
74 | |
70 | |
74 | |
74 | |
82 | |
74 | |
78 | |
75 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CAT exam registration fee for OBC category candidates is Rs. 2400 similar to that for the General category candidates. The fees for SC, ST, and PwD categories are Rs. 1200.
The total IIM seats for OBC are 809, about 27% of the total IIM seats. The SC and ST categories are given a reservation of 15% and 7.5% in the IIM seats respectively.
The CAT percentile required for IIM by the OBC candidate is around 85-90. This is the qualifying percentile. The percentile for final selection is generally much higher around 97-99.
The OBC percentile for IIM Kozhikode is 75 (qualifying basis). OBC candidates with 75 percentile can apply to IIM Kozhikode. The selection will be based on the overall profile assessment, performance in the PI round, and CAT score (post-normalization).
On Question asked by student community
Hello Dear Student,
An SC rank of 82 in a Common Entrance Test (CET) is highly competitive and typically guarantees admission into top-tier state universities, central universities, or highly-ranked private institutions. Whether a specific seat is currently available depends directly on the exact university's counselling schedule. Many institutes require you
If by OC you mean Open Category/General category in India, and you have 95%+ throughout your academics (Class 10, Class 12, and graduation) , then your CAT percentile target depends on the B-schools you're aiming for.
Here's a general guideline:
| Target B-school | Safe CAT Percentile (General Category) |
|---|---|
| Indian Institute of |
Hello Dear Student,
Low-Tier IIIT CSE vs Jadavpur University B.Arch (for MBA Aspirants)
If your primary goal is to pursue an MBA later, switching from CSE at a lower-tier IIIT to B.Arch at Jadavpur University solely for academic diversity is generally not the best strategy.
B.Arch and MBA Preparation
Hello Dear Student,
EWS eligibility for CAT 2025-26 hinges on current financial records, but a renewed certificate is required for final IIM admissions. If future income exceeds the 8 lakh threshold, candidates will likely lose EWS status and be reclassified to the General category rather than facing seat cancellation.
Hope
Hello Dear Student,
If your Class 12 marksheet shows "Passed" overall and you are currently pursuing BCA, then you should generally be eligible for CAT, CUET PG, and NIMCET.
75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools
13-hour master class to help you score 99+ percentile in CAT 2026
NAAC A++ Grade | AACSB Accredited | 75,000+ Alumni
Get Real CAT-like Experience | Attend Mock Test on 8th & 9th August 2026 | Timings: 8:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM
4000+ Placements to date | 6000+ Students | Advanced applied research, patents, and partnerships
NAAC A+ Accredited | Highest CTC 45 LPA | Scholarships Available