CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25
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.
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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,
Thank you for your question!
KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).
CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.
CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.
Hello it will clear your doubt!
Hello Aspirant,
I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.
Here's why:
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Hello Kapish
You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.
Here's the link:
CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR:
CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360
Thank You!!!
Hello Divya,
Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.
Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.
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