CAT Cut Off for Top MBA Colleges in India – Admission, Fees & Salary

CAT Cut Off 2026 for Top MBA Colleges in India: Expected Percentile, Fees & Placements

After the CAT 2026 examination, MBA aspirants will want to know their expected percentile and the colleges they can target for admission. Since CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026, the actual admission cutoffs will be available only after the exam and subsequent admission processes. Therefore, the figures below should be treated as indicative/expected CAT percentile ranges based on recent admission trends, not guaranteed final cutoffs.

It is also important to note that CAT cutoffs are expressed as percentiles, not percentages. Meeting the minimum cutoff does not guarantee admission because leading B-schools also consider academic performance, work experience, diversity, entrance-test performance, and GD/PI or other selection components.

CAT 2026 Cut Off for Top MBA Colleges

The following table provides an updated overview of prominent non-IIM MBA colleges accepting CAT scores, along with indicative CAT cutoffs, other accepted examinations, approximate programme fees, and the latest available average placement figures.

*Cutoffs are indicative screening levels and may vary by programme, applicant profile, category and admission year. Fees are approximate and may exclude hostel, mess and other charges. Recent comparative data places many of these institutes in similar CAT percentile bands, while individual institutes may use holistic selection rather than a single fixed cutoff.

Latest Placement Updates

Several institutes have reported stronger and more recent placement figures than those in older versions of this article. For example, SPJIMR reported an average CTC of ₹33.75 LPA for its Class of 2026, with a highest CTC of ₹75 LPA.

MDI Gurgaon reported an overall batch average of ₹29.5 LPA in its latest placement information, while its official 2026 placement report also shows strong outcomes across programmes.

At IMT Ghaziabad, the latest official placement information reports an average CTC of ₹17.64 LPA, while the interim 2026 report recorded ₹18.89 LPA at that stage of placements.

GIM Goa reported an average CTC of ₹16.27 LPA and a highest CTC of ₹35 LPA for its flagship PGDM programme for the 2026 placement season.

Great Lakes Chennai reported an average CTC of ₹15 LPA and a highest CTC of ₹40 LPA for the PGDM Class of 2026.

TAPMI Manipal reported an average CTC of ₹13.99 LPA for its MBA-General 2025 placements, with a highest CTC of ₹32.77 LPA and 100% placement among interested students.

K J Somaiya Institute of Management currently reports a highest package of ₹29.30 LPA, 210 recruiters and a median CTC of ₹12 LPA for its MBA placement information.

CAT Cut Off 2026: 90 Percentile and Above

Candidates scoring 90 percentile or higher can target several reputed private B-schools and management institutes. However, for highly competitive institutes such as SPJIMR and MDI Gurgaon, a much higher percentile may be needed depending on the applicant profile and selection process.

SPJIMR Mumbai

SPJIMR accepts CAT and GMAT scores and uses a profile-based and profile-cum-score-based shortlisting approach. For the 2027–29 intake, applications opened on September 15, 2026, and the deadline is November 27, 2026. Candidates can submit the application before receiving their CAT score.

MDI Gurgaon

MDI Gurgaon requires CAT 2026 for Indian applicants seeking admission to its PGDM programmes. The current application deadline for the 2027–29 admission cycle is November 28, 2026.

IMT Ghaziabad

IMT Ghaziabad accepts CAT, XAT and GMAT scores for its PGDM admissions. The expected CAT screening level for 2026 is around 90+ percentile, although the final selection is not based solely on the CAT score.

XIM University, Bhubaneswar

XIM University's MBA-BM programme accepts CAT, XAT, GMAT and XGMT scores. For the 2027 intake, the application deadline is December 15, 2026, and CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026.

CAT Cut Off 2026: 80 to 90 Percentile
Candidates in the 80–90 percentile range have several strong options, including TAPMI, FORE, GIM, Great Lakes, K J Somaiya, IRMA and MICA, depending on the institute's selection criteria and the candidate's overall profile.

For example, current expected CAT ranges put TAPMI and FORE around 85–90 percentile, Great Lakes around 80–85 percentile, K J Somaiya around 84–88 percentile, and IRMA around 80–85 percentile.

MICA follows a different admission structure because applicants may also need to appear for MICAT, in addition to having a valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score.

CAT Cut Off 2026: 70 to 80 Percentile

Candidates scoring between 70 and 80 percentile can explore institutes such as:

• BIMTECH, Greater Noida

• XIME Bangalore

• LIBA Chennai

• SDMIMD Mysuru

• Selected programmes at other private B-schools

The actual shortlist depends on the institute, programme, entrance exam, academic record and overall applicant profile. BIMTECH's indicative CAT cutoff is around 75 percentile, while XIME is generally around the 70+ range.

CAT Cut Off 2026: Below 70 Percentile

A CAT percentile below 70 does not mean that MBA admission opportunities are over. Several private B-schools accept CAT scores in lower percentile ranges and may also accept XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA or other management entrance exams.

Candidates in this range should compare colleges carefully on the basis of:

• Accreditation and recognition

• Total programme fees

• Placement record

• Average and median salary

• Recruiter quality

• Location

• Specializations

• Internship opportunities

• Alumni network

• Return on investment

Rather than selecting a college solely because it accepts a lower CAT percentile, candidates should evaluate the overall value of the programme.

CAT 2026 Admission Process

The MBA admission process generally involves the following stages:

1. Appear for CAT 2026

2. Receive the CAT percentile and scorecard

3. Check institute-specific eligibility and cutoff requirements

4. Apply separately to colleges wherever required

5. Shortlisting based on CAT score and overall profile

6. Participate in GD/WAT/PI or other selection rounds

7. Receive the final admission offer

8. Complete fee payment and admission formalities

Candidates should remember that meeting the CAT cutoff only makes them eligible for consideration at many institutes. It does not guarantee a call or final admission.

Important CAT 2026 Admission Updates

The CAT 2026 cycle is already underway. Some leading B-schools have opened applications before the CAT result is announced.

For example:

• SPJIMR: 2027–29 applications open; deadline November 27, 2026.

• MDI Gurgaon: 2027–29 applications; deadline November 28, 2026.

• XIM University: MBA-BM application deadline December 15, 2026.

• GIM Goa: CAT 2026 application deadline December 23, 2026; final application deadline January 4, 2027.

Therefore, candidates should not wait until CAT results are declared to start researching and applying. Some colleges require applications before CAT results are available.

How to Choose an MBA College After CAT 2026?

CAT percentile is only one factor in choosing an MBA college. Before applying, compare the following:

1. CAT Cutoff

Check the expected overall and sectional percentile required by the institute.

2. Fees

Compare tuition fees, hostel charges, living expenses and other mandatory costs.

3. Placements

Look at average and median CTC, placement percentage, recruiter quality and job profiles instead of focusing only on the highest package.

4. ROI

Compare total programme cost with the average/median salary to understand the potential return on investment.

5. Specializations

Choose a college that offers the specialization aligned with your career goals, such as Finance, Marketing, HR, Business Analytics, Operations or Strategy.

6. Selection Process

Understand whether the institute considers CAT score, academics, work experience, diversity, GD, WAT, PI or other components.

Need Guidance for CAT 2026 MBA Admissions?

Choosing the right MBA college after CAT can be challenging, particularly when different institutes have different cutoffs, fees, application deadlines and selection criteria.

BookMyColleges can help MBA aspirants compare colleges, understand admission requirements, shortlist suitable B-schools and navigate the application process.

For MBA admission guidance:

Call: 96444 40101 / 77729 54321
Email: ashita@bookmycolleges.com
Website: www.bookmycolleges.com