IIM Bangalore CAT Cutoff 2026: Expected & Sectional Percentile
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Quick answer: For the PGP 2027–29 batch (CAT 2026), IIM Bangalore's minimum cutoff for General candidates is 85 percentile overall, with 80 in VARC and 75 each in DILR and QA. This is the same as the previous cycle. It is lower than IIM Ahmedabad's qualifying bar, but the percentile at which interview calls are actually made is far higher.
IIM Bangalore CAT 2026 Cutoff: Category-Wise
| Category | Overall | VARC | DILR | QA |
| General | 85 | 80 | 75 | 75 |
| NC-OBC | 75 | 70 | 65 | 65 |
| EWS | 75 | 70 | 65 | 65 |
| SC | 70 | 65 | 60 | 60 |
| ST | 65 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
PwD cutoffs: see the official procedure document. You must clear every sectional cutoff as well as the overall one, and you need a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
Cutoff Trend
| Batch | CAT used | General overall / VARC / DILR / QA |
| PGP 2026–28 | CAT 2025 | 85 / 80 / 75 / 75 |
| PGP 2027–29 | CAT 2026 | 85 / 80 / 75 / 75 (unchanged) |
Why IIM Bangalore's Cutoff looks "easy" but isn't
The published minimum of 85 is a floor. IIM Bangalore says shortlisted candidates can have much higher scores, and portals typically estimate that General-category calls start in the high 90s. Treat 85 as the entry ticket, not the target.
One detail sets IIM Bangalore apart: at the shortlisting stage, DILR carries the most weight within CAT, then VARC, then QA. A strong DILR can move your pre-interview score more than the same gain in QA.
Selection weightage (PGP 2026–28 procedure)
Stage 1: pre-interview score
| Component | Points |
| CAT (VARC 19, DILR 21, QA 15) | 55 |
| Class 10 | 10 |
| Class 12 | 10 |
| Bachelor's marks | 10 |
| Work experience / professional course | 10 |
| Gender diversity | 5 |
Stage 2: after the Personal Interview and WAT
| Component | Points |
| Personal Interview | 40 |
| Writing Ability Test | 10 |
| CAT | 25 |
| Class 10 | 5 |
| Class 12 | 5 |
| Bachelor's marks | 5 |
| Work experience / professional course | 10 |
How to use this if you're targeting IIM Bangalore
- Balance beats a single peak: all three sectional cutoffs must be cleared, and DILR counts most for shortlisting.
- Don't ignore your profile: Class 10, 12 and graduation together carry 30 points before the interview.
- Prepare early for the PI: it is the biggest single component of the final score.
Check your chances with the CAT College Predictor
Enter your percentile (or scaled score), category and work experience in our free CAT College Predictor to see which IIMs and top B-schools are in your range. The result is an indicative shortlist; confirm each institute's official criteria before you apply.
Want help judging your profile? Talk to a MatchToCollege counsellor for a free evaluation.
Compare next: IIM Ahmedabad cutoff · Top MBA Colleges as per CAT Percentile · IIM Bangalore college page
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the IIM Bangalore CAT cutoff for General category?
85 overall, with 80 in VARC and 75 in each of DILR and QA for the 2027–29 batch.
Q: Is 85 percentile enough for IIM Bangalore?
It makes you eligible for shortlisting. Calls usually go to candidates scoring much higher, and the cutoff for calls is not published.
Q: Which CAT section matters most for IIM Bangalore?
At shortlisting, DILR has the highest weight within the CAT component, followed by VARC and then QA.
Q: Does IIM Bangalore consider work experience?
Yes: 10 points at the pre-interview stage and 10 points in the final score, covering work experience and professional qualifications.
Q: Is there a WAT at IIM Bangalore?
Yes, shortlisted candidates take a Writing Ability Test along with the Personal Interview.
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