The CAT 2025 colleges vs percentile list outlines how different MBA colleges in India traditionally align with specific CAT percentile brackets. This data helps candidates understand which colleges are likely to accept CAT 2025 scores across a range of percentile bands, from 95 and above to 50–60 percentile. The trends are based on historical admission practices and typical cut off expectations in previous cycles. Candidates often use these percentile benchmarks to shortlist target MBA colleges after the CAT 2025 result was declared on 24 December 2025 and to plan their next steps in MBA admission.
CAT 2025 Percentile Range 95+ and Top Tier MBA Colleges
In the 95+ percentile range, the country’s most prestigious management institutes are included. These colleges typically have the highest CAT 2025 cutoffs and attract the strongest applicant pools. After the CAT 2025 result, the following institutes are seen in the 95+ percentile category based on last year’s trends:
- IIM Ahmedabad – one of the top three IIMs with flagship PGP programmes
- IIM Bangalore – known for strong academic rigour and industry placements
- IIM Calcutta – premier finance and management institute
- IIM Lucknow – flagship PGP with strong corporate links
- IIM Kozhikode – top IIM with robust alumni network
- IIM Indore – highly sought MBA programme
- FMS Delhi – excellent return on investment despite low fees
Candidates with 95+ percentile in CAT 2025 generally stand a strong chance of receiving shortlists from these colleges, although final selection criteria also include academic profile and interview rounds.
CAT 2025 Percentile Range 90–95 and Strong MBA Options
Several other IIMs and established MBA colleges accept CAT scores in the 90–95 percentile range. These institutes combine good academic reputation, industry exposure, and placement outcomes. In this range, colleges often include:
- IIM Ranchi, IIM Rohtak, IIM Amritsar – IIMs with slightly lower cutoffs than the top six
- Some newer or diversified IIM campuses with evolving admission trends
- Select IIT management departments like IIT Delhi DMS and IIT Bombay SJMSOM often align near this band for general category candidates depending on specific cutoffs and category norms
CAT 2025 Percentile Range 80–90 and Broader MBA College List
The 80–90 percentile range lists many recognised MBA colleges where candidates can aim for quality programmes if their overall CAT score lies in this band. In this bracket, options include:
- IIMs such as IIM Sambalpur, IIM Visakhapatnam, and IIM Amritsar
- Non-IIM top-tier colleges such as Fore School of Management, Goa Institute of Management
- Well-known private MBA colleges like KJ Somaiya Institute of Management and TAPMI Manipal
- Other diversified colleges with solid reputation and industry links
This range offers a balance of academic quality and competitive placement opportunities for many aspirants.
CAT 2025 Percentile Range 70–80 and Further MBA Choices
For candidates with CAT scores in the 70–80 percentile, a broad spectrum of MBA colleges offers quality management education. These options typically include:
- XIME Bangalore
- ICFAI Business School Hyderabad
- SOIL Gurgaon
- Jagan Institute of Management Studies
- IMS Ghaziabad
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani offering management programmes
Some IIMs also accept candidates from this range for reserved categories based on category-specific cutoffs.
CAT 2025 Percentile Range 50–60 and Accessible MBA Colleges
Candidates with 50–60 percentile can still secure seats in established MBA colleges with broader acceptance criteria. These colleges typically emphasise holistic profiles alongside CAT scores. Examples include:
- Birla Institute of Technology MBA
- Institute of Public Enterprise
- Entrepreneur Development Studies
- Indus Business Academy
- Praxis Business School
- EMPI New Delhi
- Universal Business School – various regional institutes offering MBA and PGDM pathways
This bracket includes many regional and private MBA colleges that provide opportunities for aspirants outside the top percentile bands.
Conclusion on CAT 2025 College vs Percentile Trend
The CAT 2025 college vs percentile list provides aspirants with realistic expectations for MBA admission across percentile ranges. While institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta remain in the 95+ range, many quality options exist across lower percentile bands, offering diverse paths into management education. Candidates should combine CAT scores with academic profiles and interview preparation to maximise chances at preferred colleges.
