IIM Sambalpur Removes Sectional Cut-off for MBA 2026–28
IIM Sambalpur has announced a significant change in its admission policy for the MBA 2026–28 batch by removing the sectional cut-off for the Common Admission Test (CAT). This decision marks a pivotal shift towards a more holistic evaluation process for candidates, focusing on overall performance rather than sectional scores.
Overview of the Admission Policy Change
The removal of sectional cut-offs means that IIM Sambalpur will no longer filter candidates based on their performance in individual sections of the CAT. Instead, the institute will emphasize the overall CAT percentile along with a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s profile.
Key Updates from IIM Sambalpur Admission Criteria
The updated admission criteria for the MBA 2026–28 program include the following key changes:
- No Sectional Cut-off: Candidates will not be required to meet specific sectional percentiles. A positive raw score in each section is sufficient.
- Overall CAT Percentile Focus: The overall CAT percentile will be the primary criterion for shortlisting candidates.
- Holistic Evaluation: The admission process will consider multiple parameters, including academic performance, work experience, and interview skills.
Understanding the New CAT Cut-off Structure
With the new admission policy, IIM Sambalpur will implement a minimum overall CAT percentile cut-off for the first stage of shortlisting. Here are the details:
Minimum Overall CAT Percentile for MBA 2026–28
| Category | Overall CAT Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 90 |
| EWS | 80 |
| NC-OBC | 75 |
| SC | 55 |
| ST | 40 |
| DAP | 40 |
Special Relaxation for Certain Candidates
There is a special relaxation for General category male candidates with at least one year of relevant work experience and all female candidates. For these groups, the General category cut-off is reduced to 85 percentile.
Sectional Requirements Explained
While there are no sectional cut-offs, candidates must achieve a positive raw score in each section of the CAT, which includes:
- VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
- DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
- QA (Quantitative Ability)
A zero or negative score in any section will lead to disqualification, ensuring that candidates demonstrate basic competency across all areas.
Comparison with Previous Year Cut-offs
Last year, candidates were required to meet both sectional and overall CAT cut-offs for shortlisting in the GDPI (Group Discussion and Personal Interview) stage. The previous year’s cut-offs were as follows:
| Category | QA | DILR | VARC | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 65 | 65 | 65 | 90 |
| EWS | 60 | 60 | 60 | 80 |
| NC-OBC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 75 |
| SC | 40 | 40 | 40 | 55 |
| ST | 35 | 35 | 35 | 40 |
| DAP | 35 | 35 | 35 | 40 |
Impact on CAT 2025 Aspirants
The removal of sectional cut-offs is expected to have a positive impact on CAT 2025 aspirants. Here are some potential benefits:
- Candidates with uneven performance across sections will have improved chances of being shortlisted.
- This change may reduce stress and anxiety for candidates, especially non-engineers and first-time test-takers.
- More students will qualify for the Stage 1 shortlisting, increasing their opportunities for admission.
Key Rules of IIM Sambalpur Admissions
It is essential for candidates to be aware of the following rules regarding IIM Sambalpur admissions:
- No Sectional Cut-off: Candidates only need a positive raw score in each CAT section.
- Overall CAT Percentile Thresholds: Minimum overall CAT percentile cut-offs must be met based on the candidate’s category.
- Holistic Evaluation: The admission process will consider overall CAT performance, academic consistency, relevant work experience, and personal interview performance.
