What are the sectional cutoffs at IIM Kozhikode for CAT 2025?
IIM Kozhikode's CAT 2025 cutoffs follow a two-tier system: published qualifying cutoffs of 90 percentile overall and 80 percentile sectional for General category, but realistic shortlist thresholds run much higher at 97+ percentile for GEM candidates. The gap exists because IIM K's composite scoring formula and 41 percent female cohort target create selection dynamics beyond the minimum published numbers.
Official Sectional Cutoffs (CAT 2025)
IIM Kozhikode released its verified cutoffs for the 2026-28 batch. Each candidate must clear both the overall percentile and all three sectional cutoffs (VARC, DILR, QA) to qualify for shortlist consideration.
| Category | Overall Percentile | Sectional (each section) |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 90 | 80 |
| NC-OBC | 82 | 72 |
| SC | 70 | 62 |
| ST | 55 | 50 |
| PwD | Varies | Varies |
*Source: IIM Kozhikode Official Admission Policy 2026-28.*
These are qualifying cutoffs only. Actual shortlist percentiles run significantly higher due to composite scoring that includes academic record, work experience, gender diversity points, and interview performance.
The Realistic Shortlist Gap
Published 90/80 cutoffs qualify you for consideration, but IIM K's 561-student PGP cohort draws from a competitive pool. For GEM candidates, realistic shortlist probability begins around 97+ percentile with balanced sectionals of 95+ in each section.
Strong 10th, 12th, and undergraduate marks (80+ percent) further improve chances.
GEF candidates benefit from IIM K's institutional commitment to gender diversity. The 41 percent female representation (highest among tier-1 IIMs) translates to meaningful selection advantage.
Realistic shortlist threshold for women runs 95+ percentile with sectional balance, roughly 2 percentile points lower than male peers.
From Reddit, we learnt that IIM K converters consistently report that female candidates see shortlist calls at 95-96 percentile while male candidates with identical profiles need 97-98 percentile. The gender diversity bonus is real and quantifiable in shortlist outcomes.
Three Programme Pathways
IIM K offers three flagship MBA programmes, each with distinct selection nuances
PGP (flagship) admits 561 students annually and follows the standard 90/80 published cutoff. Class 2025 placements averaged ₹28.18 LPA with ₹81 LPA highest from Finance roles.
Top recruiters included McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, Accenture, and HUL.
PGP Finance is a dedicated 60-student finance MBA. Published cutoffs match PGP, but selection emphasizes finance functional commitment.
Candidates with CFA Level 1/2 progress, finance work experience, or quantitative undergraduate degrees gain meaningful advantage. Class 2025 finance roles commanded premium packages.
PGP-LSM (Liberal Studies in Management) attracts smaller cohorts from arts and humanities backgrounds, with distinctive selection criteria that value diverse academic paths beyond engineering and commerce.
You can compare colleges to see how IIM K's three programmes stack against peer schools like FMS, IIM Lucknow, or IIM Indore.
Composite Scoring Beyond CAT
IIM K's final selection composite weights multiple factors. CAT percentile carries substantial weight, but Personal Interview performance, Written Ability Test, and academic record (10th, 12th, UG) all contribute meaningfully.
Work experience receives points that peak at 36+ months, and the gender diversity component adds measurable advantage for female candidates.
This multi-factor formula explains why two candidates with identical CAT scores receive different shortlist outcomes. A 97 percentile GEM with 60 percent undergraduate marks may not convert, while a 95 percentile GEF with 85 percent academics and 24 months work experience does.
The Kozhikode Context
IIM K's scenic hilltop campus sits 30km from Kozhikode city in Kerala. Interview panels assess cultural and cohort fit beyond academic metrics. The Class 2025 female mean CTC of ₹31.04 LPA exceeded the overall mean, validating the institution's diversity commitment with placement outcomes.
For profile-specific shortlist probability, run an eligibility match or build your MBA report to see where your composite score lands across IIM K's three programmes.
Pro Tip: On Reddit AMA, we learnt that IIM K shortlists arrive in waves, and female candidates should apply confidently at 95+ percentile rather than waiting for 97+.
For GEM candidates targeting PGP Finance, demonstrating finance commitment through CFA progress or relevant work experience matters as much as the percentile itself.