MBA Colleges Accepting 80–90 Percentile in CAT 2024: Explore Top B-Schools, Fees, and Placements
Rahul Chaudhary
July 16, 2025
Introduction: Scored 80–90 Percentile in CAT 2024? Your MBA Dream is Still Alive!
If you’ve scored between 80 and 90 percentile in CAT 2024, your MBA aspirations remain completely achievable through numerous reputed business schools across India. Therefore, understanding which MBA colleges 80-90 percentile CAT scores can access becomes crucial for making informed admission decisions. Moreover, while top-tier IIMs require 99+ percentiles, excellent Tier-1.5 and Tier-2 institutions offer outstanding academic programs, strong industry connections, and impressive placement records for students in this percentile range. The Common Admission Test remains highly competitive, yet securing scores in the 80-90 range opens doors to quality MBA colleges 80-90 percentile CAT candidates can confidently target. Additionally, these institutions provide vibrant campus experiences, experienced faculty, and diverse specializations that can significantly enhance your management career prospects. This comprehensive guide explores the best MBA colleges 80-90 percentile CAT scorers can apply to, including detailed information about admission processes, fee structures, placement statistics, and unique program features.
Table of Contents
The Reality of CAT Percentiles: Beyond the Top 1%
It’s a common misconception that only the highest percentiles lead to a successful MBA career. The truth is, many esteemed institutions value a holistic profile, where your academic background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and performance in the subsequent selection rounds (Group Discussion, Written Ability Test, Personal Interview) play a crucial role, often outweighing a marginally lower CAT score.
A CAT percentile of 80-90 is considered a good score and is sufficient to gain admission to many well-recognized MBA programs.
Quick Comparison: MBA Colleges Accepting 80–90 Percentile in CAT 2024
| College Name | Location | Fees (Approx.) | Avg. CTC (2023) | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Amritsar | Punjab | ₹17–18 Lakh | ₹16.5 LPA | New IIM, strong placements |
| IIM Nagpur | Maharashtra | ₹18 Lakh | ₹16.7 LPA | Excellent industry connect |
| IIM Ranchi | Jharkhand | ₹17.5 Lakh | ₹17.3 LPA | Top choice among new IIMs |
| XIM University (XIMB) | Bhubaneswar | ₹20 Lakh | ₹17.5 LPA | Strong in HR & BM |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi | ₹18.5 Lakh | ₹15.1 LPA | Top private B-school |
| IMI Delhi | New Delhi | ₹21 Lakh | ₹17.01 LPA | Ranked in top 20 (NIRF 2023) |
| GIM Goa | Goa | ₹18 Lakh | ₹14.8 LPA | Strong in BFSI & Analytics |
| IRMA Anand | Gujarat | ₹15.5 Lakh | ₹13.4 LPA | Development + rural focus |
| TAPMI Manipal | Karnataka | ₹17.5 Lakh | ₹12.5 LPA | Accredited & high ROI |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai | ₹10.95 Lakh | ₹13.75 LPA | Accepts CAT & CMAT |
| LBSIM Delhi | New Delhi | ₹12.9 Lakh | ₹12.4 LPA | Legacy institute, good ROI |
Who Should Target These Colleges?
- Candidates with CAT percentile between 80–89.99
- Aspirants with strong academics, work experience, diversity factors
- Those seeking high ROI from Tier-1.5/Tier-2 B-Schools
- Individuals planning a career in Consulting, BFSI, Analytics, Marketing
Top MBA Colleges Accepting 80-90 Percentile in CAT 2024
Here’s a list of some prominent MBA colleges that typically accept CAT scores in the 80-90 percentile range. Please note that cut-offs can vary slightly each year based on the difficulty of the exam, the number of applicants, and the overall performance. It’s always advisable to check the official website of each college for the most up-to-date information.
Leading B-Schools in this Range:
Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM), Chennai/Gurgaon:
- Highlights: Known for its rigorous curriculum and strong industry connect. Offers PGDM and PGPM programs.
- Approx. Fees: ₹19.95 – 21.8 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹15.1 – 17.3 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: XAT, GMAT, CMAT
T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal:
- Highlights: Renowned for its finance, marketing, and HR programs with a strong emphasis on experiential learning.
- Approx. Fees: ₹17.34 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹13.84 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: XAT, GMAT
Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa:
- Highlights: Offers a picturesque campus and highly regarded programs in various specializations, with a focus on holistic development.
- Approx. Fees: ₹19.4 – 20.4 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹14.81 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: XAT, GMAT, CMAT
FORE School of Management, New Delhi:
- Highlights: Strategically located in the heart of Delhi, offering strong industry interfaces and a diverse student cohort.
- Approx. Fees: ₹18.27 – 18.5 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹16.01 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: XAT, GMAT
International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi:
- Highlights: A well-established private B-school with a good reputation for its PGDM programs in various specializations.
- Approx. Fees: ₹22 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹16.71 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: GMAT
K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai:
- Highlights: Located in the financial capital, offering excellent opportunities in finance and other sectors.
- Approx. Fees: ₹20.87 – 22.32 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹12.79 – 12.8 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: CMAT, XAT, GMAT
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), New Delhi:
- Highlights: Known for its strong academic rigor and decent placements, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region.
- Approx. Fees: ₹15.5 – 16.5 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹12.24 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: GMAT
Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), Mumbai/Bengaluru:
- Highlights: Popular for its innovative programs and industry-relevant curriculum.
- Approx. Fees: ₹14 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹10.36 – 12.53 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: XAT, MAT, ATMA, CMAT, MAH MBA CET, GMAT
Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), Anand:
- Highlights: Specializes in rural management, ideal for those interested in agribusiness and social sector development.
- Approx. Fees: ₹16.75 Lakhs
- Average Placement: ₹14.14 LPA
- Other Exams Accepted: XAT, IRMASAT
Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM), Tiruchirappalli:
- Highlights: A well-regarded institution known for its strong academic foundation and placements.
- Approx. Fees: ₹12.8 Lakhs
- Other Exams Accepted: XAT, GMAT
IITs and other NITs (Department of Management Studies):
Several IITs and NITs also offer MBA/PGDM programs with CAT cut-offs often falling within or slightly above this range (e.g., VGSoM IIT Kharagpur, DMS IIT Delhi, DMS IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, NIT Rourkela, MNNIT Allahabad). Their fees are generally lower than private B-schools, offering a good ROI.
Other Notable Institutions:
- MICA Ahmedabad: (Primarily for Communications and Marketing, requires MICAT along with CAT/XAT/GMAT)
- Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore.
- Nirma University, Ahmedabad.
- Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai.
- Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad.
- Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), Mumbai.
The Admission Process Beyond CAT Score
Scoring 80-90 percentile in CAT 2024 is just the first step. The admission process for most of these colleges involves several crucial stages:
- Online Application: Fill out the application form for each target college, often requiring essays (Statement of Purpose), academic details, and work experience information.
- Shortlisting: Colleges will shortlist candidates based on their CAT percentile, academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation), and work experience (if any). Some colleges also consider academic diversity and gender diversity.
- Group Discussion (GD): Many colleges conduct GD rounds to assess your communication skills, leadership abilities, and ability to work in a team.
- Written Ability Test (WAT): You might be required to write an essay on a given topic to evaluate your written communication and analytical skills.
- Personal Interview (PI): This is a critical stage where you face a panel that assesses your personality, motivation for an MBA, career goals, general awareness, and fit with the institute.
- Final Merit List: The final selection is based on a composite score, which typically includes weightage for CAT score, academic profile, work experience, and performance in GD/WAT/PI rounds.
Documents Required
- CAT 2024 Scorecard
- Class 10th, 12th, Graduation Mark Sheets
- Work Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Recent passport-size photos
Tips to Maximize Admission Chances
- Write a compelling SOP/Essay
- Prepare well for WAT/PI rounds
- Highlight internships, certifications, achievements
- Build a strong LinkedIn profile
- Apply to multiple colleges to secure options
FAQs – CAT 80–90 Percentile MBA Colleges
Q1. Are these colleges worth it in terms of ROI?
Ans: Yes, many of them (like KJ Somaiya, FMS-BHU, IRMA) offer strong ROI due to moderate fees and decent placement packages.
Q2. Can I convert a call with 80 percentile?
Ans: Yes, if you have a good academic profile, work experience, and perform well in interviews.
Q3. Should I repeat CAT for IIMs or join now?
Ans: If you’re already in the 85–89 range, joining top colleges like XIMB, IMI, or FORE may be a better choice than taking a gap year.
Maximizing Your Chances: Strategies for Success
- Research Thoroughly: Don’t just look at CAT cut-offs. Dive deep into the curriculum, faculty profiles, specializations offered, average and highest placements, alumni network, and campus culture of each college.
- Craft Compelling Essays (SOPs): Your essays are your opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and why you are a good fit for a particular program. Tailor each essay to the specific college.
- Prepare for GD/WAT/PI: This is where you can truly shine and compensate for any perceived shortcomings in your CAT score. Practice mock GDs, write essays on current affairs, and prepare for common interview questions.
- Highlight Your Strengths: Emphasize any unique skills, leadership roles, achievements in extracurriculars, or relevant work experience.
- Consider Other Entrance Exams: Many colleges in this percentile range also accept XAT, CMAT, GMAT, NMAT, or their own entrance exams. Appearing for these can increase your options.
- Apply Strategically: Apply to a mix of colleges within and slightly above your percentile range to maximize your chances of getting a call.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Undervalue an 80–90 Percentile!
A CAT percentile of 80-90 is a strong foundation for an MBA in India. It unlocks access to a diverse range of reputable institutions that can propel your career forward. Instead of dwelling on not reaching the absolute top percentile, focus on identifying colleges that align with your career goals and prepare diligently for the subsequent admission rounds. With a strategic approach and dedicated effort, your MBA dream is well within reach!
Need Help Choosing the Right B-School?
At Career Plan B, we help students:
- Shortlist the best-fit MBA colleges for their percentile
- Build SOPs and prepare for interviews
- Analyze ROI and career prospects
- Offer 1-on-1 counseling with industry experts
Book Your MBA Counseling Call Now Talk to Our Experts
Get Matched with an Expert Counselor
Our personalized approach ensures you receive advice and guidance that's specifically suited to your career aspirations.
Request Free SessionCategories
- Featured19
Search With Tags
See Related Post
No featured posts found.