Likhith · September 14, 2025 
Introduction
Scoring in the 80-90 percentile bracket in CAT 2025 positions you perfectly for accessing excellent MBA opportunities without the intense competition of top-tier IIMs. The CAT 80 to 90 percentile colleges landscape offers impressive options combining quality education, strong industry connections, and outstanding return on investment. This percentile range represents a strategic advantage, allowing access to well-established business schools with proven track records.
Many CAT 80 to 90 percentile colleges provide specialized programs in finance, marketing, operations, and consulting while maintaining affordable fee structures. These institutions have cultivated strong alumni networks and corporate partnerships, ensuring robust placement outcomes for graduates. Rather than viewing this percentile range as limiting, smart aspirants recognize CAT 80 to 90 percentile colleges as gateways to successful management careers with excellent cost-benefit ratios.
This percentile range is often a sweet spot—you avoid the hyper-competitive IIM-A/B/C admissions while still unlocking doors to well-ranked B-schools with strong industry connections.
Why ROI Matters in MBA Selection
An MBA is one of the most significant investments in your career. With fees at many B-schools crossing ₹20–25 lakhs, ROI becomes a critical factor.
- ROI Definition: ROI = (Average Placement Package ÷ Course Fee) × 100
- Example: A college charging ₹15 lakhs but offering ₹14 LPA average package gives ~93% ROI.
Why ROI is Key in 2025
- Many private B-schools now offer IIM-comparable packages at lower fees.
- Educational loans make repayment pressure high, so ROI directly affects financial stability.
- ROI-focused colleges often combine industry exposure, niche programs, and corporate tie-ups to deliver value.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting 80–90 Percentile in CAT 2025
Here’s a detailed list of colleges you should consider for CAT 2025 in this percentile range.
1. MICA Ahmedabad
- Program: PGDM in Strategic Marketing and Communications
- Fees: ₹26 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹20–21 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Ogilvy, Google, GroupM, Accenture
- Why Choose: India’s best for marketing, branding, and media careers, with global recognition.
- For more details
2. FORE School of Management, New Delhi
- Program: PGDM in International Business, Finance, Marketing, Analytics
- Fees: Self-Sponsored-(₹20,77,00) Company-Sponsored-(25,96,250)
- Average Package: ₹14–15 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Deloitte, Nestle, KPMG, HCL
- Why Choose: Strong Delhi-NCR advantage with excellent placements in consulting and BFSI.
- For more details
3. TAPMI Manipal (T.A. Pai Management Institute)
- Program: PGDM (AACSB Accredited)
- Fees: ₹18 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹14–15 LPA
- Top Recruiters: HUL, PwC, Amazon, Microsoft
- Why Choose: Known for its Harvard-style case pedagogy and strong alumni presence.
- For more details
4. GIM Goa (Goa Institute of Management)
- Program: PGDM (General, Healthcare, Analytics)
- Fees: ~₹20,40,000
- Average Package: ₹14–15 LPA
- Top Recruiters: ITC, HSBC, Britannia, Accenture
- Why Choose: Focuses on sustainability, innovation, and vibrant campus culture.
- For more details
5. IRMA Anand (Institute of Rural Management Anand)
- Program: PGDM in Rural Management
- Fees: ~₹16 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹14–15 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Amul, HDFC Bank, Tata Trusts, UNICEF
- Why Choose: Best suited for aspirants inclined toward social impact, CSR, and agri-business careers.
- For more details
6. IMT Ghaziabad
- Program: PGDM in Core, Marketing, Finance, Analytics
- Fees: ₹21,53,000
- Average Package: ₹15 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Amazon, PepsiCo, Deloitte, Cognizant
- Why Choose: Strong brand recognition, especially in Marketing and Analytics placements.
- For more details
7. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
- Program: MBA with multiple specializations
- Fees: ~₹15–22.5 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹13–14 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Axis Bank, JP Morgan, Deloitte, P&G
- Why Choose: Excellent Mumbai location advantage with consistent ROI.
- For more details
8. BIM Trichy (Bharathidasan Institute of Management)
- Program: MBA in General Management
- Fees: ~₹15 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹12–13 LPA
- Top Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, ICICI, Accenture
- Why Choose: Strong value-for-money program with legacy credibility in South India.
- For more details
9. NIBM Pune (National Institute of Bank Management)
- Program: PGDM in Banking & Financial Services
- Fees: ₹16 Lakhs
- Average Package: ₹12–13 LPA
- Top Recruiters: HDFC, ICICI, SBI Capital, Kotak
- Why Choose: Niche BFSI-focused institute, excellent for banking and fintech aspirants.
- For more details
10. LBSIM New Delhi (Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management)
- Program: PGDM in Finance, HR, Analytics, Marketing
- Fees: Self-sponsored-(16,50,000) Company sponsored-(21,80,000)
- Average Package: ₹11–12 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Infosys, Deloitte, Tech Mahindra, Wipro
- Why Choose: Affordable MBA with strong placements in Delhi NCR corporates.
- For more details
Comparison Table: MBA Colleges (80–90 CAT Percentile)
| College | Fees (₹ Lakhs) | Avg Package (₹ LPA) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICA Ahmedabad | 21 | 20–21 | Marketing & Communications |
| FORE Delhi | 16–17 | 14–15 | BFSI, Consulting |
| TAPMI Manipal | 17–18 | 14–15 | Case Pedagogy, Leadership |
| GIM Goa | 18–19 | 14–15 | Analytics, Sustainability |
| IRMA Anand | 16 | 14–15 | Rural, CSR, Agri-business |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 19 | 15 | Marketing, Analytics |
| KJ Somaiya | 14–15 | 13–14 | Finance, Mumbai Network |
| BIM Trichy | 15 | 12–13 | Affordable, General Mgmt |
| NIBM Pune | 14 | 12–13 | BFSI, Fintech |
| LBSIM Delhi | 13–14 | 11–12 | Cost-effective MBA |
How to Shortlist the Right College
When deciding among these colleges, consider:
- Specialization fit:
- Marketing → MICA, IMT, GIM
- BFSI → NIBM, FORE
- Rural/CSR → IRMA
- General Mgmt → BIM, LBSIM
- Location advantage:
- Delhi-NCR → FORE, IMT, LBSIM
- Mumbai → KJ Somaiya
- Goa/Manipal → GIM, TAPMI
- ROI priorities:
- Best ROI → KJ Somaiya, IRMA, FORE
- Strong brand → IMT, TAPMI, MICA
How Career Plan B Can Help You
At Career Plan B, we help aspirants like you turn a CAT percentile into a clear career roadmap.
- Personalized Career Counselling: Guidance to identify which B-school fits your goals.
- Psycheintel & Career Assessments: Match your strengths with MBA specializations.
- Admission & Academic Profile Guidance: Help with SOPs, resume building, and interview prep.
- Career Roadmapping: Beyond admission, we mentor you for internships and final placements.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that your MBA journey delivers the right ROI and career outcome.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs
Q1. Is 85 percentile in CAT good for MBA?
Yes, with 85 percentile, you can target reputed institutes like MICA, FORE, TAPMI, GIM, and KJ Somaiya, all of which have strong ROI.
Q2. Should I retake the CAT if I score 80–85 percentile?
If your aim is old IIMs, retaking makes sense. But if you want to start your MBA journey in 2025 itself, these colleges are great options.
Q3. Which MBA specialization gives the best ROI?
Marketing, Analytics, and BFSI specializations generally provide the highest ROI due to strong recruiter demand.
Q4. Which city offers the best advantage for MBA placements?
Delhi NCR (FORE, IMT, LBSIM) is excellent for consulting and BFSI, while Mumbai (KJ Somaiya) is best for finance opportunities.
Q5. Should I do an MBA if I get 80 percentile in CAT?
Ans. Yes, doing an MBA with an 80 percentile in CAT is a good option as many reputable B-schools accept this score, offering quality programs and strong career opportunities. Success depends on choosing the right college with good ROI and preparing well for the admission process.
Conclusion
Scoring in the 80–90 percentile range in CAT 2025 gives you access to a wide range of high ROI MBA colleges across India. From marketing powerhouses like MICA to niche leaders like IRMA and NIBM, there are options tailored to every career aspiration.
Instead of chasing only the IIM dream, aspirants in this bracket should focus on ROI, specialization fit, and industry connect. The right B-school decision today can ensure you achieve both career success and financial stability in the years ahead.
