With an NC-OBC category, 85.77 percentile in CAT, a strong 9/9/8 academic profile, and a graduation background in Horticulture, you do have some chances, but they differ significantly between IIM Ahmedabad FABM and IIM Lucknow ABM.

For IIM Ahmedabad – FABM, the institute usually has a very high CAT percentile requirement, even for reserved categories. In recent admission cycles, NC-OBC candidates shortlisted for FABM typically had CAT percentiles closer to 88–92+, along with strong sectionals. Although your academic profile and relevant horticulture background are definite positives, a CAT percentile of 85.77 is on the lower side for IIM Ahmedabad’s FABM shortlisting. Therefore, getting a call from IIMA FABM at this percentile is unlikely, unless there is an exceptionally favorable normalization or sectional performance and cutoffs drop unexpectedly.

On the other hand, IIM Lucknow – ABM is more achievable for your profile. IIM Lucknow gives significant weightage to academic consistency, relevant agricultural background, and category reservation. For NC-OBC candidates, ABM shortlists have historically gone slightly lower than flagship PGP cutoffs, especially for candidates from agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and allied sciences. With 85.77 percentile, a 9/9/8 profile, and a core horticulture degree, you stand a reasonable chance of getting a call from IIM Lucknow ABM, provided you meet sectional cutoffs.

If you do get shortlisted for IIM Lucknow ABM, your final selection will depend heavily on the PI, academic relevance, work exposure (if any), and clarity of career goals in the agri-business domain. Candidates with strong domain understanding often convert ABM calls even at relatively lower CAT percentiles compared to general MBA programs.

In summary, IIM Ahmedabad FABM is unlikely at 85.77 percentile, but IIM Lucknow ABM is a realistic possibility for you as an NC-OBC candidate with a horticulture background. You should also consider applying to other ABM programs like IIM Kashipur (ABM), IIM Sambalpur (ABM), and other agri-focused management institutes, where your profile would be competitively strong.

Hello,

You have a strong chance of getting a call from IIM Lucknow for their ABM program, but it's highly unlikely for IIM Ahmedabad FABM with an 85.77 percentile. Your academic profile and horticulture background are advantageous for this specific program.

I hope it will clear your query!!