With a CAT score of around 80 percentile and about 2 years of work experience, getting a call from the top IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore) is extremely difficult, as their cutoff percentiles are usually much higher, even for reserved categories. These institutes typically shortlist candidates above 95–99 percentile depending on category, academic profile, and diversity factors.

However, you may still have some chances at a few of the newer or baby IIMs, especially if you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and have a decent academic background. IIMs such as IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Nagaland, IIM Amritsar, and IIM Vizag have historically called candidates in the 75–85 percentile range for certain categories. Your 2 years of work experience can also work in your favour, as most IIMs give weightage to professional experience during shortlisting and final selection.

That said, selection does not depend on CAT percentile alone. Factors like your 10th and 12th marks, graduation score, academic consistency, gender and academic diversity, work experience quality, and performance in the personal interview play a very important role. Even with an 80 percentile, a strong interview and profile can improve your chances at newer IIMs.

You should also keep strong non-IIM options open. At this percentile, good colleges like newer IIT MBA programs, some NITs, and reputed private B-schools can offer better and more realistic opportunities. Applying broadly and preparing seriously for the interview stage is very important.

In summary, while top IIMs are unlikely at 80 percentile, you may still have a realistic chance at some of the newer IIMs depending on your category and overall profile.

Hello,

With 2 years of experience and an 80th percentile in CAT, getting into top-tier IIMs (ABC) is very difficult, but you have a decent chance at some newer/baby IIMs (like IIM Bodh Gaya, Nagpur, etc.) and strong Tier-2 colleges that value profile strength, especially with your work experience.

I hope it will clear your query!!

With a CAT percentile of around 80 and 2 years of work experience, getting into the top or older IIMs (like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, Shillong) is extremely unlikely, even with work experience, because their minimum shortlisting cut-offs usually start much higher, including for reserved categories. These IIMs typically look for very strong CAT percentiles along with excellent academics and profiles.

However, at 80 percentile, you may still have some limited chances at a few of the newer or baby IIMs, especially if you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and have decent academics and interview performance. IIMs such as IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Jammu, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Amritsar, and IIM Nagpur have, in past admission cycles, called candidates with CAT percentiles in the 75–85 range for reserved categories. Even for general category candidates, borderline chances may exist at a few of these institutes if the overall profile is balanced.

Your 2 years of work experience definitely works in your favour, as many IIMs give weightage to professional experience during shortlisting and final selection. Still, it is important to understand that at this percentile, the personal interview, written ability test, and profile evaluation become extremely critical. A strong interview, clarity of career goals, relevant work experience, and good communication skills can make a difference at the newer IIMs.

That said, you should not rely only on IIMs at this score. It is strongly recommended that you also apply to other good government and private B-schools, such as newer IIT MBA programs, NITs (like NIT Trichy, Warangal, Calicut), state universities, and reputed private institutes where 80 percentile with work experience gives a realistic chance. These colleges often offer good ROI and solid placements if chosen carefully.

In summary, getting an IIM at 80 percentile is difficult but not completely impossible, mainly limited to newer IIMs and largely dependent on category, academics, and interview performance. Apply broadly, prepare seriously for interviews, and keep strong backup options to maximise your chances of securing a good MBA college this year.