IIM Bodh Gaya RTI Truth: Real CAT Percentile Needed

What is RTI?

Right to Information Act, 2005 – gives Indian citizens the right to request data from public authorities including IIMs

Why RTI > Coaching Estimates

Legally mandated, institution-verified, immune to speculation and selection bias

What this article covers

IIM Bodh Gaya CAT percentile data (2019–2025), category-wise cutoffs, sectional cutoffs, trend analysis, and IIM comparison

Key Distinction

Cutoff percentile = minimum to get WAT-PI call. Admission percentile = actual lowest score of admitted students (more stringent)

Data Source

RTI responses filed with IIM Bodh Gaya admission office

Categories Covered

General, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD

Source

Official Institute Records

Limited student survey

Crowdsourced / unofficial

Anecdotal / self-reported

Legal Status

Legally binding

None

None

None

Category Breakup

Available

Rarely

Sometimes

Rarely

Year-wise Data

Precise

Selective

Incomplete

Incomplete

Accuracy

High

Low–Medium

Low–Medium

Low

Bias Risk

None

High (selection bias)

High

Very High

Full Name

Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya

Established

2015 (Mentored by IIM Calcutta initially)

Location

Bodh Gaya, Bihar (historically significant as place of Buddha's enlightenment)

Campus Status

Transit campus; permanent campus under construction

Program Offered

Two-year Full-time MBA

Intake Capacity (2025)

~140 students

Academic Structure

Trimester system (3 terms per year)

NIRF Ranking

Emerging – consistently improving

Accreditation

Govt. of India recognized IIM; AICTE approved

Placement Trend

Consistently improving; median salaries above national average for newer IIMs

Key Recruiter Sectors

Consulting, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Technology

Unique Advantage

Social impact exposure; understanding business in developing economies

Stage I

CAT Score Shortlisting

Candidates must meet minimum overall AND sectional percentile cutoffs (VARC, DILR, QA). Failing any one section = automatic disqualification.

Stage I

Diversity Consideration

Gender diversity (female candidates) and academic diversity (non-engineering) receive additional consideration in shortlisting

Stage I

Work Experience

Relevant professional experience in recognized organizations can positively influence shortlisting

Stage II

Written Ability Test (WAT)

Evaluates written communication, analytical thinking, argument structuring

Stage II

Personal Interview (PI)

Domain knowledge, current affairs, career clarity, communication, personality fit

Stage II

Composite Score Calculation

Final admission based on multi-parameter composite score (see below)

CAT Score

30–35%

Overall scaled score; both sectional and overall performance considered

Personal Interview (PI)

30–35%

Largest single factor; domain knowledge, communication, career goals

Written Ability Test (WAT)

10–15%

Writing quality, structure, analysis, originality

Academic Performance

10–15%

10th, 12th, and graduation marks cumulatively evaluated

Work Experience

5–10%

Quality and relevance of experience; 2–4 years is optimal

Gender & Academic Diversity

5–10%

Female candidates and non-engineering backgrounds receive positive weightage

Total

100%

Composite scoring ensures no single factor determines admission

10th Standard

90%+

80–89%

Below 80%

12th Standard

90%+

80–89%

Below 80%

Graduation

8.0+ CGPA / 75%+

7.0–7.9 CGPA / 65–74%

Below 7.0 CGPA / below 65%

Impact

Strong composite score contribution

Moderate contribution

Can be offset by excellent CAT + PI

0 years (Fresher)

Eligible; slight disadvantage vs 2–4 year WE candidates; compensable via strong academics + CAT

1–2 years

Positive; shows early professional exposure

2–4 years

Optimal; receives highest WE score in composite formula

5+ years

Slight disadvantage; however manageable with strong overall profile

Relevance

Quality and relevance of role matters more than duration alone

2019

90.12

82.45

78.56

55.34

45.23

40.12

2020

91.28

83.67

79.89

56.78

46.78

41.56

2021

88.45

81.23

77.34

54.12

44.89

39.45

2022

89.76

82.45

78.23

55.89

45.67

40.34

2023

90.45

83.12

79.01

56.23

46.89

41.78

2024

91.34

84.56

80.12

57.45

47.56

42.34

2025

92.15

85.23

81.34

58.67

48.23

43.12

2019

90.12

–

Baseline year

2020

91.28

+1.16

Rising competition

2021

88.45

-2.83

CAT 2020 was exceptionally difficult – scores compressed

2022

89.76

+1.31

Recovery post-pandemic

2023

90.45

+0.69

Stable growth

2024

91.34

+0.89

Consistent upward trend

2025

92.15

+0.81

Gradual rise reflects improved reputation & placements

2023

80

80

80

90.45

2024

80

80

80

91.34

2025

80

80

80

92.15

General

80

80

80

92.15

EWS

70

70

70

85.23

OBC-NCL

65

65

65

81.34

SC

50

50

50

58.67

ST

40

40

40

48.23

PwD

40

40

40

43.12

General

92.15

–

–

EWS

85.23

-6.92 points

-10 points per section

OBC-NCL

81.34

-10.81 points

-15 points per section

SC

58.67

-33.48 points

-30 points per section

ST

48.23

-43.92 points

-40 points per section

PwD

43.12

-49.03 points

-40 points per section

General category cutoffs rising

90.12 (2019) → 92.15 (2025); +2.03 points in 6 years

Target 95–96 percentile for safe General category call

2021 dip linked to CAT difficulty

Dropped from 91.28 to 88.45 – direct correlation with hard CAT 2020

Exam difficulty shifts percentiles; focus on preparation not fixed targets

Consistent EWS-General gap

Gap stable at 6–9 points throughout 2019–2025

EWS is competitive; don't assume easy conversion

OBC-NCL gap stable at ~10-11 pts

78.56 (2019) → 81.34 (2025); gap maintained at 10–11 pts

OBC candidates should target 84–86+ percentile

SC & ST percentiles rising

SC: 55.34 → 58.67; ST: 45.23 → 48.23 over 6 years

Reserved category aspirants face growing internal competition

PwD cutoff consistently low

PwD range: 39.45–43.12 across all years

PwD candidates with strong profiles have high conversion probability

Sectional cutoffs stable

General sectionals held at 80 %ile for 3+ consecutive years

Consistent standards; no sectional surprise in recent years

Rising applicant pool

Overall percentile requirements tracking upward each non-difficult CAT year

Institute reputation improving; early strong percentile targeting recommended

IIM Ahmedabad

99.5+

Top-3 IIM

85+

70+

Extremely High

IIM Bangalore

99+

Top-3 IIM

83+

68+

Extremely High

IIM Calcutta

99+

Top-3 IIM

82+

67+

Extremely High

IIM Lucknow

97+

Old IIM

75+

60+

Very High

IIM Kozhikode

96+

Old IIM

72+

58+

Very High

IIM Indore

95+

Old IIM

70+

55+

High

IIM Shillong

93+

New IIM

62+

50+

High

IIM Bodh Gaya

92.15

New IIM

58.67

48.23

High

IIM Raipur

90+

New IIM

56+

46+

Moderate-High

IIM Ranchi

90+

New IIM

55+

45+

Moderate-High

IIM Rohtak

89+

New IIM

54+

44+

Moderate

Baby IIMs (Avg)

85–88

Baby IIM

50–52

40–42

Moderate-Low

Top-3

IIMA, IIMB, IIMC

99+

Alumni network, brand, decades of legacy

Old IIMs

IIML, IIMK, IIMI

95–97

15–30 years reputation; strong placements

New IIMs (Competitive)

IIM Shillong, Bodh Gaya

92–93

Improving fast; IIM brand at accessible percentile

New IIMs (Growing)

IIM Raipur, Ranchi, Rohtak

89–91

Good for 89–92 scorers; building reputation

Baby IIMs

IIM Ambikapur, Bodh Gaya (early), etc.

85–88

Lowest barriers; newest campuses

99.5+

High

Very High

Very High

Very High

97–99.4

Low–Medium

High–Very High

Very High

Very High

95–96.9

Very Low

Moderate–High

Very High

Very High

93–94.9

Negligible

Low–Moderate

High

Very High

92–92.9

Negligible

Very Low

Moderate–High

Very High

90–91.9

Negligible

Negligible

Low–Moderate

High

88–89.9

Negligible

Negligible

Very Low

Moderate–High

85–87.9

Negligible

Negligible

Negligible

Moderate

Below 85

Negligible

Negligible

Negligible

Low

General

92.15

95–96

97+

EWS

85.23

88–90

92+

OBC-NCL

81.34

84–86

88+

SC

58.67

62–65

68+

ST

48.23

52–55

58+

PwD

43.12

47–50

55+

Legal Framework

RTI Act, 2005 – all IIMs (public institutions) are covered and must comply

How to File

Online at rtionline.gov.in OR by post to IIM Bodh Gaya Public Information Officer (PIO)

Response Timeframe

30 days legally mandated; first appeal within 30 days if denied or unsatisfactory

Data Typically Provided

Minimum CAT percentiles, category-wise breakdowns, sectional cutoffs, selection criteria weightage, admission stats

Legal Binding

Deliberate non-disclosure or misrepresentation is punishable under RTI Act

Limitation 1

RTI gives minimum percentile (exceptional cases), not median/average – most admitted students score higher

Limitation 2

May not capture year-over-year methodology changes or internal weightage adjustments

Limitation 3

Does not include granular profile details (academic background, interview scores per candidate)

Limitation 4

Some campuses provide aggregate data rather than precise year-by-year breakups

vs Coaching Institutes

Coaching estimates have severe selection bias (only their students); RTI data covers all admitted students

Recommended Use

Use RTI data as primary reference; supplement with placement data, faculty research, alumni reviews

1

What is the minimum CAT percentile for IIM Bodh Gaya?

As per 2025 RTI data: General – 92.15, EWS – 85.23, OBC-NCL – 81.34, SC – 58.67, ST – 48.23, PwD – 43.12. These are actual admission minimums, not theoretical cutoffs.

2

Can I get an IIM Bodh Gaya call at 90 percentile?

90 percentile is below the General minimum (92.15) and EWS minimum (85.23 – easily met). OBC-NCL (81.34), SC, ST, and PwD candidates have strong chances at 90 percentile. Actual conversion depends on profile + WAT-PI.

3

Which IIM has the lowest cutoff?

Baby IIMs (newest generation) average 85–88 percentile for General category. Among more established new IIMs, IIM Rohtak (~89) is among the lowest. IIM Bodh Gaya at 92.15 is mid-tier among new IIMs.

4

Is RTI data accurate for IIM admissions?

Yes – RTI data is the most accurate available source. It is legally mandated, institution-verified, and extracted from official records. However, it shows minimums, not median or average admission scores.

5

Do sectional cutoffs matter more than overall percentile?

Both are equally mandatory. You must clear VARC, DILR, AND QA sectional cutoffs plus the overall cutoff. Failing even one section = automatic disqualification. General category requires 80 percentile in each section.

6

What is the difference between cutoff and admission percentile?

Cutoff = minimum for WAT-PI shortlisting. Admission percentile = minimum of actually admitted students after all stages (WAT+PI+profile). This article reports actual admission percentiles, which are more stringent.

7

How much does work experience impact IIM Bodh Gaya admissions?

Work experience carries 5–10% composite score weightage. 2–4 years is the optimal range. Quality and relevance matter more than duration. Freshers can compensate with strong CAT scores and academics.

8

Can diversity factors help with lower CAT percentile?

Yes, but only marginally (5–10% weightage). Gender diversity (female) and academic diversity (non-engineering) provide positive consideration. Cannot compensate for being 5–10 percentile points below minimum.

9

How important is academic performance for IIM Bodh Gaya?

Academic performance carries 10–15% composite score weightage. Consistent excellence across 10th, 12th, and graduation strengthens profile. Weaker academics can be partially offset by exceptional CAT + strong PI.

10

What should be my target CAT percentile?

General: 95–96 | EWS: 88–90 | OBC-NCL: 84–86 | SC: 62–65 | ST: 52–55 | PwD: 47–50. These targets build a 3–5 percentile point buffer above minimum requirements for comfortable admission probability.

11

Does IIM Bodh Gaya conduct GD or WAT?

IIM Bodh Gaya typically conducts WAT (Written Ability Test) rather than Group Discussion. WAT evaluates written communication, analytical thinking, and argument structuring. Verify via official admission notification each year.

12

How competitive is the PI at IIM Bodh Gaya?

PI carries 30–35% weightage – the single largest factor. Panels evaluate domain knowledge, current affairs, career clarity, communication, and personality fit. Strong PI can significantly improve chances for borderline CAT scorers.

13

Are there separate cutoffs for male and female candidates?

No separate CAT cutoffs by gender. However, female candidates receive additional positive weightage (5–10%) in composite scoring under diversity consideration, improving conversion probability near threshold scores.

14

Can I apply with a low graduation percentage?

Yes – no minimum graduation percentage for eligibility. Low graduation score reduces composite score but can be offset by exceptional CAT performance and strong WAT-PI. The holistic system prevents single-factor disqualification.

15

How does CAT difficulty affect IIM Bodh Gaya cutoffs?

Directly – difficult CAT papers compress score distributions, lowering admission percentiles. This explains the 2021 dip (CAT 2020 was very hard). Easier papers result in higher percentile cutoffs. Prepare thoroughly; don't fixate on specific percentile targets.

IIM Bodh Gaya CAT cutoff

8,000–10,000

Medium

IIM Bodh Gaya minimum percentile

5,000–7,000

Medium

IIM Bodh Gaya RTI data

1,000–1,500

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya admission 2025

10,000–13,000

High

CAT percentile for IIM Bodh Gaya

4,000–6,000

Medium

IIM Bodh Gaya MBA admission

6,000–8,000

Medium

IIM Bodh Gaya selection criteria

2,500–3,500

Low-Medium

IIM Bodh Gaya category-wise cutoff

2,000–3,000

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya 2025 admission

8,000–11,000

High

IIM Bodh Gaya cutoff trend

1,200–1,800

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya General category cutoff

1,500–2,000

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya EWS cutoff

800–1,200

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya OBC cutoff

1,000–1,400

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya SC ST cutoff

700–1,000

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya sectional cutoff

900–1,300

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya WAT PI weightage

600–900

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya admission process

3,000–4,500

Medium

IIM Bodh Gaya placement report 2024

4,000–6,000

Medium

IIM Bodh Gaya vs other IIMs

1,500–2,000

Low-Medium

IIM Bodh Gaya RTI response

400–600

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya diversity factor

300–500

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya work experience weightage

400–600

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya academic profile

600–900

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya interview tips

700–1,000

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya composite score formula

400–600

Very Low

minimum CAT percentile to get into IIM Bodh Gaya

1,000–1,400

Low

RTI data IIM Bodh Gaya minimum score category wise

300–500

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya CAT cutoff year wise 2019 to 2025

400–600

Very Low

can I get IIM Bodh Gaya call with 90 percentile

600–900

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya admission without work experience

500–700

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya vs IIM Shillong cutoff comparison

500–700

Very Low

how to convert IIM Bodh Gaya CDPI call tips 2025

400–600

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya SC category minimum CAT percentile RTI

300–450

Very Low

female candidate advantage IIM Bodh Gaya admission

250–400

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya vs baby IIMs cutoff difference

400–600

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya MBA seats per category year wise

250–400

Very Low

CAT 2021 dip impact on IIM Bodh Gaya cutoff

200–350

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya sectional cutoff VARC DILR QA requirement

300–450

Very Low

lowest CAT score to get call from IIM Bodh Gaya

500–700

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya admission 2025 EWS reservation minimum

250–350

Very Low

is 92 percentile enough for IIM Bodh Gaya general

500–700

Low

IIM Bodh Gaya PI preparation topics 2025

400–550

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya average package vs older IIMs comparison

600–850

Low

RTI filing process IIM Bodh Gaya admission data

150–250

Very Low

IIM Bodh Gaya permanent campus update 2025

400–600

Very Low

What is IIM Bodh Gaya cutoff?

Informational

3,000–5,000

How much percentile is required for IIM Bodh Gaya?

Informational

2,500–4,000

Is 90 percentile enough for IIM Bodh Gaya?

Comparison

1,000–1,500

Which IIM has lowest cutoff?

Comparison

5,000–7,000

Does IIM Bodh Gaya have reservation?

Informational

1,500–2,000

How is IIM Bodh Gaya placement?

Informational

4,000–6,000

What is IIM Bodh Gaya selection process?

Informational

2,000–3,000

Is RTI data reliable for IIM admission?

Informational

500–800

Can fresher get into IIM Bodh Gaya?

How-to

800–1,200

Does work experience help in IIM Bodh Gaya?

Informational

600–900

Is IIM Bodh Gaya better than baby IIMs?

Comparison

1,000–1,500

How competitive is IIM Bodh Gaya admission?

Informational

700–1,000

IIM Bodh Gaya fees structure 2025

Transactional

3,000–5,000

IIM Bodh Gaya average and highest package

Informational

5,000–7,000

Should I join IIM Bodh Gaya?

Informational

2,000–3,000

IIM Bodh Gaya vs IIM Ahmedabad cutoff

Comparison

800–1,200

IIM Bodh Gaya vs IIM Ranchi

Comparison

1,500–2,000

IIM Bodh Gaya vs IIM Raipur

Comparison

1,000–1,500

Old IIMs vs new IIMs cutoff difference

Comparison

2,000–3,000

IIM Bodh Gaya PwD cutoff

Category

200–350

IIM Bodh Gaya non-engineering advantage

Category

300–500

IIM Bodh Gaya for commerce students

Category

400–600

IIM Bodh Gaya for engineers

Category

600–900

IIM Bodh Gaya 2025 cutoff prediction

Year-specific

1,500–2,000

IIM Bodh Gaya historical cutoff trend 2019–2025

Year-specific

500–700

IIM Bodh Gaya WAT topics 2025

Process

600–900

IIM Bodh Gaya PI questions asked

Process

800–1,200

IIM Bodh Gaya alumni network

Informational

1,000–1,500

IIM Bodh Gaya hostel facilities 2025

Informational

1,200–1,800

IIM Bodh Gaya recruiters list 2024

Informational

2,000–3,000

Primary Source

RTI responses filed with IIM Bodh Gaya Admission Office

Secondary Sources

InsideIIM RTI Analysis, MBAUniverse, PaGaLGuY, Shiksha, official IIM Bodh Gaya prospectus

Data Accuracy Note

Minimum percentiles represent lowest scores of admitted candidates, not guaranteed admission thresholds

Trend Note

2021 dip directly attributable to elevated CAT 2020 difficulty level

Category Data Note

Some category-year combinations may have limited sample sizes affecting minimum percentile precision

No Affiliation

This article is not affiliated with IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Calcutta (mentor), CAT conducting body (IIM), or any coaching institute

Update Frequency

Aspirants should verify latest cutoffs annually via official IIM Bodh Gaya admission notification