Scoring 85–90 percentile in CAT is a strong achievement and opens doors to many reputed management institutes across India. While the top IIMs usually demand higher percentiles, several excellent B-schools offer quality MBA/PGDM programs with strong placements, industry exposure, and holistic development for candidates in this range. If you are wondering where to apply with a CAT score between 85–90 percentile, this guide on the Top 10–15 MBA Colleges for CAT 85–90 percentile will help you make an informed decision.
An MBA from a good institute not only enhances your managerial skills but also builds your professional network and career trajectory. Let’s explore the best colleges, admission expectations, and why these institutes are ideal for CAT 85–90 percentile scorers.
Why CAT 85–90 Percentile Is a Good Score
Many students underestimate an 85–90 percentile CAT score, but in reality, it is enough to secure admission in several Tier-1.5 and Tier-2 MBA colleges in India. These institutes focus on:
Strong academic foundation
Practical, industry-oriented learning
Decent to excellent placement packages
Experienced faculty and corporate exposure
With the right profile (academics, work experience, GD-PI performance), students in this range can build highly successful careers.
Top 10–15 MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 85–90 Percentile
Below is a curated list of top MBA colleges where candidates with 85–90 percentile have a realistic chance of conversion, subject to profile and selection rounds.
IMT Nagpur is a well-known institute from the IMT group. It offers a solid PGDM program with good industry exposure, case-based learning, and respectable placements.
A sister institution of IMI Delhi, IMI Bhubaneswar is known for academics, faculty strength, and growing corporate connections. CAT cut-offs often fall around 85–90 percentile.
3. K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
KJ Somaiya is a reputed B-school with excellent brand value, strong alumni network, and consistent placements. Candidates with 85–90 percentile have good chances with a strong profile.
4. LIBA – Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai
LIBA is one of the most respected B-schools in South India. It is known for discipline, ethics, academic rigor, and quality placements.
T A Pai Management Institute is AACSB-accredited and offers top-notch management education. Though competition is high, CAT scores around 85–90 percentile can still be considered.
6. FORE School of Management, New Delhi
Located in the heart of Delhi, FORE offers excellent industry exposure, dual specializations, and consistent placement outcomes.
7. BIMTECH, Greater Noida
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) is known for finance, insurance, analytics, and international business programs. CAT cut-offs often fall within this range.
8. UBS, Chandigarh (University Business School)
UBS Chandigarh offers an MBA at a very affordable fee with extremely high ROI. Admission is competitive, but CAT 85–90 percentile candidates stand a strong chance.
9. IFMR Graduate School of Business, Chennai
IFMR is highly regarded for finance, consulting, and analytics roles. It emphasizes data-driven decision-making and practical learning.
10. GLIM Chennai (Great Lakes Institute of Management – PGDM)
Great Lakes offers fast-paced, industry-aligned programs. CAT cut-offs for PGDM are often around the high-80s.
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) focuses on value-based education, leadership development, and steady placements.
12. Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool)
Welingkar Mumbai and Bangalore campuses offer innovative MBA programs with strong corporate engagement and flexible learning models.
13. NIRMA University – Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Nirma University’s MBA program is known for academic discipline, strong faculty, and good corporate reputation, especially in western India.
Institute of Rural Management Anand is ideal for students interested in development, agribusiness, CSR, and sustainability-focused management roles.
15. SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Mumbai
This globally connected institute offers an international MBA experience. CAT scores in the 85–90 percentile range are often considered with strong profiles.
Specializations to Target with 85–90 Percentile
Students in this percentile range should strategically choose specializations that align with market demand, such as:
Finance & Financial Analytics
Human Resource Management
Operations & Supply Chain
Business Analytics & Data Science
Choosing the right specialization significantly improves placement outcomes.
Profile Matters Beyond CAT Score
At the 85–90 percentile level, your overall profile becomes extremely important. Colleges evaluate:
Academic consistency (10th, 12th, Graduation)
Extra-curricular achievements
Performance in GD, PI, and WAT
A strong interview can easily compensate for a slightly lower CAT score.
Placements and Career Prospects
MBA colleges accepting CAT 85–90 percentile typically offer:
Average packages ranging from ₹6–12 LPA
Recruiters from BFSI, FMCG, IT, Consulting, E-commerce
Roles such as Management Trainee, Business Analyst, Marketing Executive, HR Manager, Operations Analyst
With hard work, internships, and skill development, students often outperform average placement statistics.
Tips to Maximize MBA Admission Chances
Apply to multiple colleges instead of waiting for just one
Prepare well for GD-PI rounds
Highlight internships, certifications, and leadership roles
Be clear about career goals and specialization choice
Achieving 85–90 percentile in CAT places you in a strong position to secure admission to some of India’s most respected MBA colleges outside the top IIM bracket. The institutes listed above offer excellent learning environments, corporate exposure, and career opportunities.
With the right college choice, focused preparation, and strong interview performance, an MBA in India from these institutions can be a powerful stepping stone toward leadership roles and long-term professional success. Choosing wisely today can shape your management career for years to come.
