There is no minimum CAT percentile or other qualifying exam score for shortlisting and admissions into the FPM programs (now PhD after passage of the IIM Bill). You have to understand that the purpose of the qualifying mark is to ensure an objective deduction of your basic skills . This is primarily used to measure your fit in the IIM system , primarily your ability to cope with the consistent level of academics , match with other candidates in one to ne discussions, and specifically the ability to understand and apply tough and rigorous statistical and methodological concepts in the pursuance of your PhD in your dissertation and attendant research/publications.

That usually means that each interviewing panel is free to ascertain these abilities from each candidate and the overall CAT score or other requirements are a function of the combined presentation of other candidates. However, given the general increasing level of competition, it may not be safe to go into any CAT related exam / interview or evaluation with an under 90 Percentile score. If you do, you should have a capable defense of your considerations, why you think a lower score is enough for you to pursue a Phd and the general level of capabilities of your peers must also be sufficiently whittled (rofl) so that your scores may shine in comparison.

IIMB has for example pursued a RAT to move away from a CAT specific evaluation of all incoming candidates but includes critical subject matter from Economics and Game theory as well as calculus to ascertain basic skills for FPM. Most Operations and DS areas conduct tests at different campuses or the RAT prior to FPM interviews because of their perceived unique requirements from candidates in terms of technical skills. IIMC also favors an additional round of qualitative or quantitative RAT to ensure no dependence on candidates CAT scores than the reading of basic aptitude and ability to cope with coursework

Thanks,
Azim

Hi Rohit,

A percentile above 90 is a really good score in CAT. Every college has a different criteria for selecting students for FPM program.

They also have sectional cutoffs for the same. If you have already applied for the FPM programs of IIMs, they would be the best ones to choose. You can also look at other colleges like XLRI, Amity etc for the FPM program.

Top 10 colleges foe doing phd in management


1. IISc, Bangalore

2. IIT Kharagpur

3. University of Delhi, Delhi

4. IIT Bombay

5. IIT Delhi

6. TIFR Mumbai

7. Anna University, Chennai

8. Panjab University, Chandigarh

9. IIT Madras

10. JNCASR Bangalore
For the list for Fpm go through this link- https://bschool.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-fpm-fellow-program-in-management-colleges-in-india

Hope this helps you. All the best.

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