CAT 2025: Best MBA Colleges for 85 Percentile – Fees, Cut-Offs & Placements

Scoring 85 percentile in CAT 2025 is a respectable achievement and places candidates in a strong position for admission into several well-known MBA colleges across India. While top IIMs usually require 95+ percentile, many reputed Tier-2, Tier-1.5, and high-ROI private B-schools offer excellent opportunities at the 80–90 percentile range.

This guide provides a realistic and practical list of MBA colleges you can target at 85 percentile in CAT 2025, along with fees, placements, and admission insights.

Is 85 Percentile in CAT 2025 a Good Score?

Yes. An 85 percentile in CAT is considered competitive, especially for candidates with a balanced academic profile, work experience, or strong communication skills. Many colleges at this range focus on holistic evaluation rather than percentile alone.

At this score, aspirants can realistically expect:

• Average packages of ₹6–10 LPA

• Roles in marketing, BFSI, consulting, analytics, and operations

• Strong ROI colleges with affordable fees

Best MBA Colleges for 85 Percentile in CAT 2025

1. Great Lakes Institute of Management (Chennai / Gurgaon)

Great Lakes Institute of Management is one of the most reputed private B-schools in India and is well-known for its industry-aligned curriculum, analytics focus, and strong corporate connections. The institute accepts candidates around the 85 percentile mark, especially those with strong academic backgrounds, work experience, or leadership potential.

The institute offers PGDM programs with excellent exposure to consulting, analytics, and BFSI roles. With consistent placements, an active alumni network, and global academic collaborations, Great Lakes is among the best MBA colleges for CAT 85 percentile candidates aiming for high-quality education and strong long-term career growth.

• Expected CAT Cut-Off: 80–90

• percentileFees: ₹18–20 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹10–11 LPA

2. Goa Institute of Management (GIM)

Goa Institute of Management is a highly profile-driven B-school, making it an excellent option for candidates scoring around 85 percentile in CAT 2025. GIM places significant importance on work experience, academic consistency, SOP quality, and extracurricular achievements.

Known for its strengths in analytics, consulting, healthcare management, and BFSI, GIM offers excellent faculty, strong peer learning, and consistent placement outcomes. Candidates who perform well in interviews and written assessments have strong conversion chances even at the lower end of the cut-off range.

• Expected CAT Cut-Off: 85–90

• percentileFees: ₹19–20 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹11–12 LPA

3. IMT Nagpur

IMT Nagpur is part of the prestigious IMT group and offers a brand advantage along with relatively moderate cut-offs. It is a strong choice for CAT 85 percentile aspirants seeking structured academics and reliable placements.

The institute focuses on marketing, finance, operations, and HR roles, with consistent recruiter participation. IMT Nagpur provides good corporate exposure, summer internships, and live projects, making it a safe and stable Tier-2 MBA option.

• Expected CAT Cut-Off: 80–85

• percentileFees: ₹13–14 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹7–8 LPA

4. K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

K J Somaiya Institute of Management is one of Mumbai’s most reputed B-schools and is well-known for its strong alumni network, corporate exposure, and academic rigor. The institute follows a profile-based selection process, making it accessible to candidates around the 85 percentile range.

With Mumbai as its biggest advantage, K J Somaiya offers unmatched exposure to BFSI, consulting, and corporate roles. Its strong placement performance and brand value make it a top choice for CAT 85 percentile candidates targeting Mumbai-based careers.

• Expected CAT Cut-Off: 83–88

• percentileFees: ₹20+ lakhs

• Average Package: ₹10–11 LPA

5. Welingkar Institute of Management (Mumbai / Bangalore)

Welingkar Institute of Management is known for its innovative pedagogy, specialization-focused programs, and strong industry interaction. The institute accepts candidates in the 80–85 percentile range and places emphasis on communication skills and interview performance.

Welingkar offers popular specializations such as Business Analytics, Marketing, Finance, and Operations. With decent placements and strong academic branding, it is a reliable MBA college for CAT 85 percentile aspirants.

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• Expected CAT Cut-Off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹13–14 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹8–9 LPA

6. FORE School of Management, Delhi

FORE School of Management is a well-established B-school located in Delhi NCR and is known for its consulting, marketing, and finance-oriented programs. Candidates with CAT scores around 85 percentile can expect calls, especially if their academic profile is strong.

The institute offers good exposure to corporate projects, internships, and guest lectures. FORE’s location advantage and steady placement performance make it a strong Tier-2 option for CAT 2025 aspirants.

• Expected CAT Cut-Off: 85–90 percentile

• Fees: ₹16–17 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹9–10 LPA

7. IFMR Graduate School of Business (Krea University)

IFMR GSB is highly respected for its quantitative focus, finance programs, and research-driven curriculum. The institute accepts CAT scores around 80–85 percentile, especially for candidates interested in finance, analytics, and economics-driven roles.

With strong recruiter relationships and consistent placement outcomes, IFMR is considered a high-quality academic institution with excellent ROI for CAT 85 percentile candidates.

• Expected CAT Cut-Off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹14–16 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹9–10 LPA

8. XIMR Mumbai (Xavier Institute of Management & Research)

XIMR Mumbai is one of the best ROI MBA colleges for candidates scoring around 85 percentile in CAT. Affiliated with the University of Mumbai and approved by AICTE, XIMR offers affordable education with strong placement consistency.

The institute is especially popular among Maharashtra students due to its reasonable fees and strong corporate exposure in Mumbai. XIMR is ideal for aspirants seeking value-for-money MBA education with stable career outcomes.

• Expected CAT Cut-Off: 80–85 percentile

• Fees: ₹4–5 lakhs

• Average Package: ₹6–7 LPA

Final Verdict

An 85 percentile in CAT 2025 is more than sufficient to secure admission into reputed MBA colleges with strong placements and good ROI. The key lies in smart college selection, profile presentation, and interview preparation.

Candidates who combine strategic applications with strong GD-PI preparation can easily convert calls from top Tier-2 B-schools and build a successful management career.

FAQs – CAT 2025 85 Percentile MBA Colleges

Is 85 percentile enough for a good MBA college?

Yes, many Tier-2 and private B-schools offer strong placements at this percentile.

Which is the best MBA college at 85 percentile in CAT?

Great Lakes, GIM, K J Somaiya, and FORE are among the best options.

What average salary can I expect?

₹6–10 LPA depending on institute, specialization, and profile.