SBI PO Scores 99.86 Percentile in CAT, Secures Seat at IIM Calcutta

In a remarkable story of persistence and resilience, a State Bank of India Probationary Officer (SBI PO) has secured admission to the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) after achieving an exceptional 99.86 percentile in the Common Admission Test (CAT). What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is the candidate's backstory — 15 failed attempts at the SBI PO examination before finally clearing it.

From Repeated Failures to IIM Calcutta

The aspirant's journey reflects a pattern seen among many competitive exam candidates in India — repeated setbacks followed by a decisive breakthrough. Having cleared the SBI PO exam after 15 unsuccessful tries, the candidate did not stop there. Instead, they channelled their determination into preparing for CAT, ultimately securing a percentile that places them among the top fraction of test-takers nationally.

IIM Calcutta, established in 1961, is consistently ranked among the top three management institutions in India and is part of the elite group of Indian Institutes of Management. Admission to its flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management is considered one of the most competitive academic achievements in the country.

What is CAT and Why Does It Matter?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted annually by the IIMs on a rotational basis. It serves as the primary gateway for admission to MBA and management programmes at all 20 IIMs as well as hundreds of other top business schools across India. A score above 99 percentile is typically required for calls from the older IIMs such as Calcutta, Ahmedabad, and Bombay.

• CAT is conducted once a year, usually in November.
• The exam tests Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
• A 99+ percentile in CAT is achieved by a very small number of candidates each year.
• IIM Calcutta's PGP programme is one of the most sought-after MBA degrees in Asia.

Inspiration for Competitive Exam Aspirants

This story carries a strong message for the millions of students and working professionals preparing for competitive examinations across India. Whether it is banking exams, civil services, or management entrance tests, consistent effort over time can yield exceptional outcomes. The candidate's experience underlines that working professionals can simultaneously manage job responsibilities and prepare for higher education entrance exams.

For students currently preparing for CAT 2025 or exploring admission processes at IIM Calcutta, this story serves as a testament to what focused preparation can achieve regardless of past setbacks.

About IIM Calcutta

IIM Calcutta, located in Joka, Kolkata, West Bengal, is one of India's oldest and most reputed Institutes of National Importance. It offers programmes including PGP (MBA), Executive MBA, PhD, and various executive education courses. The institute holds accreditations from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB — making it one of the few Indian institutions with triple accreditation.

For more details on IIM Calcutta admissions, candidates can visit the official website: www.iimcal.ac.in. For the original news report, refer to the India Today coverage.