How much does sectional percentile matter vs overall for IIM calls?

✓ Accepted answer

Sectional cutoffs act as a hard filter before your overall percentile is even considered. With an 80th percentile VARC, here's how it breaks down across the IIM tier: IIM A and IIM B: published sectional cutoffs for VARC have historically been in the 85–90th percentile range depending on the year. 80th is likely below their VARC threshold. With 96 overall + 80 VARC, calls from IIM A and IIM B are uncertain — don't plan your year around them. IIM C: has shown more flexibility historically; VARC cutoffs have been around 75–80th in recent years. Your 80th is right at the threshold — a realistic stretch target. IIM K, L, I: typically 70–75th percentile sectional floors. Your 80th clears these comfortably. Include all three. Newer IIMs: generally set sectional floors at 65–70th percentile. Straightforward calls with your profile. Non-IIM premium schools: FMS and MDI don't publish explicit sectional cutoffs and have historically been more lenient on section-specific performance. SPJIMR uses CAT + profile evaluation where sectional cutoffs are softer. Strategic advice for the exam itself: if VARC starts poorly on CAT day, stay engaged rather than rushing — 80th is already close to several cutoffs and a strong recovery attempt matters more than trying to manage time by giving up on the section.