If you’re feeling anxious because one section in CAT didn’t go well, you’re not alone.
Sectional cutoffs are honestly one of the most stressful parts of MBA admissions because even a good overall score can feel useless when one section drags you down.

Here’s the positive part that many aspirants miss 
Not all top B-schools have strict sectional cutoffs.

Colleges like FMS Delhi, IITs, BITSoM, and MICA are known for not enforcing rigid sectional cutoffs.
Yes, competition is high but they look at the big picture, not perfection in every section.

Important Application Timelines to Keep in Mind

Since deadlines come fast, here are a few key ones you should track:

• BITSoM Mumbai – MBA 2026–28 (Round 2)
  Deadline: January 25, 2026
  Apply at: admissions.bitsom.edu.in. 

• MICA Ahmedabad – MICAT Phase 2
  Deadline: January 29, 2026
  Apply at: https://www.mica.ac.in/

• IIT MBA Applications
  Most IITs open their MBA forms one day after CAT results are declared

Important note for IIT Kharagpur
You can complete the application only after entering your official CAT 2025 score and percentile. So keep your CAT scorecard handy.

If CAT didn’t go as planned in one area, pause the panic and plan your applications smartly.
There are still very real, very strong options ahead.