The IIM Bangalore Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (DBE) program has rapidly become one of the most sought-after undergraduate management pathways in India. With its unique blend of business fundamentals, digital-first thinking, and entrepreneurship, the program attracts thousands of Class 12 students each year who dream of beginning their IIM journey right after school.
But while the program is prestigious, gaining admission isn’t easy. To secure a seat, aspirants must clear the IIMB DBE Entrance Test cut-off — the minimum score required for shortlisting. Unlike many other BBA entrance exams, the DBE test introduces a mandatory General Awareness (GA) cut-off, making it a potential deal-breaker for even otherwise strong candidates.
Understanding cut-off trends is therefore essential. It helps aspirants:
- Set realistic target scores for 2026.
- Avoid last-minute surprises about sectional requirements.
- Strategise preparation smartly, especially for GA.
This blog will cover both the expected IIM B DBE cut-off for 2026 and previous years’ category-wise benchmarks, giving you a clear picture of what it takes to crack the exam.
IIM B DBE 2026 Admission Process at a Glance
Admission to the BBA in Digital Business & Entrepreneurship (DBE) at IIM Bangalore is highly competitive. While the IIMB DBE Entrance Test is the primary pathway, students can also apply through CUET UG (General Test – Section III) or JEE Main (2023–2025 attempts).
Unlike other BBA exams (like IPMAT or JIPMAT), IIM Bangalore does not conduct GD/PI rounds for DBE admissions. The written score alone determines selection, making the cut-off benchmarks decisive.
Pathways to IIM B DBE 2026
| Admission Pathway | Who Can Apply? | Assessment Method | Selection Criteria |
| IIMB DBE Entrance Test | Class 12 appearing/passed in any stream (60% Gen/EWS/OBC; 55% SC/ST/PwD) | 60 MCQs in 90 mins across 4 sections (QA, VARC, LR, GA) | Must clear GA sectional cut-off + overall aggregate cut-off |
| CUET UG (General Test – Sec III) | Candidates with valid CUET 2023–2025 scores | NTA-conducted exam (General Test) | Percentile cut-offs set by IIMB |
| JEE Main | Candidates with valid JEE Main scores (2023–2025) | NTA-conducted JEE Main | Cut-offs based on JEE Main rank/percentile |
Key Highlights of the Admission Process
- No Interviews or GD Rounds – purely test-based shortlisting.
- No Age Limit – IIM Bangalore BBA eligibility criteria do not specify any upper age restriction for applicants; in fact, a 54-year-old was part of the first batch in 2024.
- GA Section is Critical – mandatory 20% cut-off applies.
- Category-Specific Relaxations – overall aggregate cut-off varies by category (General ≥ 50%, OBC/EWS ≥ 45%, SC/ST/PwD ≥ 40% in past years).
- Multiple Exit Options – Certificate (1 year), Diploma (2 years), Degree (3 years).
What is a Cut-Off and Why Does it Matter?
In competitive exams like the IIMB DBE Entrance Test, a cut-off is the minimum score or percentage that candidates must achieve to qualify for the next stage of admission. For DBE, since there are no GD/PI rounds, clearing the cut-off directly decides whether you secure a seat.
The cut-off works at two levels:
| Type of Cut-Off | Meaning | Importance |
| Sectional Cut-Off | Minimum marks required in a specific section. In DBE, this applies only to General Awareness (GA). | Non-negotiable. If you don’t meet the GA cut-off, you are disqualified, even with a high overall score. |
| Overall Cut-Off | Minimum combined score required across QA, VARC, and LR (plus clearing GA separately). | Determines final shortlist. Varies by category (General, OBC/EWS, SC/ST/PwD). |
Why It Matters for DBE Aspirants
- Filters serious candidates → GA ensures that students stay updated with current affairs and business events.
- Removes imbalances → Prevents aspirants from relying only on Quant/Verbal strength.
- Direct impact on seat offer → With no interview or second round, the cut-off is the final gatekeeper.
Example: In 2024, many high scorers in Quant and VARC were not shortlisted because they failed to achieve the 20% minimum in GA.
IIM B DBE Previous Years’ Cut-Off Trends (2024 & 2025)
Looking at the past cut-off trends is the best way to set realistic targets for IIM B DBE 2026. Since the program is relatively new, official cut-offs from 2024 and 2025 serve as the most reliable benchmarks.
Admissions in both years were based entirely on entrance test performance, with two precise requirements:
- Mandatory GA Sectional Cut-Off (~20% for all categories).
- Overall Aggregate Cut-Off across QA, VARC, and LR (category-wise variation).
Category-Wise Cut-Offs (2024 & 2025)
| Category | GA Sectional Cut-Off | Overall Cut-Off (QA + VARC + LR) |
| General | 20% | 50% and above |
| NC-OBC / EWS | 20% | 45% and above |
| SC / ST / PwD | 20% | 40% and above |
Insights from 2024–25 Admission Rounds
- GA as a Gatekeeper: Regardless of overall score, candidates who missed 20% in GA were not shortlisted.
- Rising Competition: With awareness about the DBE program growing, the overall cut-off percentage is inching upward.
- Balanced Paper: QA & DI was calculation-heavy, VARC had close-option RCs, GA was spread across business, economy, awards, and current affairs.
For 2026 aspirants, these trends highlight the importance of balancing aptitude with strong GK preparation.
IIM B DBE 2026 Expected Cut-Offs
Based on the previous years’ benchmarks (2024 & 2025), the exam difficulty analysis, and the increasing number of aspirants, the cut-offs for IIM B DBE 2026 are expected to rise slightly.
Key reasons for a possible upward shift:
- Higher awareness of the DBE program leads to more applicants.
- No negative marking, which increases average attempts and scores.
- Mandatory GA cut-off, making preparation more competitive.
Expected Cut-Offs for 2026
| Category | 2024 Cut-Off | 2025 Cut-Off | 2026 Expected Cut-Off |
| General | GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 50% | GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 50% | GA ≥ 20%, Overall 52–55% |
| NC-OBC / EWS | GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 45% | GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 45% | GA ≥ 20%, Overall 46–48% |
| SC / ST / PwD | GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 40% | GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 40% | GA ≥ 20%, Overall 41–43% |
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- Safe Score Strategy: Always aim for 10–15% higher than the cut-off to stay in the safe zone.
- GA is Non-Negotiable: Even if you ace QA/VARC/LR, failing GA disqualifies you.
- Competition Effect: With 2026 expected to see a surge in applications, cut-offs are likely to rise by 1–3%.
In short: If you’re from the General category, aim for 55%+ overall with a clear GA to secure your shortlist chances.
Factors Influencing Cut-Offs in 2026
Cut-offs for the IIM B DBE Entrance Test don’t remain static. Every year, multiple factors affect where the qualifying threshold is set. For 2026, these are the most important influences:
1. Difficulty Level of the Paper
- A tougher paper (calculation-heavy DI, tricky RCs, fact-heavy GA) may lower the cut-off slightly.
- An easier paper usually pushes the cut-off higher, as more students score above average.
2. Number of Applicants
- With IIM Bangalore’s DBE program gaining visibility, the pool of aspirants is expected to rise in 2026.
- More candidates → Higher competition → Slightly raised cut-offs.
3. Alternative Pathways (CUET & JEE Main)
- Since IIM Bangalore also accepts CUET UG (Sec III) and JEE Main (2023–2025 attempts), some aspirants may bypass the DBE Test.
- However, the direct DBE Test remains the most reliable pathway, and its cut-offs typically stay competitive.
4. No Negative Marking Advantage
- Unlike IPMAT or JIPMAT, the DBE Test historically has had no negative marking.
- This encourages full attempts, increasing the average scoreline, → raising the cut-off bar.
5. Category-Wise Relaxations
- Reserved categories (OBC/EWS/SC/ST/PwD) enjoy a lower overall cut-off (40–45%). Still, the GA cut-off remains constant at ~20% for all categories.
Bottom Line: Expect cut-offs for 2026 to be marginally higher than 2025 due to rising awareness, increasing attempts (no negative marking), and broader applicant competition.
Section-Wise Importance of Cut-Offs
One of the most unique aspects of the IIM B DBE Entrance Test is its sectional cut-off policy. Unlike other exams where all sections are considered in aggregate, DBE has only one mandatory sectional cut-off – in General Awareness (GA).
1. General Awareness (GA) – The Gatekeeper
- Mandatory 20% cut-off across all categories.
- Covers current affairs, business, economy, awards, ISRO, and static GK.
- Failure to clear GA leads to immediate disqualification, regardless of strong performance in QA, VARC, or LR.
Example: A candidate scoring 70% overall but only 15% in GA will not be shortlisted.
2. QA, VARC, and LR – Aggregate Contribution
- These three sections are evaluated collectively without individual cut-offs.
- Strengths in QA or VARC can balance weaknesses in LR (and vice versa).
- Aggregate benchmarks (General ≥ 50%, OBC/EWS ≥ 45%, SC/ST/PwD ≥ 40% in 2024–25).
Sectional vs Aggregate Weightage
| Section | Cut-Off Requirement | Role in Shortlisting |
| General Awareness | 20% (mandatory) | Must clear; failing GA = automatic rejection |
| QA + VARC + LR | No sectional cut-off | Considered in aggregate for final merit |
Why This Matters for Aspirants
- You cannot rely on strengths in Quant or Verbal alone.
- Balanced prep is key, but GA deserves daily attention to avoid being a shortlist casualty.
- DBE’s design ensures only well-rounded candidates move forward.
How to Strategise Based on Cut-Offs?
Knowing the cut-off trends is only half the battle—what matters is preparing with them in mind. Since IIM B DBE cut-offs combine a GA sectional cut-off + an overall aggregate, your preparation strategy should aim at safely crossing both thresholds.
1. Aim for a Safe Score
- Always target 10–15% above the previous year’s cut-off.
- For 2026:
- General → Aim for 55–58% overall
- NC-OBC/EWS → Aim for 48–50% overall
- SC/ST/PwD → Aim for 43–45% overall
2. Prioritise General Awareness Daily
- Dedicate 20–30 minutes daily to GA (current affairs + static GK).
- Use monthly capsules, one-pager summaries, and daily news notes.
- Treat GA as non-negotiable: even toppers in QA/VARC were rejected for not clearing GA.
3. Smart Time Allocation in the Exam
Follow a balanced split in mocks and the final exam:
| Section | Suggested Time | Strategy |
| QA & DI | 27–30 mins | Start with arithmetic, then one DI set |
| VARC | 22–24 mins | Attempt vocab/grammar first, then RC & para jumbles |
| LR | 18–20 mins | Begin with series/syllogisms, then 1 arrangement |
| GA | 12–15 mins | One-pass approach, don’t overthink |
4. Mock Test Strategy
- Take 8–12 full-length mocks before the exam.
- After every mock, track errors under 4 heads → Concept, Calculation, Choice, Time.
- Maintain a “redo list” of weak DI sets, close-option RCs, and tricky GK clusters.
5. Use the Right Resources
- Standard Books: R.S. Aggarwal, Norman Lewis, Manorama Yearbook.
- Tarkashastra Material: GA one-pagers, sectional drills, and DBE-style mocks tailored for 2026.
- Blend both → books for concepts, Tarkashastra for exam-focused practice.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
If you’re targeting IIM B DBE 2026, keep these lessons from past trends and expected cut-offs at the front of your preparation:
- GA is the Gatekeeper: Clearing the 20% GA cut-off is compulsory. Missing it means disqualification, no matter your overall score.
- Overall Cut-Offs are Rising: With more applicants and no negative marking, expect cut-offs to climb by 1–3% in 2026.
- Aim Higher: Always target 10–15% above the cut-off to stay in the safe zone (e.g., Gen category → 55%+).
- Balance All Sections: QA, VARC, and LR count in aggregate, but GA requires daily attention.
- Mocks = Success Formula: Attempt at least 8–12 full-length mocks + sectional drills to master time pressure.
- No Interviews or GDs: Your written test score alone decides admission, unlike IPMAT or JIPMAT.
- Practice with Purpose: Use general books for basics but rely on Tarkashastra’s DBE-focused material for accuracy and exam alignment.
In short: Don’t just study hard—study smart, balance all four sections, and stay GA-ready every single day.
Conclusion
The IIM B DBE cut-offs reflect what the program itself stands for—balance, awareness, and strategy. Unlike other BBA entrance exams, where Quant or Verbal may dominate, DBE ensures that aspirants are tested equally on aptitude, reasoning, language, and real-world awareness.
For 2026, the cut-offs are expected to rise slightly, with the General category safe zone around 55%+. But remember—General Awareness is the game-changer. Even a strong candidate will not be shortlisted without clearing its 20% benchmark.
Success here isn’t about chasing extreme scores. It’s about:
- Staying consistent with GK prep.
- Managing time smartly in the 90-minute paper.
- Practising enough mocks to build speed and accuracy.
At Tarkashastra, we specialise in helping aspirants prepare for high-stakes exams like the IIMB DBE Test. With:
- Mentor-guided study plans
- DBE-style mocks & sectional drills
- GA one-pagers for the mandatory cut-off
- 1-to-1 personalised mentorship
…we ensure you don’t just prepare, but prepare smartly.
Start your IIM B DBE 2026 prep with Tarkashastra today and give yourself the edge needed to clear the cut-offs confidently.
FAQs – IIM B DBE Cut Off 2026
1. What is the IIM B DBE 2026 cut-off for the General category?
For the General category, the cut-off is expected to be GA ≥ 20% and overall 52–55% in 2026.
2. Is there a sectional cut-off in the IIM B DBE Test?
Yes. The General Awareness (GA) section has a mandatory 20% cut-off across all categories.
3. What were the IIM B DBE cut-offs in 2024 and 2025?
- General: GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 50%
- NC-OBC/EWS: GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 45%
- SC/ST/PwD: GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 40%
4. Why is the GA section so important in DBE cut-offs?
Because it has a fixed cut-off. Failing the GA means disqualification, even if your overall score is high.
5. What is the expected cut-off for OBC and EWS categories in 2026?
It is expected to be GA ≥ 20% and overall 46–48%.
6. What is the expected cut-off for SC, ST, and PwD candidates in 2026?
The expected range is GA ≥ 20% and overall 41–43%.
7. How is the overall cut-off calculated in DBE?
It is based on the combined performance in QA, VARC, and LR after clearing GA separately.
8. Does IIM B DBE have interviews or GD after the written test?
No. Admission is purely test-based, unlike IPMAT or JIPMAT.
9. Is there negative marking in the IIM B DBE Entrance Test?
No official scheme is declared, but past trends suggest no negative marking.
10. Can I apply for IIM B DBE through CUET or JEE Main instead of the DBE Test?
Yes. IIM Bangalore accepts CUET UG (Sec III) and JEE Main (2023–2025 attempts) scores.
11. Do cut-offs change every year?
Yes. They depend on paper difficulty, number of applicants, and competition level.
12. What is a safe score for General category aspirants in 2026?
Aim for 55–58% overall with GA above 20% to stay in the safe zone.
13. How can I prepare to clear the GA cut-off?
Revise current affairs (6–12 months), business & economy news, awards, sports, and ISRO launches daily.
14. How can Tarkashastra help me clear IIM B DBE cut-offs?
Tarkashastra offers DBE-style mocks, GA one-pagers, mentorship, and section-wise drills designed to help aspirants consistently cross-cut-off benchmarks.
