Sectional cut-offs in CAT refer to the minimum percentile required in each individual section—VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability—along with the overall percentile. Most IIMs specify both sectional and overall cut-offs for shortlisting candidates. Failing to meet even one sectional cut-off can disqualify a candidate from consideration, even if their overall percentile is high. Sectional cut-offs vary by institute and category and are usually lower for reserved categories.