97 percentile GEM (General Engineer Male) is below FMS Delhi's effective cutoff; FMS typically requires 98+ for GEM engineers. FMS Delhi fees are Rs 2.43L (cheapest top B-school in India) with Rs 34 LPA average placement and 98%+ CAT cutoff.
The unbeatable ROI of Rs 2.43L for Rs 34 LPA (payback in 1 year) means FMS cutoffs are fiercely competitive. FMS sectional cutoffs for general: VARC 85+, DILR 85+, QA 85+, overall 98+.
For NC-OBC, cutoffs drop to 92-93 percentile. For females (GEF/GNEF), cutoffs are 95-96 due to gender diversity. For non-engineer males (GNM), cutoffs drop to 96+ due to academic diversity.
FMS does not typically do workex bonus, so experienced candidates do not get an edge. Your 97 GEM is below 98 threshold; realistic shot is 10-15% for shortlist. The thread had a 99.
88% GEF (General Engineer Female) who didn't get FMS call and was told "FMS hai abhi bhi" (FMS is still there), implying FMS movement continues. Apply to FMS anyway since application fee is small, but don't count on it. Better bets at 97 percentile GEM: IIM L (Rs 22L/Rs 32.
3 LPA, 97%+), IIM K (Rs 24L/Rs 28 LPA, 96%+), IIM Mumbai (Rs 22L/Rs 24 LPA, 95%+), SPJIMR, MDI. FMS retake worth it if you are confident of 99+ next year. Check your eligibility at collvera.