OBC-NC candidate with 8/8/7 acads should target 90-95 percentile in CAT to comfortably convert new IIMs. The OP gave exactly this range - "Acads not too bad, try to aim 90-98 in CAT you will convert a good tier 2-1 college and just try to get some certifications of the domain you want the job in." OBC-NC cutoffs are typically 8-10 percentile points below general, so a 92 OBC effectively competes with a 98 GEM at new IIMs (Kashipur, Ranchi Rs 14L fees Rs 17 LPA, Trichy, Udaipur Rs 23L fees). With 8/8/7 acads, you are above IIM Lucknow's 80% threshold and well within new IIM range. 1-year gap after 12th for JEE prep is standard and won't hurt if justified properly in interviews. Realistic targets for this profile: