CAT 2025 Cutoff

CAT 2025 Cutoff: Category-Wise IIM Cutoffs & Admission Trends

The IIM CAT 2025 Result has been officially declared by IIM Kozhikode, marking a pivotal milestone for MBA aspirants across India. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other leading business schools.

Latest updates confirm that the CAT 2025 result is out and available for download on the official website (iimcat.ac.in). Candidates can access their scorecards using their user ID and password, and should download and save the scorecard immediately, as it is mandatory for subsequent rounds like shortlisting and interviews.

Key Highlights from the CAT 2025 Result

Let’s begin with the highlight figures and trends emerging from the CAT 2025 results:

CAT 2025 At a Glance

Key Insights:

• A total of 12 candidates achieved a perfect 100 percentile, reflecting both exceptional performance and the competitive nature of CAT.
• Notably, non-engineering students dominated the top ranks, indicating broader academic diversity among high performers.
• A healthy gender mix—with female candidates among top percentile scorers—reflects increased inclusivity in management aspirants.

Understanding IIM MBA Admission Criteria

Here’s a simplified explanation of how top IIMs select candidates post CAT:

1. Minimum Eligibility

• A Bachelor’s degree with specified minimum marks (usually 50% for general category and 45% for reserved categories).
• Qualified CAT 2025 exam with percentile above the institute-specific minimum.

2. Shortlisting Criteria

Before the interview round, most IIMs shortlist candidates based on:

• Overall CAT percentile
• Sectional CAT cut-offs (VARC, DILR, QA)
• Previous academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation)
• Gender and diversity considerations
• Work experience (if applicable)

3. Weightage Distribution

While the CAT score remains crucial, the final admission decision is not based solely on CAT. Typical weightage breakdown adopted by several IIMs:

These are indicative ranges—actual percentages vary by IIM.

Example: Some institutes assign CAT weight up to 60% for initial screening, followed by WAT/PI weight up to 50% for final selection.

CAT 2025: Marks vs percentile

The IIM Kozhikode has declared the IIM CAT 2025 results for MBA admission at iimcat.ac.in using User ID and password. Candidates can check the marks vs percentile from the table given below.

IIM-wise Expected CAT Cut-Off Percentile (Sectional & Overall)

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follow category-wise and sectional CAT cut-off criteria for shortlisting candidates for their MBA/PGP programs. These cut-offs differ from one IIM to another based on factors such as number of applicants, exam difficulty level, seat availability, and past admission trends.

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follow category-wise and sectional CAT cut-off criteria for shortlisting candidates to their MBA/PGP programs. These cut-offs vary across institutes and are influenced by factors such as the number of applicants, level of difficulty of the CAT examination, seat availability, and historical admission trends.

IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cut-Off Percentile 2025

IIM Ahmedabad is one of the most prestigious MBA institutes in India. Admission to its flagship PGP program is based on CAT sectional as well as overall percentile cut-offs, which vary by category.

The table below presents the expected category-wise CAT cut-off percentiles for IIM Ahmedabad.

IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cut-Off Percentile (Category-wise)

Key Points to Note

• Candidates must clear the sectional cut-off in VARC, DI/LR, and QA along with the overall cut-off.
• Securing a high overall percentile alone does not ensure selection.
• Final admission depends on academic background, work experience, and performance in the interview process.

IIM Bangalore CAT Cut-Off Percentile 2025

IIM Bangalore is known for its highly competitive admission process and consistently high CAT cut-off standards. The institute considers both sectional performance and overall percentile while shortlisting candidates for its MBA/PGP program. Cut-off requirements vary by category and are determined after evaluating multiple admission-related factors.

The table below outlines the expected CAT cut-off percentiles for IIM Bangalore, based on analysis of previous years’ cut-offs, applicant trends, and overall competition level.

IIM Bangalore Expected CAT Cut-Off Percentile (Category-wise)

Key Observations

• IIM Bangalore maintains higher sectional cut-offs, particularly for the VARC section.
• Clearing each sectional cut-off is mandatory in addition to meeting the overall percentile requirement.
• The final selection process also evaluates academic consistency, work experience, and interview Performance..

IIM Calcutta CAT Cut-Off Percentile 2025 

IIM Calcutta places strong emphasis on balanced sectional performance along with a high overall CAT percentile while shortlisting candidates for its MBA/PGP program. Known for its quantitative and analytical rigor, the institute sets competitive cut-off benchmarks that vary across categories.

Based on an assessment of past admission trends, exam difficulty level, and competitive intensity, the table below reflects the expected CAT cut-off percentiles for IIM Calcutta.

IIM Calcutta Expected CAT Cut-Off Percentile (Category-wise)

Key Insights

• IIM Calcutta maintains high sectional thresholds, particularly in DI/LR and VARC, reflecting its analytical focus.
• Candidates must satisfy all sectional cut-offs in addition to the overall percentile requirement.
• The final admission decision also takes into account academic profile, work experience, and interview performance.

IIM Kozhikode CAT Cut-Off Percentile 2025

IIM Kozhikode adopts a structured shortlisting approach that gives due importance to consistent sectional performance across VARC, DI/LR, and QA, along with a strong overall CAT score. The institute is known for its inclusive selection process while maintaining competitive academic standards.

Considering historical cut-off data, applicant trends, and overall competition, the table below indicates the expected CAT cut-off percentiles for IIM Kozhikode across different categories.

IIM Kozhikode Expected CAT Cut-Off Percentile (Category-wise)

Key Takeaways

• IIM Kozhikode emphasizes balanced performance in all three sections, rather than dominance in a single area.
• Clearing the minimum sectional cut-off in each section is essential for shortlisting.
• The final merit list is prepared after evaluating academic record, work experience, diversity factors, and interview performance.

CAP (9 New IIMs) CAT Cut-Off Percentile 2025

The Common Admission Process (CAP) is conducted for a group of New IIMs, where candidates are shortlisted using a common set of CAT cut-off criteria before the Personal Interview and Written Ability Test stages. While the shortlisting parameters are shared, the final selection is carried out individually by each participating IIM.

Based on previous CAP cut-off trends, admission policies, and overall applicant data, the table below outlines the expected CAT cut-off percentiles for CAP-participating IIMs.

CAP (New IIMs) Expected CAT Cut-Off Percentile (Category-wise)

Important Notes

• CAP follows a common shortlisting process, but final admission decisions vary across the participating New IIMs.
• Meeting both sectional and overall percentile requirements is mandatory to be considered for the CAP interview process.
• Apart from CAT scores, factors such as academic background, work experience, and interview performance play a role in final selection.

These cut-offs are expected and indicative, intended to provide aspirants with a realistic understanding of CAP shortlisting benchmarks. Official cut-offs may change as per the final admission notifications released by the respective IIMs.

Why Cut-offs Vary Across IIMs

The variation in cut-offs depends on:
✅ Brand prestige and demand
✅ Number of applicants vs seats
✅ Category-wise reservation policies
✅ Distribution of candidates’ scores across percentiles
✅ Seat matrix and quotas

For instance, newer IIMs and smaller campuses often have lower cut-offs (e.g., between 90–95 percentile) compared to legacy campuses like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta

Additional Admission Rounds After Cut-off

1. Written Ability Test (WAT)

Tests analytical writing, clarity of thought, and current affairs perspective.

2. Group Discussion (GD) / Group Exercise (GE)

Evaluates collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

3. Personal Interview (PI)

Focuses on:

• Academic background
• Career goals
• Management awareness
• Leadership potential

Collectively, these stages help institutes assess soft skills, maturity, and overall fit for their MBA programs—beyond the CAT rank alone.

Highest and Lowest CAT Cut-Offs in 2025 (Expected)

CAT cut-off percentiles across IIMs vary significantly based on factors such as institute reputation, number of applicants, seat intake, and historical admission trends. While some IIMs consistently maintain very high cut-off benchmarks due to intense competition, others offer relatively lower cut-offs, providing wider opportunities for aspirants.

The table below highlights a comparative overview of IIMs with the highest and lowest expected CAT cut-offs in 2025.

Key Observations

• IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Lucknow continue to feature among the IIMs with the highest CAT cut-offs, reflecting their strong legacy, limited seats, and high demand.
• On the other hand, IIM Vizag, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Shillong, and IIM Jammu are expected to have comparatively lower cut-off percentiles, making them more accessible to a broader pool of candidates.
• Lower cut-off requirements do not imply lower academic standards, as the final selection process still involves interviews, academic evaluation, and profile assessment.

This comparison helps candidates strategically shortlist IIMs based on their CAT score and overall profile, ensuring a more targeted and realistic application approach.

Conclusion

The CAT 2025 result release has started the next crucial phase for MBA aspirants. While the CAT percentile is a major factor in shortlisting, contemporary MBA admissions at IIMs depend on a holistic evaluation—CAT score, interview performance, writing skills, academics, and professional experiences. Candidates should view this as a chance to showcase not just analytical skills, but also leadership potential and clarity of purpose.

For aspirants targeting IIM admissions, understanding cut-offs, selection weightages, and profile building is key to navigating the process successfully in 2026-28 MBA cycle.