CAT Result 2025 Link LIVE Updates: Percentile scores OUT, IIMs shortlisting cutoff, criteria

04 00 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

What is the "Common Admission Process" for IIMs?

CAP is a coordinated interview process for 10-12 of the newer IIMs. Instead of appearing for ten different interviews, a student attends one single interview, the score of which is shared among all participating institutes like IIM Raipur, Kashipur, and Tiruchirappalli.

03 30 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

Common Errors to Avoid During IIM Admission 2025

One common mistake students make after results is failing to check their email regularly. IIMs send interview invites via email, and often have very short windows (3-5 days) to confirm participation. Make sure that the email address provided during CAT registration is active and that you are checking the "Promotions" or "Updates" folder daily.

03 00 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

IIM Ahmedabad Expected Cut-offs 2025

IIM Ahmedabad remains the top destination for MBA aspirants. For the 2026-28 batch, the qualifying cut-off for the General category is expected to remain around the 99.5 to 99.7 percentile. 

02 30 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

IIM Bangalore Selection Criteria

IIM Bangalore is known for its high weightage on work experience and graduation marks. Even if a candidate secures a 99.8 percentile, they might not receive a call if their 10th and 12th  scores are below the institute's benchmarks. 

02 00 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

IIM Lucknow’s Criteria for 2025

IIM Lucknow prioritizes the DILR section in its selection criteria. For the 2026-28 batch, the expected cut-off for the General category is 98.5+, with significant focus on the candidate's performance in the interview and WAT.

01 30 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

IIM Shillong Shortlisting Method

IIM Shillong uses a different shortlisting method that categorizes candidates into different academic groups (Aced-1 to Aced-6). This ensures that a topper in Medicine is not compared directly with a topper in Engineering, creating a more level playing field for various disciplines.

01 00 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE) Admission

IIM Mumbai, the latest addition to the IIM family, is a powerhouse for Supply Chain and Operations Management. Their CAT 2025 cut-offs are expected to be very high (97+ percentile). They offer specialized programs that are highly valued by manufacturing and e-commerce giants like Amazon and Tata Motors.

12 30 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

Why Sectional Percentiles are Rounded in CAT 2025 Results?

Candidates might notice their sectional percentiles are rounded to two decimal places (e.g., 98.76). This is part of the IIM's standardized normalization procedure. If your percentile calculation ends in a value like 89.995, it is automatically rounded up to 90.00, which can be important for clearing the 90 percentile cut-off for IIM Bangalore or IIM Calcutta.

12 00 PM IST - 24 Dec'25

QA Score vs Percentile 2025 (Expected)

11 30 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

DILR Score vs Percentile 2025 (Expected)

11 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

VARC Score vs Percentile 2025 (Expected)

10 30 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

IIM Visakhapatnam and IIM Nagpur Trends

Among the newer IIMs, IIM Visakhapatnam and IIM Nagpur have shown excellent placement growth. Their cut-offs are slightly more achievable (90-93 percentile) but the competition is still a lot. They are excellent choices for candidates who want the IIM brand name and are willing to be part of a younger, growing ecosystem.

10 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

MDI Gurgaon Application Deadline

MDI Gurgaon is one of the top private institutes in India. Their application process usually closes shortly after the CAT result declaration. If you haven't applied yet, check their website immediately. MDI generally looks for a percentile above 94 and values candidates with diverse work experience in corporate or social sectors.

09 30 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

Importance of Graduation Marks in IIM Indore

IIM Indore is famous for its emphasis on 10th and 12th marks. In some years, academic performance has accounted for up to 74% of the pre-interview score. If you have a great academic record but a slightly lower CAT percentile (around 97-98), IIM Indore might be your best chance at a top-tier IIM.

09 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

IIM Calcutta’s Focus on Quantitative Ability

IIM Calcutta, often referred to as the "Quant Pole" of India, usually looks for high scores in the Mathematics/Quantitative section. While their overall percentile requirement is similar to IIM A and B, they offer certain relaxations in academic diversity, making it a favorite for engineers with exceptionally high CAT scores and strong technical backgrounds.

08 30 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

FMS Delhi Shortlisting Criteria

FMS Delhi is famous for its low fees and high placements. With the CAT results to be out soon, FMS will soon release its application form. Historically, FMS gives significant weightage to the VARC section, sometimes making it a better option for students who excelled in English but struggled a bit in Quant.

08 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

Revaluation Not Possible in CAT 2025

Candidates often ask if there is a provision for re-checking or re-evaluating the CAT results. It is important to clarify that IIMs do not entertain requests for revaluation. The process of calculating scores is fully automated and undergoes multiple layers of verification before the final scorecard is uploaded to the portal.

07 30 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

Preparing for the WAT-PI Round

Candidates should start reading current affairs, business news, and revising their graduation subjects immediately. Mock interviews and personality development sessions are highly recommended for those expecting calls from the top 10 B-schools.

07 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

What to do after CAT Result 2025?

1. Download scorecard
2. Track IIM shortlisting announcements & PI-WAT process timelines
3. Check institute cut-offs
4. Apply to colleges
5. Prepare for interviews

06 30 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

Dealing with a Low CAT Score

If your CAT 2025 result is not what you expected, do not lose hope. Many reputed private B-schools like IMT Ghaziabad, IMI New Delhi, and TAPMI accept percentiles in the range of 80 to 90. Alternatively, you can focus on upcoming exams like XAT, CMAT, or MAH-CET to get admission for the 2026 academic session.

06 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

The Role of Work Experience in IIM Shortlisting Criteria

Most IIMs value work experience between 24 and 36 months the highest. Freshers are not discouraged, but they must compensate with very high CAT scores and excellent academic backgrounds. Candidates with more than 5 years of experience might find it more beneficial to look into Executive MBA programs rather than the standard 2-year PGP.

05 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

CAT 2025 Expert Tips for Non-Engineers

Non-engineers who will score 95+ percentile have a very high chance of getting into top IIMs due to academic diversity points. Institutes like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Kozhikode have specific quotas or weightage systems designed to bring more students from Arts, Commerce, and Medicine into their MBA classrooms.

04 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

CAT 2025 'Sectional' vs 'Overall' Percentile

In this table, Candidate A may get calls Candidate B misses due to a low QA score.

03 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

MBA vs PGDM - Does it Matter?

Students often worry about whether their CAT score leads to an MBA or a PGDM degree. While IIMs now grant MBA degrees, many top private schools like MDI and SPJIMR still offer PGDM. In the corporate world, both are treated equally for placements and career progression, so focus on the institute's reputation rather than the nomenclature.

02 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

Scholarship Opportunities via CAT Scores

Many private B-schools offer merit-based scholarships to students who score above the 95th percentile in CAT 2025. These scholarships can range from a 25% to 100% tuition fee waiver. Candidates from economically weaker sections should also check for "Need-based" scholarships offered by IIMs like Ahmedabad and Bangalore.

01 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

Comparing Sectional Difficulty (CAT 2025 vs 2024)

• VARC: Slightly more challenging than last year due to abstract RC passages.
• DILR: On par with CAT 2024, but with more TITA questions in logical reasoning.
• QA: Tougher than 2024, shifting the 99 percentile requirement downward by nearly 3-5 marks on average across slots.

12 00 AM IST - 24 Dec'25

SPJIMR Mumbai Profile-based Calls

SPJIMR is unique because it offers "profile-based" calls even before the CAT results are out, but these are only valid if the candidate clears a minimum qualifying CAT percentile (usually 85+). If you didn't get a profile-based call, you can still get a "score-based" call if your CAT 2025 results are exceptionally high.

11 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT 2025: How to Calculate Composite Score?

The "Composite Score" is the final metric used to send interview calls. It is calculated by combining your CAT scaled score, 10th marks, 12th marks, graduation percentage, work experience, and diversity points. Each IIM has a unique formula, which is usually published in their "Admission Criteria" document on their respective websites.

10 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Understanding the TITA Impact in CAT 2025 Results

This year's CAT included several non-MCQ questions, known as TITA, or Type In The Answer questions. Since these do not carry negative markings, they act as score boosters. Experts suggest that those who will manage to get at least 60% of TITA questions correct will have significantly higher overall scaled scores compared to those who focused only on MCQs.

09 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Comparison of CAT 2025 vs CAT 2024

Data suggests that the number of test-takers increased by around 10% this year. This surge in competition means that the "score vs percentile" ratio has shifted. For the same scaled score that resulted in a 99 percentile last year, candidates might see a 98.5 percentile this year due to the increased number of high-performing students.

09 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

IITs MBA Programs via CAT

IITs, specifically IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) and IIT Delhi, are excellent alternatives to IIMs. They accept CAT scores and are known for their great placements. Their application portals usually open right after the CAT results, and the cut-offs are around the 98+ percentile.

08 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Reservation Policies for CAT 2025

08 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

IIM Kozhikode's Own Admission Policy

As the conducting body for CAT 2025, IIM Kozhikode has updated its admission policy to give more weightage to gender and academic diversity. Female candidates and those from non-engineering backgrounds may receive additional points during the pre-interview shortlisting stage, even with a slightly lower percentile.

07 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Expected Cut-offs for New and Baby IIMs

• New IIMs (Udaipur, Trichy, Ranchi): 92 - 95 Percentile

• Baby IIMs (Sirmaur, Bodh Gaya, Sambalpur): 88 - 92 Percentile

These institutes conduct a Common Admission Process, or CAP, to streamline the interview and selection phase for all participating newer institutes.

07 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Verification of CAT 2025 Scorecard Details

Upon downloading the CAT 2025 scorecard, candidates must carefully verify all printed details. This includes your name, registration number, category, gender, and date of birth. Any discrepancies found in the personal information or the scaled scores should be immediately reported to the IIM Kozhikode helpdesk.

06 35 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT 2025 Results Release Date Confirmed

CAT 2025 result release date has been confirmed! IIM Kozhikode is set to announce the CAT 2025 results on December 24, 2025 at around 6 PM. Candidates will be able to check and download their scorecards on the official website: iimcat.ac.in by logging in with their CAT user ID and password.

06 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Top Non-IIM Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

Apart from the IIMs, several elite institutions accept CAT scores for their MBA and PGDM programs, including:

• FMS Delhi
• MDI Gurgaon
• SPJIMR Mumbai
• IIFT Delhi & Kolkata
• XLRI Jamshedpur
• JBIMS Mumbai
• TISS Mumbai 

These colleges usually have their own application deadlines, many of which close shortly after the CAT result declaration.

06 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT 2025 Expected Cutoff Range

05 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Documents Required for IIM Shortlisting

Once the results for CAT 2025 are out, the shortlisting process begins immediately. Candidates should keep digital and physical copies of:

• CAT 2025 scorecard
• 10th and 12th marksheet
• Graduation degree
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Work experience certificates

These will be required during the registration for the PI/WAT rounds.

05 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Trends in CAT 2025 Difficulty Levels Across Slots

According to expert analysis, Slot 3 of CAT 2025 was reportedly the most difficult, particularly in the DILR section. Slot 1 was considered relatively moderate. These differences are precisely why the normalization process is required to maintaining fairness across all 2.95 lakh students who sat for the exam.

04 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

What to do if you forgot your CAT 2025 Password?

If you are unable to log in to the iimcat.ac.in portal, click on the "Forgot User ID/Password" link on the login page. You will need to enter your registered email address to receive a link to reset your credentials. Just make sure you check your spam folder if the recovery email does not arrive in your primary inbox.

04 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT Result 2025: Difference Between Scaled Score and Percentile

It is important to distinguish between your scaled score and your percentile rank. The scaled score is the adjusted mark you received after normalization, whereas the percentile indicates the percentage of candidates who scored less than or equal to you. For example, a 99 percentile means you performed better than 99% of the total test-takers.

03 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Validity of the CAT 2025 Scorecard

Candidates should note that the CAT 2025 scorecard is valid only until December 31, 2026. This score can be used for admissions to the 21 IIMs and over 1,200 other participating B-schools. If you do not secure a seat this year, you will be required to appear for the CAT 2026 exam next year.

03 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT 2025 Result: Understanding the Normalization Process

The CAT 2025 results are calculated using a complex normalization process to ensure equity across the three different slots. Since the difficulty levels of Slot 1, Slot 2, and Slot 3 varied slightly, IIM Kozhikode uses a scaled score mechanism to adjust for these variations, ensuring no candidate is at a disadvantage.

02 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Steps to Check Your CAT Percentile

To view your results:

1. Visit the official website and click on the 'Login' button under the CAT 2025 scorecard tab.
2. Enter your User ID and password, then navigate to the 'Scorecard' section to view your sectional and overall percentiles.
3. Make sure to download and print a copy for future admission rounds.

02 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT Results 2025 Timeline

01 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT 2025 Results: IIM Shortlisting Criteria

IIMs will release their individual shortlisting criteria after CAT Result 2025. Each institute considers different weightages for CAT score, academics, work experience, and diversity factors.

01 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Details Required to Download CAT 2025 Scorecard

The mandatory login details are:

1. CAT User ID (Registration Number)

2. Password

3. Date of Birth (DOB)

4. CAPTCHA

12 30 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

Where to Check IIM CAT results?

The CAT 2025 result and scorecard will be available on the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in. ​Candidates need to log in using their CAT User ID and password to view and download the scorecard.

12 00 PM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT Results 2025 Release Date Basis of Prediction

• CAT 2025 was conducted on November 30, 2025. ​
• In recent years, CAT results have been declared within 20-25 days of the exam date, usually in the third week of December. ​
• The CAT 2025 final answer key was released around December 4, 2025, and results are typically announced about 15-16 days after the answer key release.

11 30 AM IST - 23 Dec'25

CAT 2025 Result Expected Release Date

CAT 2025 result is expected to be released on December 24, 2025 (Wednesday), with a possible delay to December 26, 2025 (Friday) if not announced on the 24th, according to the latest predictions based on past trends and the CAT 2025 answer key release.