IIM Kozhikode is expected to release the final CAT 2025 Results around 22–23 December 2025, after the conclusion of answer‑key objections. You can submit your objections till 10 December 2025.
As soon as the results are out, IIMs and top B-schools will begin releasing their shortlists, and the CAT cutoff for each institute will also be announced.
Recent expert analysis for 2025 (IMS India, Career Launcher, and other CAT‑prep platforms) suggests:
- For CAT 2025, a 99 percentile needs about 90–98 marks, while 55–70 marks can get you to the 95 percentile.
- Top IIMs usually require 98–99+ percentile (around 90–98 marks).
- Mid-tier IIMs need about a 94–97 percentile (75–85 marks).
- Newer or smaller IIMs typically accept 88–93 percentile (60–75 marks).
With CAT 2025 results just a few days away, this is the perfect time for candidates to start strengthening their overall profile. IIMs don’t shortlist only on CAT scores; they also value academics, work experience, achievements, and diversity.
So, update your resume, get your documents ready, think about your story for PI, and start WAT and PI preparation, as most interview invites are expected between the 1st and 2nd week of January.
Related News:
- What Percentile Do You Need for Top Colleges?
- Which IIM does Not Consider Work Experience?
- How Important is the CAT Score in the Selection Process?
- Top MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores
What is the CAT Exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s premier national‑level management entrance exam, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their MBA/PGP programmes offered by 22 IIMs, with IIM Guwahati recently added to the list of participating institutes and over 1,000+ government and private B‑schools.
CAT 2025 Important Dates
The final answer key has been released, and results are expected in the last week of December 2025.
From January 2026, IIM shortlists and CAP registration will start, leading to WAT/PI rounds in February-March and final admission offers by April-May 2026.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 8th-10th December 2025 (Open) | CAT 2025 Answer Key Objection Window |
| Mid-December 2025 | Final Answer Key Release |
| Last week of December 2025 | CAT 2025 Result Declaration |
| 1st–2nd week of January 2026 | IIM Shortlist Release (Top IIMs) |
| Mid-January 2026 | IIM CAP 2026 Registration |
| February–March 2026 | WAT/PI Process for IIMs |
| April–May 2026 | Final Admission Offers |
| November 30, 2025 (Sunday) | CAT 2025 Exam Date (Over) |
| 4th December 2025 (Out) | CAT 2025 Answer Key and Response Sheet Release |
Meanwhile, if you're not satisfied with your CAT performance, there is still time to secure another opportunity. If you have already registered for XAT 2026 or SNAP 2025, then it can provide you with additional chances to target top B-schools beyond IIMs.
CAT 2025 Percentile and Raw Marks Breakdown: Shortlisting Criteria for Top, Mid-tier, and Lower IIMs
From recent 2025 Reddit threads on CAT-related subreddits: Most students feel that even though your overall percentile is important, doing well in each section: VARC, DILR, and QA, is just as important, especially because normalization in CAT 2025 can be unpredictable.
“For GEM freshers … top IIMs will need a 99.5 percentile plus score in CAT 2025. Aim for a scaled score of 105 plus.” Reddit
“Even a 99+ overall percentile doesn’t guarantee a call from top B-schools if sectional cutoffs aren’t cleared.” Reddit
Also, some aspirants aiming for mid-tier or newer IIMs believe 95+ percentile could be “safe enough” depending on profile, rather than chasing 99+. Reddit
| Institute / Type | Expected Cutoff (General) | Expected Cutoff(OBC/EWS) | Expected Cutoff (SC/ST/PwD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta) | 98–100 %ile | 96–98 %ile | 90–95 %ile |
| Mid/Old IIMs (IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore) | 97–99 %ile | 94–96 %ile | 80-90%ile |
| New / Baby IIMs (IIM Amritsar, IIM Nagpur, etc.) | 85–95 %ile | 75–90 %ile | 65–80 %ile |
Check:
| 70 Marks in CAT Percentile | 60 Marks in CAT Percentile |
| 37 Marks in CAT Percentile | 80 Marks in CAT Percentile |
| 40 Marks in CAT Percentile | 30 Marks in CAT Percentile |
CAT 2025 Answer Key
The Answer key plays an important role in the post-exam evaluation process. By comparing the answer key with the response sheet, you can calculate your raw score and get an idea of your expected percentile before the result.
- The IIM will open the objection window, where you will get a chance to challenge any answer you believe is incorrect with valid proof by paying ₹1200.
- Once the objections are reviewed, the Final Answer Key will be published.
- The CAT 2025 result will be calculated based on the final version only, with no further changes allowed.
CAT Objection Acceptance Rate 2024-2021
Across CAT 2021–2024, the acceptance rate of objections has been extremely low, roughly 0.9%, with only 5 accepted out of nearly 950 total objections raised in four years.
So you should focus more on estimating your performance and preparing for WAT/PI and other MBA exams instead of hoping for score changes due to objections.
| Year | Objections Raised | Accepted/Changed | What Changed & Key User Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 405 | 0 | "No objections accepted..Slot 2 VARC carnivore Q-Option 1 better, but 4 too broad? " -Reddit. |
| 2023 | 85 | 2 | Reddit: "Slot 1 assemble... 6 questions in DILR declared incorrect... let's talk out VARC now" |
| 2022 | ~300–350 | 2 (both DILR) | Two DILR sets dropped- +3–6 marks prorated. |
| 2021 | 161 | 1 | One QA question revised (Shift 2, non-negative marking). Reddit: Sparse, but patterns show VARC/DILR disputes. |
Check: CAT Most Commonly Challenged Sections
CAT 2025 Score Calculation
To calculate the score, you should understand the process, i.e, Raw score calculation and Scaled Score (Normalized score) calculation.
- To calculate the raw score, calculate the number of correct and incorrect answers in all three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
- As per the marking scheme, you get +3 marks for every correct MCQ, -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ, and 0 negative marking for TITA questions.
Raw Score = (Number of correct answers × 3) – (Number of incorrect MCQ answers × 1)
Normalisation & Scaled Score
- The CAT 2025 exam was conducted in 3 slots; the difficulty level may vary slightly across slots.
- To ensure fairness, raw scores are normalised (scaled) before calculating the percentile.
- Your final “CAT Score” (as published on result day) is based on this scaled score, not just raw.
Check: How Scaled CAT Score Calculated for the Three Slots?
Percentile Calculation
Once your normalised score is calculated, all candidates are ranked. Your percentile shows how many candidates scored less than or equal to you.
For example, 99 percentile means you performed better than 99% of all CAT test-takers; only 1% scored equal to or above you.
Also Check: Correct Answers vs Percentile Table
CAT 2025 Result Date
The CAT 2025 Results will be available on the official website. You’ll be able to check it online using your login credentials.
The result will show your section-wise scores, overall score, and percentile, which is important for IIM shortlists.
So, while you wait, it’s a good idea to start preparing for WAT/PI rounds, as shortlists for IIMs usually drop in the first week of January.
Related Links:
CAT 2025 Score vs Percentile (Good Attempts)
For CAT 2025, your percentile depends a lot on the accuracy and balance across sections. To get a 99+ percentile, you will need around 95-120 marks with 40-50 good attempts.
- The 95-98 percentile can be achieved from 75-90 marks and 35-40 accurate attempts.
- While for 90–94 percentile needs 60–75 marks with 28–34 good attempts.
“Slot 2 was kinder — 44 attempts → 99.5+. Slot 1 needed 48+ for same; VARC 99%ile at 38-40 marks.” - @catguruji
On of the previous year CAT candidate said - “36 attempts, 33 correct → 92 marks → 98.9. Accuracy > attempts this year; IMS says 95%ile at 65 marks.” - @Harshita
“One section screw-up (DILR 8 attempts) pulled me from 99.5 to 97.8 despite 105 marks potential.” - Reddit
This shows that a few mistakes in one section can lower your percentile.
| Target Percentile (Overall) | Approx. Marks / Scaled Score Range* | Good Attempt Range (with high accuracy) |
|---|---|---|
| 99.9 – 100 (Top 0.1–0.2 %) | 110–120+ marks | 45–50 QA + VARC + DILR combined, with 85–90% accuracy |
| 99 – 99.5 %ile (Top ~1 %) | 95–105 marks | 40–45 attempts with 85–90% accuracy |
| 95 – 98 %ile | 75–90 marks | 35–40 attempts, accuracy 80–85% |
| 90 – 94 %ile | 60–75 marks | ~28–34 attempts, accuracy 75–80% |
| 80 – 89 %ile | 45–60 marks | 20–28 attempts, accuracy 70–75% |
Also Check:
- Minimum vs Actual CAT 2025 Cutoff for General Category
- 99.9 Percentile in CAT 2025?
- What marks does CAT AIR 1 require?
Top IIMs accepting the CAT 2025 score
| List of IIMs | Score | NIRF MBA Ranking (MBA) | Programs Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | 83.32 | 1 | PGP, PGP-FABM |
| Indian Institute of Management Bangalore | 81.16 | 2 | PGP, PGPEM, PGPPBA |
| Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode | 77.9 | 3 | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP Kochi |
| Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | 75.07 | 5 | MBA |
| Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (renamed in 2023) | 74.73 | 6 | MBA, MBA (Operations and SCM), MBA in SM |
| Indian Institute of Management Lucknow | 74.43 | 7 | PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM |
| Indian Institute of Management Indore | 73.53 | 8 | PGP, PGP-HRM |
| Indian Institute of Management Rohtak | 68.49 | 12 | PGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM |
| Indian Institute of Management Raipur | 64.4 | 14 | PGP |
| Indian Institute of Management Ranchi | 61.27 | 17 | PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics) |
| Indian Institute of Management Udaipur | 60.93 | 22 | MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBA |
| Indian Institute of Management Shillong | 60.49 | 24 | PGP, PGPEX, PGPDWE |
| Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam | 59.2 | 26 | PGP, PGPEX, PGPDGM |
| Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli | 57.87 | 27 | PGPM, PGPM-HR, PGPBM |
| Indian Institute of Management Nagpur | 56.94 | 31 | PGP |
| Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya | 56.27 | 33 | PGP |
| Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIMJ) | 54.64 | 42 | MBA, Executive MBA (Blended Mode), PGP in Health Care Management (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu), PGP in Hospital Administration (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu) |
| Indian Institute of Management Amritsar | 52.57 | 47 | MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM |
| Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur | 51.47 | 50 | MBA, Executive MBA |
| Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur | 50.92 | 57 | MBA, MBA (T&HM) |
CAT IIM Selection Process Batch 2026-2028
The IIM Selection Process is majory divided into 2 stages: Shortlisting and then Final Selection.
Each stage evaluates candidates on different parameters to ensure a balanced and diverse batch.
IIM Shortlisting (After CAT Result)
Once CAT 2025 results are declared in late December 2025, IIMs will release shortlists in early January 2026.
Shortlisting is based on multiple parameters such as:
- CAT percentile (highest weightage)
- Academic scores in 10th, 12th & graduation
- Work experience & quality of experience
- Gender & academic diversity
In CAT 2024 admission cycle, candidates with 95+ percentile received calls from many new and baby IIMs, while older IIMs required 98-99+ percentile, depending on the profile.
Shortlisting depends on multiple factors, including:
| Parameter | Weightage Range (Across IIMs) |
|---|---|
| CAT Score | 60% – 85% |
| 10th Marks | 5% – 15% |
| 12th Marks | 5% – 15% |
| Graduation Score | 2% – 10% |
| Work Experience | 5% – 10% |
| Gender / Academic Diversity | 3% – 10% |
Final Selection (WAT + PI + Composite Score)
Shortlisted candidates go through the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) with around between February and March 2026.
After the CAT exam you should put more focus on practicing PI as it have the highest weighatge of 30-50% while calculating composit score.
In 2024, nearly 70% of final converts had excellent PI scores, even if their CAT percentile was just around the cutoff.
Final selection is based on a composite score, combining CAT score and performance in the WAT–PI round, along with academics and work experience.
| Component | Weightage in Final Merit (Range) |
|---|---|
| CAT Score | 25% – 40% |
| WAT | 10% – 15% |
| PI | 30% – 50% |
| Academics (10th, 12th, UG) | 5% – 15% |
| Work Experience | 5% – 10% |
| Diversity | 2% – 10% |
Also Check:
- CAT IIMs Seat Intake
- IIM Admission Process: College Wise Criteria
- IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cutoff and Admission Criteria 2025
What About the IIM CAP Process?
The Common Admission Process (CAP) is a joint selection process for 10+ IIMs (IIM Trichy, IIM Ranchi, IIM Kashipur, IIM Udaipur, IIM Raipur, etc.).
Instead of attending multiple interviews, you go through one combined WAT–PI round and the results are shared with all CAP-participating IIMs.
In 2024, almost 45–50% of shortlisted CAP candidates converted at least one IIM, and candidates with 95–97 percentile + strong PI had high conversion chances.
Also Check: IIM CAP Stages in CAT Counselling
Minimum Percentile to get an interview Call
As per the previous years analysis, to get the interview call from IIMs the General category requires the 98–99.5+ %ile for top IIMs (A/B/C/L), 94–97 for newer ones.
- EWS/OBC: 3–10 %ile lower around 70–80 for top IIMs.
- SC: 80–85, ST: 70–75, PwD: 60–70 for old IIMs.
- But General Engineers male (GEM) often need 99.5–99.8+ due to competition.
“GEM pool 70% of takers but 40% seats → effective cutoff 99.7+ for ABC.”- Reddit
“99.3 General Engineer Male → zero calls from ABC, only I/K/U. This category is a scam.” - Reddit
“99.55 GEM → A/B/C shortlist. 99.3 → nothing. Difference of 0.25 %ile = life ruined.” -Reddit
| Category | Top IIMs (A/B/C/L) | Newer IIMs (e.g., Indore, Kozhikode) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 98–99+ | 94–97 | Minimum for shortlist; actual calls higher (e.g., 99.65 for engineers). |
| EWS | 95–98 | 90–95 | 3–5 %ile relaxation vs. General. |
| OBC | 90–95 | 85–92 | Balanced with academics; ~5–10 %ile lower. |
| SC | 80–85 | 75–82 | Focus on overall; sectional ~50–70 %ile. |
| ST | 70–75 | 65–72 | Lowest threshold; ~20–25 %ile below General. |
| PwD | 60–70 | 55–65 | Highest relaxation; eligibility-focused. |
Also Check:
IIM CAT College Predictor
The IIM CAT College Predictor is a tool designed to help the CAT aspirants in estimating their chances of admission into IIMs and other top B-Schools based on their CAT percentile, academic background, category, work experience, and past cutoff trends.
Also Check: IIM Fees for MBA through CAT
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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You can check here for the CAT Question Paper (Available): Download CAT Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions PDF (2025-1988).The CAT question paper comprises of 68 questions carrying 204 marks.
You can check here for the Top MBA Colleges in India: Fees 2026, Ranking, Admission, Placement, Cutoff
You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests
Yes, you can check here for the CAT VARC Mock Test: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests. The CAT question paper comprises 68 questions carrying 204 marks.
For admission to the best MBA colleges in India, a high entrance-exam percentile is very important in CAT. Top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta require 95-99+ percentile, while good Tier-1 colleges such as FMS Delhi, IITs, and SPJIMR prefer 90-98 percentile, depending on category. The admission process includes CAT/GMAT score evaluation, followed by WAT/GD/PI rounds, academic record assessment, work-experience points, and overall profile review.
Scoring 90 percentile in CAT for IIFT Delhi needs focused preparation, smart strategy, and disciplined practice. Start with building strong basics in Quant, DILR, and VARC through NCERTs, editorials, and daily problem-solving. Practice 2-3 VARC RCs daily, solve DILR sets with time limits, and revise important Quant chapters. Take full mock tests weekly, analyse your mistakes, and improve accuracy rather than speed alone. Follow a fixed study timetable for at least 4-6 months to reach 90 percentile.
The CAT registration date was open from August 1, 2025 to September 20, 2025 (5 PM). The CAT 2025 will be held on 30th November by IIM Kozhikode in CBT mode for 2 hours in 3 shifts. The CAT Admit card are available for download on the official website
The conducting body Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) has released the official CAT mock test link on its website. You can also take mocks there. You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests.
You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests
Go to the Collegedunia website and search for the CAT Mock Test page. Click on any mock or chapter-wise test, and the site will ask you to sign up for free using your mobile number or email. Once you log in, you will get access to multiple free CAT mocks, including VARC, DILR, and Quant topic tests.
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The CAT Admit card are available for download on the official website – iimcat.ac.in. The candidates can download the admit card by using their login Id and password.
You can download the CAT admit card by visiting the official website iimcat.ac.in and logging in with your registered email ID and password. After logging in, go to the “Admit Card” section inside the candidate dashboard and click on the download option. The admit card will open as a PDF, which you can save and print. Make sure to check details like your exam date, time, test centre, and photo before the exam to avoid any issues on the exam day.
You can download the official VARC mock test through the CAT conducting body’s website. To access it, you must visit iimcat.ac.in, where the official mock test link is activated every year before the exam. The mock includes VARC, DILR, and Quant sections in the exact exam pattern. You log in using the provided credentials on the portal, and the test opens in the real CAT interface. This is the only authentic and official VARC mock available for CAT aspirants.
Collegedunia CAT mocks are designed to follow the CAT pattern. They provide useful practice in concepts, question variety, and time management, yet the difficulty level may sometimes feel easier or more predictable than the real CAT. Still, they help you build confidence, strengthen basics, and understand exam-style questions. For the most accurate feel of CAT, combining Collegedunia mocks with the official CAT sample paper is recommended.
You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests
You can get your CAT exam slot and centre details by downloading the official admit card from the CAT website using your registered ID and password. After logging in, go to the “Admit Card” section and download the PDF, which mentions your exam date, shift timing, reporting time, and test centre address. It’s important to check all details and visit the centre beforehand if possible. Carry the admit card and a valid ID proof on the exam day for entry.
You can check here for the CAT Mock Test 2025: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests