For CAT 2025 aspirants, the scorecard will be the only officially accepted proof of performance for admissions to management programs in the 2026 academic cycle. This scorecard determines your chances of getting into top institutes, such as the IIMs, and many other reputable business schools.
- The CAT scorecard is valid for one admission cycle only, meaning the CAT 2025 score can be used for MBA/PGDM admission starting in 2026.
- IIMs and over 1,000 non-IIM B-schools accept the CAT scorecard; however, each institute applies its own sectional cutoffs, weightages, and shortlisting formulas.
- Both sectional and overall percentiles are mentioned in the scorecard matter, as failing to meet sectional cutoffs can lead to rejection even with a high percentile.
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Key Summary
- The CAT 2025 scorecard is valid only for the 2026 admission cycle and expires on December 31, 2026.
- The scorecard is mandatory for IIM and non-IIM MBA admissions, serving as the sole official proof of CAT performance.
- Both overall and sectional percentiles are crucial, as not meeting sectional cutoffs can lead to rejection.
- Each IIM follows its own shortlisting criteria, combining CAT scores with academics, work experience, and diversity.
- Non-IIM colleges accept the same CAT scorecard but require separate applications and conduct independent selection processes.
Source: CAT 2025 Official Information Bulletin
How long is your CAT scorecard valid?
According to the official rule followed every year, the CAT 2025 scorecard is valid only until December 31, 2026. After this date, the scorecard will no longer be available on the official website, and institutes will not accept it.
This one-year validity means your CAT 2025 score can only be used for the 2026 admission cycle (programs starting in 2026).
| Aspect | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| For CAT 2025 | Valid for one admission cycle (check scorecard) | It applies to admission for the 2026 intake (2026-28 batch) |
| If the printed date is Dec 31, 2026 | Usable until that data | Use for shortlists announced in 2026 |
| After Dec 31, 2026 | Validity expires; CAT scores are no longer valid | Must retake the CAT; can not use old scores. |
Also Read: How to identify discrepancies in the CAT scorecard?
Ques. Can I use my CAT 2025 score for 2027 admissions?
Ans. No, CAT scores cannot be carried forward. If you plan to apply for admissions beyond the 2026 cycle, you must appear for the CAT again.
Ques. Where is the validity date mentioned on the CAT scorecard?
Ans. The validity date is printed directly on the CAT scorecard PDF downloaded from the official CAT website.
Ques. Do all colleges follow the same CAT score validity rules?
Ans. Yes, all IIMs and CAT-registered non-IIM institutes follow the same CAT score validity rules.
Using the CAT Scorecard for IIM Admissions
- IIMs use the CAT score as the primary input in their shortlisting formula.
- Each IIM publishes its own weightage for sectional scores, overall percentiles, past academic and working experience.
- Meeting an IIM’s sectional and overall percentiles cutoff is usually the minimum to get an interview call.
After the CAT scorecard is out, visit the admission page of each IIM you target to check sectional cutoffs.
| Item | How IIMs typically use | Candidate action |
|---|---|---|
| Overall percentile | Primary filter for shortlist | Aim for IIM-specific cutoffs(90-99+, depending on IIM) |
| Sectional percentiles | Minimum sectional criteria applied by many IIMs | Check the minimum sectional cutoff required published by IIMs |
| Academic Profile | Included in shortlisting and composite score | Upload the CAT scorecard, transcripts, and certificates accurately |
| Composite Score | Used for final selection | Composite score: CAT scores +PI/WAT + Academic + work experience |
Also Checkout: CAT 2025 scorecard explained: Full breakdown of sectional scores, percentile and scaled scores
Ques. Can I apply to multiple IIMs using one CAT scorecard?
Ans. Yes, a single CAT scorecard will be used to apply to all IIMs, as long as you meet their individual eligibility criteria.
Ques. How do IIMs use the CAT scorecard for shortlisting?
Ans. IIMs use the CAT scorecard to check overall percentile, sectional percentiles, and then combine them with academics, work experience, and diversity factors to shortlist candidates.
Also Read: Step-by-step guide to calculating your CAT score accurately
Getting Calls from Non-IIM Institutions with Your CAT Score
- Apart from IIMs, over 100 top B-schools accept CAT scores. These non-IIM institutes give separate calls based on your CAT percentile.
- You need to apply individually on their websites and pay the application fee. Popular non-IIM options include FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, and various IIT management departments.
| Type of college | How do they use the CAT score? | What to check? |
|---|---|---|
| Top non-IIMs(MDI, SPJIMR, etc) | Use CAT percentile + profile +PI/GD | Check institute-specific cutoffs |
| IITs and IIITs with management programs | CAT Percentile + PI/GD | Check the department admission page |
| Private B-schools | Your CAT percentile score, combined with the college's individual admission process, will determine the final selection. | Confirm via the college website |
Also Read: Which MBA colleges can you apply to with your CAT score?
Ques. Do non-IIM colleges have sectional cutoffs like IIMs?
Ans. Some do, and some don’t. While some institutes like MDI consider sectional balance, others focus more on overall percentile and profile.
Ques. Can I use my CAT scores for IIT programs?
Ans. Yes, most IITs offer MBA programs that accept CAT scores and require the official scorecard during application.
How to Use Your CAT Scorecard?
Once you download your CAT scorecard from the official website, you can use your scorecard to be part of the IIMs admission process and to apply to non-IIMs.
It is also important to prepare for the next stages: group discussions, personal interviews, and institute-specific essays. Even with a strong CAT scorecard, weak prep in these rounds can cost a call.
| Step | Action Item | Time line |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check sectional cutoff: Ensure you meet the minimum for each section | December 2025 |
| 2 | IIM Shortlist status: Check if you get shortlisted for any IIMs through your | Jan 2026 |
| 3 | Apply to non-IIMs: Use the CAT scorecard to apply to colleges like FMS or MDI (if the window is still open) | December 2025 - January 2026 |
| 4 | CAP process: If you qualify for new or baby IIMs, register for CAP | Jan - Feb 2026 |
| 5 | Document verification: Keep physical copies of the scorecard ready for WAT/PI rounds. | February - April 2026 |
Also Read
- IIM Ahmedabad’s CAT 2025 sectional cutoff percentiles for all categories.
- Check IIM Bangalore’s CAT 2025 sectional and overall cutoff percentiles.
- IIM Calcutta’s sectional cutoffs and expected overall CAT 2025 percentile.
Ques. Do colleges verify the CAT scorecard during interviews?
Ans. Yes, colleges verify the CAT scorecard during the interview and admission process. Any mismatch can lead to a disqualification.
Ques. Can a good CAT score compensate for a weak academic profile?
Ans. A good CAT score helps, but it can not fully compensate for poor academics at most IIMs. Non-IIM colleges may be more flexible.
Your CAT scorecard is an official, time-bound credential you will use across IIMs and many non-IIMs admissions in the 2026 cycle. Check institute-specific sectional and overall percentiles, and apply early with the balanced list of colleges.
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