CAT Exam Result 2025: Release Date, Scorecard & Cutoff Details

Overview of CAT Exam Result 2025

The CAT Exam Result 2025 is the moment every MBA aspirant waits for. Months of classes, mocks, and late-night revision all boil down to one scorecard.

This result decides your chances for IIMs and top private B-schools, shapes your shortlist, and often influences your career direction for years. Students usually feel a mix of excitement, fear, and curiosity when the result link goes live. Some refresh the page endlessly, others quietly log in alone.

Whatever your percentile, the CAT result is not the end - it’s the beginning of your MBA journey and next decisions.

CAT 2025 Result Date & Important Deadlines

A) Expected result release date

• CAT results are generally released by last week of december or in the first week of January, since the exam is held on 30th November.
• CAT 2025 results are likely to be announced in early January 2026.
• This is an estimate - not an official confirmation.
• Keep checking the official CAT website and your registered email/SMS for updates.

B) Official notification details

• The official CAT notification states that results will be released online only, via the candidate login on the IIM CAT portal.
• After the declaration, candidates receive an email/SMS alert, but the scorecard is not sent by post.
• You must log in yourself, download the scorecard, and keep copies for admissions.

C) Validity of CAT 2025 score

• The CAT 2025 score is valid for only one admission cycle.
• It will be used for MBA/PGDM admissions for the 2026 -27 academic year.
• After that, candidates must reappear for CAT to apply again.
• Treat it as a one-year opportunity window for applications.

How to Check CAT Exam Result 2025 Online

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

• Go to the official IIM CAT website Click Here => (iimcat.ac.in) in your browser.
• On the homepage, look for the “Login” or “Candidate Login” button.

Step 2: Enter Your Login DetailsKeep these credentials ready:

• User ID (same as CAT registration ID)
• Password
• Captcha code (if shown)

If you’ve forgotten your details, click “Forgot User ID/Password” and reset using your registered email.

Step 3: Open Your Scorecard

• After logging in, click on the “Scorecard” or “Result” tab in your dashboard.
• You’ll see an option to view or download your CAT 2025 scorecard.

Step 4: Download and Save the PDF

• Click “Download Scorecard” to save the PDF on your device.
• Take 2 - 3 printouts and keep a backup in email/drive for GD–PI rounds and college verification.

Step 5: Use Only the Official Link

• Always access the result from the official CAT homepage under the “Scorecard/Result” button.
• Avoid third-party result links to stay safe and protect your data.

CAT 2025 Scorecard: Details Mentioned

A) Scaled score 

The scaled score is your raw marks adjusted for difficulty across different slots. So even if another slot were slightly tougher, normalisation balances it out. Think of it as a fair, corrected version of your performance across all candidates.

B) Percentile

Your percentile tells you the percentage of candidates who scored less than you. For example, 95 percentile means you did better than 95% of test-takers. It’s not your marks - it’s your rank position in the crowd.

C) Section-wise marks

The scorecard shows section-wise scores and percentiles for VARC, DILR, and QA separately, along with your overall score and percentile. This helps you judge which section is your strength, and which one may affect shortlisting in IIMs and other colleges.

D) Instructions on score interpretation

Don’t panic if one section is weaker. Many institutes look at overall percentile + minimum sectional cut-offs. Read the scorecard calmly, compare it with expected cut-offs, and then plan your college shortlist and next steps strategically.

Understanding CAT 2025 Normalisation & Scoring Process

A) How scores are normalised

CAT is conducted in multiple slots, and every slot varies slightly in difficulty. To keep things fair, raw marks are converted into scaled scores using a standardised normalisation method.

This ensures a student who wrote a “tougher slot” isn’t at a disadvantage compared to someone who got an easier one.
Think of it as a balancing system - the algorithm adjusts your scores upward or downward based on slot difficulty so everyone is compared on equal ground.

B) Section-wise scoring method

Each CAT section follows a simple scoring pattern:

• +3 marks for every correct answer
• –1 mark for every incorrect MCQ
• 0 negative marking for non-MCQs

First, raw marks are calculated in VARC, DILR, and QA separately.
Then these raw marks are converted into scaled scores, and finally into sectional percentiles and an overall percentile.
This is what B-schools use for shortlisting.

Expected CAT 2025 Percentile vs Marks

A) Approximate marks vs percentile

While exact numbers vary by year and difficulty, students often notice patterns. Roughly, a 99+ percentile may require a high scaled score (often in the top 1% of total marks). Around the 95th percentile usually requires strong accuracy in two sections and decent attempts in the third. For 90 percentile, solid but not perfect performance across sections can suffice. 80 percentile often corresponds to moderate attempts with good accuracy. Always remember these are ballpark estimates, not fixed cut-offs.

B) Comparison with previous years 

In recent years, aspirants have seen that even with fewer questions, the level of competition has intensified. That means similar percentiles may come at slightly lower raw scores than older 100-question patterns. However, because performance depends on the overall pool, no year is identical. Comparing trends gives direction, not guarantees. Use previous years as a reference, but always check updated analysis from coaching institutes after CAT 2025 for more precise marks-to-percentile mapping.

CAT Result 2025 Cut-Offs for IIMs

A) Category-wise expected cut-offs

Older IIMs (A, B, C) usually expect 97–99+ percentiles for General category students.
NC-OBC and EWS candidates may receive calls in the 90–95+ percentile range.
SC/ST/PwD categories generally have lower cut-offs, but minimum sectional scores still apply.
Every year, cut-offs shift depending on performance, seats, and applicant pool.
Always check the official criteria because each IIM follows its own weightage formula.

B) Shortlisting criteria for top IIMs

CAT percentile is only one part of the IIM selection process.
Institutes also consider

• Academic scores (10th, 12th, graduation)
• Work experience
• Academic & gender diversity
• Communication & analytical abilities

A composite score is created to shortlist candidates.
So even if your percentile isn’t perfect, a strong profile can still earn an interview call.

Top Non-IIM Colleges Accepting CAT Result 2025

Below is a handy snapshot of some well-known non-IIM institutes that accept CAT scores:

*Figures are indicative ranges, not official guarantees.

Together, these institutes offer strong academics, solid alumni networks, and good corporate exposure for students who may not land an IIM but still want a high-ROI MBA.

MBA Colleges in Mumbai Accepting CAT Result 2025

Mumbai is a dream city for many management aspirants. Here are some MBA colleges in Mumbai accepting CAT scores:

*Indicative ranges only.

These colleges combine Mumbai’s corporate ecosystem with strong academics. For many students, the chance to study where headquarters, banks, FMCG, fintechs, and start-ups operate daily is a huge advantage.

ITM Business School Admissions After CAT Result 2025

ITM Business School remains a preferred choice for students seeking a practical, industry-ready MBA. Its flagship Navi Mumbai campus and other centres offer a lively academic environment, diverse peer group, and strong faculty expertise. The atmosphere feels collaborative, not competitive, which many students appreciate.

ITM offers specialisations such as:

• Marketing
• Finance
• Business Analytics & HR
• International Business
• FinTech, Retail, Operations

Each specialisation blends classroom learning with case studies, live projects, internships, corporate workshops, and capstone projects - making the curriculum application-oriented rather than purely theoretical.

ITM accepts multiple entrance exams: CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA and state CETs. Shortlisting is profile-based, considering:

• Entrance test score
• Academic background
• Work experience
• Communication and confidence in interviews

Shortlisted students go through micro-presentations, personal interviews, and sometimes group tasks.

Placements reflect strong industry linkages in BFSI, IT, Consulting, FMCG, Retail, and E-commerce. Average packages remain competitive, and top performers secure higher CTCs. Overall, ITM offers a balanced mix of learning experience, access, and career outcomes.

CAT Result 2025: Next Steps After the Scorecard Release

Once your CAT 2025 score is out, the focus shifts from test prep to GD–WAT–PI performance. The first step is to register for the selection rounds of all colleges you are targeting. Every institute has its own deadline - missing even one can cost you an admission opportunity.

Prepare the essential documents in advance:

• Academic mark sheets
• Government ID proofs
• Updated resume
• Work experience certificates
• Category certificates (if applicable)

Keep both digital and printed copies ready.

Shortlisted students move into the evaluation stage, which includes:

• WAT (Writing Ability Test)
• GD (Group Discussion)
• PI (Personal Interview)
• Extempore, micro-presentation, or case discussions in some colleges

Your communication skills, career clarity, awareness of current events, and confidence matter as much as your CAT percentile. Use your scorecard as a guide, but remember - a strong interview can significantly improve your chances, even with a slightly lower percentile.

Common Issues While Downloading CAT Result 2025 & Solutions

Many students face server overload on result day because thousands try to log in at once. If the portal doesn’t load, wait a few minutes and retry.
Sometimes the issue is browser-related-—try clearing your cache, switching to incognito, or using another browser.

Forgotten passwords or User IDs are also common. Always search your email for the original CAT registration mail. You can reset credentials instantly with the “Forgot User ID/Password” link.

If the PDF scorecard refuses to open, update your PDF reader or re-download the file.
In rare cases where technical issues continue, contacting the CAT helpdesk with your registration number usually solves the problem quickly.

CAT Result 2025: Important Instructions for Candidates

Once you download your scorecard, save it in multiple places - email, cloud drive, and printed copies. Check all details carefully, including name, application number, category, and sectional scores. Report mismatches immediately.

Remember that percentile, not raw marks, determines shortlisting. Compare your percentiles with the expected cut-offs of IIMs and top private institutes to realistically shortlist collegesshortlist colleges.
As soon as results are announced, colleges begin their selection processes, so start preparing for PI/WAT/GD rounds immediately.

Stay updated with business news, revise basic academics, polish your resume, and practise common interview questions.
This preparation often becomes the deciding factor between just clearing cut-offs and actually securing admission.

Conclusion:

Your CAT 2025 result is more than just a number - it’s the beginning of an exciting and transformative phase in your MBA journey. Whether the percentile is exactly what you expected or slightly below your target, the key is to make smart, timely decisions.

Apply strategically, prepare well for interviews, and stay confident.
Remember, the MBA journey is shaped not only by your score but also by your clarity, effort, and mindset. With the right approach, you can convert strong calls and build a rewarding management career ahead.

FAQs on CAT Exam Result 2025

1. Where can I download the CAT 2025 result?

You can download it from the official website iimcat.ac.in using your User ID and password. Avoid third-party links and always verify the portal before logging in.

2. What is a good CAT percentile for top colleges?

Generally, 97–99+ percentile is needed for older IIMs and FMS. 90–95 works for many newer IIMs and top private colleges. The right target depends on your goals.

3. Does ITM Business School accept CAT scores?

Yes. ITM accepts CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, and CET scores for its PGDM programs. Selection is based on your overall profile, not just CAT.

4. How long is the CAT 2025 score valid?

CAT 2025 scores are valid for one admission cycle and are used for MBA/PGDM admissions for 2026 - 27. To apply again in later years, you must retake the CAT.

5. Can I get admission with a low CAT score?

Yes. Many reputed private B-schools accept scores in the 60 - 80 percentile range. Strong communication skills, interview performance, and academics can still secure a good admission.

6. What if my CAT result has an error?

Immediately contact the CAT helpdesk with your registration number and proof. Corrections are usually quick if reported early.