CAT Cut Off for IIM 2025: Expected Cutoffs for IIM & Top MBA Colleges

Overview: The CAT 2025 exam was successfully conducted by IIM Calcutta on 30 November 2025 in three slots. Let’s look for the overall and section-wise CAT cut off for IIMs 2025 here!

Approximately 3.29 lakh MBA aspirants registered for the CAT 2025, with around 2.8 lakh candidates actually taking the exam. Overall, the CAT 2024 exam was easier compared to the CAT 2023.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2025 by SuperGrads

While the official CAT scores will be released in January, you can estimate your score and compare it to last year's results for an idea of your predicted percentile.

Below, you will find the expected CAT cut off 2025 including overall and sectional CAT 2025 cut off details.

CAT 2025 Cut off for IIMs [Expected]

The CAT cut off for IIM 2025 is a crucial factor to consider while applying to any of the top MBA colleges in India, especially IIMs. The IIM cut off 2025 is the minimum cutoff required by the IIMs or any other B-school where the CAT cutoff is acceptable to shortlist a candidate for the next round of the CAT admission process.

CAT Cut Off for IIM 2025: College Wise

CAT exam cut off for IIM is announced to release the qualifying percentile in their official admission brochure. The table below provides the category-wise IIMs cut for 2025:

IIM	CAT Cut Off for IIM for General	CAT Cut Off for IIM for OBC	CAT 2025 Cut Off for IIM  for EWS	CAT Cut Off for IIM for SC	CAT Cut Off for IIM for ST
CAT 2025 Cut Off for IIM Ahmedabad	80	75	80	70	60
IIM Bangalore Cut off 2025	85	75	75	70	65
CAT 2025 Cut Off for Kozhikode	85	75	75	65	55
CAT Exam Cut off for IIM Kolkata	85	75	75	70	65
CAT Exam Cut off for IIM Lucknow	90	82	82	65	60
IIM Mumbai CAT Cut Off	85	75	75	70	65
IIM Indore Cut off 2025	90	80	90	60	50
IIM CAT Cut off for Raipur	92	74	70	54	40
CAT Cut off for IIM Rohtak	95	78	90	55	30
IIM CAT Cut off for Udaipur	92	74	70	54	40
IIM CAT Cut off for Kashipur	92	74	70	54	40
IIM CAT Cut off for Trichy	92	74	70	54	40
CAT 2025 Cut Off for IIM Ranchi	92	74	70	54	40
CAT 2025 Cut Off for IIM Shillong	75	75	75	60	50
CAT Exam Cut off for IIM Visakhapatnam	80	70	72	45	35
CAT Exam Cut off for IIM Jammu	Male- 90 Female- 87	Male- 72 Female- 70	Male- 68 Female- 65	Male- 52 Female- 50	Male- 37 Female- 34
IIM CAT Cut off for Nagpur	90	76.5	80	60	40
IIM CAT Cut off for Amritsar	85	75	85	55	40
IIM CAT Cut off for Bodh Gaya	92	74	70	54	40
CAT Cut off for IIM Sambalpur	74	74	70	54	40
CAT Cut off for IIM Sirmaur	92	74	70	54	40

The IIM CAT cut off for different b-schools varies from college to college and is based on various factors such as the number of applicants, difficulty level of the exam, etc. The CAT cut-off for IIMs varies from year to year. Generally, a student must get a percentile of 90+ to be shortlisted for the CAT IIM cut off 2025 Category wise

Analyse your performance | CAT Response Sheet 2025 PDF Download

CAT 2025 Cut Off for IIMs: Section-Wise

Check the CAT cut-off for IIM in VARL, DILR, and QA sections. 

Name of the Institutes	Sectional CAT Exam Cut off 2025
	VARC	DILR	QA
IIM Ahmedabad	70	70	70
IIM Bangalore	80	75	75
IIM Lucknow (PGP)	85	85	85
IIM Calcutta	≥80	≥80	≥75
IIM Indore	80	80	80
IIM Kozhikode	75	75	75
IIM Amritsar	75	75	80
IIM Nagpur	72	72	72
IIM Bodh Gaya	70	70	70
IIM Kashipur	70	70	70
IIM Jammu	70	70	70
IIM Raipur	>=70	>=70	>=70
IIM Ranchi	80	80	80

Check | CAT 2025 Answer Key

Admission Process of Top B-Schools

CAT Cut off for IIM Percentile Score 2025

The table below shows the expected IIM CAT exam cut-off for 2025 with score and percentile:

Percentile	Score VARC	Score DILR	Score QA	Overall Score
99.5	42	30	30	86
99	36	25	25	74
95	30	20	22	52
90	24	14	13	42
80	20	11	9	35
70	18	9	7	30

Check |CAT Verbal Ability Questions

The IIM CAT cut off for MBA program is determined based on various factors, such as the number of applicants, the average difficulty level of the exam and the number of seats available.

CAT Percentile	Marks in CAT 2023	Marks in CAT 2022	Marks in CAT 2021	Marks in CAT 2020	Marks in CAT 2019	Marks in CAT 2018	Marks in CAT 2017	Marks in CAT 2016
99.9	106	111	120	131	196	192	208	191
99.5	89	93	107	115	170	170	183	168
99	80	82.5	97	102	157	155	173	153
95	71	60	71	77	120	125	139	123
90	57	48.5	59	63	90	110	121	108
85	30	41	45.5	55	87	90	103	93
80	25	35.5	40	49	75	80	98	84
70	21	29	35	36	57	62	83	68

Note: Get an estimate of your CAT percentile and performance by using the SuperGrads CAT score calculator based on your raw scores and sectional performance.

Check below: Start using the CAT Score Calculator to plan your preparation effectively and target top B-schools!

CAT Percentile Predictor 2025 [Check your Score with SuperGrads CAT Score Calculator Here]

Read more: | Minimum Marks Required to Qualify CAT

Expected CAT IIM cut off 2025 Category wise

Here are the expected CAT exam cut-off marks for 2025 for the Top 5 IIMs: 

IIM Ahmedabad Cut off 2025

Category	VARC	DILR	QA	Aggregate
General	70	70	70	80
NC-OBC	65	65	65	75
SC	60	60	60	70
ST	50	50	50	60
PwD (General/ NC-OBC/ SC)	60	60	60	70
PwD (ST)	50	50	50	60

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Check | How to download CAT Admit Card

CAT Cut off for IIM Bangalore 2025

Category	VARC	DILR	QA	Overall
General	80	75	75	85
NC-OBC	70	65	65	75
EWS	70	65	65	75
SC	65	60	60	70
ST	55	55	55	65
PwD	50	50	50	60

Check |  CAT Exam Notification 2025

CAT Cut off for IIM Kolkata 2025

Category	VARC	DILR	QA	Aggregate
General	≥75	≥80	≥80	≥80
NC-OBC	≥65	≥65	≥70	≥75
EWS	≥65	≥65	≥70	≥75
SC	≥60	≥60	≥65	≥70
ST	≥55	≥55	≥55	≥65
PwD	≥55	≥55	≥55	≥65

Check | Track Your CAT Result 2025 Here

Expert Tips on How to Prepare for CAT GDPI

CAT Cut off for IIM Kozhikode 2025

Category	Class 10	Class 12	Sectional Percentile	CAT Percentile
General	60	60	75	85
NC-OBC/ EWS	60	60	65	75
SC	55	55	55	65
ST/ PwD	55	55	45	55

Check | CAT MBA Entrance Exam

CAT Cut off for IIM Lucknow 2025

Category	VARC	DILR	QA	Aggregate
General	85	85	85	90
NC-OBC	77	77	77	82
SC	55	55	55	70
ST	50	50	50	65
PwD	50	50	50	65
EWS	77	77	77	82

Check | CAT Exam Eligibility for 2025

List of Best Books for CAT GD and WAT

CAT 2025 Cut off for Non-IIM Top B-schools

Institute	CAT Exam Cut Off 2025(Percentile)
JBIMS Mumbai	98
FMS	98
IIT Delhi	90-92
IIM Mumbai	95+
MDI Gurgaon	95
IIT Madras	95+
IMT Ghaziabad	70-85
SPJIMR	85+ (profile-based calls)

Check | CAT Slot Timings

Hot Topics for CAT Group Discussion Round

How to check the CAT Exam Cut Off 2025 on the official website?

1. Visit the official website of the Common Admission Test (CAT).
2. Click on the ‘Results’ tab on the home page.
3. A new window will open, where you can select the year you want to check the CAT Cut Off.
4. Once you have selected the year, you can find the cut-off score for the different sections of the CAT.
5. You can also check the minimum percentile needed for the different IIMs.

Read More | CAT Exam Analysis Nov 30, 2025 [All Shifts]

Factors Affecting the CAT Exam Cut Off 2025

The CAT cut-off for IIMs and top MBA colleges varies yearly. The cut-off generally increases each year due to the increasing competition. Therefore, keeping an eye on the cut-off score of the college you are applying to is important. Here are the key factors that affect the CAT cutoff of the top institutes:

#1 CAT Exam Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of the CAT exam is an important factor affecting its cut-off. As the difficulty level changes each year, the cut-off also changes accordingly.

#2 Number of Candidates Appearing for the Exam

The number of candidates appearing for the CAT exam is also an important factor that affects the cut-off. If there is a large number of candidates appearing for the exam, the cut-off is likely to be higher than usual.

#3 Number of Seats

The number of seats available in colleges that accept CAT scores also affects the cut-off. If the number of seats is less, the cut-off usually goes higher.

#4 Scoring Pattern

The exam's scoring pattern also affects the cut-off. If the exam is designed to be more difficult, the cut-off will likely be higher.

#5 Reservation Policy

The reservation policy of the participating institutes also affects the cut-off. If the reservation policy of a particular institute is more lenient, then the cut-off for that institute is likely to be lower than for other institutes.

Know More | CAT Score vs Percentile

What After Qualifying the IIM CAT Cut Off 2025?

After meeting the IIM CAT cut-off, the next steps in the admission process typically involve:

1. Shortlisting by IIMs:

• Each IIM (Indian Institute of Management) will individually shortlist candidates who meet their respective cut-offs.
• These cut-offs can vary significantly between the older, more prestigious IIMs and the newer IIMs. They also differ based on category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD).
• The shortlisting criteria usually consider the CAT score, academic performance (10th, 12th, and graduation), and sometimes work experience and diversity factors.

2. Written Ability Test (WAT) and/or Group Discussion (GD):

• Shortlisted candidates are then called for further selection rounds, which often include a WAT and/or a GD.
• In the WAT, candidates are usually given a topic to write an essay on within a specific time limit to assess their writing and analytical skills.
• In the GD, a group of candidates discusses a given topic, and their communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills are evaluated.
• Some IIMs have replaced GD with Case Discussion (CD) or other similar methods.

3. Personal Interview (PI):

• Candidates who clear the WAT/GD/CD rounds are called for a Personal Interview.
• The PI is a one-on-one interaction with a panel of faculty members who assess the candidate's personality, communication skills, general awareness, career goals, and overall suitability for the MBA program.
• Interviewers often ask questions about the candidate's background, academics, work experience (if any), reasons for pursuing an MBA, strengths and weaknesses, current affairs, and long-term aspirations.

4. Final Selection:

• The final selection is based on a composite score that considers the candidate's performance in the CAT exam, WAT/GD/CD, PI, academic record, work experience, and diversity factors.
• Each IIM has its own weightage for these different components.
• Candidates who score high on the composite score are offered admission to the MBA program.

5. Offer of Admission and Acceptance:

• Successful candidates receive an offer letter from the IIM.
• To accept the offer, candidates need to confirm their acceptance within a stipulated time and pay the admission fees

Check: What after CAT Exam Results

How to Improve CAT Score to Meet IIM Cut Offs 2025?

Effective Test-Taking Strategies:

• Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time limit for each section. Learn to prioritize questions and avoid getting stuck on difficult ones.
• Accuracy over Attempts: Focus on maximizing accuracy. Negative marking in CAT penalizes incorrect answers, so it's better to attempt fewer questions with higher accuracy.
• Mock Tests: Take regular full-length and sectional mock tests to simulate the exam environment. Analyze your performance to identify weak areas, improve time management, and refine your test-taking strategy. Aim for at least 25-30 mock tests.
• Performance Analysis: After each mock test, thoroughly analyze your performance. Identify the types of questions you are getting wrong, the time you are taking, and your sectional strengths and weaknesses.
• Strategic Question Selection: Learn to identify easy and moderate questions that you can solve quickly and accurately. Don't hesitate to skip difficult questions and return to them later if time permits.
• Stay Motivated: Believe in yourself and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.
• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques and maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and exercise.
• Review and Revise: Regularly revise concepts and formulas. Create short notes for quick revision. Avoid last-minute cramming.

Read more: How to Score 99 percentile in CAT 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Consistency is crucial. Regular study and practice are more effective than sporadic long study sessions.
• Analyze your performance regularly to identify areas needing improvement.
• Time management is key both during preparation and the actual exam.
• Focus on accuracy to maximize your score.
• Mock tests are essential for familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern and improving your strategy.

IIM CAT Cut Off 2025 for International Students

there isn't a specific "IIM CAT cut off for international students" in the same way there is for domestic candidates. Instead, international students are evaluated based on their GMAT/GRE scores and other criteria defined by each IIM in their international admission policies. You should visit the individual IIM websites to find detailed information on their eligibility criteria, accepted test scores, and the application process for international students.

How Reservations Impact CAT Cut Offs Across IIMs?

Here's how reservation impacts CAT cut-offs across IIMs, in pointers:

• Differential Cut-offs: Reservation policies (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD) lead to different, generally lower, CAT cut-offs compared to the General category.
• Lower Qualifying Percentiles: IIMs set significantly lower qualifying CAT percentile thresholds for reserved categories for initial shortlisting.
• Category-Specific Variations: Cut-offs differ within reserved categories (e.g., ST cut-offs are typically lower than OBC cut-offs).
• IIM-Specific Policies: Each IIM independently determines its category-wise cut-offs based on its admission policy and applicant pool.
• Impact on Shortlisting: Reservation increases the chances of candidates from reserved categories being shortlisted for subsequent selection rounds (WAT, PI).
• Final Cut-offs Still Competitive: While qualifying cut-offs are lower, final admission cut-offs can still be competitive for reserved categories due to the number of applicants.
• Promoting Diversity: The reservation system aims to ensure representation and diversity within IIM classrooms.
• Varying Degree of Relaxation: The extent of cut-off relaxation varies across different IIMs and different reserved categories.

What is the minimum qualifying sectional cutoff for top IIMs?

The minimum qualifying sectional cut-offs for the top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode) for the General category typically range as follows:

• VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension): 70-85 percentile
• DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning): 70-85 percentile
• QA (Quantitative Ability): 70-85 percentile

Specifically:

• IIM Ahmedabad: 70 percentile in each section.
• IIM Bangalore: 80 (VARC), 75 (DILR), 75 (QA) percentile.
• IIM Calcutta: 80 (VARC), 80 (DILR), 75 (QA) percentile.
• IIM Lucknow: 85 percentile in each section.
• IIM Indore: 80 percentile in each section.
• IIM Kozhikode: 75 percentile in each section.

These are the qualifying cut-offs for being eligible for the next stage (WAT/PI). The final cut-offs for admission are usually much higher. Cut-offs for reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD) are significantly lower.

Check: CAT Percentile Predictor Tools: Are They Reliable?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CAT cut off for IIM is an important factor to consider when applying to any of the top MBA colleges in India. IIM cut off 2025 category wise It is important to score above the cut-off to get a seat in one of the top MBA colleges. Therefore, staying current with the CAT Cut off of the college you are applying to is important.

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