Students aiming to join a top Indian Institute of Management (IIM) after the Common Admission Test (CAT) need to score very high. For students in the General Category , the expected minimum percentiles for CAT 2025 admissions are out. These numbers help students understand what score they might need to get into their preferred IIMs. It is important to note these are expected figures, based on past years, and not official cutoffs.
The CAT exam is a very competitive national test. Many students take it each year to get admission into MBA and other management programs. IIMs are known as India's premier business schools. Getting a seat in any of the 21 IIMs is challenging, especially for General Category students, as they face the highest competition.
What is CAT? What are IIMs?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based entrance exam. It is conducted once a year by one of the IIMs on a rotating basis. This test checks a student's skills in areas like verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. A good score in CAT is essential for IIM admission.
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are autonomous public business schools. They are recognized for their excellent management education and research. They offer various postgraduate and doctoral programs. Securing admission to an IIM is seen as a major step towards a successful career in management.
Understanding Percentile Scores
A "percentile" is not the same as a percentage. It tells you how many students you scored better than. For example, if you achieve a 95 percentile in CAT, it means you performed better than 95% of all other students who took the exam. To get into the top IIMs, students often need to be in the top 1-2% of all test-takers, meaning a percentile of 98 or 99 .
Expected CAT 2025 Minimum Percentiles for General Category
These expected minimum CAT 2025 percentiles are based on cutoff trends from previous years. They serve as a guide for General Category students planning their preparation for CAT 2025. Remember, these figures are for reference and can change.
| Name of IIM | CAT Minimum Percentile (Expected) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99-100 |
| IIM Bangalore | 99-100 |
| IIM Calcutta | 99-100 |
| IIM Lucknow | 97-98 |
| IIM Indore | 97-98 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 97-98 |
| IIM Kashipur | 96-97 |
| IIM Amritsar | 95-96 |
| IIM Nagpur | 95-96 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 95-96 |
| IIM Vishakapatnam | 95-96 |
| IIM Trichy | 94-95 |
| IIM Raipur | 94-95 |
| IIM Vizag | 92-94 |
| IIM Udaipur | 92-94 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 92-94 |
| IIM Rohtak | 92-94 |
| IIM Jammu | 92-95 |
| IIM Mumbai | 94 |
| IIM Shillong | 90 |
| IIM Sirmaur | 90 |
Differences in Percentiles Across IIMs
The table shows that the required percentiles vary. Older and more established IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad , IIM Bangalore , and IIM Calcutta demand the highest scores, often needing a percentile of 99 or even 100 . These IIMs receive a very large number of applications.
Newer IIMs, such as IIM Shillong , IIM Sirmaur , or IIM Bodh Gaya , might have slightly lower expected percentiles, sometimes ranging from 90 to 95 . However, the competition to get into any IIM remains very high, and students must prepare thoroughly.
Beyond CAT Scores: Other Key Admission Factors
Achieving a high CAT percentile is crucial, but it is just one part of the IIM admission process. IIMs look at a candidate's overall profile. Other important factors include:
- Academic Record: Your marks in Class 10 and Class 12 (often referred to as 10+2) are very important. IIMs look for students who have a consistent record of good academic performance throughout their schooling.
- Group Discussion (GD): Many IIMs conduct a Group Discussion round. Here, candidates are given a topic to discuss in a group. Their communication skills, ability to work in a team, and leadership qualities are evaluated.
- Personal Interview (PI): This is a direct interview with a panel. It is a chance for the IIMs to learn about your background, career goals, general knowledge, and suitability for their management program.
- Work Experience: While not always mandatory for fresh graduates, relevant work experience can be an advantage for some IIM programs or during the interview stage.
Important Advice for CAT 2025 Aspirants
The percentiles listed here are projections based on past data. They are not official. The actual minimum percentiles for CAT 2025 admissions will be announced by each IIM after the CAT results are declared. Each IIM sets its own final cutoff score, which can vary year to year.
Students preparing for CAT 2025 should use these expected scores as a target. Aiming to score well above these expected percentiles will significantly increase your chances of securing a seat in your desired IIM. It is wise to monitor official IIM websites and reliable education news sources for the latest updates on admission criteria and official cutoffs.
