CAT 2025 has concluded on November 30, 2025, in three sessions. It is the first milestone for aspirants in the MBA journey. It attracts more than 2 lakhs test-takers every year. After the CAT 2025 exam, aspirants eagerly wait for the declaration of the result. Some are nervous about their performance, and some are unsure about their percentile. Planning carefully after CAT can maximise their chances of admission into top MBA colleges. Understanding what is next after CAT 2025 is crucial. IIM releases the CAT cutoff percentile every year. It aims to shortlist candidates for the next admission rounds, like GD, PI, etc. Similarly, top B-schools also shortlist candidates based on their CAT scores. We have shared the detailed guide on what after CAT 2025 and other details.
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What After CAT 2025?
Once the CAT 2025 exam concludes, candidates should check their scorecards as soon as they are released. The next step after the CAT 2025 exam is not simple. It matters to both top scorers and those who didn’t do well. Some will apply for MBA admissions, others will search for employment, and some will start CAT 2026 preparation. The next challenge after CAT 2025 is to excel in the written ability test (WAT), group discussion (GD) and personal interview (PI) round. Analysing your overall and sectional percentile is essential. It allows you to apply only to MBA colleges where you satisfy the eligibility criteria. Every IIM and other B-schools outline their own selection processes for admission to their MBA programs. For example:
- IIM ABC: CAT Cutoff usually ranges between 85-95 percentile. They also consider factors like academic records, work experience, diversity, etc.
- Top non-IIMs like FMS & MDI: CAT Cutoff often varies between 80-95 percentile.Â
What is the MBA Selection Process?
After the CAT 2025 result, qualified candidates will be shortlisted for the MBA admission process. Clearing the CAT cutoff percentile of the respective college is essential. It is the first stage of the MBA selection process. The selection process comprises 3-4 phases.
Shortlisting Criteria
IIMs and other colleges shortlist aspirants based on the following parameters:
- CAT Cutoff percentile: Every IIM prescribes the overall and sectional cutoff percentile. Look below the IIM CAT cutoff percentile for 2025.
| IIM | General | EWS | NC-OBC | SC | ST | PwD |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 95 | 80 | 80 | 85 | 75 | 60 |
| IIM Indore | 90 | 90 | 80 | 60 | 45 | 45 |
| IIM Calcutta | ≥85 | ≥75 | ≥75 | ≥70 | ≥65 | ≥55 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 65 | 60 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 60 | 60 | 60 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
| IIM Mumbai | ≥85 | ≥75 | ≥75 | ≥70 | ≥65 | ≥55 |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 | 82 | 82 | 65 | 60 | 60 |
- Academic record: It includes 10th, 12th, and graduation scores.
- Work experience: 6 months to 2 years of relevant experience plays an important role.
- Diversity factors: Gender and academic background are also part of the few B-school shortlisting processes.
Also Read: IIM Admission Process 2025
Written Ability Test (WAT)
The WAT round is a part of the MBA admission at a few colleges. It evaluates candidates’ critical thinking ability, unique ideas, and writing skills.
Group Discussion (GD)
Group Discussion is a crucial stage in the MBA selection process. It is organised by IIMs and top B-schools. It judges the candidate’s communication skills, leadership qualities, listening ability, etc
Personal Interview (PI)
PI is an important step in the MBA selection process. It is also conducted at IIMs and top B-schools. It assesses aspirants’ academics and work experience, career goals, general awareness, etc.
What to Do If CAT 2025 Didn’t Go Well
Everyone does not always secure the expected scores. Don’t lose hope if your CAT 2025 didn’t go well. You must always remember that one exam does not decide your destiny.
Many students perform exceptionally well on their next attempt. Furthermore, CAT 2026 is an excellent chance to achieve your targets. You can also appear in other MBA entrance exams. It includes SNAP, XAT, NMAT, etc. They also open doors for MBA admissions in top business schools. Here is what you can do if CAT 2025 didn’t go well:
Using CAT 2025 as an Experience
You can use CAT 2025 as an experience even if your results were unsatisfactory. It allows you to discover weak areas, time-consuming questions, and analyse silly mistakes. This approach will help you prepare better for CAT 2026. Suppose you achieved 80 percentile in CAT 2025. You must focus on weak areas during preparation. This can improve your chances of scoring in the 95+ percentile in CAT 2026 with expert guidance.
Strengthen Concepts
Candidates should work on improving their weak areas in QA, DILR, and VARC. They should revisit all the topics. It will help them refine their problem-solving strategy. Regular practice and revising basics are essential. It may increase their sectional percentile by 10 to 15 points within 8 months.
Practising Mock Tests
Practice full-length mocks under real test conditions. iQuanta CAT mocks are designed as per the exam standards and difficulty level. It will highlight your recurring mistakes and improve your strategy accordingly. It will also enhance your question-selection approach. Mock practice is crucial. Students should practice 20+ mocks with in-depth analysis. It may increase their percentile by 10 to 20 points in the real exam.
Join iQuanta CAT 2026 Course
iQuanta CAT 2026 online coaching can help you prepare well for the exam. They offer structured guidance, exam-level mocks, instant doubt-solving support, and many other features. Some of the essential features of the iQuanta CAT 2026 course are as follows:
- Live Conceptual Classes
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- Full Mocks with Video Solution
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What After CAT 2025? FAQs
What After CAT 2025?
Candidates who perform well in the CAT 2025 exam will be shortlisted for further admission rounds. This includes WAT, GD, PI, and other parameters.
Which is the best coaching for the CAT 2026 prep?
iQuanta is the best online coaching for CAT 2026 preparation. It offers conceptual clarity, exam-level mocks, instant doubt-solving support, and other features.
