The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 results are now out. This means students who took the exam will know their scores. The main focus for MBA students now shifts from their scores to understanding their chances of getting interview calls from top management colleges, especially the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). This year, 12 candidates scored a perfect 100 percentile in the CAT 2025 exam.
Many students wonder what CAT score is "safe" for an IIM interview. However, IIMs do not announce a single "safe percentile." Instead, they look at a complete picture. This includes your CAT score, your marks in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation. They also consider your work experience and other factors like your category (SC/ST/OBC) and gender diversity. Because of this, two students with similar CAT scores might get very different results.
CAT 2025: Expected Percentile Ranges for IIM Calls
Based on previous years' trends and advice from admission experts, here are the expected percentile ranges that generally lead to interview calls from different IIMs:
| CAT Percentile Range | Likely Outcome for IIM Calls |
| 99.5 percentile and above | Strong chance for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta (if your overall profile is good) |
| 98–99.49 percentile | High chance for IIM Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore |
| 95–97.99 percentile | Good chances for newer IIMs; some older IIM calls possible with a very strong profile |
| 90–94.99 percentile | Chances for Baby IIMs, CAP IIMs, and many top non-IIM colleges |
| Below 90 percentile | Limited chances for IIMs; better options available in non-IIM business schools |
What Percentile Is Considered for Old IIMs?
For the top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta (often called ABC), a percentile of 99.5 or higher is usually needed. Even with a high percentile, candidates must also have consistently good academic records (high scores in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation) and, in many cases, relevant work experience to get an interview call. In previous years, some students with 99+ percentile missed interview calls due to lower marks in school or college.
Students who scored between 98 and 99 percentile generally have a strong chance at IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Indore. This is especially true for those who benefit from academic or gender diversity criteria, which can give them an extra advantage in the shortlisting process.
Why a High CAT Percentile Does Not Guarantee an IIM Call
It is important to understand that a high CAT percentile alone does not guarantee an IIM interview call. Each IIM uses its own special formula to shortlist candidates. Apart from your overall CAT percentile, several other factors play a key role:
- Your score in each section of the CAT exam (sectional cut-offs).
- Your academic scores in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation.
- The amount and quality of your work experience.
- Your category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD) and diversity-related weightage (like gender diversity).
This means two candidates with the exact same CAT percentile can receive very different interview call outcomes based on their full profile.
Options for Candidates Scoring Between 90 and 95 Percentile
Candidates scoring between 90 and 95 percentile should not feel their chances are limited. New and Baby IIMs regularly shortlist candidates from this range. In addition, many other highly respected non-IIM institutes also consider candidates in this percentile bracket. These top colleges include:
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
- IMI New Delhi
- TAPMI Manipal
- KJ Somaiya Mumbai
Each of these institutes has its own specific selection criteria, so it is important to check them carefully.
What Aspirants Should Do Next
After checking your CAT 2025 result, here is what you should do next:
- Closely track the specific shortlisting rules and criteria of each individual IIM you are interested in.
- Apply to a balanced mix of IIMs and other good non-IIM institutes to keep your options open.
- Begin preparing for the next stages of admission, which usually involve Written Ability Tests (WAT) and Personal Interviews (PI). Do not wait for call announcements to start your preparation.
Remember, your CAT percentile is an important part of getting an interview call, but final admission decisions depend on your overall performance across all stages of the selection process.
