With CAT 2025 results out, aspirants are aligning percentile bands with realistic college lists. IIMs dominate the 95+ bracket, while strong public and private schools fill the 90-95 and 80-90 ranges. Below 80, quality options persist through regional universities, emerging private institutes, and specialized programs focused on ROI and placements.
Admissions Landscape In 2025
The CAT 2025 cycle follows the same 3-section, 120-minute format, with over 2.93 lakh registrations, keeping competition intense and cutoffs tight. As institutes finalize shortlists, percentile remains the primary screening tool, followed by profile, WAT-PI performance, and diversity factors in composite scores.
Percentile Bands And College Fit
95+ percentile
Old and new IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IIT Delhi/ Bombay/ Madras MBA, IIFT, SJMSoM, NITIE/ IIEST-adjacent management programs for operations and analytics-heavy tracks
90-95 percentile
Newer IIMs and baby IIMs, IMI Delhi, NMIMS Mumbai (MBA), SIBM Pune, IIT Roorkee/ Kanpur management, DFS/ DSE Delhi (finance-economics focus), TAPMI Manipal, XIM University, Great Lakes Chennai (PGPM)
80-90 percentile
IIMs through category/ profile advantages, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar Mumbai, BIM Trichy, GIM Goa, FORE Delhi, LBSIM Delhi, SIOM Nashik, NITs’ MBA, University schools with strong local industry linkages
70-80 percentile
Regional state universities and emerging private schools with improving placements, sectoral MBAs in supply chain, analytics, healthcare; options like Nirma, Alliance, Christ (Bangalore), KIIT School of Management, IFMR (profile-linked)
60-70 percentile
Tier-2/3 institutes focused on affordability and ROI, university departments with strong alumni in local markets; emphasis on internships, skill certifications, and city advantage for placements
50-60 percentile
Selective PGDMs with niche strengths, distance/ blended MBAs from public universities, and executive-format diplomas for work-experienced candidates aiming role transitions rather than brand-led jumps
Key Highlights
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CAT 2025 maintained the 3-section pattern: VARC, DILR, QA; 120 minutes total
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Over 2.93 lakh registrations intensified competition across bands
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Composite scores weigh profile, academics, diversity, and WAT-PI beyond percentile
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Non-IIM pathways include IITs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IIFT, and sectoral schools with strong ROI
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Slot-wise expected score-to-percentile conversions guide shortlist expectations
Outlook For Aspirants
Percentile signals fit, but institute choice should weigh ROI, specializations, location, industry linkages, and pedagogy. Candidates below 90 can still secure strong outcomes through targeted college lists, profile building, and WAT-PI preparation, leveraging cities and sectors that match their experience and goals.
Sources: Careers360, InsideIIM, Tarkashastra
