Percentiles In Motion: Non‑Engineers Steal The CAT Spotlight

Performance Highlights  
CAT 2025, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, witnessed participation from over 2.58 lakh candidates across India. The results revealed a diverse mix of toppers, with representation from multiple states and academic backgrounds. While engineers have historically dominated CAT’s top percentile brackets, this year’s outcome showcased the growing presence and success of non-engineers, reflecting broader inclusivity in management education.  

Key Highlights  

• Twelve candidates scored 100 percentile, including 10 male and 2 female students  
• Twenty-six candidates secured 99.99 percentile, with four female achievers among them  
• Nine of the 12 perfect scorers came from non-engineering backgrounds, breaking past trends  
• Candidates from states including Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Gujarat featured prominently among toppers  
• CAT scores will be used by all IIMs and 93 non-IIM institutions for MBA admissions this year  

Impact On Admissions  
The results are expected to influence admission trends across IIMs and other premier business schools. With non-engineers leading the top ranks, institutes may see more diverse classroom profiles, enriching peer learning and broadening perspectives in management education.  

Sources: The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India, Careers360, News9Live