The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India. Every year, thousands of students take this exam with the hope of securing admission to top business schools like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other prestigious institutions. If you’re among those who have appeared for CAT 2025, you’re probably anxious about your results. This article provides an in-depth look at the CAT results—how they are calculated, when they are announced, and how you can interpret your score.
Understanding the CAT Exam
Before diving into the specifics of the CAT results, it’s essential to understand the exam itself. The CAT is a computer-based test designed to evaluate a candidate’s skills in three main areas: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
The exam is typically conducted in November, and results are announced a few weeks later, usually in the second week of January. It’s a timed test, with each section allotted a specific amount of time. Your performance in these sections determines your overall score and percentile, which are critical in the selection process for business schools.
What Happens After the CAT Exam?
Once you’ve completed the CAT exam, the next major step is waiting for your results. While the exam itself tests your ability in various academic areas, the CAT results primarily measure your overall performance through percentiles. Let’s take a deeper look into what these results signify and how they are calculated.
How is the CAT Result Calculated?
The CAT exam is scored based on a normalized system, meaning your score is compared to the scores of other test-takers to ensure fairness across different exam sessions. Here’s a breakdown of how the CAT score is calculated:
Scaled Score Calculation: The raw score you get in each section (VARC, DILR, and QA) is first converted to a scaled score. This scaling process ensures that the difficulty level of different sessions doesn’t affect the result.
Percentile Calculation: Your scaled scores are then converted into percentiles, which represent how you performed compared to other test-takers. For example, if you scored a 95 percentile, it means you performed better than 95% of the candidates.
Final Score and Percentile: The final result that you see is your overall percentile, along with your individual section-wise percentiles. This score determines your eligibility for the next steps, such as shortlisting for interviews.
When Will the CAT Results Be Announced?
The CAT results are usually released by the conducting body, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), in the second week of January. The official result release date for CAT 2025 has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to follow the usual pattern. You can check the official CAT website for updates on the exact date.
The results will be available online on the official CAT portal, where you will need to log in using your user ID and password to access your scorecard.
How to Check Your CAT Results?
Checking your CAT results is a simple process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully:
Visit the Official CAT Website: Go to the official CAT exam portal (https://iimcat.ac.in).
Log in: Use your login credentials (User ID and Password) to access your account.
View Your Scorecard: Once you log in, you’ll be able to see your CAT scorecard, which will display your overall percentile as well as your sectional percentiles.
Download Your Scorecard: It’s a good idea to download and print a copy of your scorecard for future reference, as you’ll need it during the admission process.
What Does Your CAT Result Mean?
Your CAT result will display two main figures: the overall percentile and the sectional percentiles. Here’s what each of these represents:
Overall Percentile: This is your final score, calculated based on your performance across all three sections of the exam. It is the number that is most often referred to when applying to B-schools. A high percentile (above 90) gives you a better chance of getting selected for interviews.
Sectional Percentiles: These are the percentiles for each individual section (VARC, DILR, QA). Even if your overall percentile is impressive, some business schools may have minimum sectional percentile requirements, so be sure to check the individual scores.
What is a Good CAT Percentile?
A good CAT percentile varies depending on the B-school you’re aiming for. For the top IIMs, such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, or IIM Calcutta, a percentile above 99 is generally required. For other reputable institutions, a percentile between 90-95 can still secure you a place.
To give you an idea:
IIMs (Top 3): 99-100 percentile
Other IIMs & Prestigious Schools: 90-99 percentile
Tier-2 B-Schools: 80-90 percentile
Tier-3 B-Schools: 60-80 percentile
How to Use Your CAT Results?
Once your results are out, the next step is to interpret them in the context of your applications. Many business schools use CAT scores to shortlist candidates for further rounds, such as Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), and Written Ability Tests (WAT).
Step 1: Check the Cutoffs
Each B-school has a cutoff percentile for CAT results. This cutoff is the minimum percentile required to be eligible for the next stages of the admission process. Research the cutoffs for the schools you’re interested in.
Step 2: Apply to B-Schools
After receiving your CAT results, start applying to the B-schools that accept CAT scores. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and application deadlines. Most schools also require additional documents like your academic records, work experience (if applicable), and letters of recommendation.
Step 3: Prepare for the Next Stage
If you clear the cutoff and are shortlisted for further rounds, it’s time to prepare for the Group Discussion, Personal Interview, and Written Ability Test. The admission process typically involves an evaluation of your communication skills, leadership qualities, and how well you perform under pressure.
Common CAT Result FAQs
How long does it take to get CAT results?
The results are generally released in the second week of January, about a month or so after the exam.
What is the minimum percentile required for IIMs?
Each IIM has its own cutoff, but typically, you need a percentile above 99 for the top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta.
How can I calculate my CAT score?
The Allure Your CAT score is based on a scaling system, and you can access your scorecard on the official CAT website once the results are announced.
Can I request a re-evaluation of my CAT score?
No, the CAT results are final. The conducting IIM does not entertain re-evaluation requests.
When should I start preparing for CAT 2026?
Jackson It’s never too early! The earlier you begin your preparation, the more time you have to master the syllabus. A one-year preparation plan is common.
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