Quick Facts

• Commencement Timeline: CAT 2025 counselling is expected to begin shortly after the results declared in December 2025.
• Key Evaluation Stages: Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) have significant role in the counselling process, along with the CAT exam scores.
• Shortlisting Criteria: Admission shortlisting for CAT 2025 will be based on candidates' CAT scores and their performance in the GD and PI rounds.
• Holistic Selection Process: Both the written exam score and performance in evaluation stages like GD and PI determine the final selection for admissions.

CAT counselling 2025 is expected to commence shortly after the announcement of the results in December 2025. Group Discussions and Personal Interviews play a crucial role in the CAT counselling process. Admission shortlisting for CAT 2025 will be determined by candidates' scores and their performance in evaluation stages like the Group Discussion and Personal Interview.

Because selection and admission procedures vary across IIMs, applicants should thoroughly check each institute's official website for detailed requirements. Admission to leading IIMs and other MBA institutes accepting CAT scores will be carried out through the Common Admission Process (CAP).

CAT Counselling 2025: Important Dates

Refer to the table below for the important dates regarding the CAT counselling 2025:

Step-Wise CAT Selection Process 2025

There are mainly three stages through which IIM admissions are done through the CAT exam. Here are all the stages discussed below:

Step 1: Shortlisting the Candidates

For General category applicants, the lowest score required to gain admission to the older IIMs is above the 90th percentile. Reserved category candidates (like SC/ST) will have a lower minimum score requirement. The minimum percentile requirements at the newer IIMs generally fall between 60 and 80. Candidates who meet these score requirements will be invited to the next stage, which includes a Group Discussion and a Written Ability Test, followed by a Personal Interview. The individuals selected for this first step after the 2025 CAT exam will receive an email invitation. This email will contain all the necessary details about the next steps.

• Registration link
• Last date of CAP registration (for 9 IIMs)
• Date, time, and venue of WAT/GD & PI

Step 2: Select Qualified Candidates for GD & WAT

Candidates who achieve the required CAT 2025 cutoff set by the IIMs will proceed to the subsequent stage of the selection process. The following stage may involve either a Group Discussion or a Written Ability Test. The Written Ability Test (WAT) involves composing an essay to assess a candidate's writing skills. You will receive a topic and have a limited time to write, usually between 15 and 45 minutes. The exam assesses how well a candidate can articulate thoughts and ideas through writing. Group Discussions, commonly referred to as GD, consist of a small group of 8 to 10 individuals discussing a specific topic together. The aim is to evaluate how effectively you can engage in conversation as part of a group. The essay topics for the WAT often relate to recent events in society or the country. The topics for Group Discussions can cover a wide range of subjects, such as current affairs, politics, sports, financial issues, or social challenges. Both the WAT and the GD assess your abilities. They evaluate your grammar, language proficiency, vocabulary, writing skills, self-expression, and logical reasoning.

Step 3: Personal Interview (PI)

This marks the last stage prior to a candidate's selection into an IIM. In the concluding interview stage, candidates engage in a discussion with a panel of four to eight interviewers. The primary aim of this meeting is for the interviewers need understand the candidate's personality, general attitude, and genuine interest in a management career. This panel assesses each candidate based on various factors. They examine the student's academic performance in school and college, their awareness of current events and topics, and their ability to articulate and express themselves effectively. Additionally, they take into account how the candidate performed in earlier stages of the selection process and how they think and respond to questions during the interview itself.

Step 4: Release of Final Merit List

Individual IIMs follow their own set of admission criteria when selecting candidates. They look at many different things together before making their final list of selected candidates.

• CAT Exam Score
• Overall performance in WAT, GD, & PI
• Class 10th and 12th Marks
• Work Experience and Gender Diversity Factor
• Reservation

Step 5: Final Selection and Document Verification

Eligibility for the Personal Interview stage at IIMs requires candidates to satisfy the basic CAT selection criteria and other prescribed conditions. At this interview stage, the IIMs will also give you points based on how well you did in your past studies, like school and college. The specific things they look at when giving these points for your academics are listed in a separate breakdown of the tentative parameters on which candidates are selected

Eligibility Criteria for IIM Shortlisting Through CAT 2025

Any shortlisted candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university or an equivalent qualification approved by the Ministry of Education is required. You also need at least 50% marks or an equivalent grade. For candidates under the SC, ST, or PWD categories, the minimum required marks are relaxed to 45%. Also, your degree must come from a university officially set up by a law passed by either the Indian central government or a state government. It also includes other educational institutions that were specifically created by an act of the Indian Parliament, or that have been officially recognized as universities under the rules of the UGC Act of 1956. And degrees need to be considered equal to these. It must also be recognized by the Ministry of Education in India.
• The candidate must have completed a bachelor's degree or a qualification at a similar level. This degree or qualification needs to involve at least three full years of study. Importantly, this three-year study period must happen after the candidate has finished their standard high school education, referred to as completing 10+2 or the equivalent final secondary school level in their country.
• If the candidate is currently taking their final year bachelor's exams or has finished their degree but is still waiting for their results, they can still apply. They'll need a letter from their college or university head (like the Principal, Head of Department, Registrar, or Director). This letter must confirm that they are in their final year or waiting for final results and that their latest grades show that they have at least 50% marks or at least 45% marks if they belong to the SC, ST, or Persons with Disabilities category. If they get selected based on this application, they can only start the program temporarily. To do this, they must give the program another certificate from their college or university head by June 30, 2024. If selected, they will be allowed to join the program provisionally.

The candidate's admission will be finalized only after they submit their mark sheet and a certificate showing they have passed their bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. Certificates must be issued by the principal, head of the department, registrar, or director of their institution or university. A minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying degree is required for eligibility. Candidates from SC, ST, or PwD categories are eligible with a minimum of 45% marks.

Final-year students granted provisional admission to the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) must submit their bachelor's degree marksheet and certificate upon completion. These documents should include the results of any exams or supplementary exams taken on or before June 30, 2024. Without submitting these, they will not be allowed to join the program. This rule ensures that all the students have completed their undergraduate studies before starting the PGP.

IIM Final Selection Process 2025

The final selection criteria of the top IIMs are discussed below:

• CAT Exam Score: The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) place faith in the CAT exam scores when choosing students. The CAT 2024 results played a key role in deciding which candidates move forward in the admission process. Only those who perform well in the exam are shortlisted for the next rounds, which may include interviews and group discussions. In short, doing well in the CAT exam is crucial for securing a spot in these prestigious business schools.
• Class 10 exam Score: Class 10 board exam scores are part of the CAT MBA selection process, but they don't carry as much weight as other factors like CAT scores or work experience. Different business schools may value these marks differently, with some giving them more importance than others. However, in most cases, your performance in Class 10 is just one small part of the overall evaluation, not the main deciding factor.
• Class 12 Exam Score: When it comes to getting into an MBA college through the CAT selection process, Class 12 or board exam results are also important, but they don't matter as much as the overall CAT score. Different colleges give different levels of importance to these marks, may consider them of a little less weightage, while others may not focus on them much. The main thing that matters is doing well in the CAT exam, but having good Class 12 scores can still help a bit, depending on the college's rules.
• Graduation Performance: When selecting students for MBA programs, universities look at how well they did in their bachelor's degree. The grades from their undergraduate studies are just as important as their Class 10 or 12 marks in the final decision. A strong performance in college can make a big difference in getting accepted, as it shows consistency and dedication in their studies. Along with entrance exam scores and other factors, bachelor's degree results play a key role in the selection process. This helps universities pick candidates who have a solid academic background and are likely to succeed in the MBA.
• Written Ability Test (WAT): The final stage of the MBA selection process at the IIMs includes a Written Ability Test or an essay writing round, which plays a role in the overall evaluation. Some institutes replace this with a Group Discussion round, where candidates discuss topics as a group. Both formats are designed to assess communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to express ideas clearly. The Written Ability Test checks how well a candidate can articulate thoughts in writing, while the Group Discussion evaluates how they interact and present their views in a group setting. These rounds help the institutes judge a candidate's readiness for the program beyond just academic scores.
• Group Discussion (GD): This round plays a significant role in the IIMs' MBA admission process following the CAT exam. This round helps the institutes assess a candidate's ability to communicate, work in a team, and present their ideas. Doing well in the GD can significantly improve a student's chances of getting into an IIM, as it shows they can think on their feet and engage effectively with others. Strong performance in this round highlights qualities like confidence, clarity, and teamwork, which are essential for management studies and a successful career.
• Personal Interview (PI): The personal interview is a crucial part of the CAT selection process, playing a significant role in deciding which candidates get into top MBA programs. Schools that admit students through CAT 2023 pay close attention to how well candidates do in this round. A strong performance in the interview can greatly improve your chances of getting selected, as it helps the panel assess your communication skills, confidence, and overall fit for the program. Doing well here can make a big difference in securing a spot in a top business school.
• Weighted Work Experience:

The IIM selection process values candidates with real work experience, though it is not the most important factor. While having a job background can give you an edge, the overall selection depends more on other aspects like your CAT score, academic record, and performance in interviews and group discussions. Work experience is considered, but it plays a smaller role compared to these other factors in the final decision.

There are various factors of a candidate's profile that are taken into account when calculating their CAT composite score for the final selection.

CAT Counselling 2025: Required Documents for GD/PI/WAT

The CAT interview letters will be directly sent to all shortlisted candidates. The CAT exam selection process for the CAT exam includes a GD (group discussion), a WAT (written test), and a PI (personal interview). Candidates should ensure that they bring all the required documents when attending these rounds.

Required Documents During WAT/GD and PI

Several essential documents are required to finalize the application process. Which are included with

• Your IIM Interview call letter.
• Your CAT 2024 Scorecard.
• You should also have your Class 10 and Class 12-mark sheets and degree certificates.
• You also need to carry your graduation mark sheet.
• If you belong to a reserved category, make sure you carry your category proof.
• If you have work experience, then bring the certificate for that too.

Verification of Degree Certificates and Mark Sheets

During the IIM selection process, candidates need to attend a personal interview where they must bring their original certificates and mark sheets, along with photocopies that have been attested by an authorized person. If a candidate is selected, they will have to submit their original degree mark sheets for all semesters during enrollment. They must also provide attested copies of these documents at the same time. This step is essential for finalizing the admission procedure.

Reserved Category Applicants

Candidates belonging to ST, SC, NC-OBC, or DA categories are required to present both their original certificates and attested photocopies during the personal interview. If they are selected, they will need to submit these original documents and the attested copies when they join. This serves to confirm their qualification under the reserved category.

Final Year Undergraduate Students

The selected candidates need to give an original and verified copy of their marks certificate showing they have scored at least 50% (45% for reserved categories). This certificate must be signed and stamped by the Registrar, Principal, or Director of their college or university. Their admission will be temporary until they submit the original mark sheet and their final undergraduate degree certificate by December 31, 2024. If they fail to provide these documents by the given deadline, their admission will be cancelled automatically.

CAT Counselling 2025: IIM Common Admission Process (CAP)

The Common Admission Process (CAP) is a shared selection system used by nine newer IIMs for admitting students to their MBA, PGDM, or PGP programs in 2025. Instead of holding separate interviews, these IIMs work together to conduct a single round of written tests and personal interviews (WAT-PI). Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply to any of these nine IIMs only need to go through this one-time process. Shortlisted candidates from the participating IIMs are forwarded to the institute coordinating the CAP for that particular year. IIM then coordinates the WAT-PI round, making the admission process simpler and more efficient for both the institutes and the applicants.

The significant factors in the CAP 2025 process include the minimum CAT 2025 cutoff score, the criteria for admission, and how each factor is weighted. Once students receive their CAP 2025 scores, these are shared with all the IIMs participating in the process. Each IIM then reviews the final scores of the applicants and prepares its list of candidates who qualify for its MBA program. Each IIM releases its merit list through its official website. Students who have applied can check whether they have been selected by logging into the website of the IIM they are interested in. Selection of candidates is determined by their performance in the CAT 2025 examination. Shortlisted candidates are required to participate in the Written Ability Test (WAT) and the Personal Interview (PI) as the next steps. Following these stages, CAP 2025 final scores are shared with all participating IIMs. Each institute can then decide which students to admit based on these scores. This process helps the IIMs select the right candidates for their programs. Candidates then do not need to take part in separate selection rounds for each IIM if they are part of the integrated process. Instead, they can also be selected through an integrated system. Participation in this process is limited, as not all IIMs are involved. Each institute decides whether to join, and only some specific IIM candidates are chosen through CAP.

How will IIM conduct CAP-based CAT 2025?

Students who get good scores in the CAT exam 2024 can join the CAP 2025 process for admission to certain IIMs. The IIMs follow a clear set of steps to select candidates:

Steps Followed in IIM CAP 2025

Candidates who have secured valid CAT 2025 scores are eligible to participate in the counselling process:

• Step 1: Once candidates attain the prescribed cut-off scores for their chosen IIMs, they are shortlisted to proceed to the subsequent stage of the selection process. If a candidate's score meets the minimum criteria set by a particular IIM, they will receive an invitation to move forward in the selection process. Candidates can get calls from multiple IIMs if they meet the cut-off requirements for each of those institutes. This allows them to participate in further stages of evaluation at more than one IIM.
• Step 2: The list of selected candidates is forwarded to the CAP 2025 coordinator at IIM. This ensures that the final selection process can be completed smoothly. The coordinator reviews the names and takes the necessary steps for the next stages of admission. This step is important to keep the process organized and fair for all applicants.
• Step 3: The CAP (Competent Authority for Placement) is organizing an IIM (Interview and Interaction Meeting) to create a list of candidates who have been shortlisted for further consideration. This process helps in identifying the most suitable applicants by evaluating their skills and qualifications through direct interaction.
• Step 4: Candidates must participate in the Written Ability Test (WAT) and the Personal Interview (PI). These rounds may be conducted online or in person, depending on the decision of the organizers. All selected aspirants are expected to take part in both stages as part of the selection process.
• Step 5: The Common Admission Process (CAP) team is responsible for organizing interviews and written tests for the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). After the tests are done, they send the scores to all the IIMs that are part of this process. This helps the IIMs evaluate the candidates fairly and consistently.
• Step 6: The final list of candidates is prepared by carefully reviewing all applications to ensure they meet the required criteria. Each application is checked for completeness and accuracy.

The Common Admission Process (CAP) includes several IIMs, each with its admission criteria. These IIMs consider multiple factors before selecting candidates, such as their CAT exam scores, academic and professional background, and performance in the CAP rounds. After evaluating all these aspects, the institutes finalize their list of selected students. The chosen candidates then receive their admission offers via email.

Important Points to Remember

All participating IIMs will choose candidates based on CAT scores and send their names to the IIM handling the CAP process.

The IIM will conduct the WAT (Written Ability Test) and PI (Personal Interview) for all CAP-participating IIMs. The CAT cutoff and selection criteria remain the same for all these IIMs.

After CAP, each IIM will review the candidate's performance in WAT, PI, CAT score, academic profile, and other factors.

The list of selected candidates will be released by each IIM on its respective official website. Results can only be accessed by shortlisted candidates using their login credentials.

IIM Shortlisting Criteria Based on CAT 2025 Scores

After the CAT 2024 results are announced, the IIMs will share the list of candidates selected for their MBA and PGP programs for the 2025-27 batches. Students can refer to the table below to see last year's shortlist details, which will give them an approximate idea of when the IIMs might release their selection lists and how many seats are available. This information can help candidates prepare for the next steps in the admission process.

CAT Counselling Process 2025 for Non-IIM Institutes

Since the CAT exam lacks a centralized admission framework, non-IIM business schools implement their own individual selection procedures. Like the IIMs, many other MBA colleges use similar steps such as group discussions, written ability tests (WAT), and personal interviews (PI) to select students. However, not all colleges include every step may skip one or two. For example, IMT Ghaziabad and MICA Ahmedabad prefer group activities instead of group discussions, while other PGDM colleges might use all three methods. If you want to know more about how specific colleges choose their students, you can check their official websites for details.

CAT Composite Score Weightage

The CAT composite score is used to decide which students get into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The score is derived from multiple components; each assigned a specific weight. For example, IIM Bangalore has specific parameters and weightings for the CAT exam, but these can change from year to year and may differ for each IIM. The final selection depends on how well candidates perform based on these weighted factors, which include their CAT scores and other criteria set by the institute. Since the weightages are not fixed, students should check the latest requirements for the IIM they are applying to.

Check out the image below for the calculation of the CAT composite score:

How to Calculate CAT 2025 Percentile Score?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a key exam for students aiming to join management programs. Like other entrance tests, CAT uses percentile scores to rank students. This ranking is important because top institutes like the IIMs and other business schools use it to decide who gets admission. The percentile score shows how a student performed compared to others who took the exam. After the CAT results are out, colleges announce their cutoff marks. Students who meet or exceed these cutoffs move on to the next stages of selection, which may include group discussions, personal interviews, or written tests. Understanding how percentiles work is essential, as it helps students know where they stand and whether they qualify for further rounds in the admission process.

The CAT percentile reflects a candidate's relative standing among all test-takers. It tells you what percentage of candidates scored lower than you. For instance, achieving a 90 percentile indicates that you outperformed 90% of the candidates who appeared for the exam. To get into the top IIMS, you usually need a high percentile, around 97 or 98. However, other good MBA colleges accept students with lower percentiles, like 90 to 95. Most CAT exam takers score between 80 and 90 percentiles, and many business schools admit students in this range. So, even if you don't get a high score, there are plenty of B-school options available for pursuing this range.

CAT Percentile Calculation:

After the CAT exam, each test taker is given a rank based on their score. Once the ranks are allotted, the scores are adjusted or normalized for fairness. These adjusted scores are then turned into percentiles. The percentile shows how well a candidate did compared to others. The process ensures that everyone is evaluated on a common scale, making it easier to compare results. A uniform formula is used to calculate both the sectional and overall, CAT percentiles for each candidate, as detailed below.

P = (R/N)x100

Where,

P = Percentile score

R = Represents the candidate's rank, determined by the number of individuals with lower scaled or total scores

N = The total number of aspirants who appear for the CAT 2025 examination