The results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 were officially announced on December 24, 2025, by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode. Candidates who registered for the exam can now access their scorecards via the official website using their login credentials. The CAT remains a highly competitive entrance exam for MBA programs in India, drawing applicants in the lakhs each year.
CAT 2025 Results: Key Highlights
A total of 2.58 lakh candidates appeared for the CAT 2025, administered on November 30 across India. The applicant pool comprised 0.97 lakh female candidates, 1.61 lakh male candidates, and nine transgender candidates. Scorecards detail section-wise scaled scores and overall percentiles, which will be used by IIMs and other top management institutes for shortlisting applicants.
Professor Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, stated that CAT 2025 was conducted smoothly. He also recognized the contributions of Prof. Ramkumar P N, the CAT 2025 Convener and Admissions Chair, and extended congratulations to all successful candidates.
Geographic Distribution of Top Performers
Analysis of the CAT 2025 toppers reveals a broad geographic representation. Of the 12 candidates who achieved a perfect 100 percentile score:
- Delhi accounted for the most, with three toppers.
- Haryana and Gujarat each produced two toppers.
- Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Odisha each had one topper.
Shifting Trends in Academic Backgrounds
A notable trend in CAT 2025 was the strong performance of candidates from non-engineering backgrounds. Among the 12 candidates scoring a perfect 100 percentile, nine held degrees in non-engineering fields, while three were engineering graduates. This pattern continued in the 99.99 and 99.98 percentile ranges, suggesting a potential shift away from the traditional dominance of engineering students.
What’s Next for Applicants?
IIMs will now begin releasing shortlists for subsequent stages of the admission process, considering CAT scores alongside institute-specific selection criteria. Cut-off percentiles vary among IIMs, with top-tier institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta typically setting thresholds between 85 and 95, depending on category and program. Mid-ranked IIMs generally maintain cut-offs in the 85–90 percentile range. Furthermore, 93 non-IIM institutions will also utilize CAT 2025 scores for admissions to their postgraduate management programs, expanding opportunities for qualified candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAT exam?
The CAT is a national-level management entrance exam in India, used for admission to MBA programs at IIMs and other top business schools.
How many candidates appeared for CAT 2025?
Around 2.58 lakh candidates appeared for CAT 2025, which was conducted on November 30 across India.
What is the significance of the percentile score?
The percentile score on the CAT scorecard reflects a candidate’s relative performance compared to other test-takers and is a key factor in shortlisting for admission.
As candidates await shortlist announcements, the CAT 2025 results mark a pivotal moment in the Indian MBA admission cycle. Will this year’s trend of non-engineering candidates continuing to excel influence future admissions strategies?
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