CAT 2025: IIM Ahmedabad Sets Above 99 Percentile Benchmark for MBA Admission; Check Top B-School Cut-Offs
Overview
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has raised its admission standards for the CAT 2025 examination, making the competition even tougher for MBA aspirants. According to the latest criteria, candidates from the General category will now need to secure above 99 percentile to stand a realistic chance of receiving a call from the institute’s flagship MBA/PGP programme.
While the minimum qualifying percentile for shortlisting remains at 95 percentile overall and 85 percentile in each section, admission experts note that the actual cut-off for calls typically touches or exceeds 99 percentile.
Why It Matters
The decision reflects the increasing competitiveness of the management entrance landscape in India.
As one of the top-ranked B-schools globally, IIM Ahmedabad continues to attract the country’s highest scorers.
With this benchmark, other leading IIMs such as Bangalore and Calcutta are expected to maintain similar or slightly lower thresholds.
Expected CAT 2025 Cut-Offs (General Category)
| Institute | Expected Overall Percentile | Sectional Cut-Off (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ | 85 each section |
| IIM Bangalore | 98.5–99 | 80–85 |
| IIM Calcutta | 98.5–99 | 80–85 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 97–98 | 75–80 |
| IIM Lucknow | 97–98 | 75–80 |
| IIM Indore | 96–97 | 70–75 |
| FMS Delhi | 98–99 | 85–90 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 96–98 | 75–80 |
| MDI Gurgaon | 95–97 | 70–75 |
Admission Criteria Highlights
Candidates are shortlisted based on CAT percentile, academic record, and diversity factors.
The final selection includes Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
Academic consistency and work experience also play a significant role in the composite score.
For reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD), the required percentiles are lower but competition remains stiff.
Impact on Aspirants
The raised bar at IIM Ahmedabad means aspirants must not only focus on achieving a 99 percentile+ score but also maintain strong academic and extracurricular profiles. For many, it underscores the need for early preparation and balanced performance across all sections — VARC, DILR, and QA.
Experts suggest that even candidates scoring between 98–99 percentile should apply strategically to multiple IIMs and NIRF top-ranked B-schools to maximize admission chances.
Summary
IIM Ahmedabad’s updated admission benchmark for CAT 2025 has reaffirmed its position as India’s most competitive B-school. Candidates aspiring for the 2026–28 MBA batch must aim for 99 percentile or higher, along with an excellent academic profile, to secure an interview call.
Dear Students & Parents of Std 8 to 12- One Stop solution for career counseling – Vikas Kumar @ Psychographic Society -city center -club Road Ranchi
For more information call – 9570795071/9709534303
For Counselling Program Details – Click
Also Read-