MBA admission season gathers momentum as CAT results pave the way for shortlisting across top B-schools

The management education landscape in India is at its most expectant peak. With the final answer key for CAT 2025 released just three days ago, nearly 2.58 lakh aspirants are on high alert for the official result declaration at iimcat.ac.in. This period marks the transition from examination stress to the strategic phase of the admission cycle, where percentiles will dictate the next steps for IIM shortlists and private B-school applications. To stay ahead of the curve and receive instant alerts on result links and cutoff shifts, follow Only Education News for the most reliable updates.

The wait is almost over for candidates who appeared for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 on November 30. Following the release of the final answer key on December 17, which saw only one objection accepted in the Quantitative Ability section, the calculation of scaled scores is in its final stages. Historical trends suggest that IIM Kozhikode, the convening body this year, is likely to activate the scorecard download link between December 22 and December 25.

Key Statistics & Result Status

Understanding the IIM Shortlisting Process

Once results are live, the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will begin releasing their shortlist for the second stage: Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Candidates must remember that a high percentile is only one piece of the puzzle. IIMs use a "Composite Score" (CS) for shortlisting, which typically includes:

• CAT 2025 Scaled Score: Weighted between 35% and 60% depending on the institute.
• Academic Profile: Performance in Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation.
• Diversity Factors: Extra points for female/transgender candidates and non-engineering backgrounds.
• Work Experience: Usually, 24–36 months of experience attracts the highest points.

Expert Insight: For top-tier "BLACKI" IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode), the overall cutoff for the General category rarely drops below the 98-99 percentile mark, with strict sectional cutoffs often set at 80-85 percentile.

Non-IIM Deadlines: Act Now

While the IIMs automatically receive your CAT scores, many other premier B-schools require a separate application. If you are aiming for these institutes, keep a close watch on these upcoming deadlines:

• SPJIMR Mumbai: Applications often close shortly after result declaration.
• IITs (DoMS/SJMSOM): Most IIT MBA applications (Delhi, Bombay, Kharagpur) remain open until late January 2026.
• IMT Ghaziabad & XIMB: Deadlines are typically in the last week of December or early January.
• FMS Delhi: While part of Delhi University, it requires a separate registration which usually closes around the result window.

Next Steps for Aspirants

1. Download Your Scorecard: Keep your User ID and Password ready for the iimcat.ac.in login.
2. Verify Sectional Percentiles: Ensure you meet the minimum sectional requirements for your target colleges.
3. Prepare for WAT-PI: Don't wait for calls to start practicing current affairs and mock interviews.
4. Check Management Stream Updates: For regular updates on cutoff releases, follow Only Education News.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on management entrance exams and courses, check here: Management Exams List.