Likhith · December 3, 2025 
Introduction
You’ve waited weeks for the CAT 2025 result, refreshing that IIMCAT page nervously. The result is finally out — and while your heart races at the sight of your percentile, the real journey is just beginning.
Every year, over 2.5 lakh aspirants take the CAT exam, but only a fraction make it to top IIMs. Why? Because scoring well in CAT is just step one. What truly matters is what follows next — your ability to navigate shortlist announcements, interviews, and final selection rounds.
If you’re wondering “What happens after the CAT result?” This guide walks you through each stage, from understanding your scorecard to receiving that dream IIM call.
Step 1 – Understand and Verify Your CAT Result
The CAT 2025 result will likely be released in January 2026 on the official
Candidates will need their login credentials to download the scorecard.
Your CAT 2025 scorecard includes:
- Scaled scores for each section – VARC, DILR, QA
- Sectional percentiles
- Overall percentile
How Normalization Works
Since CAT is held in multiple slots, normalization ensures fairness by adjusting scores based on difficulty level across sessions. This process converts your raw score into a scaled one and then computes the overall percentile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring sectional cutoffs: Even with a 99 percentile overall, a low VARC percentile may block you from IIM Ahmedabad or Bangalore.
- Overconfidence on raw scores: IIMs consider the scaled percentile, not your actual marks.
- Delayed verification: Always save and check your scorecard immediately after release to ensure details are correct.
Pro tip: Keep both a soft copy and printout of your scorecard — you’ll need them during interviews.
Step 2 – Analyze Shortlisting Trends of IIMs and Top B-Schools
Once the results drop, IIMs begin announcing shortlisting criteria on their respective websites. This period, from mid-January to early February 2026, determines who moves to the next stage.
How IIMs Use Your CAT Score
Every institute applies its unique formula, but percentile thresholds typically look like this:
| IIM | Overall Percentile (GEN) | Sectional Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ | 80+ |
| IIM Bangalore | 99+ | 85+ |
| IIM Calcutta | 99+ | 80+ |
| IIM Lucknow | 97–98 | 80 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 97–98 | 80 |
| IIM Indore | 97–98 | 80 |
Top IIMs adopt a two-tier evaluation — shortlisting (CAT + profile) and final selection (WAT/PI + academics).
Beyond Percentiles: How Profiles Make a Difference
CAT isn’t the only differentiator. IIMs seek well-rounded candidates with a mix of:
- Strong academics across 10th, 12th, and graduation
- Relevant work experience (quality and duration)
- Diversity factors (academic stream and gender)
For example:
- IIM Bangalore gives higher weight to past academics and work experience.
- IIM Calcutta values CAT scores more heavily.
- IIM Indore balances both academic consistency and diversity.
Mini Comparison Table for Reference:
| Parameter | IIM B | IIM C | IIM I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academics | 40% | 20% | 30% |
| CAT Score | 40% | 56% | 35% |
| Work Ex / Diversity | 20% | 24% | 35% |
Understanding these nuances early helps set realistic expectations for calls.
Step 3 – Prepare for WAT, GD, and PI Rounds
This is where your CAT journey turns from quantitative to qualitative.
What Is WAT and Why It Matters
The Written Ability Test (WAT) replaces GDs in most IIMs and tests analytical thinking, language, and structure. Usually, you get 20–30 minutes to draft a 250–300-word essay on topics like:
- “Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to human jobs?”
- “India’s road to becoming a developed economy by 2047”
- “Ethics vs Ambition in Leadership”
WAT Tips to Score High:
- Follow a clean structure: Introduction–Argument–Conclusion
- Back points with data or real-world examples
- Maintain balanced opinions
- Review grammar and spelling meticulously
WAT isn’t about fancy writing — it’s about demonstrating clarity of thought and maturity of judgment.
Personal Interview (PI): The Decisive Stage
PI is where your personality, confidence, and clarity of purpose stand out. The panel evaluates not just what you know, but how you think.
Common PI question areas:
- Academic background and concepts
- Work experience or internships
- Current affairs (business, economics, global issues)
- Why MBA? Why IIM?
- Long-term goals and personal aspirations
Pro tip: Review your resume thoroughly — interviewers often pick questions from your own details!
Example: A candidate from engineering background could be asked, “Why MBA after engineering?” or “How can you use data analytics in management decisions?”
Group Discussion (GD) or Case Discussion (Non-IIMs)
While most IIMs have shifted to WAT, institutes like SPJIMR, IMT Ghaziabad, MDI Gurgaon, and TAPMI still hold GDs or case-based discussions.
How to stand out in GD:
- Enter early with a fact-backed point.
- Listen actively; don’t interrupt.
- Use data when possible (you can cite newspaper examples).
- Summarize effectively if given the last word.
Remember, GDs test your ability to communicate and collaborate, not dominate.
Step 4 – IIM Final Selection Process
After WAT-PI rounds, each IIM compiles a final composite score that determines who gets an offer. Let’s decode how it works.
| Parameter | IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Bangalore | IIM Calcutta | IIM Kozhikode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT Score | 30% | 40% | 30% | 35% |
| PI/WAT | 50% | 30% | 48% | 45% |
| Academics & Work Ex | 20% | 30% | 22% | 20% |
The final list is usually released in April or May 2026, with waiting lists continuing till June.
Weightages for PI/WAT can make up more than 50% of the final score, meaning strong interview performances can easily offset a slightly lower CAT percentile.
Key takeaway: Don’t base your expectations only on CAT numbers — post-result preparation can completely change your outcomes.
Step 5 – What If You Don’t Get an IIM Call?
No IIM call? Don’t lose heart — there are multiple high-ROI options ahead.
Top Non-IIM Options:
- FMS Delhi: Nearly equal ROI as IIMs due to low fees and strong placements.
- SPJIMR Mumbai: Profile-based shortlisting and strong specialization programs.
- MDI Gurgaon and IMT Ghaziabad: Consistent placement records.
- TAPMI and XIMB: Excellent choice for candidates in 85–90 percentile range.
Alternative Pathways:
- Explore niche programs in Analytics, HR, or International Business.
- Prepare strategically for CAT 2026 with insights from this attempt.
- Utilize your result as feedback — identify sectional or performance gaps.
If you’re committed to securing an MBA seat, remember: Not getting into IIMs is a redirection, not rejection.
How Career Plan B Supports Every Step
- Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
- Timeline & Reminder Service: Never miss a deadline—receive timely reminders and updates about institute-wise counseling calendars.
- Document Checklist & Verification: Guidance to prepare all required documentation, reducing stress on D-day.
- Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
- Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
- Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs About What Happens After CAT Result
- When will the CAT 2025 result be declared?
Likely by the second week of January 2026 on the official IIMCAT website. - What percentile is needed for older IIMs?
About 98–99+ percentile for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, depending on profile. - How should I start preparing for WAT and PI?
Begin practicing essays on current topics and revise academic fundamentals. Stay updated on trending business news. - What if I have average academics? Will I still get calls?
Yes, newer IIMs and some top private colleges place greater weight on CAT score and PI performance, balancing academics. - When will final selection results be out?
Most IIMs release final admission lists in April or May, with offers continuing through June. - Can I secure a top MBA seat below 90 percentile?
Absolutely. Options like XIMB, TAPMI, and IMT have strong programs for aspirants in the 85–90 percentile range.
Conclusion
Your CAT result is just one milestone in a much larger journey. What follows — analysis, preparation, and performance in interviews — determines the true outcome.
Think of it this way: CAT opens the door, but your post-result efforts decide how far you can go inside.
With clarity, structured preparation, and expert mentoring like through Career Plan B, you can transform your percentile into an IIM or top B-school offer. So, stay optimistic, start preparing for your interviews, and move confidently toward your MBA dream.
