As thousands of CAT 2025 candidates wait for their results, one common question comes up: What raw score or number of correct attempts will give me my target percentile?
Based on the CAT Exam Pattern 2025 and difficulty level, here’s the CAT Cutoff 2025 expected cutoff and score-to-percentile predictions and target ranges for overall and sectional performance.
Also check: CAT Question Paper 2025
Table of Contents
Expected CAT 2025 Score vs Percentile
Several coaching and MBA-guidance portals have released projections based on CAT 2025 percentile trend, assuming the exam pattern remains consistent (66 questions, total marks 198) and difficulty remains in usual range.
*These are estimates. Actual cutoffs may shift based on slot difficulty, normalization, and relative performance. To understand why scores vary, check the detailed CAT Syllabus 2025 and CAT Preparation Tips 2025.
Section-Wise Target Scores for Balanced Performance
Achieving a high CAT 2025 overall percentile is not enough, most top B-schools (especially older IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta etc.) also expect decent sectional performance. The table shows CAT 2025 VARC DILR QA target score for students.
The table below shows what many experts suggest as target sectional raw scores under likely CAT 2025 conditions:
Why section-wise targets matter: Because most IIMs apply sectional cutoffs individually, you can’t rely solely on overall percentile. Balanced strength in VARC, DILR, and QA keeps more options open.
What to Aim For: CAT 2025 Strategy Based on Category & Goals
Your CAT 2025 target should align with your dream IIMs, expected CAT cutoff, and your current CAT score vs percentile range. Setting realistic percentile goals helps you plan smarter for IIM cutoffs and other top MBA colleges.
For Top IIM (General Category) Aspirants
- Aim for overall ≥ 95 percentile (raw score ≈ 75–80)
- Sectional raw scores around VARC 30+, DILR 28–30, QA 22+ ensures smoother call conversion
For Tier-2 / Tier-3 MBA College Aspirants or Reserved-category Candidates
- Aim for 80–90 percentile (raw score ~50–70) depending on college and category
- Focus on clearing sectional thresholds: typically 70–75 percentile in each section for general; lower for reserved categories.
Balanced Attempt + Accuracy
With negative marking in MCQs, accuracy matters more than number of attempts. Attempt moderately, say 45–55 questions with high correctness often gives better outcome than aggressive but error-prone attempt. This has held true in past years and continues to be valid for CAT 2025.
What Could Push Cutoffs Higher than Estimated
- Overall shift difficulty higher than usual
- More students scoring high (competition intensity)
- High accuracy across majority of test-takers
- Strong performance in TITA (non-MCQ) questions
Because CAT is normalized across slots, raw scores may require upward adjustment especially in tougher slots which can push required marks for 95+ percentile further up.
Check out: CAT 2025 Cutoff
Final Thoughts: Setting a Realistic Target
If you appeared for CAT 2025 and your overall raw score crosses 75 marks with balanced section performance, you stand a good chance at 95+ percentile (General). For 80–90 percentile safety, aim for 50–70 marks with at least decent sectional splits.
Use this analysis to compare with your own attempt, and plan backup colleges realistically. For more details, explore CAT 2025.
Also read: Is CAT 2025 Easier than CAT 2024?
