The CAT 2025 exam is one of the most competitive management entrance tests in India, and aspirants aim to secure admission in the top IIMs, including the newly recognized IIM BLACKI. Understanding the CAT 2025 cutoffs is crucial for aspirants planning to join the IIM 2026 batch. Based on official data and trends from the 2024-26 sessions, the minimum and expected CAT 2025 percentiles vary by category and institute. Today, the cutoff trends and acceptance rates are analyzed to provide clarity on how aspirants can strategize their preparation.
Minimum CAT 2025 Cutoff for Top 10 IIMs (Expected)
To become eligible for top IIMs, general category candidates typically need a CAT percentile between 85-95. SC/ST candidates can expect a percentile range of 42-85, and EWS aspirants between 75-95. It's important to note that clearing this cutoff only makes candidates eligible for the next stage, including PI and academic profile evaluation.
Note: The official CAT Cutoffs for IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Lucknow are released, while other IIMs have expected cutoffs based on trends.
IIM BLACKI 2026 Expected Cutoff
Based on historical trends, the IIM BLACKI 2026 cutoff for general candidates is expected to exceed 99 percentile to secure an interview call. Other categories will have relatively lower cutoffs.
CAT 2025 Cutoff for Final Admission at Top 10 IIMs (2024-26 Batch)
Data from RTIs shows that final admissions depend not only on CAT scores but also on academic performance, work experience, and gender diversity.
IIM Composite Score for Top 10 IIMs (2024-26 Data)
The final selection at IIMs is based on a composite score, combining CAT score, academic profile, work experience, and interview performance. The table below outlines minimum and highest composite scores for reference.
Note: Scores vary across categories and institutes. Composite scores provide a holistic evaluation beyond the CAT percentile.
Top 10 IIM Acceptance Rate (2024-26)
IIMs have highly selective admission processes, with general category acceptance rates ranging between 0.12% to 22.8% based on institute and category.
Insights: The acceptance rate reflects the highly competitive nature of IIM admissions. IIM Mumbai has the highest general category acceptance rate, whereas IIM Ahmedabad remains the most selective.
Conclusion
CAT 2025 aspirants aiming for top IIMs, including IIM BLACKI, should target percentiles above 90 for general category candidates to remain competitive. Cutoffs for reserved categories are comparatively lower but require careful planning. Beyond the CAT score, strong academic performance, relevant work experience, and a balanced profile are crucial for securing final admission. By understanding the expected and official cutoffs, candidates can prioritize preparation strategies and maximize their chances of gaining entry into India's premier management institutes.
