To get shortlisted by top IIMs and other leading B-schools, CAT aspirants must clear the overall percentile and the sectional cutoffs in VARC, DILR, and QA. Most IIMs require a minimum of 70–85th percentile for General category candidates in each section. For example, IIM Ahmedabad expects 70+ in all three sections, while IIM Bangalore sets its cutoff higher at 80+ in VARC and 75+ in QA and DILR.
Sectional cutoffs vary yearly based on exam difficulty, number of test-takers, seat availability, and overall performance trends. For instance, the raw score for the 99.9th percentile was 106 in CAT 2023, compared to 111 in 2022 and 131 in 2020, indicating a dip due to tougher paper levels.
Top non-IIMs like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and IIFT also demand high cutoffs (95–99 percentile), while others like LIBA Chennai and XIME Bangalore accept candidates in the 70–80 percentile range.
Understanding these trends can help CAT 2025 aspirants set realistic score targets, optimise sectional prep, and improve their chances of clearing the cutoff across institutes.
CAT 2025 Expected Cutoff For IIMs
To get shortlisted by IIMs, you must clear not only the overall cutoff but also the sectional cutoffs in all three sections of the CAT exam: VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Aptitude). Each IIM sets its minimum score for each section. Here's a look at the expected sectional cutoffs for CAT 2025 across the top IIMs.
CAT Cutoff 2025: Previous Years’ Trends
The CAT cutoff trends change yearly based on the exam difficulty level, students' performance in the CAT exam, seat availability, etc. For 2023, the CAT cutoff remained at 106 for the 99.9th percentile, whereas in 2022, the cutoff closed at 111. Tabulated below are the CAT percentile vs cutoffs from the year 2023 to 2016:
CAT 2025 Expected Cutoff For Non-IIMs
The CAT 2025 cutoff for top non-IIM colleges like FMS Delhi and IIFT Delhi may be slightly lower than IIMs, but can still reach as high as 99 percentile. On the other hand, some good institutes such as LIBA Chennai and XIME Bangalore have a minimum cutoff of around 70 percentile.
The official cutoffs for non-IIMs will be released after the CAT 2025 exam. Until then, students are advised to check last year’s cutoff trends to get a better idea.
Key Factors That Affect CAT Cutoffs
CAT cutoffs are the minimum scores or percentiles you need to qualify for admission to IIMs and other top MBA colleges. These cutoffs depend on several factors and usually include both overall and sectional cutoffs.
- Exam Difficulty: If the exam is tough, the cutoffs are usually lower. If it's easier, cutoffs may go higher.
- Number of Applicants: More applicants mean more competition, which can raise the cutoff.
- Available Seats: Fewer seats at a college often result in higher cutoffs.
- Candidate Performance: If most students perform well, cutoffs tend to increase.
- Category-wise Relaxation: Different cutoffs are set for different categories like General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD.
- College Ranking: Older and top-ranked IIMs (like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta) usually have higher cutoffs.
How Are CAT Cutoffs Finalised?
- Qualifying Cutoffs: Basic minimum percentiles announced before the result; used for shortlisting.
- Final Cutoffs: Actual cutoffs are used after the results, depending on test difficulty and applicant pool.
- Percentile Score: Your score is turned into a percentile, showing how you performed compared to others.
- Normalisation: Scores are adjusted for fairness between sessions since CAT is held in multiple slots.
Final Words
CAT 2025 sectional cutoffs will play a key role in shortlisting for IIMs and top B-schools. Clearing the overall cutoff is not enough—you must also meet the minimum score in VARC, DILR, and QA. Cutoffs vary based on exam difficulty, competition, and college reputation. By understanding past trends and focusing on sectional strengths, aspirants can plan smarter and increase their chances of selection. Aim for balanced preparation and consistent mock practice to meet both sectional and overall cutoffs effectively.
