CAT 2025 Notification & Top 10 IIMs to Consider for MBA Admission
The official CAT 2025 notification has been released by IIM Kozhikode on July 27, 2025, ushering in the admission cycle for the academic session 2026‑28. Registration opens August 1, 2025, closing on September 13, 2025, and the exam is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025 . This article presents verified information about CAT timelines and eligibility, and ranks the top 10 IIMs aspirants should target this year.
CAT 2025 Notification Highlights
Key Dates & Process
- Notification release: July 27, 2025 via iimcat.ac.in
- Registration period: August 1 to September 13, 2025 (opening at 10:00 AM)
- Exam date: November 30, 2025, conducted in computer‑based format across 155–170 cities
Eligibility & Fees
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) or equivalent professional qualification
- Fees: ₹2,500 for general category; ₹1,250–₹1,300 for reserved categories
Exam Pattern & Selection Process from CAT 2025 Notification
Sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)
Duration: 2 hours, 120 minutes; typically 68 questions, mix of MCQs and TITA
Selection Components: CAT percentile, academic record, work experience, Diversity factors, Written Ability Test (WAT) / Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI)
Eligibility: Minimum Criteria
1. Bachelor’s degree (at least 50% or 45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university.
2. There is no age limit to apply.
3. International/NRI candidates must satisfy equivalent criteria as domestic applicants .
Top 10 IIMs to Target in 2025
Based on historical reputation, placements, faculty, and expected CAT cut‑offs, here are the top ten IIMs you should consider. All are confirmed CAT‑participating institutes for 2025 :
1. IIM Ahmedabad – Expected cutoff: 99+ percentile
2. IIM Bangalore – Expected cutoff: 99+ percentile
3. IIM Calcutta – Expected cutoff: 99+ percentile
4. IIM Lucknow – Expected cutoff: 98+ percentile
5. IIM Kozhikode – Expected cutoff: 98+ percentile
6. IIM Indore – Expected cutoff: around 97+ percentile
7. IIM Rohtak – Expected cutoff: around 96+ percentile
8. IIM Mumbai (Shivaji Nagar) – Expected cutoff: about 96+ percentile
9. IIM Nagpur – Expected cutoff: around 95+ percentile
10. IIM Amritsar – Expected cutoff: roughly 94+ percentile
These core IIMs are highly sought-after and maintain rigorous selection metrics. Later-generation IIMs (e.g., Visakhapatnam, Trichy) may have lower cutoffs (~90+ percentile) and can be strong alternatives depending on profile and goals .
Admission Criteria Variation
While CAT percentile is critical, each IIM applies different weightage models in final selection:
IIM Ahmedabad/Bangalore/Lucknow etc. often allot:
- CAT score: 25%
- PI: 30%
- Academics (10th, 12th, graduation): 25%
- Work experience: 10%
- Diversity gender or academic diversity: 10%
- Official website of IIM Ahmedabad: https://www.iima.ac.in/
Newer IIMs may place greater emphasis on work experience or gender diversity to meet policy targets .
Gender Diversity: A Positive Trend
In the 2025‑27 MBA batch, IIM Visakhapatnam and IIM Kozhikode each have 51% female enrolment, surpassing traditional ratios of ~30–40% nationwide . Many IIMs now offer gender‑based diversity weightage in shortlisting rounds to improve classroom balance.
Why These Top IIMs?
- High academic excellence, brand value, and alumni network
- Strong placement records (often average CTC ₹25–35 LPA, and above)
- Research-driven faculty and global exposure
Leadership in business incubation and social impact initiatives
Choosing these IIMs also aligns well with CAT focus scores and long-term returns.
What the CAT 2025 Notification Means for Aspirants
- Follow timelines strictly: register August 1–September 13, 2025, and prepare for November 30 exam
- Focus on cutoff targets (98–99 percentile for top‑tier IIMs)
- Build a balanced profile: academic consistency, internships, work experience, extra‑curricular achievements, and diversity elements
Stay updated on each IIM’s admission criteria via official websites
Next steps
CAT 2025 notification is officially out, and the exam schedule is fixed. Use this time strategically:
1. Finalise your target IIMs (preferably top 5–10 based on cutoff expectations).
2. Register promptly once the window opens and pay the fee accordingly.
3. Keep documents ready: education certificates, category certificate (if applicable), work experience proofs.
4. Tailor your preparation—each section (VARC, DILR, QA) requires dedicated focus to cross the 98–99 percentile threshold.
5. Post‑CAT, invest effort in WAT/PI preparation and layout a strong profile narrative.
By targeting the top ten IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, and Indore, you enhance your prospects significantly this year.
You can also read: https://khabarkhabri.com/ap-eamcet-counselling-2025-377-2/