The wait for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 results is nearing its end. Conducted on November 30, 2025, the exam is the gateway to India's prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,000 other business schools. Based on strong historical patterns, the results are anticipated to be released between December 19 and December 23, 2025. The official scorecards will be available exclusively on the CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.
This article will guide you through the expected timeline, how to access your scores, how to interpret them and the next steps in your MBA admission journey.
When to Expect Your CAT 2025 Scorecard
While the conducting body, IIM Kozhikode, has not officially announced the date, analysis of previous years provides a reliable forecast.
Historical Trends and 2025 Prediction
The timeline from exam to result has been remarkably consistent in recent years, with a noticeable shift to faster turnarounds.
| CAT Year | Exam Date | Result Date | Gap (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Expected) | November 30, 2025 | December 19–23, 2025 (Tentative) | ~22–25 |
| 2024 | November 24, 2024 | December 19, 2024 | 25 |
| 2023 | November 26, 2023 | December 21, 2023 | 25 |
| 2022 | November 27, 2022 | December 21, 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | November 28, 2021 | January 3, 2022 | 36 |
| 2020 | November 29, 2020 | January 2, 2021 | 34 |
A key observation is the acceleration in the declaration process. After results were released in early January for the 2020 and 2021 cycles, the timeline moved to mid-to-late December starting in 2022. The provisional answer key for CAT 2025 was released on December 4, and the objection window closed on December 10. Historically, results are declared about 16 days after the final answer key is settled, pointing to a likely release around December 19-20, 2025.
How to download Your CAT 2025 Result?
The result will be published online only. Keep your CAT User ID and password handy to follow these steps:
Step 1. Visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
Step 2. Click on the link for 'CAT 2025 Result' or 'Candidate Login' and enter your credentials.
Step 3. Once logged in, your scorecard will be displayed on the screen.
Step 4. Download the PDF, take a printout, and carefully verify all details. Candidates are also typically notified of their results via SMS and email.
Understanding Your Scorecard
Your CAT 2025 scorecard will contain more than just a percentile. It will include:
- Your registration number, name, and category.
- The exam date and slot timing.
- Scaled scores for each section (VARC, DILR, QA) and overall.
- Percentile ranks for each section and overall.
- The validity of your score (valid until December 31, 2026).
While final conversion can only be confirmed post-result, coaching institutes and analysts provide initial estimates based on exam reactions. The table below offers a consolidated view of the expected overall scaled scores for key percentile brackets in CAT 2025, showing slight variations across different exam slots.
Note: Slot 2 is generally considered to have been marginally tougher, which may reflect in slightly lower score requirements for the same percentile.
Clearing the CAT is just the first hurdle. Each IIM and top B-school sets its own qualifying cutoff (the minimum to be considered) and a higher effective cutoff (the actual percentile at which candidates receive interview calls).
What to Do After Checking Your Result?
Use your overall and sectional percentiles to identify a realistic list of target institutes.
IIMs will start their shortlisting processes in early January 2026. Start preparing for Written Ability Tests (WAT), Group Discussions (GD), and Personal Interviews (PI). Also, gather necessary documents like academic transcripts, work experience letters, and diversity statements.
Remember, your CAT score is accepted by hundreds of business schools beyond the IIMs. Research and apply to a balanced mix of institutes that match your profile and career goals.
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