IIM Ahmedabad is the top MBA college in India with NIRF Rank #1. This requires a high CAT score. If you are also aiming for IIMA, you should be aware of the cut-off details. Although the qualifying cutoff looks a little low, the actual cutoff is higher, which affects the admission chances. So why are the cut-offs rising every year? Is it due to the rise in the number of applicants? Let’s take a detailed look at the reasons and the previous year's cut-off details.
IIM Ahmedabad 2025 Cut off Increased
Every year, IIM Ahmedabad releases the shortlisting cut-offs, which mainly depend on the previous year's data. That includes the number of applicants and performance trends. To say in 2025, not only CAT applicants but also the top scorers increased, which resulted in intense competition. Hence, IIM A increased the Cut-offs this year. The rise signals the institution's reputation for balanced performance across all sections of the CAT. So, students, if you are also aiming for IIM A, you must be prepared to score across all three sections, not just overall percentile. Your strong preparation, neat strategy, and dedication are the only choices you have.
IIM Ahmedabad Category-wise Cut Off 2025
The increased category-wise cutoff shows IIM Ahmedabad’s inclusivity and fairness while still keeping academic excellence in focus.
| Category | Non-PwD CAT Cutoff (PT) | PwD CAT Cutoff (PT) |
| General / EWS | 95 | 85 |
| NC-OBC | 90 | 80 |
| SC | 85 | 75 |
| ST | 75 | 65 |
Note: For Transgender candidates in the General Category, same cut-offs as NC-OBC will be applicable.
This table clearly shows that while General and EWS candidates face the highest cutoffs, other categories also need strong scores. This shift in shortlisting cut-offs is a huge blow for all students. However, reserved candidates have a better chance. They have the option to sit for the interview if their overall percentile is below 90. Also, PWD candidates have a better chance.
Also Read, IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2025 PDF, Admission Process
IIM Ahmedabad Sectional Cut Off
Sectional cutoffs are as important as the overall percentile. They ensure that no candidate clears admission just by excelling in one section.
Sectionwise Percentile Cutoffs – Non-PwD
| Category | PVARC | DILR | QA |
| General / EWS | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| NC-OBC | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| SC | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| ST | 65 | 65 | 65 |
Sectionwise Percentile Cutoffs – PwD
| Category | PVARC | DILR | QA |
| General / EWS | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| NC-OBC | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| SC | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| ST | 55 | 55 | 55 |
This means a candidate must maintain balance across Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude to qualify.
Also Read, IIM Ahmedabad Cut Off 2025, Category-wise Sectional Cut Off
IIM Ahmedabad New Cutoffs Vs Previous Cutoffs
Now that we know that IIM A has significantly increased the overall and sectional cutoffs for various reasons. Take a look at the comparison of the new vs previous cutoffs in the table below:
| Category | Earlier Overall Cut-off (2024) | New Overall Cut-off (2025) | Earlier Sectional Cut-off (2024) | New Sectional Cut-off (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 80 | 95 | 70 (VARC/DILR/QA) | 85 |
| NC-OBC | 75 | 90 | 65 | 80 |
| SC | 70 | 85 | 60 | 75 |
| ST | 60 | 75 | 50 | 65 |
| PwD | 70 | 85 | 60 | 75 |
IIM Ahmedabad Previous Year's Cut Off
A look at past cutoffs helps in understanding how the benchmark has shifted.
| Year | General | NC-OBC | EWS | SC | ST | PwD |
| 2023 | 80 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 60 | 70 |
| 2024 | 80 | 75 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 70 |
| 2025 | 80 | 75 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 70 |
Although qualifying cutoffs remain stable, the effective cutoff has gone higher each year, showing rising competition.
Also Read, IIM Ahmedabad MBA Fees 2025, Fee Structure, Scholarships
Effect of Increased Cutoff on IIM A Admission Chances
An increased cutoff always changes admission statistics. For General category students, the higher bar makes the selection journey tougher, as many strong candidates may get filtered out in the initial stage itself. For reserved categories, although the cutoffs remain lower than General, the rise in percentile marks a tougher competition within categories, too.
This shus understand that candidates can no longer rely on high scores in just one section. Instead, consistent performance across all sections of CAT has become essential. The increase emphasizes that IIM Ahmedabad wants candidates with all-round ability, not sectional imbalances.
Why Did IIM A Increase Its CAT Cutoff in 2025?
The raise cutoffs in 2025 are influenced by several factors, as mentioned below
- Higher competition: With more aspirants scoring 95+ percentiles, the institute had to raise the bar.
- Balanced candidate profiles: IIM Ahmedabad is known for preferring diversity in academic background, but also balanced sectional scores.
- Batch quality improvement: A higher cutoff ensures the incoming batch has the strongest analytical, verbal, and reasoning abilities.
- Application surge: Every year, the number of serious candidates increases, especially post-COVID, when management studies became a popular career path.
All these reasons together pushed IIM Ahmedabad to increase its qualifying and effective cutoff levels this year.
Also Read, IIM Ahmedabad Average Package, Previous Year Comparisons
IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff Increased: Conclusion
As discussed above, the IIM Ahmedabad CAT cut-off in 2025 rose to a new level. The increased applicants and fierce competition are the main reasons for the high cut-offs. Hence, aspirants need to concentrate on each section as there is a sectional cut-off also. Practice more and start early to gain the desired CAT percentile. As the bar rose above the line, determination and smart preparation are required.
