What to do After CAT Results are Announced? Check Now

The CAT exam was held on November 30, 2025, and the official final results have been released. CAT aspirants might have already checked the key and response sheet and calculated their CAT scores. Now, all that remains is going to B-school profiles based on your CAT 2025 score. However, students can be overwhelmed by many questions occupying their minds. Will I get an IIM call? What percentile do top B-schools need? To answer your questions, go through the following sections and know what to do after the CAT results are announced.

Understand Your CAT Scorecard and Percentile

Before considering colleges or calling, the CAT scorecard must be understood properly. Many students focus only on the overall percentile and ignore important details that directly affect shortlisting chances.

• Overall percentile vs sectional percentiles

IIMs apply strict sectional cut-offs. A strong overall percentile cannot compensate for a weak section. Quant, VARC, and DILR must all clear minimum requirements to stay eligible.

• Scaled score instead of raw score

CAT uses normalisation across slots. Scaled scores determine percentiles. Comparing raw scores with friends from different slots creates unnecessary confusion and wrong expectations.

• Percentile band, not exact number

A difference of 0.5 percentiles near the top can change call chances significantly. It is better to view the score as a range and plan accordingly.

Note: Clear understanding at this stage prevents unrealistic expectations later.

Read More: CAT Score vs Percentile 2025, Check Previous Year Analysis

Check IIM Call Predictor

Since the CAT results are out. Most of you have already checked the scores by now. To know the expected calls. Check out the IIM call predictor. Here put your scores and your profile and you will get the fairly accurate prediction of calls that you will get. The IIM Call Predictor is based on the latest RTI Data. So do check your expected colleges now. 

Cracku's IIM Call Predictor

Analyse CAT Percentile vs IIM & Top MBA College Cutoffs

Percentiles gain meaning only when compared with actual shortlisting cut-offs. Every IIM follows a different shortlisting philosophy. Knowing realistic cut-off ranges helps students avoid false hope or unnecessary disappointment.

Note: There might be slight changes as per this year's results. So keep yourself updated through official websites.

Predict IIM Calls After CAT Results

Many students expect calls based only on percentile. This leads to disappointment. IIM shortlisting considers multiple factors beyond CAT performance.

Factors that influence IIM calls

• CAT overall and sectional performance
  Clearing both is mandatory. Sectional failure ends chances immediately.
  
• Academic profile
  Class 10, Class 12, and graduation marks carry weight. Consistency is valued more than one-time excellence.
  
• Work experience quality
  Relevant and steady work experience improves shortlisting scores, especially for older IIMs.
  
• Academic and gender diversity
  Non-engineers and female candidates receive diversity points at many IIMs.

Realistic call expectations

• 95+ percentile: Possible old IIM and strong new IIM calls
  
• 90–94 percentile: New IIMs and some older IIMs depending on profile
  
• 85–89 percentile: New IIMs, baby IIMs, IITs
  
• Below 85 percentile: Focus shifts to non-IIM top colleges

Note: Calls depend on CAT cut-offs, but this also includes sectional cut-offs.

Colleges to Apply to After CAT Results

Waiting only for IIM calls is a common mistake. Application deadlines for top non-IIM colleges close early. Students must act fast.

Reputed colleges accepting CAT scores

• IIMs (through centralised process)
• FMS Delhi
• MDI Gurgaon
• SPJIMR Mumbai
• IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur
• IMI Delhi
• IMT Ghaziabad
• TAPMI Manipal
• Great Lakes Chennai
• ISB

Fun Fact: Some of the private colleges have their own management exam, so no need to worry in case you got a lower score in CAT.

Smart application approach

• Apply based on percentile range, not dream percentiles
  
• Keep a balanced list of safe, moderate, and ambitious colleges
  
• Track deadlines carefully to avoid last-minute panic

Applications decide options. CAT scores only open doors.

Read More: CAT 2025 Result OUT Now: Download Scorecard at iimcat.ac.in

Start GD-PI-WAT Preparation After CAT Results

Once the CAT 2025 results are declared, the second and most decisive phase begins. WAT, GD, and PI rounds usually happen between February and March. Preparation time is limited and cannot be wasted. Let’s see how to start your GD-PI-WAT preparation after CAT results.

• Join a structured GD-PI-WAT workshop

Workshops create real interview pressure. Group discussions with unfamiliar participants improve clarity, listening ability, and confidence. Practising alone rarely prepares candidates for live panel dynamics.

• Prepare equally for case-based and topic-based GDs

Many B-schools now use case-based discussions to test analytical ability. Topic-based GDs still test awareness and articulation. Ignoring either format reduces adaptability during actual rounds.

• Develop structured answers for PI questions

Interviewers expect clarity on academics, work experience, and career goals. Well-structured answers show maturity. Random responses often weaken strong profiles.

• Seek guidance from seniors and mentors

Seniors who have cleared interviews provide practical insights. They help identify common mistakes, panel expectations, and answer framing techniques not found in books.

• Prepare specialization-related questions for experienced candidates

Candidates with four or more years of experience face deeper domain questions. Interviewers expect clarity on specialization choice, industry understanding, and long-term goals.

• Understand each college’s exact selection format

Some colleges conduct WAT before PI, others skip GD. Knowing formats, timelines, and evaluation criteria prevents last-minute confusion and improves performance.

Note: Strong interviews convert calls into admissions. So, prepare consistently and fulfill your MBA dream at a top college.

Read More: CAT 2025 Slot 3 Analysis, Difficulty Level, Good Attempts

What to Do If the CAT Percentile Is Low or Average

A lower percentile does not end MBA aspirations. Several strong opportunities still exist. The key lies in expanding options and preparing well.

Other MBA exams after CAT

CAT is followed by multiple national and state-level exams held between January and March.

• XAT
  
• CMAT
  
• MAT
  
• ATMA
  
• MAH-CET
  
• TANCET
  
• TSICET

Why early registration matters

• Registration cycles overlap with CAT
  
• Missing deadlines removes backup options
  
• Additional exams reduce pressure during interviews

Strategy for average percentiles

• Apply to realistic colleges with good ROI
  
• Focus heavily on GD-PI performance
  
• Present profile strengths confidently
  
• Avoid repeating preparation mistakes.

Read More: CAT 2025 Slot 2 Answer Key Out, Download at @iimcat.ac.in

What to do After CAT Results are Announced: Conclusion

 Students who plan applications early, prepare interviews seriously, and keep backup exams ready stay ahead.

Every percentile range has opportunities. Calm thinking and clear strategy make the difference.

The journey is still open. The next steps decide the destination. In case you want to give the CAT 2026, then Online courses are available. Check them out and plan ahead.