Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
What is a Good CAT Score? A Detailed Guide for 2025
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most important and competitive entrance exams in India, primarily for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other prestigious business schools. With the stakes being high, one of the most common questions among aspirants is: What is a good CAT score?
In this article, we will explore what constitutes a good CAT score, the factors that influence the score requirement, how to interpret your score, and how you can use it to target your preferred institutions in 2025.
Understanding the CAT Exam
Before diving into what constitutes a good CAT score, it's essential to understand the CAT exam format. The CAT exam is a computer-based test that evaluates candidates on three main sections:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted | Topics Covered |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 24 | 40 minutes | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, etc. |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, etc. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes | Data Interpretation, Logical Puzzles, Data Sufficiency |
Each section is scored independently, and candidates are required to attempt as many questions as possible within the allotted time, while maintaining accuracy. The CAT exam uses a percentile system for results, with your score reflecting your performance relative to other test-takers.
What is a Good CAT Score in 2025?
In the 2025 context, the definition of a "good" CAT score can vary based on your target institutions and goals. However, there are some broad guidelines to help you understand the score you should aim for based on current trends.
1. Score and Percentile Mapping
CAT scores are reported as percentiles, which show how your performance compares with other candidates. A percentile of 99.5 means you performed better than 99.5% of the candidates. Here's a general mapping of CAT scores and their corresponding percentiles based on the 2025 trends:
| Percentile | Expected CAT Score Range | Target Schools |
|---|---|---|
| 99+ | 150+ | Top IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, etc.) |
| 95-99 | 120-149 | Newer IIMs, FMS, SP Jain, MDI, IMT Ghaziabad |
| 90-94 | 100-119 | Private B-Schools like XLRI, XIMB, TAPMI, Great Lakes |
| 80-89 | 80-99 | Tier-2 and Tier-3 B-schools, Institutes with lower cutoffs |
2. Factors Influencing a Good CAT Score
The definition of a good CAT score can depend on several factors, including the type of program you're applying for, your profile, and the specific institution you are targeting. Let's break down these factors:
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Target Institutions: The top IIMs and other premier institutions like FMS Delhi or XLRI Jamshedpur generally have higher cutoffs, typically in the 99+ percentile range. For these, you will need a score around 150 or higher. On the other hand, institutions with lower cutoffs may require scores in the 80-90 percentile range.
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Category (Reserved or General): The cutoff scores for candidates from different categories (General, OBC, SC/ST, etc.) tend to differ. Reserved category candidates may have relatively lower cutoff requirements, but they still need a competitive score for top-tier institutes.
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Work Experience and Profile: Institutes sometimes take other factors into account, such as work experience, academic background, and extracurricular activities. If you have a strong profile, you may be able to get into a reputed B-school with a slightly lower score, especially for post-graduate programs other than MBA (e.g., Executive MBA).
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Changes in Exam Pattern or Difficulty Level: The overall difficulty level of the exam can vary each year, which can impact score percentiles. A tougher exam might result in lower overall scores, but if you perform well, your percentile will still be high.
What to Aim for Based on Your Ambitions?
Understanding what a good CAT score is also depends on what you want to achieve in your career. Below are some pointers for different scenarios:
1. For Admission to Top IIMs (99+ Percentile)
To secure admission into top-tier IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Lucknow, you generally need to score around 150+ marks, which corresponds to a 99+ percentile. These institutes look for candidates who not only perform well in the CAT but also excel in other rounds, including Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT).
2. For Other Prestigious Institutions (95-99 Percentile)
Institutes such as IIMs in Indore, Kozhikode, and Shillong, along with reputed private institutions like SP Jain, MDI, and FMS, have cutoffs in the 95-99 percentile range. For these, a score of around 120-150 is generally considered good. These institutions provide excellent management education but may have a less competitive selection process compared to the top IIMs.
3. For Tier-2 B-Schools (90-94 Percentile)
If you're targeting well-known but slightly less competitive B-schools such as IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, and Great Lakes, a score in the range of 100-120 is typically sufficient to secure admission. These institutes offer solid MBA programs and are a great option for those who want to pursue management but may not have a top percentile score.
4. For Tier-3 and Regional B-Schools (80-89 Percentile)
For regional or less competitive B-schools, a score in the range of 80-100 may still be enough. While these institutes might not have the same reputation as top IIMs or other top-tier B-schools, they still offer valuable educational opportunities at a lower cost, and you can build a strong career from them.
Key Takeaways: What is a Good CAT Score?
A good CAT score can mean different things based on your ambitions and target institutions. Here are the key points to consider when determining what a good CAT score is for you:
- For IIMs and Top-Tier B-Schools: A score of 150+ (99+ percentile) is generally required.
- For Mid-Tier and Reputed Private Institutes: A score between 120-149 (95-99 percentile) is considered strong.
- For Regional and Tier-2 B-Schools: A score of 100-119 (90-94 percentile) can secure your spot.
- For Tier-3 B-Schools: A score in the range of 80-99 (80-89 percentile) is generally adequate.
Final Thoughts
Your definition of a "good" CAT score ultimately depends on where you want to study and your personal career goals. A high score can open doors to top IIMs and other prestigious business schools, while a moderate score can still allow you to pursue a solid management career in reputable institutions. The key is to focus on consistent preparation, target your desired percentile based on your strengths, and leverage your profile to improve your chances.
Good luck with your CAT preparation, and may you achieve the score that propels you towards your dream B-school!
