The CAT result is the most awaited event for MBA aspirants across India. The Common Admission Test (CAT) plays a pivotal role in determining the future of candidates who wish to pursue management education at top B-schools, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). As the CAT result date approaches, students eagerly wait for updates regarding how and when they can access their CAT exam result. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the CAT result date, how to check your CAT exam result online, and other essential details.

When Will the CAT Result Date Be Announced?

The CAT result date is typically announced by the conducting body, IIMs, about a month after the exam is conducted. For CAT 2025, which is expected to be held in late November, the CAT result date is likely to fall in the first or second week of January 2026. Although the exact date is yet to be confirmed, here’s a general timeline based on previous years:

• CAT Exam Date: November 2025 (Expected)
• CAT Result Date: January 5-10, 2026 (Tentative)

It is important to regularly check the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) for the exact CAT result date once it is officially announced.

How to Check Your CAT Exam Result Online?

Once the CAT result is released, candidates can access their scores and percentile by logging into the official website. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your CAT exam result online.

Step 1: Visit the Official CAT Website

The first step to access your CAT result is to visit the official website of CAT: iimcat.ac.in.

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

Enter your login credentials, which include your User ID and Password. These details were created at the time of your CAT registration. If you’ve forgotten your credentials, you can recover them by using the “Forgot Password” option.

Step 3: Locate the CAT Result Link

Once you have successfully logged in, look for the link labeled “CAT 2025 Result” or “ Scorecard” on the dashboard. The link will direct you to your individual result page.

Step 4:  the CAT Scorecard

Click on the link to open your CAT exam result. Once you have reviewed the details, you can and save the scorecard for future reference.

Step 5: Verify the Details

Make sure that the information displayed on your CAT result is accurate. This includes verifying your name, registration number, sectional scores, and overall scores. If any discrepancies are found, contact the CAT helpdesk immediately.

What is Included in the CAT Scorecard?

The CAT exam result scorecard includes various important details that will help you assess your performance. Here is what you will find in your scorecard:

• Details: Your name, roll number, and photograph.
• Sectional Scores: Scores for each of the three sections of the exam — Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
• Overall Score: Your total score across all three sections.
• Percentile: The percentile rank indicates your relative performance compared to all the candidates who appeared for the exam.

It is important to note that the CAT result is calculated on the basis of normalized scores, so even if you appeared for the exam in different slots, the difficulty levels are adjusted, and a fair comparison is made.

Understanding the CAT Percentile

The CAT exam result includes your percentile, which reflects your rank in comparison to other candidates. Percentile is an important factor when applying for MBA programs, as it determines your eligibility for shortlisting in various IIMs and other B-schools.

Here’s an idea of the percentile ranges and what they typically mean:

• 90-95 Percentile: Good chances for admission in IIMs (especially the newer ones) and other top B-schools like SPJIMR, FMS Delhi, etc.
• 95-98 Percentile: A strong possibility of getting a call from older IIMs like IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Indore.
• 98-100 Percentile: Highly competitive; top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta typically invite candidates in this range for further rounds.

Understanding your percentile helps you assess your chances of admission in various institutes and also determine the next steps in your admission process.

What to Do After Your CAT Result?

Once your CAT exam result is out, there are several important steps to take in the admission process:

1. Check the Cut-off for Colleges

Based on your CAT result and percentile, research the cutoff scores for different B-schools. Each institute has different cutoffs, and many B-schools, including IIMs, set their cutoffs based on the CAT exam result.

2. Prepare for WAT, GD, and PI Rounds

Most top B-schools, including IIMs, will invite shortlisted candidates to the next stage of the admission process, which usually includes:

• Written Ability Test (WAT)
• Group Discussion (GD)
•  Interview (PI)

Start preparing for these rounds by improving your communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

3. Apply to Non-IIM B-Schools

In addition to IIMs, many top B-schools like SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and XLRI also accept CAT exam results. If your percentile is good enough, consider applying to these institutes as well.

Common Problems and Solutions While Checking Your CAT Result

While checking your CAT result, candidates often face issues like website slowness, login problems, or errors in the scorecard. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Slow Website: Due to high traffic on the result date, the website may be slow. Wait for some time and try again later.
• Forgotten Login Credentials: Use the “Forgot Password” option to recover your credentials.
• Discrepancy in Result Details: If you notice any errors in your CAT exam result, immediately contact the CAT helpdesk for assistance.

Conclusion

The CAT result is a crucial step in your MBA journey. Once the CAT result date is announced, you will need to log in to the official website and your scorecard to check your performance. The CAT exam result will include your sectional and overall scores, as well as your percentile, which will be used by top B-schools for shortlisting candidates for further rounds.

Remember to stay calm and patient, and once your result is out, use your percentile to make informed decisions about which colleges to apply to.