MBA dreams need above 99 percentile for IIM Ahmedabad, while IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode require between 97-99 percentile for the 2026-27 academic session. IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT 2025 on November 30, with registration closing on November 20. Candidates can apply through iimcat.ac.in, with admit cards being issued on November 12. According to NIRF 2025 rankings, IIM Ahmedabad remains India's top management college, followed by IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode. The selection process includes CAT scores, personal interviews, written ability tests, group discussions, and work experience evaluation. Only 14 candidates scored above 100 percentile in CAT 2024 among 3 lakh students. Other top MBA colleges include IIT Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and XLRI Jamshedpur. (Updated 6 Nov 2025, 10:18 IST; source: link)
IIM Ahmedabad Sets High Bar for MBA Aspirants
IIM Ahmedabad, India's top-ranked management institute, has set a demanding standard for CAT 2025 applicants. Students aiming for admission must score above 99 percentile to be considered for the prestigious MBA program. This requirement stands higher than other premier institutes like IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode, which accept candidates with 97-99 percentile scores for the 2026-27 academic year. The strict cutoff reflects IIM Ahmedabad's elite status in management education, as confirmed by its top position in the NIRF 2025 rankings. For perspective, only 14 candidates scored above 100 percentile in CAT 2024 out of approximately 3 lakh test-takers.
Key Dates and Selection Process for CAT 2025
IIM Kozhikode will conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 on November 30 this year. Interested candidates must complete their registration by November 20 through the official website iimcat.ac.in. Admit cards will be available for download from November 12. The selection process extends beyond just CAT scores. Shortlisted candidates must undergo personal interviews, written ability tests, and group discussions. Work experience is also evaluated during the final selection. This comprehensive assessment helps institutes identify candidates with both academic excellence and professional potential, ensuring only the most qualified students enter these prestigious programs.
Key Points
- MBA dreams need above 99 percentile for IIM Ahmedabad, while IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode require between 97-99 percentile for the 2026-27 academic session.
- IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT 2025 on November 30, with registration closing on November 20.
- Candidates can apply through iimcat.ac.in, with admit cards being issued on November 12.