If you want to study at IIM Ahmedabad for MBA in 2026, listen carefully. The college has made the entry rules harder this year. The CAT 2025 exam will decide if you get a chance. And now, you need a higher score than before. Don’t worry, I will explain everything in very easy words.
What is the New Rule?
Before, if you were from the General category, you needed 80 percentile overall in CAT. But now, you need 95 percentile overall. Not just that, in every section of CAT, you need 85 percentile or more.
This means – only students with very good marks can get a call from IIM Ahmedabad.
New Cut-Off Table
See this table. It shows what minimum marks you need:
| Category | Overall Percentile | Each Section |
| General / EWS | 95 | 85 |
| NC-OBC | 90 | 80 |
| SC | 85 | 75 |
| ST | 75 | 65 |
| PwD (General) | 85 | 75 |
So, if you are in General category, you need 95 overall and 85 in every section.
Why Did They Do This?
Every year, many students score high in CAT. So IIM Ahmedabad wants to choose only the best students for the next round. That is why they raised the cut-off.
What Happens After CAT?
Your work does not end when you pass the CAT. There are two more steps:
Step 1: Shortlisting for Interview
- CAT score: 65% importance
- Your 10th, 12th, Graduation marks and Work Experience: 35%
Step 2: Final Selection
- Interview (PI): 50%
- Writing Test (AWT): 10%
- CAT score: 25%
- Past marks and experience: 15%
So, not just CAT, your past marks and how you perform in interview also matter.
Important Dates
- CAT Exam: 30 November 2025
- Last date to apply: 13 September 2025
What Should You Do Now?
- To be safe, aim for the 98 percentile or higher.
- Get ready for each of the three CAT sections: VARC, DILR, QA. You need good marks in each.
- Work on your profile and start preparing for interview and writing test.
Final Words
Yes, the cut-off is higher this time. But if you start now, study well, and stay focused, you can still make it. Believe in yourself and work hard.
