CAT 2025 Result Awaited: What Candidates Should Do Next After Score Declaration

Staff Writer: Upasana Sen

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

The CAT 2025 exam, conducted on November 30, has concluded, and the result is expected to be announced shortly. Once the results are out, candidates will need to carefully evaluate their scores and assess their chances of securing admission to their preferred management institutes. For many aspirants, the biggest question remains whether they will make it to an IIM. While scoring 99 percentile or above is a dream for most, only a small fraction of candidates achieve it, making it essential to keep alternative options open regardless of performance.

Experts advise candidates not to rely solely on CAT results, as IIM admissions depend on multiple factors, including academic profile, work experience, and performance in subsequent selection rounds. Even high CAT scorers may miss out on top IIMs. Hence, appearing for other national-level MBA entrance exams such as XAT, SNAP, CMAT, and MAT is strongly recommended. Since registration for these exams runs parallel to CAT, candidates must ensure they have applied in advance.

After the CAT result announcement, aspirants will still have opportunities through exams like XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, MAH-CET, TANCET, TSICET, and other state-level tests conducted between January and March. For candidates who feel their performance did not meet expectations, the post-result phase can be confusing. Some may choose to gain work experience, pursue alternative courses, or attempt CAT again next year.

This decision should be personal and well thought out. Candidates who perform well in CAT must prepare for the WAT, GD, and PI rounds, which are a critical part of MBA admissions and equally competitive. Many B-schools start their application process even before CAT results are declared, making early research on cut-offs, fees, and admission schedules crucial. If an IIM offer does not materialize, aspirants should explore other top B-schools by evaluating factors such as rankings, placements, alumni network, faculty, ROI, and campus environment.