CAT 2025 Cut-off for Direct Admission Process. The CAT 2025 exam is one of the most competitive MBA entrance tests in India, with over 2.5 lakh aspirants competing for a limited number of seats in top B-schools. Naturally, not everyone secures a high percentile.
This leads many students to search for “CAT 2025 cut-off for direct admission process”—hoping to understand what score is required, which colleges are possible, and what options exist if the cut-off is not cleared.
This article explains CAT 2025 cut-off trends, how direct admission actually works, college-wise percentile expectations, and smart alternatives for students with low or moderate CAT scores.
Read: — Colleges Accepting CAT Score 70-80 Percentile Direct MBA Admission

What Is CAT 2025 Cut-off?
The CAT cut-off is the minimum percentile required by an MBA college to shortlist candidates for:
- GD (Group Discussion)
- PI (Personal Interview)
- Final admission
Each college sets its own cut-off, which may vary by:
- Category (General / OBC / SC / ST / EWS)
- Academic profile
- Work experience
- Sectional scores
Expected CAT 2025 Cut-off – College-Wise (Approx.)
Top Tier-1 Colleges
| College | Expected CAT Cut-off |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad / Bangalore / Calcutta | 99 – 99.8+ |
| FMS Delhi | 98 – 99+ |
| IIM Lucknow | 97 – 98 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 95 – 98 (Profile-based) |
| MDI Gurgaon | 95 – 97 |
Tier-1.5 & Tier-2 Colleges
| College | Expected CAT Cut-off |
|---|---|
| IIFT Delhi / Kolkata | 93 – 97 |
| IMI New Delhi | 90 – 95 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90 – 95 |
| GIM Goa | 85 – 92 |
| FORE School of Management | 85 – 90 |
| TAPMI Manipal | 85 – 90 |
Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores (Direct / Profile-Based)
| CAT Percentile Range | Admission Possibilities |
|---|---|
| 80 – 85 | Tier-2 private colleges |
| 70 – 80 | Tier-2 / Tier-3 colleges |
| Below 70 | Profile-based / alternative exams |
| No CAT | Private universities |
Entrance Exams That Help If CAT Cut-off Is Not Cleared
If your CAT score is low, you can still get MBA admission using: CAT 2025 Cut-off for Direct Admission Process
- ✅ CMAT
- ✅ MAT
- ✅ ATMA
- ✅ NMAT
- ✅ GMAT
- ✅ IBSAT
Many colleges give equal or higher priority to these exams. CAT 2025 Cut-off for Direct Admission Process
Direct MBA Admission Process (Step-by-Step)
- Check CAT 2025 percentile
- Shortlist colleges accepting your score
- Evaluate profile (academics + work experience)
- Apply to colleges directly / via counselling
- Attend GD/PI or interview rounds
- Receive offer letter
- Pay fees through official college channels
Placements with Low CAT Score – Reality Check
Even with a low CAT score, good colleges offer: CAT 2025 Cut-off for Direct Admission Process
- Average packages: ₹4 – 8 LPA
- Roles in:
- Marketing & Sales
- HR
- Business Analytics
- Operations
- Consulting (select colleges)
👉 Skills & internships matter more than CAT score after admission.
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