CAT 2025 Admission Timeline: GD-PI-WAT Dates & Next Steps

The declaration of CAT 2025 results marks the beginning of the most critical phase in the MBA admission journey — the selection process. Many aspirants lose valuable opportunities simply because they are unaware of the admission timeline and miss deadlines for GD, PI, and WAT rounds.

This blog provides a complete, step-by-step CAT 2025 admission timeline, covering:

• Expected GD-PI-WAT dates

• Selection process stages

• What to do after CAT 2025 results

• Smart next steps to maximize conversions

Overview of CAT 2025 Admission Process

The CAT-based MBA admission process generally follows these stages:

1. CAT 2025 Result Declaration

2. Shortlisting by IIMs and other B-schools

3. GD, PI, and WAT rounds

4. Final merit list and admission offers

5. Academic session commencement

Understanding this timeline helps you prepare strategically rather than reactively.

CAT 2025 Result Declaration (December 2025)

CAT 2025 results are typically announced in mid to late December 2025. The scorecard includes:

• Overall percentile

• Sectional percentiles

• Scaled scores

Immediately after results, top institutes begin evaluating candidates for shortlisting.

Shortlisting for GD-PI-WAT Rounds (January 2026)

Most IIMs and top B-schools release shortlist announcements between January and early February 2026.

Shortlisting depends on:

• CAT percentile (overall and sectional)

• Academic profile

• Work experience

• Diversity factors

Candidates meeting the cutoff are invited for the next stage.

WAT (Written Ability Test) Timeline

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is conducted either:

• Before the PI

• Along with the PI on the same day

WAT generally takes place between February and March 2026.

Topics usually focus on:

• Current affairs

• Business and economic issues

• Abstract or opinion-based themes

GD (Group Discussion) Timeline

Many IIMs have replaced GD with WAT, but some non-IIM B-schools still conduct GD.

GD rounds usually occur:

• From February to March 2026

• In online or offline modes

GD evaluates communication skills, teamwork, and leadership ability.

PI (Personal Interview) Timeline

The Personal Interview (PI) is the most crucial stage of the CAT 2025 admission process.

PI rounds are conducted:

• Between February and April 2026

• In online or on-campus mode

Interview panels assess:

• Academic clarity

• Work experience

• Personality and attitude

• Career goals

Strong PI performance can significantly boost final selection chances.

CAT 2025 Admission Timeline at a Glance

• December 2025: CAT 2025 results declared

• January 2026: Shortlists released

• February–March 2026: WAT and GD rounds

• February–April 2026: PI rounds

• April–May 2026: Final admission offers

• June–July 2026: MBA program begins

Final Merit List & Admission Offers (April–May 2026)

After completion of GD-PI-WAT rounds, institutes release final merit lists.

Final selection is based on:

• CAT score

• WAT performance

• PI score

• Academic and work profile

Offer acceptance deadlines are usually strict.

What to Do After CAT 2025 Results: Next Steps

Once CAT results are declared, candidates should immediately:

• Check shortlist eligibility for each institute

• Prepare for WAT topics and PI questions

• Arrange academic documents

• Research each college’s selection criteria

• Practice mock interviews

Early preparation increases conversion rates.

How to Prepare Strategically for GD-PI-WAT

• Stay updated with current affairs

• Practice structured writing for WAT

• Prepare HR and academic interview answers

• Understand your resume thoroughly

• Work on communication clarity

Consistency matters more than last-minute preparation.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make During Admission Timeline

• Missing shortlist announcements

• Ignoring sectional cutoffs

• Underestimating WAT importance

• Poor interview preparation

• Delayed document readiness

Avoiding these mistakes can save an entire admission year.

FAQs – CAT 2025 Admission Timeline

When will GD-PI-WAT rounds start after CAT 2025 results?

Most GD-PI-WAT rounds begin between February and March 2026.

Do all IIMs conduct GD rounds?

No. Many IIMs have replaced GD with WAT and PI.

Can I attend multiple interviews at the same time?

Interview dates may overlap, so candidates must plan travel and availability carefully.

Is WAT compulsory for all CAT colleges?

Not all, but most top institutes include WAT as part of their selection process.

When do MBA classes usually start after CAT 2025?

Most MBA programs begin between June and July 2026.