CAT 2025: Does Graduation Marks Matter for MBA Admissions?
- Hasnain Patel
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
After CAT 2025 results, many aspirants—especially engineers and fresh graduates—worry about one crucial question:
“Will my graduation marks affect my MBA admission chances?”
Students with low or average graduation scores often panic, assuming they are automatically disqualified from top MBA colleges. On the other hand, students with strong CAT percentiles wonder how much their graduation performance really matters.
This blog explains how graduation marks are evaluated in MBA admissions after CAT 2025, how much weightage they carry, and what you can do if your graduation marks are low.
Does CAT Exam Consider Graduation Marks?
No.
CAT is only an entrance test, and it evaluates:
Quantitative Ability
Verbal Ability
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Graduation marks do not affect your CAT score or percentile.
👉 CAT official website:https://iimcat.ac.in/
Graduation marks are considered only during shortlisting and final selection by colleges, not during the CAT exam itself.
Where Do Graduation Marks Matter in MBA Admissions?
Graduation marks matter at two key stages:
Shortlisting for GD/PI
Final merit list after interviews
Most IIMs and top B-schools use a composite score, where graduation marks are one of multiple components.
How IIMs Evaluate Graduation Marks (General Framework)
Most IIMs follow a profile-based shortlisting system, which includes:
CAT percentile
10th & 12th marks
Graduation marks
Work experience
Diversity factors
Interview performance
Graduation marks typically carry 10–20% weightage, depending on the institute.
👉 Example admission criteria
(Each IIM publishes its own criteria annually.)
Is There a Minimum Graduation Marks
Requirement?
Yes, but it is basic eligibility, not a high cutoff.
Most MBA colleges require 50% marks in graduation
For reserved categories, this may be relaxed
As long as you meet the minimum eligibility, you are not disqualified due to lower marks.
How Much Do Graduation Marks Actually Impact Shortlisting?
Graduation marks:
Help strengthen a profile, but
Do not override CAT score
A candidate with:
High CAT percentile + average graduation marksoften performs better than
Low CAT percentile + high graduation marks
Graduation marks are a supporting factor, not a deciding one.
What If You Have Low Graduation Marks?
Low graduation marks do not end your MBA chances.
Many successful MBA students:
Had average or low graduation scores
Compensated with strong CAT performance
Performed well in interviews
What matters more is how you justify your academic journey.
How to Justify Low Graduation Marks in Interviews
Interview panels look for:
Honesty and clarity
Learning outcomes
Growth mindset
You should:
Explain genuine reasons (health, financial pressure, wrong specialization choice)
Highlight improvement in CAT or work experience
Show maturity and self-awareness
Avoid blaming professors or institutions.
Graduation Marks vs Work Experience
Candidates with work experience:
Face less pressure from graduation marks
Are evaluated more on professional impact
For freshers, graduation marks carry slightly more importance—but still not more than CAT score.
Graduation Marks vs 10th & 12th Marks
In many cases:
10th and 12th marks are weighted equal to or more than graduation marks
Academic consistency matters more than one poor phase
One weak academic year rarely ruins an otherwise strong profile.
Do Graduation Marks Affect All Colleges Equally?
No.
IIMs and top institutes use structured formulas
Private B-schools may be more flexible
Interview performance can offset academic weakness
There is no single universal rule.
Common Myths About Graduation Marks
Low graduation marks mean no IIM – False
Graduation marks matter more than CAT – False
Only toppers get MBA calls – False
Poor academics cannot be fixed – False
MBA admissions are holistic, not academic-only.
What Should You Focus on Instead?
If graduation marks are weak:
Maximize CAT percentile
Prepare exceptionally well for interviews
Build clarity on career goals
Highlight internships, projects, or work experience
A strong overall profile always wins.
Final Verdict
Graduation marks:
Matter, but not excessively
Are part of a broader evaluation
Can be compensated with CAT score and interviews
If you have cleared CAT 2025 with a strong percentile, do not self-reject yourself because of graduation marks.
FAQs – Graduation Marks & MBA Admissions
1. Do IIMs reject candidates with low graduation marks?
No. Candidates are evaluated holistically. Low marks can be offset by CAT score and interviews.
2. Is there a minimum graduation percentage for MBA?
Yes, usually 50% for General category (eligibility only).
3. Do graduation marks matter more for freshers?
Slightly, but CAT score and interview performance still dominate.
4. Can work experience compensate for low graduation marks?
Yes. Relevant work experience reduces the impact of academic weaknesses.
5. Are graduation marks more important than CAT score?
No. CAT score is always the primary filter.
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