CAT 2025: Engineers vs Non-Engineers – Who Gets More Calls?

One of the most searched and debated questions after the CAT result is:

“Do engineers get fewer MBA calls than non-engineers?”

With engineers forming the largest applicant pool in CAT every year, many aspirants worry about academic diversity, competition, and whether being a non-engineer provides a real advantage.

This blog breaks down CAT 2025 admissions from a factual, data-driven perspective, explaining:

• How IIMs and top B-schools evaluate engineers vs non-engineers

• Why diversity points exist

• Who actually gets more calls

• What engineers and non-engineers should do post-CAT 2025

Why This Question Matters After CAT 2025

Every year:

• Engineers dominate CAT applicants

• Non-engineers feel uncertain about quantitative rigor

• Engineers fear losing out due to diversity policies

However, MBA admissions are no longer purely percentile-based. Most institutes use composite scores involving multiple parameters.

Understanding this balance is critical to forming a realistic post-CAT strategy.

Applicant Pool Reality: Engineers vs Non-Engineers

Engineers in CAT

• Form the largest percentage of CAT test takers

• Strong in Quantitative Ability

• Intense competition among similar profiles

Non-Engineers in CAT

• Include commerce, arts, science, law, medicine backgrounds

• Smaller applicant pool

• Add classroom diversity

This imbalance is the core reason why academic diversity points exist.

What Are Academic Diversity Points?

Academic diversity points are additional marks awarded to candidates from non-engineering backgrounds to ensure balanced classroom composition.

Why institutes do this:

• Avoid homogeneous batches

• Encourage varied perspectives

• Improve peer learning

These points do not replace CAT scores — they supplement them.

How IIMs Actually Shortlist Candidates

Most IIMs use a composite score formula, which typically includes:

• CAT percentile (overall + sectional)

• Academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation)

• Work experience

• Academic diversity

• Gender diversity

Engineers and non-engineers are evaluated separately within their categories, not directly against each other.

Do Non-Engineers Get More Calls Than Engineers?

The Short Answer

Non-engineers do not get more calls by default.

The Real Answer

Non-engineers may get slightly lower cutoff thresholds, but:

• CAT score still dominates

• Poor academics can offset diversity points

• Strong engineer profiles still convert top calls

Diversity points act as a balancing mechanism, not a shortcut.

CAT Percentile Comparison: Engineers vs Non-Engineers (Indicative)

Background	Percentile Needed for Top Calls
Engineer (General)	Higher due to competition
Non-Engineer (General)	Slightly lower
Engineer with Work Ex	Competitive
Non-Engineer with Strong Academics	Competitive

This gap varies across institutes and years.

Do Engineers Lose Out in CAT 2025 Admissions?

No. Engineers:

• Still dominate top percentiles

• Convert calls with strong interviews

• Perform well in Quant-heavy programs

However, engineers face higher competition, not discrimination.

Do Non-Engineers Have an Advantage?

Non-engineers benefit from:

• Lower competition within category

• Diversity points

• Unique interview narratives

But they must still:

• Clear sectional cutoffs

• Handle Quant rigor

• Perform well in interviews

Diversity alone cannot compensate for weak CAT performance.

Role of Work Experience

Work experience often neutralizes academic background differences.

• Engineers with 2–3 years of work ex are highly valued

• Non-engineers with relevant exposure stand out

Institutes value maturity, clarity, and leadership potential more than degree labels.

Interview Stage: Where Background Matters Less

Once shortlisted:

• Engineers and non-engineers are judged equally

• Communication, clarity, and personality dominate

• Academic background becomes secondary

Many non-engineers lose out at interviews due to:

• Weak Quant fundamentals

• Lack of business awareness

Common Myths Busted

Myth: Engineers are rejected because of backgroundReality: Engineers face higher competition, not bias

Myth: Non-engineers get easy IIM callsReality: They still need strong CAT + profile

Myth: Diversity guarantees admissionReality: Interview performance decides final conversion

What Engineers Should Do After CAT 2025

• Apply broadly beyond IIMs

• Highlight leadership & work impact

• Prepare strong “Why MBA?” answers

• Focus heavily on interviews

Engineers who plan smartly convert top colleges every year.

What Non-Engineers Should Do After CAT 2025

• Strengthen Quant basics for interviews

• Clearly justify career transition

• Highlight academic uniqueness

• Avoid overconfidence due to diversity points

Preparation matters more than background.

Final Verdict: Who Gets More Calls?

Neither engineers nor non-engineers have an absolute advantage.

What matters most:

• CAT score

• Academic consistency

• Work experience

• Interview performance

CAT 2025 admissions reward well-rounded profiles, not degrees.

FAQs – Engineers vs Non-Engineers in CAT 2025

Does CAT favor non-engineers in MBA admissions?

CAT itself is neutral. Some institutes award academic diversity points, but CAT score remains the most important factor.

Do engineers need higher percentiles for IIM calls?

In many cases, yes, due to higher competition within the engineering category.

Can a non-engineer get IIM calls at lower percentile?

Possibly, depending on institute criteria and academic profile, but interview performance is crucial.

Is work experience more important than background?

Yes. Relevant work experience significantly improves shortlisting chances.

Should engineers avoid CAT due to competition?

No. Engineers continue to dominate top B-schools with proper strategy.