What After CAT 2025 Result? Step-by-Step MBA Admission Strategy (Complete Guide)

The CAT 2025 result is finally out, and for thousands of MBA aspirants, the real journey starts now. Whether you scored 99+ percentile or 70+ percentile, what you do after the CAT result will decide which MBA college you finally join.

Many students lose great opportunities not because of a low CAT score, but due to poor post-result strategy.

This blog explains exactly what to do after CAT 2025 result, step by step, so you don’t miss deadlines, calls, or top MBA colleges.

Step 1: Understand Your CAT 2025 Score & Percentile Properly

Before anything else, clearly analyze:

• Overall percentile

• Sectional percentiles (VARC, DILR, QA)

• Scaled score

Why this step matters:

• IIMs and IITs have sectional cutoffs

• Some colleges shortlist only on overall percentile

• Others (like FMS, SPJIMR) give weightage to specific sections

Do not judge your chances based only on overall percentile.

Step 2: Categorize Yourself (This Is Critical)

Put yourself into one of these realistic buckets:

99–100 Percentile

• Old IIMs (A, B, C – profile dependent)

• FMS Delhi

• IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi

• SPJIMR

95–98 Percentile

• New & Baby IIMs

• IIFT, MDI, IITs

• Top private B-schools (IMI, IMT, XIMB)

90–94 Percentile

• Strong Tier-2 colleges

• IIT Roorkee, TAPMI, KJ Somaiya, FORE

80–89 Percentile

• ROI-focused private MBA colleges

• Welingkar, IFMR, LIBA, BIM Trichy

70–79 Percentile

• Private universities & emerging B-schools

• Focus on specialization + ROI

This classification avoids unrealistic expectations and wrong applications.

Step 3: Check Which Colleges You Have Already Applied To

Immediately list:

• IIMs (via CAT form)

• Colleges with separate applications (MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IITs, etc.)

Important:

Many top colleges close applications before CAT result.If you missed them, focus on colleges that:

• Reopen forms

• Accept late applications

• Consider multiple exams

Step 4: Apply to Remaining MBA Colleges (Very Time-Sensitive)

After CAT 2025 result, application windows open for limited time.

Colleges that usually accept post-result applications:

• IMI Delhi

• FORE School of Management

• TAPMI

• KJ Somaiya

• XIME

• BIMTECH

• IFMR

Delay here = lost admission year.

Step 5: Start GD-PI-WAT Preparation Immediately

This is where most students fail.

What you should prepare:

• Personal Interview (PI)

• Written Ability Test (WAT)

• Group Discussion (GD)

Key areas interviewers test:

• Academics

• Work experience

• Current affairs

• Career clarity

• MBA specialization choice

Your CAT percentile gets you the call,

Your interview gets you the seat.

Step 6: Prepare Separate Answers for IIMs & Private Colleges

This is a smart move.

IIMs focus on:

• Analytical thinking

• Academic consistency

• Leadership & ethics

Private colleges focus on:

• Communication skills

• Industry exposure

• Practical mindset

• Career alignment

Same answers for all interviews = rejection.

Step 7: Track Shortlist & Interview Calls Regularly

Create a simple tracker:

• College name

• Call status

• Interview date

• Mode (online/offline)

Missing an interview email is more common than you think.

Step 8: Evaluate Colleges Based on ROI, Not Just Brand

Before converting calls, check:

• Total MBA fees

• Average & median placements

• Role quality (not just CTC)

• Location advantage

• Alumni network

A ₹20 LPA college with ₹25 lakh fees is worse ROI than A ₹14 LPA college with ₹8 lakh fees.

Step 9: Don’t Panic or Compare Constantly

Every CAT aspirant’s journey is different.

Avoid:

• Comparing calls with friends

• Making decisions based on WhatsApp groups

• Ignoring Tier-2 colleges blindly

Many top CEOs and managers are from non-IIM colleges.

Common Mistakes Students Make After CAT Results

• Waiting too long to apply

• Ignoring GD-PI prep

• Depending only on IIMs

• Choosing brand over ROI

• Not having backup colleges

Final Advice: CAT Score Is Just the Entry Ticket

CAT 2025 is not the end, it’s the entry gate.

Your final MBA college depends on:

• Smart applications

• Interview preparation

• Realistic shortlisting

• Calm decision-making

If you follow the steps above in order, you’ll maximize your chances of converting a good MBA college in 2026.

FAQs – CAT 2025 (98–99 Percentile)

1. Can I get IIM Ahmedabad at 98–99 percentile?

For the General category, admission to IIM Ahmedabad at 98–99 percentile is highly unlikely. Historically, shortlisted candidates usually have percentiles above 99.7 along with an exceptional academic profile.

2. SPJIMR better than new IIMs at this percentile?

Yes. SPJIMR is generally considered better than most new and baby IIMs in terms of placement quality, alumni network, industry exposure, and return on investment.

3. Which IIT is best for MBA at 98–99 percentile?

IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) and IIT Delhi (DMS) are the top IITs for MBA aspirants in this percentile range, offering strong placements and excellent brand value.

4. Is 98 percentile enough for FMS Delhi?

Admission to FMS Delhi at 98 percentile is possible only if the candidate has an exceptionally high VARC score, as FMS places heavy weight on the Verbal Ability section.

5. Should I apply to private MBA colleges with a 98–99 percentile?

Yes. At this percentile, applying to top private institutes such as SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and XLRI (via XAT) is a very smart decision and often leads to better outcomes than lower-tier IIMs.

6. Do sectional cutoffs matter at 98–99 percentile?

Yes. Even with a high overall percentile, failing to clear sectional cutoffs can lead to rejection from IIMs and IITs. Balanced performance is essential.

7. Is it worth repeating CAT after scoring 98 percentile?

Repeating CAT is usually not recommended unless you are specifically targeting top 3 IIMs and have a clear plan to improve both percentile and profile.

8. What should be my next step after scoring 98–99 percentile?

You should immediately shortlist colleges, complete pending applications, and begin focused GD-PI-WAT preparation, as interviews play a decisive role in final selection.