This personal account is especially relevant for students preparing for CAT 2025. Paras Ravere, a mechanical engineer with two years of work experience, secured an impressive 99.6% in CAT last year and
99.8% in XAT 2025. Yet, he did not receive even an interview call from the top IIMs — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Shillong, or Indore. He was also not offered admission by XLRI Jamshedpur, though he did receive an offer from their Delhi campus.
His experience highlights a crucial truth: a high CAT score alone is not enough. Let’s explore what truly matters for cracking CAT and what CAT 2025 aspirants must keep in mind.
A High CAT Score Isn’t Everything
Paras later realised that top B-schools evaluate more than just CAT scores. Your entire academic and professional profile is considered, including the nature of your job, the company you work for, and your role within it.
His low marks in the Class 12 board examinations affected his composite score, a key metric used to shortlist candidates for interviews and final admission.
Each IIM has its own unique formula for calculating this score, meaning that relying solely on CAT performance is risky; other aspects of your profile must also be in order.
Interview Preparation Is Equally Critical
In addition to CAT preparation, interview readiness is just as essential. Paras noticed that several candidates with lower scores received interview calls owing to stronger profiles and relevant work experience.
While IIM Lucknow shared details of the composite score, IIM Shillong only conveyed the selection outcome, making the process appear opaque and, at times, confusing, especially since it was unclear to Paras what areas he had fallen short in.
Your Educational Background Can Be A Factor
As an engineer, Paras was not eligible for the diversity marks often awarded to non-engineers. Female candidates also receive additional diversity points, which can make a significant difference.
This is an important consideration while preparing for CAT: even with a 99+ percentile, securing admission into top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Calcutta, Lucknow, Shillong, Kozhikode, or Indore is not guaranteed. Aspirants should stay grounded and not become overconfident.
Opportunities Gained — And Missed
Although Paras received offers from newer IIMs such as Udaipur, Ranchi, and Tiruchirappalli, as well as XLRI Delhi and MDI Gurugram, he did not make it to his preferred institutions. As a result, he chose to continue working.
He expressed disappointment with the selection process, particularly the lack of transparency. Many institutes did not share interview scores or feedback, leaving him without a clear understanding of his shortcomings.
What Should CAT 2025 Aspirants Do?
- Monitor Your Composite Score: Be aware of how your academic performance (like in Class 12 and graduation), work experience, and other factors contribute to the composite score. Each IIM has a different formula — do your research in advance.
- Practise for Interviews: Don’t leave interview preparation until after CAT. Learn to present your professional experiences and projects confidently.
- Consider Profile Diversity: Engineering candidates face stiff competition. Aim to build a well-rounded profile and strengthen other areas.
- Be Realistic: Even a 99 percentile doesn’t guarantee admission into top IIMs. Always have backup plans.
- Request Feedback: If rejected, try to obtain feedback from the institute to identify areas for improvement.
Lessons From Paras’s Journey
Paras believes that while a high CAT score is vital, your profile and interview performance are equally important. He also advocates for more transparency in the selection process, so that students can learn from their mistakes. Currently employed, he plans to attempt CAT again next year.
His story serves as a valuable lesson for CAT 2025 aspirants: academic preparation alone is not enough. Strengthening your profile, having a clear strategy, and preparing thoroughly for interviews are all crucial steps in turning your MBA dream into reality.
