CAT 2025: Registration, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, and Exam Dates

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a top national-level entrance exam held every year for admission into MBA and PGDM programs. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 leading business schools across India primarily use it. CAT is the gateway for students and professionals who want to boost their careers or switch industries by getting a quality business education. Every year, lakhs of students apply, making it one of the most competitive exams in the country.

The exam is conducted online and tests your skills in verbal ability, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude—skills needed to do well in the business world. CAT is known for its tough questions and strict time limits. It checks how fast, accurate, and sharp-minded you are.

Each year, a different IIM organises the exam. For CAT 2025, IIM Kozhikode will be in charge. This IIM is one of the top management institutes in India.

Importance of CAT for MBA Aspirants

CAT scores are the first filter for admission to top-tier business schools. A high CAT percentile not only boosts your academic future but also places you ahead in job markets post-MBA.

CAT 2025 Notification Overview

Conducting Body and Official Announcement

The official IIM Kozhikode released the CAT 2025 notification on July 27, 2025. According to the announcement, the exam will be conducted in three sessions on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in over 170 cities across India. The exam will remain online and follow the traditional three-section format.

The official website for CAT 2025 is iimcat.ac.in, where candidates can find all the relevant updates, including the information bulletin, registration link, mock tests, and result download portal.

This year’s notification confirms that the application window will open on August 1, 2025, and close on September 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Candidates must complete the entire registration process within this timeline, as late submissions will not be entertained.

Key Highlights from CAT 2025 Notification

Here’s a summary of all the important details from the notification:

Important Dates for CAT 2025

Registration Start and End Date

The registration process will begin at 10:00 AM on August 1, 2025, and continue until 5:00 PM on September 13, 2025. Candidates must fill out the online application form within this window. The registration link will be active only on the official CAT website.

It is strongly advised not to wait till the last date to register. In previous years, the CAT portal has faced heavy traffic and last-minute glitches. Complete your registration as early as possible to avoid any technical issues.

Admit Card Release

Once the registration window closes, the CAT 2025 admit card will be released on November 5, 2025. The admit card can be downloaded using your CAT login credentials.

The admit card contains essential details such as:

• Candidate’s name and photograph
• Exam centre address
• Slot timing
• Reporting time
• Instructions for exam day

Remember to take a printout of the admit card and carry a valid photo ID proof (Aadhar, passport, PAN, or driving license) to the exam centre.

Exam Date and Slots

CAT 2025 will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The exam will be conducted in three time slots:

1. Morning Session: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
2. Afternoon Session: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
3. Evening Session: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

The session allotment is random and will be mentioned on your admit card. You cannot choose your slot.

Result Announcement Timeline

The CAT 2025 result is expected to be announced in the first week of January 2026. Candidates will be able to download their scorecards from the CAT website. The result includes:

• Sectional scores
• Overall raw score
• Percentile score (sectional + overall)

Your CAT score is valid for 1 year, and it plays a pivotal role in your selection to MBA programs. Most IIMs and top B-schools begin their shortlisting process immediately after the result is declared.

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

To be eligible for CAT 2025, candidates must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institute.
• Score at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA for General, EWS, and OBC categories.
• For SC, ST, and PwD categories, the minimum required marks are 45%.

Degrees obtained from universities recognised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, are considered valid.

Age and Attempt Limit

There is no age restriction for appearing in CAT 2025. Whether you're a fresh graduate or a working professional in your late 30s or 40s, you can still appear for CAT.

Also, there is no cap on the number of attempts. You can take the CAT exam multiple times to improve your score, provided you meet the basic educational qualifications.

Eligibility for Final Year Students

Candidates who are currently in the final year of their Bachelor's degree are also eligible to apply. They must:

• Submit a certificate from their college’s Head of Department or Principal.
• Ensure they complete their degree by June 2026.

Final-year students must provide their mark sheets or provisional certificates during the admissions process if selected by an institute.

Reservation Policy Explained

CAT follows the reservation policy as mandated by the Government of India. Here's the reservation breakdown:

• Scheduled Caste (SC) – 15%
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) – 7.5%
• Other Backwards Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) – 27%
• Economically Weaker Section (EWS) – 10%
• Persons with Disability (PwD) – 5%

Candidates applying under reserved categories must upload valid certificates during registration. Failing to do so may lead to rejection of candidature.

CAT 2025 Registration Process

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Registering for CAT 2025 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully. Here’s a complete walkthrough to ensure you don’t miss anything:

1. Visit the official CAT website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on "Register": Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to create your user profile.
3. Verify through OTP: A one-time password will be sent to your email and phone number. Use it to confirm your registration.
4. Log in using generated credentials: After verifying, log in using the User ID and Password you received.
5. Fill in the application form: Enter your personal, academic, and professional details.
6. Choose up to 6 test cities: Pick your preferred exam centres from the list. The exam authority will allot one based on availability.

1. Upload documents:
   
   • Passport-size photograph (recent)
   • Scanned signature
   • Category/PwD certificates (if applicable)
   • Final year certificate (if still studying)

1. Pay the application fee: You can use net banking, UPI, or credit/debit cards to complete the transaction.
2. Apply: Review all details thoroughly. Once satisfied, click ‘Submit.’

Always keep a soft and hard copy of the filled form and the transaction receipt for future reference.

Required Documents for Registration

Before you start the registration, make sure these documents are ready:

• A scanned copy of your passport-size photo
• Your scanned signature
• Mark sheets of Class 10, 12, and graduation
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) – in the prescribed format
• PwD certificate, if applicable
• Final year certificate from college, if you’re currently studying

All scanned images must meet the format and size guidelines mentioned on the website. Any deviation may lead to application rejection.

Application Fee Structure

The application fee varies depending on your category. Here’s the breakdown:

The fee must be paid online only and is non-refundable. You cannot modify any major detail once the form is submitted, so double-check everything before proceeding.

Mistakes to Avoid While Registering

Many candidates lose their chance because of small, avoidable errors. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Incorrect email ID or phone number: This blocks access to vital updates.
• Blurry photo or signature uploads: Can lead to form rejection.
• Wrong category certificate or old format: Ensure your certificate is updated and matches the CAT guidelines.
• Mismatch in name or DoB: Cross-check your IDs and certificates.
• Choosing random test cities: Pick the closest and most accessible ones to avoid logistical issues.

Keep multiple screenshots of your application and confirmation emails. Use a desktop/laptop for a smoother registration experience.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Structure of CAT 2025

CAT 2025 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) lasting 2 hours. The exam will be split into three timed sections, each having its own set of questions and time limits.

The paper has a mix of MCQs and non-MCQs. The non-MCQs (also called TITA—Type in the Answer) don’t carry any negative marking, while MCQs have 1 for incorrect answers and +3 for correct ones.

Each section is auto-submitted once the time is over. You can’t switch between sections at your will, so time management is crucial.

Section-wise Breakdown

1. VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension):
   
   
   • Reading Comprehension (70% of this section)
   • Para-jumbles
   • Sentence completion
   • Odd-one-out
2. DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning):
   
   • Bar/line/PIE chart-based sets
   • Seating arrangement
   • Puzzles and games
   • Logical grouping
3. QA (Quantitative Aptitude):
   
   • Arithmetic (Time & Work, Percentages, Ratios)
   • Algebra
   • Geometry & Mensuration
   • Number Systems
   • Modern Math (Probability, Set Theory)

The question difficulty typically ranges from moderate to difficult. However, CAT is known for being unpredictable, which means preparation for each topic is crucial.

Marking Scheme

• MCQs: +3 for correct, –1 for wrong
• TITA Questions: +3 for correct, 0 for wrong

There’s no penalty for unattempted questions. Accuracy matters more than attempting all questions. The percentile is derived from a scaled score, based on difficulty levels across sessions.

Difficulty Level and Adaptive Pattern

CAT is not technically an adaptive test like GMAT, but the difficulty varies across slots. This is adjusted through equating and scaling, so all students are assessed fairly regardless of their test session.

Here’s how CAT adjusts:

• If Slot 1 is easier than Slot 3, scores from Slot 3 are scaled upward.
• Percentiles are calculated relative to your peers, not just your raw score.

Hence, your accuracy, speed, and selection of questions are the real differentiators in CAT.

CAT 2025 Syllabus

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The VARC section is a test of your comprehension and command of the English language. Roughly 70% of this section focuses on reading comprehension (RC), while the rest assesses verbal logic. There are typically 4–5 RC passages, followed by 3–4 questions each. The rest are Verbal Ability (VA) questions like parajumbles, summary writing, and sentence completion.

Topics to Cover in VARC:

• Reading Comprehension (economics, philosophy, science, etc.)
• Para-jumbles and para-summary
• Sentence elimination
• Critical reasoning
• Vocabulary in context

Preparation Tips:

• Read editorial columns, long-form articles, and essays from The Hindu, The Economist, or Aeon.
• Practice parajumbles and elimination-based MCQs daily.
• Improve your reading speed and inference accuracy by summarising articles.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

This section is notorious for being the most unpredictable. One year it could be logic-heavy; another year it may lean toward complex numerical puzzles. Generally, the section includes 4–5 sets with 4–6 questions per set.

Topics Covered:

• Bar charts, pie charts, line graphs
• Tables and caselets
• Blood relations, directions, puzzles
• Arrangement-based problems
• Games and tournaments

How to Prepare:

• Solve 2–3 sets daily from past CAT papers.
• Time your performance and analyse logic gaps.
• DILR rewards structured thinking, not just speed.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

The QA section is a favourite of engineering students, but can be mastered by all with consistent practice. Around 50% of the questions come from arithmetic.

Important QA Topics:

• Arithmetic: Percentages, SI/CI, Mixtures, Time & Work, Averages
• Algebra: Equations, Inequalities, Progressions
• Number Systems: Factors, Remainders, Base System
• Geometry & Mensuration: Circles, Triangles, 3D shapes
• Modern Math: Probability, Set Theory, Permutations & Combinations

Prep Tips:

• Start with NCERTs and Arun Sharma.
• Focus on concept clarity first, then build speed.
• Maintain an error log for every mistake and revise it regularly.

Topic-wise Weightage

While CAT doesn’t officially publish topic-wise weightage, here’s a general estimate based on previous years:

Understanding these patterns helps you allocate your time and focus smartly during preparation.

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

Study Plan for 6 Months

Starting now gives you enough time to master the CAT syllabus. Here's a month-wise strategy:

• Months 1-2: Cover fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra, RC, and basic logic sets.
• Months 3-4: Intermediate to advanced DILR sets, more QA practice, and RC speed tests.
• Month 5: Full-length mock tests, error analysis, revision, and time management.
• Month 6: Focus solely on mocks, weak areas, and stamina building.

Stick to a daily schedule of 2–4 hours initially and ramp up to 5–6 hours closer to the exam.

Mock Tests and Analysis

Mocks are where real learning happens. You should aim for 25–30 full-length mocks before exam day. Start with 1 per week and increase to 2–3 as CAT approaches.

Mock Strategy:

• Attempt full mock → Review every question → Analyse time spent per section
• Maintain an Excel sheet of all mocks, scores, accuracy, and improvements
• Categorise questions as easy/medium/hard and revise weak areas regularly

Coaching vs Self-Study

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

If you’re good at self-planning, online resources and mocks can help you crack the CAT without coaching. If you need structured guidance, opt for a reputable coaching centre.

CAT 2025 Admit Card

How to Download Admit Card

The CAT 2025 admit card will be available from November 5, 2025, till the exam day.

Steps to download:

1. Visit iimcat.ac.in
2. Click on “Download Admit Card.”
3. Enter your user ID and password.
4. Click “Submit” and download the PDF

Take 2–3 printed copies, and save a soft copy on your phone or drive.

Details Mentioned

• Candidate’s Name
• Date of Birth
• CAT Registration Number
• Exam Date and Slot
• Exam Centre Address
• Reporting Time and Exam Time
• Instructions for Test Day

Verify all details. Contact the CAT helpline if anything is incorrect.

Things to Carry on Exam Day

• Admit Card (printout, preferably colour)
• Original Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, DL)
• Transparent water bottle
• Simple analogue watch (if allowed)
• Face mask and sanitiser (if mandated)

Avoid carrying electronic devices, jewellery, bags, or written material.

CAT 2025 Answer Key and Response Sheet

How to Download and Challenge the Answer Key

IIM Kozhikode will release the official CAT 2025 answer key and response sheet a week after the exam. It helps candidates match their answers and predict scores.

Steps:

1. Log in to iimcat.ac.in
2. Go to ‘Candidate Dashboard’
3. Click on “Answer Key” or “Response Sheet.”
4. Download and compare with your responses

If you find any discrepancy, you can challenge the key within the window (usually 3–4 days).

Importance of Response Sheet

The response sheet shows:

• Your marked answers
• Correct answers
• Time spent on each question (sometimes)

It’s extremely helpful in:

• Verifying your attempted answers
• Estimating your raw score
• Understanding weak areas

Many platforms like 2 IIM and Cracku provide unofficial calculators where you can upload your responses and get an estimated percentile.

CAT 2025 Result and Scorecard

Result Declaration Date

The CAT 2025 result is expected to be announced in the first week of January 2026, likely around January 6–8, based on trends from previous years. The results will be published on the official website, and candidates must log in using their User ID and password to access their scorecard.

The CAT scorecard is crucial for the next stages of the admission process, including shortlisting for GD-PI-WAT rounds at IIMs and other B-schools. The earlier you download and save it, the better—it’s often required by multiple institutes.

How to Download Scorecard

To download your CAT 2025 scorecard:

1. Go to iimcat.ac.in
2. Click on “CAT 2025 Scorecard Download.”
3. Enter your login credentials
4. Click “Download” and save the PDF

Understanding Percentile vs Raw Score

Your raw score is the sum of your correct and incorrect answers, factoring in the negative marking. But IIMs don't shortlist based on raw scores. Instead, they use scaled scores and percentiles.

• Raw Score: Actual marks obtained (e.g., 120/198)
• Scaled Score: Adjusted for difficulty across slots
• Percentile: Shows the percentage of test-takers below you

For example, if your percentile is 98, it means you performed better than 98% of all CAT takers. Most top IIMs look for percentiles above 95–99 in the overall score and 85+ in sectional scores.

IIM Selection Process Post-CAT

WAT-PI-GD Rounds

Once the CAT results are out, shortlisted candidates are invited for the WAT (Written Ability Test), PI (Personal Interview), and occasionally GD (Group Discussion). Each IIM has its own weightage system.

Typical Selection Components:

• CAT Score: 40–60%
• WAT/PI: 20–30%
• Academic Records: 10–20%
• Work Experience: 5–10%
• Diversity (academic/gender): 5–10%

WAT tests your written communication and thought clarity. PI assesses your confidence, subject knowledge, and motivation for an MBA. Some IIMs still conduct GD, but many have shifted to WAT-PI.

Weightage of CAT in Final Selection

The CAT percentile is important, but it’s not everything. Here’s a typical IIM weightage model:

This holistic approach ensures that well-rounded candidates are selected, not just those with high CAT scores.

Conclusion

CAT 2025 is your chance to transform your career and future. Whether you're an engineer seeking a business edge, a commerce graduate aiming for finance, or a working professional hungry for a leadership role, CAT can open the doors to India's best business schools.

Start early, stay consistent, and focus on building conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. The competition may be stiff, but with smart preparation, practice, and perseverance, you can conquer CAT 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. What is the date of the CAT exam in 2025?
Ans: The CAT (Common Admission Test) for the year 2025 will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Q2. Which IIM will set the CAT 2025?
Ans: IIM Kozhikode is the official conducting authority for CAT 2025.

Q3. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2025?
Ans: Yes, final-year students can apply, but must submit a certificate from their college.

Q4. Who is eligible for CAT 2025?
Ans: Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible for CAT 2025. Final-year students can also apply. No age limit.

Q5. What is the validity of the CAT score?
Ans: The CAT score is valid for 1 year, only for the admission cycle of 2026.