CAT 2025: Exam Date (Nov 30), Form Correction (Soon), Registration (Closed), Syllabus, Pattern, Previous Year Papers, Prep Tips
Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
Admit Card - 5 Nov '25 - 30 Nov '25
CAT 2025 exam date is November 30, 2025. The exam will be conducted in three shifts which will be of 2 hours each. Since IIM Kozhikode is conducting the exam this year, difficulty level can be moderate.
The CAT 2025 registration process started on August 1 and ended on September 20, 2025. Nearly three lakh aspirants are expected to have applied for the exam. The total number of CAT applicants will be shared by IIM Kozhikode soon. Read all about CAT exam 2025 below including eligibility, fees, syllabus, pattern, preparation, question paper PDFs.
- What is CAT Exam?
- CAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule
- CAT 2025 Exam Highlights
- CAT 2025 Admit Card
- CAT 2025 Syllabus and Pattern
- CAT Question Paper PDFs Download (Previous Years)
- CAT Exam Preparation 2025
- CAT Answer Key 2025
- CAT 2025 Result and Scorecard PDF
- IIM CAT Cut Offs
- CAT Registration 2025
- CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
- IIMCAT Contact Information
- Important FAQs on CAT 2025
What is CAT Exam?
Common Admission Test or CAT is a national level management aptitude test conducted by the Indian Insitute of Management (IIM) for admission to MBA and other postgraduate courses offered by its 21 campuses (NITIE Mumbai has been added to the cluster and has been renamed as IIM Mumbai). CAT exam is a speed based test that includes questions from Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). Difficulty level of the exam is moderate to high.
Over two lakh candidates apply for the CAT exam every year. In CAT 2023, applications touched the record high of 3.30 lakh. The total number of CAT 2024 registration was 3.29 lakh. Candidates who clear the CAT exam are eligible for admission to over 1300 MBA colleges in India, apart from the IIMs.
Latest Updates:
CAT 2025 registration extended, check new deadline
CAT 2025 registration started, last date September 13
CAT 2025 exam fee changed for General and Other categories, registration starts August 1
CAT 2025 notification out, check registration dates, eligibility, pattern
Is One Year Needed for CAT Preparation? - Shiksha Poll
What is the Best Resource of CAT Preparation? - Shiksha Poll
Courses Offered Through CAT at IIMs
Apart from full-time MBA programmes, the CAT score is valid for admission to Executive MBA, PhD and FPM programmes of IIMs and other B-Schools. This exam is open for not only graduates but also post graduates and working professionals. Check below the list of courses offered by the IIMs through CAT and MBA seats offered.
| IIM |
Courses Offered Through CAT |
Number of Seats |
|---|---|---|
| PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGD-ABA (ePost Graduate Diploma in Advanced Business Analytics), PhD |
PGP-385 |
|
| MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, EMBA, M.Sc. in Data Science (MSDSM) jointly offered with IIT Ropar, PhD |
MBA-240 |
|
| PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PhD |
PGP-430 |
|
| MBA, MBA (Digital Business Management), MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management), PhD |
MBA-120 |
|
| MBA, PhD |
MBA-462 |
|
| PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM (Master of Science in Data Science and Management) |
PGP-451 |
|
| MBA, MBA (Hospital Administration & Healthcare Management), Executive MBA, PhD, PhD (Working Professionals) |
MBA-350 |
|
| MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBAA (Executive Master of Business Administration Analytics), PhD |
MBA-321 |
|
| PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP-IL, EPGP Kochi, PhD, Fellow Programmes in Management PhD (PT) |
MBA-484 |
|
| MBA, MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, PGPWE, PhD |
MBA-436 |
|
| IIM Mumbai |
MBA, MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management), MBA (Sustainability Management), PhD, PhD (Executive) |
MBA-278 |
| MBA, E-MBA, PhD, E-PhD |
MBA-267 |
|
| MBA, PhD, PhD (Practice Track) |
MBA-377 |
|
| MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA (Business Analytics), PhD, EPhD |
MBA-246 |
|
| PGP, EPGDSM, PGPx, PhD |
MBA-399 |
|
| MBA, Executive MBA, MBA for Working Professionals, PhD, Executive PhD |
MBA -197 |
|
| PGP, PGPEX, PGP (WE), Doctoral Program, Doctoral Program (WP) |
MBA -382 |
|
| MBA, MBA (Tourism Management), MBA (Travel, Tourism and Hospitality), ExMBA, ExMBA (Digital Transformation & Analytics), MBA (Family Business), PhD, PhD (Executive) |
MBA- 281 |
|
| PGPM (MBA), PGPM-HR (MBA-HR), PGPBM (MBA for Working Executives in Chennai), PhD, Executive PhD |
MBA-378 |
|
| MBA, MBA- DEM (Digital Enterprise Management), MBAGSCM (Global Supply Chain Management), Executive MBA (Online), PhD |
MBA-361 |
|
| PGP, EMBA, PGPMCI, PhD, Executive PhD |
MBA-383 |
Also Read: CAT 2025 important dates
Commonly asked questions
CAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CAT 2025 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 05 Nov ' 25 - 30 Nov ' 25 | CAT 2025 admit card download |
| 30 Nov ' 25 | CAT 2025 exam |
| Dec ' 25 | CAT 2025 answer key challenge TENTATIVE |
| Dec ' 25 | CAT 2025 result announcement TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Sep ' 25 | CAT 2025 form correction process |
| 01 Aug ' 25 - 20 Sep ' 25 | CAT 2025 registration |
CAT 2025 Exam Highlights
CAT is India's top MBA entrance exam. The competition is very high and preparation requires about 6 to 9 months. Candidates who wish to appear for the CAT must make sure they are capable of dedicating so much time to it. Here are the key CAT 2025 highlights for reference:
| CAT Exam Particulars |
CAT 2025 Details |
|---|---|
| CAT Full Form |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute for 2025 |
IIM Kozhikode |
| Exam Level |
National |
| CAT Entrance Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
| CAT Exam Date 2025 |
November 30, 2025 |
| CAT Exam Timings |
|
| CAT Exam Fees |
INR 2,600 (General category) and INR 1,300 (Reserved category) |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD students) |
| Number of Applications |
3.29 lakh (in 2024) |
| Number of Test Takers |
2.93 lakh (in 2024) |
| Exam Purpose |
Admission to IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,300 B-Schools in India |
| Courses Offered |
|
| CAT syllabus |
|
| CAT exam mode |
Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs |
| No. of test cities |
170 |
| CAT exam website |
|
| Exam helpdesk no. |
1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
Also read: CAT exam on screen calculator
Commonly asked questions
CAT 2025 Admit Card
Admit Card: 05 Nov ' 25 - 30 Nov ' 25
CAT admit card is a mandatory document to be carried to the exam centre. Candidates who have registered for the exam, will be issued a digital admit card on November 5, 2025. They will have to download it from the exam website and take a print out to carry on the exam day. Given below is the process to download the CAT admit card 2025:
- Log on to CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on 'login' tab
- Enter CAT 2025 application number and password
- Go to 'admit card' section
- Click on 'download'
Also Read:
Take a look at CAT exam day work flow:
Check the table below for exam timings of CAT 2025. Candidates are required to reach the exam centre as per the reporting time to be able to appear for the exam.
| CAT exam slot 2025 |
Exam timing |
Reporting time |
Last entry allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 |
8:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
7:00 AM |
8:15 AM |
| Slot 2 |
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
11:00 AM |
12:15 PM |
| Slot 3 |
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
3:00 PM |
4:15 PM |
Commonly asked questions
CAT 2025 Syllabus and Pattern
CAT exam syllabus is broadly divided into three sections - VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Check below the main topics of CAT syllabus 2025. Maximum questions are asked from the following topics. Candidates are advised to pay special attention on these topics during exam preparation:
| CAT Syllabus sections |
CAT Syllabus topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary and Odd Sentence Out |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory + Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding and Series |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration |
Also Read:
CAT Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
| Download Free PDF of CAT Exam Syllabus by Clicking on the Link Below |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
As per the latest notification, the CAT question paper 2025 will have MCQs and TITA questions. There will be negative marking for incorrect attempts. The exact test pattern of CAT 2025 will be known once the official CAT mock test is released. Check the highlights of CAT 2025 exam pattern below:
| CAT Paper Pattern 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| Mode of CAT exam |
Computer Based Test |
| Duration of exam |
|
| CAT exam slots |
|
| Number of questions |
66 68 |
| CAT total marks |
198 204 |
| Language of question paper |
English |
| Number of answer choices |
4 |
| Question Type |
MCQ and non-MCQ |
Commonly asked questions
CAT Question Paper PDFs Download (Previous Years)
CAT previous year papers, provide an insight into sectional weightage, difficulty level of questions and types of questions. Candidates must solve previous year CAT question papers of atleast last 5 years. Given below are previous years' CAT papers PDFs (links) for free download.
Evolution of CAT Exam
CAT exam has evolved a lot in the last decade. Over the years, IIM has taken several measure to make it more academically inclusive and diverse so that more and more students from non-technical streams appear for CAT. The exam used to be of 180 minutes with every section having sectional time limit of 60 minutes. In 2020, the CAT was reduced to 120 minutes and in order to balance it out, the number of questions were reduced from 100 to 76. Last year, the number of questions were lesser - 68. CAT still it remains the toughest MBA entrance exam in India. Check the table below for changes in the CAT exam pattern over the years.
| CAT Exam Year |
Sections |
No. of Questions |
CAT Exam Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
68 |
120 minutes |
| 2023 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
66 |
120 minutes |
| 2022 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
66 |
120 minutes |
| 2021 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
66 |
120 minutes |
| 2020 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
76 |
120 minutes |
| 2019 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
100 |
180 minutes |
| 2018 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
100 |
180 minutes |
| 2017 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
100 |
180 minutes |
| 2016 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
100 |
180 minutes |
| 2015 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
100 |
180 minutes |
| 2014 |
QA & DI, LR & VARC |
100 |
170 minutes |
| 2013 |
QA & DI, LR & VARC |
60 |
140 minutes |
| 2012 |
QA & DI, LR & VARC |
60 |
140 minutes |
| 2011 |
QA & DI, LR & VARC |
60 |
140 minutes |
| 2010 |
QA, DILR, VARC |
60 |
150 minutes |
Prepare for CAT exam with previous years' question papers & prep guides. Get topper tips & expert advice.
Download HereCommonly asked questions
CAT Exam Preparation 2025
The preparation for CAT exam 2025 should include phase wise completion of the CAT syllabus, mock test practice and revision. For effective CAT preparation 2025 aspirants must keep in mind the following:
- Cover CAT syllabus thoroughly. Try not to leave any topic as questions can be asked from anywhere.
- Attempt a good number of CAT mock tests to develop speed and accuracy.
- Dedicate time on regular revision so that you're always well versed.
- Learn mental maths for quick calculation.
- For Quantitative Aptitude be thorough with important CAT formulas
- DILR syllabus coverage is to be done with practice papers and sectional mocks.
- Develop short cuts and learn tricks to solve questions quickly and accurately.
- Practice a good number of RC passage from previous years' CAT question papers.
- Opt for online problem solving sessions to learn new tricks and techniques.
The most effective way of CAT preparation is completing the syllabus in first three months and practicing mock test in rest of the three months. In the last one month, candidates must increase frequency of revision.
Check the below list of important articles on CAT 2025 exam preparation.
- CAT Preparation Plan 2025: Ultimate Tips from Experts
- CAT VARC: Strategy to Improve RC Accuracy
- Strategies to Score 99+ Percentile in CAT 2025
- 2 Months to CAT Exam: These Many Mock Tests will Optimise Your Score
- Important CAT Quant formulas
- CAT Preparation 2025: Tips From Toppers
CAT Topper Tips
Learn tips and tricks for optimising performance in the exam from CAT toppers. Check below CAT topper tips and know how the previous year toppers prepared for the exam
CAT Mock Test
Practice free CAT mock test by Shiksha to assess your preparation level. These mock tests are on par with official CAT mock test in terms of difficulty level. You can use below CAT mock tests by simply clicking on the link. The CAT mock tests are accompanied by solutions and answers.
| CAT Mock Test 1 | CAT Mock Test 1 Solutions |
| CAT Mock Test 2 | CAT Mock Test 2 Solutions |
Watch video on CAT preparation:
Commonly asked questions
CAT Answer Key 2025
Answer Key: Dec ' 25
CAT answer key 2025 will be released 2-3 days after the exam. Candidates will have to follow the below given steps to download CAT 2025 answer key and response sheet from the official website:
Download previous years' CAT answer key and question papers
Download HereCommonly asked questions
CAT 2025 Result and Scorecard PDF
Result: Dec ' 25
Commonly asked questions
IIM CAT Cut Offs
Commonly asked questions
CAT Registration 2025
Commonly asked questions
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
Commonly asked questions
IIMCAT Contact Information
For queries regarding CAT Registration, Application and Payment Processing, Document uploading please call only on 1-800-210-0175 (Toll Free) Monday to Saturday 9:00AM to 6:00PM (excluding National holidays).
Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in
For Academic queries like eligibility, category and PwD certificate , please contact CAT Centre office with contact details as follows. (
Monday to Friday excluding holiday, from 9:30am to 5:30pm
Phone: +91 495 2809219 | +91 495 2809696
Email: cat2025_helpdesk@iimk.ac.in
CAT 2025 CENTRE
C/o Admissions Office
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT KOZHIKODE
IIMK Campus P.O, Kozhikode, Kerala,
PIN - 673 570
Important FAQs on CAT 2025
Commonly asked questions
CAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 22 hours ago
PGCET and CAT serve distinct purposes. The PGCET is primarily conducted for MBA admissions in colleges in the state of Karnataka, specifically for government colleges and private universities with lower fees. CAT is a national level exam for top-ranking B-schools and colleges such as the IIMs that h
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
That's a wonderful goal to push your son toward right at the start. To obtain previous CAT model papers, you can check many available popular exam preparation books in any bookstore or online store. Coaching interest such as TIME, IMS, Career Launcher, etc., usually have mock tests and sample papers
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can get admission to Jaypee Business School (JBS), Noida for MBA even if you don't have CAT. JBS accepts scores from several other exams such as MAT, CMAT, XAT, GMAT, ATMA, and also CUET-PG. Just make sure you have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks, then apply with any of those va
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
I
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
For candidates pursuing MBA, the eligibility criteria includes merit and entrance based selection. Whereas, for BBA, candidates must qualify Class 12 with a minimum aggregate. JIIT CDOE MBA on the other hand, is offered based on the minimum aggregate of graduation. However, for the final admission,
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Yes, students can get MBA admission into Galgotia University without CAT. The university accepts other national entrance exams for MBA programme. The university accepts entrance exams such as MAT, CMAT, XAT, SAT, and other. It is mandatory to qualify one of the entrance exams.
K
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Yes, students can get admission in Greater Noida Institute of Technology without CAT. CAT is one of the accepted entrance exams at Greater Noida Institute of Technology. The other accepted entrance exams are MAT, NMAT, XAT, CMAT, and others. If a student's CAT score is not good, worry not other acce
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi offers various programmes and specilisations across various streams. For obtaining IIFT Delhi admission, candidates are required to appear for the prescribed entrance tests. Students can visit the official website of the IIFT Delhi to learn more regarding the
U
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, candidates can not get into Management Development Institute, Gurgaon without CAT as the college offers admissions to students on the basis of their entrance exam scores. The college accepts various national level exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, etc. for admission to its PGDM programmes, foll
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
CAT is one of the accepting exams required for admission to PGDM programme. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants with a valid score in any other accepted entrance exams such as MAT, XAT or CMAT can also get admission in PGDM. Selected aspirants also have to pass the case-based group discussion a
N
Guide-Level 15
1640 Institutes accepting CAT
4.5S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
Andheri West, Mumbai • Private
Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM)
Electronic City, Bangalore • Private
SNAP 2025 Mock Test 2 6 Oct '25
I am in the final year of B.Com and planning for a Masters degree next year. I am confused between PGCET and CAT. Which is better?