CAT 2025 Exam Date (Nov 30), Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility, Preparation Tips
Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
Exam On - 30 Nov '25
CAT 2025 exam date is November 30, 2025. IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT exam this year. Registration process for the CAT exam 2025 will begin in the first week of August 2025. Check here all about CAT 2025.
CAT 2025 exam
CAT 2025 will be conducted on November 30, 2025. The official announcement will be made by July 30, 2025. This year, IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT exam this year. MBA aspirants planning to pursue the MBA in 2026, must appear for CAT 2025 exam as the score is accepted by 21 IIMs, other top B-schools as well as 1,300 MBA colleges in India. CAT 2025 registration will start in the first week of August 2025 and go on till the third week of September 2025. Those who have completed graduation or are in the final year of their bachelor's degree course, can appear for the CAT 2025.
What is CAT Exam?
CAT is a business aptitude test in which candidates are assessed on Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. It is conducted in computer based test mode at designated centres across India. Over 3 lakh candidates apply for the exam every year so the competition is high. Thus, aspirants must devote atleast 6-9 months for CAT 2025 preparation.The exam duration is 120 minutes in which candidates have to address 68 questions. Check here all about CAT 2025 exam.
CAT 2025 Exam Highlights
CAT is the most popular national level MBA entrance exam in India. It is conducted annually. Check below key highlights of CAT 2025 exam.
| CAT Exam Particulars |
CAT 2025 Details |
|---|---|
| CAT Full Form |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute for 2025 |
IIM Kozhikode |
| Exam Level |
National |
| Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date |
November 30, 2025 (tentative) |
| CAT Exam Timings |
Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| CAT Exam Fees |
INR 2,500 (General category) and INR 1,250 (Reserved category) |
| Number of Test Takers |
3.29 lakh (in 2024) |
| CAT exam mode |
Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| No. of test cities |
170 |
| CAT exam website |
https://iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam helpdesk no. |
1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
CAT 2025 eligibility criteria
CAT is an entrance exam for PG management courses, thus the minimum eligibility criteria is graduation. Check below details:
- Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university. Minimum marks required in 50 per cent (45 per cent for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Candidates in their final year of bachelor’s degree course or awaiting result can also appear in CAT exam.
- Candidates having professional degrees such as CA/CS/CMA are also eligible for CAT.
Also Read: CAT eligibility criteria 2025
CAT 2025 Exam Dates
The CAT 2025 exam date and full schedule will be announced by July 30, 2025. Check below detailed breakdown of CAT 2025 important dates and events:
| CAT Exam Events |
CAT Exam Date 2025 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 notification out |
30-July-2025 |
| CAT exam 2025 registration dates |
First week of August to Third week of September 2025 |
| CAT form correction |
Last week of September 2025 |
| CAT admit card 2025 download starts |
First week of November 2025 |
| CAT exam 2025 date |
30-Nov-2025 |
| CAT answer key release |
First week of December 2025 |
| Declaration of CAT 2025 result |
Last week of December 2025 or First week of January 2026 |
Also Read: CAT exam dates 2025
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CAT 2025 registration process will be online. Candidates will have to fill the CAT application form and pay the exam fee by creating an account at iimcat.ac.in website. Check the below given process to apply for the CAT exam:
- Go to iimcat.ac.in website
- Click on ‘new registration’ option
- Enter personal details to create a login
- Go to application form and fill in all the details
- Upload a scanned passport size photo and signature
- Select test cities, courses and IIM campuses
- Pay CAT application fee to submit the form
In CAT 2025, the following changes were seen:
- The fee amount was from INR 2,400 to INR 2,500 for General category candidates and from INR 1,200 to INR 1250 for Reserved category candidates.
- In the DILR section, number of questions were increased from 20 to 22.
- The total marks of CAT DILR section increased from 60 to 66.
- The total marks of CAT exam increased from 198 to 204.
- Candidates could select five cities instead of six.
CAT registration fee is INR 2500 for unreserved categories and INR 1250 for reserved categories of students. The fee is to be paid through debit/credit card or net banking. The CAT application fee is non-refundable thus candidates must fill the CAT application form carefully. Form submission will remain pending until the fee payment is successful.
Check: CAT Test Cities and Centres List 2025
CAT Exam Syllabus 2025
CAT 2025 syllabus is expected to remain same as CAT 2024, i,e. Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Check below important CAT topics included in the syllabus.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration
- DILR: Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory + Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding and Series
- VARC: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary and Odd Sentence Out
Also Read:
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2025
- Logical Reasoning topics for CAT 2025
- CAT books for preparation 2025
- Previous year CAT question paper PDFs
- CAT mock test for practice
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Last year, the number of questions in DILR section was increased from 20 to 22. There was no other change in the exam pattern. This year, the CAT exam pattern is expected to be the same. Check the below table for CAT exam pattern highlights:
| CAT Pattern Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Computer Based Test |
| Exam duration |
2 hours |
| Sectional time limit |
40 minutes per section |
| Number of sections |
3 – VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Number of questions |
66 |
| Section wise questions |
VARC - 24 DILR - 22 QA - 22 |
| Marking scheme |
+3 for every correct attempt -1 for every incorrect attempt |
| Total marks |
198 |
CAT Preparation 2025
CAT preparation is tough and requires long time. One must start CAT exam preparation at least 9 months before the exam. If you wish to appear for CAT 2025, you have two ways to prepare. Either join a coaching institute or prepare by self-study. If you choose the latter, you will have to put in extra hard work and dedication for focused study. Before starting CAT 2025 preparation check its syllabus and analyse which are the topics you are familiar with and which are alien to you. Check below some top CAT preparation article for assistance.
| Tips and Tricks for CAT preparation 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| CAT previous years' papers PDF dpwnload | |
CAT is a computer based test which is conducted in three shifts. The CAT is conducted for two hours in which candidates have to solve 68 questions.
These 68 questions are divided into three sections Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension VARC Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning DILR and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The VARC section has 24 questions, the DILR section has 28 questions and QA section has 22 question. Each question carries 3 marks for correct entry and -1 for incorrect entry. There is no negative marking for unanswered question. A unique aspect of CAT is the sectional time limit. Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes (53.20 minutes for PwD candidates).
Candidates have to complete the section within the time limit as the moment the onscreen timer shows 0 minutes left, the screen will automatically move to the next section. There is no option to go back to older questions. Also, candidates have to follow the question paper chronology. They have to first solve the VARC section, then the DILR section and then the QA section.
The CAT 2025 exam pattern is expected to be the same as last year. No change is expected, as a minor change was already brought about in CAT 2025 (an increase in the number of DILR questions from 20 to 22). Thus, the CAT exam pattern for 2025 is expected to be:
- VARC: 24 questions, 40 minutes
- DILR: 22 questions, 40 minutes
- QA: 22 questions, 40 minutes
Every question will carry 3 marks, and there will be a negative marking of -1 for incorrect attempts.
The question type and pattern of CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are not similar. While both exams are used for admissions to management programs, they have different formats and question types. Here are the key differences between CAT and GMAT.
CAT:
- CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
- It is a computer-based exam consisting of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- CAT includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs (Type In The Answer) questions.
- The exam pattern may vary from year to year, but generally, CAT has a time limit for each section and a fixed number of questions in each section.
GMAT:
- GMAT is an internationally recognised exam used by business schools worldwide and in India for admission to MBA and MIM programs.
- It is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance on the GMAT exam.
- GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR).
- The question types in GMAT include multiple-choice questions, data sufficiency, sentence correction, etc.
- The GMAT 2023 exam pattern remains consistent, with a fixed number of questions and time limits for each section.
In summary, while both CAT and GMAT are entrance exams for management programs, their question types, formats, and sections differ significantly. However, it is possible to prepare for both the exam simultaneously as both are based on a similar theme. In fact, both exams will complement each other’s preparation.
CAT 2025 Admit Card
CAT admit card 2025 will be issued to registered candidates 20 days before the exam. Here is the process to download CAT 2025 admit card.
- Go to iimcat.ac.in website
- Click on login option
- Enter CAT ID and password
- Click on CAT admit card tab
- Download the CAT 2025 admit card PDF
CAT Answer Key 2025
The official CAT answer key 2025 will be released 3-4 days after the exam in the form of candidate response sheet. The CAT response sheet cum answer key will contain name, roll number, exam slot, questions, correct answers and options selected by the candidate.
The CAT 2025 answer key challenge window will allow candidates to challenge the official answers to the questions asked in the exam. If any of the objections raised by the candidates is found to be valid, the official CAT answer key 2025 will be revised.
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CAT Result 2025
CAT result 2025 will be prepared and announced after the answer key objections have been analysed. Check below how to download CAT result cum scorecard 2025:
- Visit iimcat.ac.in website
- Click on login/scorecard option
- Enter CAT ID and password
- Click on CAT scorecard tab
- Download the CAT 2025 scorecard PDF
Also Read:
- CAT 2025 result cum scorecard download process
- CAT score vs CAT percentile: Know the difference and calculation process
- CAT 2024 Topper Interview: 100 Percentiler Vagish Nangia shares his CAT journey
- CAT 2024 Topper Interview: 99.89 Percentiler Aniruddh K Singh's CAT shares success story
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CAT Cut Offs 2025
MBA admission to all B-schools including IIMs and non-IIMs is based on CAT cut off, which is the minimum score requirement. IIMs release qualifying CAT cut offs before the exam and final cut offs after the result. Check below qualifying CAT cut offs, for previous years for reference.
| IIM |
Qualifying CAT cut offs |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad |
85 |
| IIM Bangalore |
85 |
| IIM Calcutta |
85 |
| IIM Lucknow |
90 |
| IIM Indore |
90 |
| IIM Kozhikode |
85 |
| IIM Amritsar |
90 |
| IIM Nagpur |
94 |
| IIM Sambalpur |
94 |
| IIM Trichy |
94 |
| IIM Raipur |
94 |
| IIM Ranchi |
94 |
| IIM Kashipur |
94 |
| IIM Vizag |
80 |
| IIM Udaipur |
94 |
| IIM Bodhgaya |
94 |
| IIM Shillong |
75 |
| IIM Sirmaur |
94 |
| IIM Rohtak |
95 |
| IIM Nagpur |
85 |
| IIM Jammu |
94 |
| IIM Mumbai |
94 |
Also Read:
- IIM cut off for MBA admission
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 50-60 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 60-70 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 70-80 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 80-90 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 85 percentile and above
IIM CAT Selection Process 2026
The IIMs will shortlist candidates on the basis of CAT 2025 score of MBA admission batch 2026. Admission process includes Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Check below the stages of IIM admission through CAT:
- Stage 1: Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of CAT score
- Stage 2: Conduct of WAT-PI round
- Stage 3: Final selection and offer of admission
The institute will also take into consideration, candidate’s class 10, class 12 and graduation marks a swell as work experience for selection.
Also Read:
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 16 hours ago
Yes, candidates can apply for Surana College Post Graduate Departments for the MBA programme without the CAT exam. The Surana College Post Graduate Departments' MBA eligibility criteria state that the selection of candidates is based on the score achieved in the accepted entrance exams. Surana Colle
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Contributor-Level 10
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Contributor-Level 9
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VMSB UTU CAT Cutoff 2024 has been released by the affiliated colleges. For the General-All India category candidates, the overall cutoff rank ranged from 60. For the Quants, VA-RC, DI-LR category candidates, the cutoff rank was 40. Interested candidates can check out the following table for the past
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, candidates can get admissions to MBA courses at DY Patil Institute of Management and Research without CAT scores because the college accepts several entrance examinations for admissions to MBA courses, such as MAT/ CMAT/ MAH-CET/ XAT/ ATMA. Therefore, candidates can get admissions to MBA cours
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Candidates seeking MBA admission at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (RCSS) are required to submit the scores obtained in one of the accepted entrance exams. The college accepts the exam scores of three Management entrance exams. These exams are CAT, CMAT and KMAT. Candidates with a valid score i
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Candidates can select up to 21 IIMs in CAT application form for PI shortlist and admission. There is no cap on selecting campuses. Candidates must however, make an informed choice but first checking CAT cut off, course specialisation and fee of all IIMs and basis that select campuses in the CAT appl
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
Unlike other MBA entrance exams such as SNAP and XAT, there is no extra charge for selecting IIMs in the CAT application form. For overall CAT application form you will need to pay only INR 2500 (INR 1250 for SC/ST/PWD candidates). You can select as many IIM campuses, and courses as you want to.
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
Once the CAT application form has been submitted, an acknowledgement slip will be generated and mailed to the registered email ID. If the acknowledgement is not received within 24 hours of CAT application form submission, candidates must check the status of application by calling at the CAT helpdesk
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
CAT 2025 application process will begin in the first week of August 2025. It is expected to begin by August 4, 2025. The exact schedule of CAT 2025 registration will be known once the official CAT notification is released (expected by July 30, 2025). The CAT application process 2025 will be conduc
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
Some of the top business schools in India accept GMAT scores including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, ISB Hyderabad, XLRI Jamshedpur, and SPJIMR Mumbai. Which one you should accept will depend on many decision aspects which includes faculty, placements and specialization. GMAT is an international ent
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Contributor-Level 10
CAT is the entrance exam for aspiring candidates who desire to make a career in management and business administration I. e. MBA. This examination is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (Iims) on a rotational basis. The Common Admission Test is a computer based test for admission in graduate management programs.
The test consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability The top 6 Iims are given the responsibility to conduct the CAT exam. Each of the top IIMs conduct the exam rotation wise after a gap of five years. CAT 2022 was conducted by IIM Bangalore. The CAT 2023 was conducted by IIM Lucknow and CAT 2024 was conducted by IIM Cacutta.