IIM Kozhikode is conducting the CAT 2025 exam today across India. The exam is being held in three slots. Check latest and live updates on CAT exam 2025, including timings, dos and don’ts, last minute tips, section wise exam analysis, question paper, answer key and cut offs.
CAT 2025 is being conducted by IIM Kozhikode today. About 2.95 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the exam across three slots. The first slot began at 8:30 am and ended at 10:30 am. The CAT 2025 slot 1 analysis reveals that the question paper was moderate. VARC had maximum questions from RC and Quants was dominated by Arithmetic. The second slot will begin after a gap of 2 hours at 12:30 pm. CAT 2025 exam is beimg conducted at over 350 test centres in 170 cities across India.
CAT is India’s top MBA exam conducted by the IIMs. The score is accepted by over 1600 B-Schools in India. CAT cut off of the IIMs and top MBA colleges is always between 95 to 100 percentile. Thus, candidates have to aim for higher scores. Check here all about the exam, slot wise CAT 2025 analysis, answer key release date, response sheet download process, expected CAT cut offs 2025, and more.
CAT 2025 Exam Timings
Check below slot wise exam timings of CAT 2025 exam. Candidates must reach their test centre by the reporting time mentioned in their CAT 2025 admit card:
| CAT exam slot |
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 |
CAT 2025 response sheet and answer key will be released by December 5. Test takers will be able to analyse their performance with the help of CAT 2025 answer key. The obejction window will be given to candidates to challenge the CAT answer key 2025. IIM Kozhikode will prepare the CAT 2025 result based on objections raised and examined.
Things to Carry for CAT Exam Day 2025
Candidates appearing for the exam today, must carry the following:
- Two copies of CAT 2025 admit card with photo affixed on it
- Photo ID such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License
- PwD and Scribe certificate (if required)
- Other medical documents (if required)
- Blue/black ball point pen
CAT 2025 Difficulty Level
This year, CAT exam is being conducted by IIM Kozhikode so the difficulty level is lower than last year. The institute previously conducted the exam in 2019 and the difficulty level that year was moderate. Section wise, CAT 2025 VARC questions were easy in slot 1, where as DI and LR questions were easy to moderate. Quantitative Aptitude questions were moderate but time taking.
Also read: CAT 2025 important guidelines
LIVE UPDATE
CAT 2025 Exam Live Updates
- 2:05 PM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Memory based questions (slot 1)
Q: The no. of non-negative integer values of k for which the quadratic equation x2 - 5x + K = 0 has only integer roots is?
Q: 200l volume, with 30% Acid and 70% water. if 20% is replaced with water and 10% replaced with acid. What will be the percentage approximate of acid.
Q: Find values in two equations
- 2a - 5b + 11c = 0, 11a + 10b - 2c = 5
Q: Stocks A, B and C, at 120, 90 and 80 rs respectively. A trader holds a portfolio consisting 60 shares of A, 20 of B and C together. If total value is 3300 what is the number of shares he holds.
- 1:38 PM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 live updates: How much to score for 99 percentile
Going by the difficulty level of CAT 2025 slot 1, it is estimated that nearly 102 marks will be required to get above 99 percentile.
- 1:11 PM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Slot 1 Analysis: Sectional break up
Check below number of doable questions in CAT 2025 slot 1:
Section
Number of doable questions
VARC
12
DILR
10
QA
11-12
- 12:45 PM IST• 30 Nov 2025
What to expect in CAT 2025 slot 2?
CAT 2025 slot 2 has started. Usually it has been seen that the second slot of CAT is tougher than first and third slot. However, candidates should go with open mind, as IIM Kozhikode in known to set easier tests.
- 12:33 PM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 slot 1 student anaylsis
CAT 2025 slot 1 candidate Abhishek said his exam went pretty good. "The exam was not that difficult, we just needed preparation. It was my first attempt and I was pretty easy based on my preparation. Even the quants section was easy compared to previous years. I saw similarity in DILR questions from previous years. The strategy I applied was basic common knowledge," he said.
- 12:16 PM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 slot 2 entry close, exam to start at 12: 30 pm
CAT 2025 slot 2 will start at 12:30 pm. Entry has been closed for everyone at the test centres.
- 11:59 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 slot 1 was of low difficulty. will cut off rise?
The candidates Shiksha spoke to said that the CAT 2025 slot 1 was easy to moderate. So, if compared to last year, the cut offs can rise, as the CAT 2024 was tougher.
- 11:48 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 slot 2 timing
CAT 2025 Slot 2 timing is given below. Candidates must reach the test centre on time.
CAT exam slot
Exam timing
Reporting time
Last entry allowed
Slot 2
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
11:00 AM
12:15 PM
- 11:24 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 slot 1: No change in the pattern
There was no change in the CAT exam pattern or test structure. All three sections had number of questions similar to last year.
- 11:09 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Slot 2 entry started
CAT 2025 slot 2 will start at 12:30 pm. Entry of candidates has started for the same at the test centres. Candidates of Slot 2 can expect an easy paper.
- 11:01 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Slot 1 analysis: VARC, DILR, QA
Moderate
VARC was easy. passages were decodable
It had questions from:
- Para summary
- 2 odd one out questions
- 2 para jumble
- 4 RC, 4 questions each
- Code for a paragraph
DILR had questions from:
- Spider chart, bar graph, analyse data
Quants was lengthy, tricky
- 10:50 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 slot 1 analysis: Initial reviews
According to the candidates Shiksha spoke to, the CAT 2025 slot 1 was moderate to tough. There was no change in pattern from last year.
- 10:16 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Slot 2 to start at 12:30 pm
CAT 2025 slot 2 will start at 12:30 pm. Candidates of slot 2 are required to be present at the test centre by 11 am.
- 10:03 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Slot 1 to end soon
CAT 2025 slot 1 will end at 10:30 am. This year, 2.95 lakh candidates are appearing for the exam in three shifts.
- 9:46 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT DILR difficulty level
CAT DILR difficulty level is usually easy to moderate. Questions are mostly in sets. Only one or two questions are standalone.
- 9:29 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 VARC difficulty level
CAT 2025 VARC difficulty level is moderate to high, every year. RC passages are long and inference based. The questions are also confusing.
- 9:02 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 sectional break up
The CAT 2025 question paper will be divided into three sections:
- VARC will have 24 questions
- DILR will have 22 questions
- QA will have 22 questions
- 8:35 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT exam 2025 slot 1 started
CAT exam 2025 slot 1 has started. The exam is being held in over 350 test centres in 170 cities in India.
- 8:03 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 live updates: Entry to close soon
CAT 2025 slot 1 will start at 8:30 am. Entry gates will be closed soon. Last entry is allowed till 8:15 am.
- 7:32 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 expected difficulty level
CAT 2025 test forms are prepared by IIM Kozhikode so the difficulty level is expected to be moderate to high.
- 7:09 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 slot 1 entry started
CAT 2025 slot 1 entry has started. The exam will start at 8:30 am and conclude at 10:30 am.
- 6:05 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 slot 1 to start at 8:30 am
CAT 2025 slot 1 to start at 8:30 am. Candidates who have been allotted first slot have to reach their test centres by 7:00 am.
- 5:02 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT exam 2025 today
CAT 2025 exam will be conducted today nation wide. 2.95 lakh candidates will be appearing for the test in three shifts.
- 4:05 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 live updates: Result announcement
CAT 2025 result can be expected to be announced by the third week of December 2025.
- 3:01 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 answer key release date
CAT 2025 answer key release date has not been announced by IIM Kozhikode, but the response sheets are expected to be released by December 3, 2025.
- 1:10 AM IST• 30 Nov 2025
CAT exam 2025: Applications underway for top colleges
Application process of many CAT accepting colleges such as IIFT, IMT, MDI, SPJIMR, FMS, GLIM and others is underway.
- 11:21 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Exam: Section wise marks
Total marks of CAT is 204. Check below section wise marks.
- VARC is of 72 marks
- DILR is of 66 marks
- Quants is of 66 marks
- 10:22 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
Most important topics in CAT
- VARC: Reading comprehension, para completion, para jumble
- DILR: Tables and bar graphs, syllogism, coding-decoding, number system
- Quants: Arithmetic, algebra and geometry
- 9:37 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT on screen calculator
There will be an onscreen calculator on every candidate’s computer terminal. They will also be given sheets for rough work.
- 8:33 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025: Test Form - How to Save answers
To mark the answers in CAT 2025 test form, candidates will get three options:
-
- Save and Next
- Clear Response
- Mark for Review and Next
- Once the answer option has been submitted (save and next)it cannot be changed.
- There an option 'mark for review and next' for questions you’re not sure of.
- If the answer option is not saved, it will be reported as unanswered and 0 mark will be awarded.
-
- 8:03 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT exam 2025 live updates: Time management
CAT has sectional time limit of 40 minutes for every section so it is critical to solve every section within the time limit. Do not spend too much time on a question. If you don’t get the answer in two attempts move on to next one. You can come back to that question later.
- 7:33 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 exam day strategy
- Focus on questions from your strength areas.
- Use mental calculation to save time
- Don’t do guess work. There is negative marking
- Keep calm. If there is a surprise question, it is a surprise for all candidates.
- If you have practiced enough mock tests, you will comfortably complete the test.
- Trust your abilities.
- 6:57 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT exam 2025: Number of IIMs
There are a total of 22 IIMs now. IIM Mumbai was added to the list of 20 campuses three years ago and from the year 2026,IIM Guwahati will be operational.
- 6:33 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025: Number of score accepting colleges
CAT is a national level entrance exam and the scores are accepted by over 1600 MBA colleges in India, as listed on Shiksha. These include government, private as well as government aided colleges.
- 6:08 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025: Sectional composition
Based on last year’s question paper, here is an estimation of what type of questions will be asked in CAT 2025.
CAT section
Topics
VARC
Reading Comprehension, Para summary, para completion, odd sentence, parajumble
DILR
Bar Graph, Table, Caselet, Set Theory Based, Number Arrangement, Data Arrangement
Quantitative Aptitude
Remainder, Indices, Log, Equations, Functions, Maxima-Minima, Sequence & Series, Algebraic Expression, TSD-, T&W-, SI-CI, Percentage, PLD, Mixture, Averages, Ratios, P&C, Circle, Cuboid/Square, Coordinate Geometry.
- 5:27 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
Number of questions to attempt in CAT 2025
It is not mandatory to attempt all questions in CAT but candidates should aim to attempt about 2/3rd of the total questions. Here is an estimation of number of good attempts:
CAT sections
Number of questions
Number of good attempts
VARC
24
17 to 18
DILR
22
14 to 15
QA
22
9 to 10
- 5:07 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 analysis: Marking scheme
Every question carries 3 marks. CAT 2025 has negative marking so candidates must be very careful in selecting the answer option. For every incorrect attempt 1 mark is deducted. However, there is no negative marking for TITA questions
- 4:28 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 exam pattern
CAT 2025 is a 2 hour test in which candidates will be required to solve 68 questions. The questions will be MCQ and TITA type. For MCQs, 4 options will be given to choose the right answer from.
- 4:01 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 mock test
If you still haven’t practiced the official CAT mock test 2025, do it now, but with an open mind. Only to check the test flow and process of online examination.
- 3:32 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 exam: Revision tips
With just a few hours to go for CAT 2025, candidates must not stress themselves over preparation. They should just revise the important concepts and formulae once with the help of their own notes.
- 3:05 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 exam day instructions: Items not to carry
Candidates must not carry the following items to exam centre:
- Phone
- Calculator
- Watch
- Ipad
- Bluetooth device
- Earphone
- Notebooks
- Bag
- Valuables
- Snacks and food items
- 2:29 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT exam day identification
CAT 2025 exam day identification will consist of document verification, frisking and biometric registration. Candidates must cooperate with test centre staff during these activities.
- 2:01 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 test centre change
Candidates cannot request for change of test centre. They will have to appear for CAT 2025 at the test centre mentioned in their admit card.
- 1:24 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025: Photo ID required
Candidates will have to carry any one of the following photo IDs to the CAT examination centre tomorrow:
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Passport
- PAN card
- Driving License
- 1:06 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 dress code
There is no specific dress code for CAT, but candidate should avoid the following:
- Jackets and coats
- Hoodies
- Outfits with large pockets
- Boots and closed shoes
- Caps, hats and headgears (religious headgears are allowed with due permission)
- Outfits and accessories having metal
- 12:39 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025: Items to carry
Candidates will be required to carry the following:
- Blue/black ball point pen
- 2 copies of admit card
- Photo ID card
- Relevant documents (PwD)
- 12:03 PM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 exam day: Number of copies to carry
Candidates have to carry two copies of the CAT admit card 2025. They must affix a recent passport size photo on both on the space indicated.
- 11:31 AM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Admit card download
CAT 2025 download link is active till tomorrow. Those who have still not downloaded their hall ticket must do so now. Do not leave it for tomorrow.
- 11:16 AM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 exam live updates: Sectional break up
CAT 2025 question paper will be divided into 3 sections:
- VARC: 24 questions
- DILR: 22 questions
- QA: 22 questions
- 11:06 AM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Slot 3 timing
CAT 2025 slot 1 will start at 4:30 pm and end at 6:30 pm. Reporting time is 3:00 pm. Last entry will be allowed till 4:15 pm.
- 10:58 AM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Slot 2 timing
CAT 2025 slot 1 will start at 12:30 pm and end at 2:30 pm. Reporting time is 11:00 am. Last entry will be allowed till 2:15 pm.
- 10:51 AM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Slot 1 timing
CAT 2025 slot 1 will start at 8:30 am and end at 10:30 am. Reporting time is 7:00 am. Last entry will be allowed till 8:15 am.
- 10:35 AM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 exam: documents to carry
On the CAT exam day, candidates are required to carry 2 copies of the CAT 2025 admit card and a photo ID such as,
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- PAN card
- Voter ID card
- Driving License
PwD candidates need to carry scribe certificate to avail scribe certificate. Test takers with medical condition need to carry relevant documents attested by competent authority.
Those whose name do not match the CAT admit card and ID, need to carry name change certificate or appropriate affidavit.
- 10:26 AM IST• 29 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 exam tomorrow: Last day tips
Test takers must do the last minute revision at night and not in the morning, as tomorrow is the day to be fresh and calm. Those who will be appearing for CAT 2025 in morning slot, must sleep well.
Every candidate must carry a blue/black ball point pen and a few copies of their passport size photo to the exam centre. They must not carry any stationary item other than the pen. Candidates who have diabetes can carry fruits as per medical prescription. No other item will be allowed inside the exam venue. Candidates must not carry bags or valuables as there will be no arrangement for depositing while candidates appear for the exam. Candidates must also not carry notebooks or rough paper to the CAT exam centre. Any candidate found with an unauthorised item will be disqualified.
For PwD candidates, facilities in CAT exam include, relaxation of marks in graduation. The minimum score required by PwD candidate in graduation for appearing in CAT exam is 45 per cent aggregate. Apart from that, such candidates are provided scribe service at the exam centre. To avail the service such candidates have to fill the relevant form during registration process.
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Yes, you can wear jeans in CAT exam. Outfits with big pockets are not allowed. Candidates can also not wear jackets, coat, hoodies, caps, hats, headgears. It is recommended to wear simple outfit.