CAT 2025 Exam: Dates, Notification, Registration, Admit Card, Pattern, Syllabus, Sample Papers, Cutoff, Previous Year Papers

If you have your heart set on pursuing your PGDM or MBA in 2026, sitting for the upcoming CAT 2025 exam is a must. The exam is likely to be conducted somewhere around November 30, 2025, and the release of the official CAT 2025 Notification is expected around July 30, 2025. This exam is your key to gaining admission to 21 IIMs, several top B-schools, and over 1,300 MBA colleges across India. The CAT 2025 application process will be online at the official website, iimcat.ac.in. As IIMs take turns to conduct the exam, it is expected that IIM Kozhikode will be responsible for conducting CAT 2025 this year.

CAT is a highly competitive management ability entrance exam aimed at determining your quantitative ability, data interpretation & logical reasoning, verbal ability, and reading comprehension skills. Following last year's trend, you can anticipate approximately 68 questions in the exam with two more in the DILR section, so the total score will be out of 204. It should be noted that there is no official CAT 2025 syllabus published by the authorities. But you can prepare well by adhering to last year's exam pattern, regularly participating in CAT 2025 mock tests, and practising old question papers. By adopting this strategy, your chances of success in the exam will surely be enhanced. Check out the complete details, including the CAT 2025 exam date, registration process, eligibility, pattern, syllabus, result, exam centre, counselling, participating colleges, and more.

The following table displays some of the major highlights of the CAT 2025:

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The CAT exam 2025 will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode. IIMs are responsible for conducting the CAT exam every year on a rotational basis. The conducting body is also responsible for all the activities, such as the release of the CAT official notification, CAT exam 2024 registration date, CAT exam date, conducting the exam, declaring the result, and screening qualified students for admissions. Last year, IIM Calcutta was the conducting body.

Through the CAT exam, you can get admission into 21 IIMs and more than 1,000 management schools across India. IIM Lucknow, IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore are regarded as some of the top premier B-Schools in India, providing world-class management education, practical training, and lucrative placement opportunities to students.

Ques: How many times can I take the CAT exam?

Ans: You can take the CAT exam as many times as you want. There are no restrictions on the number of attempts for the CAT exam. You can appear for the exam every year if you wish to improve your score or for any other reason.

The official CAT 2025 notification was released by IIM Calcutta on the official website at iimcat.ac.in. The notification includes all important information about the CAT exam 2025 date, application form, registration fees, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, number of test centres, reservation criteria, and syllabus. Download the PDF files of the notification from the links given below:

Related Questions

Ques: Why is CAT considered a difficult exam?

Ans: CAT is considered difficult due to its challenging question format, time constraints, and high level of competition. The exam assesses candidates' problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making under pressure. Additionally, the extensive syllabus and the need for quick and accurate answers add to its difficulty.

Ques: Is the use of a calculator allowed in the CAT exam?

Ans: The use of a basic on-screen calculator is allowed in the CAT exam. You can use the calculator provided on the computer screen during the quantitative section of the exam to perform calculations. However, you are not allowed to bring your calculators into the exam hall.

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If you are appearing for the exam, you must be aware of the CAT date 2025 provided in the table below so that you don't miss out on any important event.

If you are seeking MBA admission to IIMs and other participating colleges, you have to follow the given steps to fill out the CAT application form:

• Step 1: Open your web browser and go to the CAT 2025 official website.
• Step 2: Look for the "New Candidate Registration" link and click on it to begin registration.
• Step 3: Provide your name, date of birth, and contact details, including address, email, and phone number.
• Step 4: An OTP will be sent to your mobile number for authentication. Enter it to complete the registration.
• Step 5: Log in again using the CAT User ID and password you created to complete the application form.
• Step 6: Upload the necessary documents, such as your photograph and signature, in the specified format as per the guidelines provided on the website.
• Step 7: Provide your academic history from SSC/Class 10 onwards, including board details, year of passing, and percentage/CGPA obtained.
• Step 8: If applicable, add details of your work experience, including the name of the organization, your role/designation, and the duration of your employment.
• Step 9: Choose your preferred exam cities, with the option to select up to six choices based on your convenience and accessibility.
• Step 10: Pay the registration fee as per your category: INR 2500 for general category candidates and INR 1250 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. You can make the payment online through the available payment modes.
• Step 11: After completing the registration and payment, print a copy of the filled CAT 2025 application form for your future reference and record keeping.

IIMs release the CAT registration guide and important certificates PDF on the official website every year. Take a look at these certificates and download them by clicking on the links below.

Related Questions

Ques: Can an average student crack the Common Admission Test?

Ans: Yes, an average student can crack the Common Admission Test (CAT) with dedication, consistent preparation, and a strategic study plan. While it may require more effort compared to high-achieving students, hard work, perseverance, and the right guidance can help an average student succeed in the CAT exam.

Ques: How should I prepare to get 99+ percentile in CAT?

Ans: To achieve a 99+ percentile in CAT, focus on mastering the concepts, practice regularly, and take mock tests. Develop strong time management skills and improve your accuracy. Stay updated with current affairs and business news. Additionally, work on your problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

The CAT eligibility criteria 2025 are the basic requirements that you must fulfil when registering for the examination. Only those who meet the eligibility criteria will be allowed to seek MBA/PGDM admission through the CAT exam at some of the most prestigious management institutes and B-schools in the country. The eligibility criteria are put in place by the exam conducting authorities of CAT 2025 to make sure that every aspirant who wishes to pursue management education in a CAT-accepting institution meets a certain standard. That being said, the CAT 2025 eligibility criteria are as follows:

Educational Qualifications Required

• You must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any stream from a recognized university.
• You must have scored at least 50% aggregate marks in their undergraduate course (45% for reserved category students).
• If you have professional degrees/qualifications like Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, Cost and Management Accountancy, etc., you are also eligible for CAT.

Age Requirement

• You are not required to meet any age requirements when applying for the CAT exam.

Exceptions to Educational Qualifications

• One of the most common exceptions to the CAT eligibility criteria when it comes to educational qualifications is that candidates who are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree course are also allowed to appear for the CAT exam. However, such candidates have to meet certain conditions, the most important of which is the submission of requisite documents at the specified time to ensure that their admission to MBA/PGDM programs through the CAT exam is not revoked.

Note:The CAT eligibility criteria for various aspects are explained in further detail in the CAT notification and also the official website for CAT. Candidates must make sure that they check the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam to avoid any problems during the admission process.

The CAT 2025 question paper will comprise 66 questions of 198 marks in total. There is a sectional limit of 40 minutes for each of the three sections, including VARC, DILR, and QA. The CAT exam pattern 2025 can be found below. 

CAT Marking Scheme

Related Questions

Ques: How do I start CAT preparation from zero?

Ans: Starting CAT preparation from zero can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller goals can help. Begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Focus on building a strong foundation in quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and English. Utilize online resources, join coaching classes if possible, and practice regularly to track your progress.

Ques: How can I prepare for CAT in one week?

Ans: Well, the truth is that you can’t do much in one week. All you can do is take the mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas for improvement. While it's challenging to make substantial progress in such a short time, staying calm and practising time management can still be beneficial.

The CAT syllabus 2025 PDF is quite extensive. The conducting IIMs don't have a fixed CAT syllabus, so MBA aspirants can get an idea of the CAT syllabus by going through CAT previous years' question papers, sample papers, and mock tests. CAT syllabus will include topics from sections such as Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). The questions asked in the exam are mostly based on Middle School Maths and English topics. The table below highlights the important topics from the CAT syllabus: 

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Candidates appearing for the CAT 2025 exam must prepare well to score a good percentile that can get them into IIMs. Here are some of the best CAT 2025 preparation tips students should follow.

• Familiarise yourself with the CAT syllabus first.
• Establish a solid foundation in fundamental concepts at the start of your CAT exam preparation.
• Create a comprehensive study schedule with designated time slots for every topic and section.
• Include CAT mock tests and previous year question papers extensively in your preparation plan.
• Take a CAT mock test at the beginning to determine your level of preparation.
• Identify your areas of strength and weakness.
• Focus on increasing accuracy and speed by practising under time constraints to improve time management abilities.
• Solve and analyse sample question papers, and go through a thorough subject-wise exam evaluation.
• Aim to cover at least 70% of the syllabus in 2-3 months.
• Read CAT books by authors like Arun Sharma and Nishit K Sinha.
• Enrol in online courses and exam preparation offered by coaching institutes like Unacademy, Career Launcher, IMS India, T.I.M.E., etc.
• Attempt both overall exam questions and section-specific questions for regular practice.

Also Read: How Rare is a 100%ile in the CAT 2025 Exam?

CAT books are crucial elements of exam preparation. MBA aspirants must refer to them for the CAT 2025 syllabus and study them thoroughly to have a conceptual clarity of important CAT topics. They are a great source of knowledge about all the necessary concepts. Candidates preparing for the CAT exam must have a list of the best books for CAT 2025 exam given below:

• Quantitative Aptitude for MBA Entrance Examinations- Abhijit Guha
• How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT- Arun Sharma/TATA McGRAW HILL
• Higher Algebra- Hall and Knight
• Course in Mental Ability and Quantitative Aptitude- Edgar Thorpe
• Word Power Made Easy- Norman Lewis
• How to Prepare for the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT- Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhya

Like sample papers, the CAT previous year question papers help candidates understand the syllabus, pattern, and marking schemes. Solving the old year papers benefits in the preparation and understanding of the types of questions and topics.

For fool-proof CAT exam preparation, MBA aspirants must solve CAT sample papers to get insight into the CAT syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme and understand the types of questions they may encounter during the exam. From full-length to short-time or sectional quizzes, there are many CAT sample papers available online. Solving the sample papers can help candidates analyze their preparation level and work on the weaker areas. They are also important for enhancing your final exam performance and boosting your confidence. Download the CAT sample papers from the links given below before the CAT exam date to score high:

The CAT 2025 mock test is a dummy exam created just like an exact duplicate of the actual examination. It is conducted online on the official website to make candidates familiar with the exam environment and help them understand how to attempt the CAT exam. The CAT 2025 official mock test is available for candidates on the CAT website. To attempt the CAT mock tests, you need to sign in on the login screen, go through the instructions and start the test. Students can refer to the CAT Mock Test Navigation Guide PDF to become familiar with the instructions, features, and procedures of the Computer-Based Test:

Also Read: Importance of CAT Mock Test During Preparation

Each IIM has its selection procedure for admission to top PGP/MBA/PGDM programs. Applicants must clear both the sectional and overall CAT cut off 2025 to be eligible for admission. Here is the CAT 2025 expected cutoff percentile for IIMs and Non-IIM institutes as predicted by the experts:

Expected IIM CAT Cutoff Percentile

Expected Non-IIM CAT Cutoff Percentile

MBA aspirants seeking admission into IIMs and other B-Schools in India can consider joining a coaching institute for fool-proof CAT exam preparation. The best CAT 2025 coaching institutes in India provide aspirants with the best study material and preparation guides. The experienced staff conducts doubt-clearing sessions regularly. These coaching centres provide a platform for several CAT applicants to exchange their views and ideas on various CAT-related matters. A few coaching centres also give demo sessions to candidates who want to enrol in CAT preparation. Some of the top coaching institutes in India that prepare students for CAT and other MBA entrance exams are listed below:

• IMS
• Career Launcher
• Bulls Eye
• Byju’s Classes
• Endeavour Careers
• Erudite
• PT Education
• TIME
• MBAguru
• Prudence Academy

The CAT admit card 2025 includes the exam centre location, exam timing, reporting time, a link to a Google Map to help you find the test centre and examination day guidelines. On the CAT exam date, applicants must bring a printout of their admit card and an identity card to the examination centre.

Steps to Download CAT Admit Card 2025

• Visit the CAT's official site 
• Enter your User ID and password.
• Click on the 'Download CAT Admit Card' link.
• The screen will show the admit card.
• Take a print of the document after downloading it.
• Keep a photocopy of your hall ticket for future use.

IIM Calcutta will release the details of CAT 2025 exam centres in the official notification. While filling out the application form, candidates can select any 6 exam centres for the CAT exam as per their preference. Here's a list of the test cities in which CAT exam was conducted last year:

CAT Login 2025 will be provided to you in an auto-generated SMS who register for the exam within the stipulated time. The first step of CAT registration is creating the login credentials (User ID and Password), which are used during the various stages of the exam. The CAT login 2025 will be required for filling out the application form, downloading the admit card, taking official CAT mock tests, checking the response sheet & answer key, checking results, etc.

Related Questions

Ques: Is it possible to crack CAT without joining a coaching institute?

Ans: Yes, it is possible to crack the CAT exam without joining a coaching institute. Many self-preparation methods, such as studying from the right books, taking online mock tests, and seeking guidance from online forums, can help you prepare effectively. Self-discipline, dedication, and a strategic study plan are essential for success.

For all candidates who intend to take the CAT exam 2025, it is critical to be aware of the timetable. The CAT notification includes all the information about the CAT exam date and slot timings. The CAT exam is normally conducted on a single day in three separate sessions to accommodate all applicants. Candidates can select their test city based on convenience, as the exam is offered in several test cities across the nation. The table below lists the CAT exam 2025 slot timings:

On the CAT 2025 exam day, candidates are expected to arrive at the exam centre at the reporting time mentioned on their admit cards for a smooth experience. Arriving late or not carrying important documents can lead you into trouble. Thus, ensure you reach the exam centre on time and carry everything important. Here’s the CAT exam day flow that every candidate needs to follow:

• Arrive at the exam centre
• Locate the lab from the notice board
• Get the CAT admit card checked
• Submit bags, mobile phones, etc.
• Undergo frisking
• Get all the approved documents verified
• Reach the lab/block
• Complete biometric capture
• Locate console
• Login to the test screen
• Verify and confirm profile details
• Read instructions and agree to the declaration
• Start the CAT exam
• Finish the test and submit feedback
• Return the notepad and pen to the exam invigilator
• Exit the test tab
• Exit the exam centre

The CAT exam date is approaching, and all the MBA aspirants are getting done with their final preparation. However, no amount of preparation will help you crack the exam if you are not aware of the guidelines for CAT 2025. Candidates can refer to the official CAT Test Day Guide PDF given below for a comprehensive list of instructions and guidelines regarding the CAT exam.

Here are some requirements you must know in advance to keep your confidence high and avoid any last-minute hassle.

CAT 2025 test takers will have to agree to a Non-Disclosure Agreement, which means that the test takers are barred from disclosing any sort of content about the CAT exam. Candidates who violate the rules will have to face a punishment of up to three years in jail and should also pay a fine of up to INR 2,00,000. During the admission or selection process, if it is found that a candidate has furnished any incorrect information or has violated any process, he/she will be barred from participating in the selection process. Also, the candidate will not be allowed to appear for the CAT exam in the future.

Checking CAT previous years' question paper analysis is a great way to understand the difficulty level and the number of good attempts in the exam. The CAT 2024 exam analysis will be updated here after the exam concludes. Take a look at the CAT previous years' question paper analysis done by experts and candidates who took the exam:

The CAT answer key 2025 along with the CAT response sheet will be released after the conclusion of the exam. CAT final answer key will be released along with the result in early December. To access the CAT answer key 2025, candidates will need to log into the CAT official website and enter their CAT Login ID and password:

• The answer key will only be available for candidates who took the CAT exam. 
• The CAT exam answer key PDF is released along with an objection form. The aspirants who find discrepancies with the CAT answer key get the option to challenge the answer key by submitting an objection to the CAT centre. They also need to pay 1200 for every question they challenge.
• If the objection found by the candidate is valid, the measures taken by IIMs will apply to all the candidates.
• If there is no change even after the candidate has objected, it will not be considered.
• The CAT final answer key is prepared after considering and reviewing all objections submitted.
• CAT answer key helps the candidates verify their answers and figure out their expected score for the CAT exam for MBA admission to IIMs and other top B-schools.

The CAT response sheet 2025 will be released along with the provisional answer key on the official website a few days after the exam. The CAT response sheet will contain all the responses that a candidate has given to all questions asked in the CAT 2025 question paper. Candidates will be able to check their own answers against the official solutions to the CAT questions when the response sheet is released and they will also have the opportunity to object against the CAT answer key if any discrepancies are found.

To download the CAT response sheet candidates must have their CAT User ID and Password. On the official CAT 2025 website @iimcat.ac.in candidates will be able to use their login credentials to access and download the CAT response sheet 2025.

The CAT 2025 scorecard will likely be out in the second week of January. CAT result 2025 will be available for download on the official website once it is released by the exam conducting authority.

CAT Exam Result Highlights

• The CAT result date and time will be released on the official website.

• IIMs send the CAT exam score via SMS to all the candidates who took the exam.

• Once the CAT result is out, IIMs inform that the CAT scorecard is live.

• The CAT scorecard can be downloaded when the result is declared.

• The CAT scorecard consists of a candidate's scaled score and percentile score.

• The raw scores of candidates are not mentioned on the CAT scorecard.

• CAT exam score will only be valid till December 31.

• Using our CAT Percentile Predictor 2025 will be helpful in result calculation.

• Students can also use our CAT College Predictor 2025 to determine which colleges suit them the best.

After the CAT 2025 exam, one must have a clear understanding of the CAT 2025 selection process. Notably, IIMs have their selection process, and the admission process of IIMs usually includes the score obtained in the CAT exam, academic record, and performance in PI & WAT rounds. There are three general stages through which the IIM admission process is conducted through CAT 2025. 

• Stage 1: CAT Exam Performance
• Stage 2: Shortlisting by IIMs for Personal Interview Round
• Stage 3: IIMs Final Selection Process comprising WAT & PI Round

The final selection depends on the collective performance in all the stages. Students must note that old IIMs conduct separate admission processes while the baby or new IIMs conduct a Common Admission Process for MBA admission after the CAT exam.

Popular IIMs Conducting Admission Process

Top IIMs in India, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Bangalore, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Shillong, IIM Nagpur, IIM Rohtak, and IIM Visakhapatnam, shortlist students and conduct the admission process to finalize candidates for PGDM/MBA admission. They provide high weightage to diversity, academics, work experience, and CAT exam scores.

Around 9-11 IIMs, conduct a Common Admission Process (CAP) to finalize and select students. One of the 6 baby/new IIMs coordinates this admission process. Candidates will have to participate in common WAT and PI rounds for 9 to 11 new IIMs, such as IIM Kashipur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Raipur, IIM Udaipur, IIM Trichy, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sirmaur, and IIM Jammu.

The official website for the CAT 2025 exam is iimcat.ac.in. This is the sole platform to refer to for official announcements, admission process stages, exam schedules, and any other information or communication regarding the CAT exam. The CAT official website is updated whenever an event related to the CAT exam begins or ends. You have to register on the official website to fill out the CAT application form and download other important documents.

The CAT admit card, CAT answer key (both preliminary & final), CAT scorecard, and any other important documents will be released on the CAT 2025 official website. You will be able to access these using their CAT login credentials, which include the CAT User ID and Password. If you are appearing for the exam this year, keep checking the CAT official website 2025 regularly to stay updated with the latest events and information.

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Several MBA colleges in India accept CAT scores for admission. These include top IIMs in India and several other MBA colleges, such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, SJMSoM IIT Mumbai, DoMS IIT Delhi, etc. Check the list of CAT 2025 participating colleges provided below.

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) Category

Non-IIM MBA Colleges Category

Candidates applying for the CAT 2025 exam must note that they are free to contact the concerned authorities if they have any issues or queries related to the exam. 

Contact Details for Queries Related to Registration, Payment, and Document Uploading

Contact Details for Academic Queries such as Eligibility, Category, and PwD Certificate