CAT 2025: Exam Dates & Notification Schedule, Eligibility Criteria, Seats & Admission Process

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CAT 2025: Exam Dates & Notification Schedule, Eligibility Criteria, Seats & Admission Process

Every year, thousands of MBA aspirants appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT), India’s most prestigious management entrance exam. CAT 2025 is once again expected to be a gateway to the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and more than 1,300 other leading business schools such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and IMT Ghaziabad.

If you plan to appear for CAT 2025, this article will guide you through every detail — the exam dates, notification schedule, eligibility criteria, seat distribution, and complete admission process.

1. CAT 2025 Notification and Exam Schedule

Official Notification

The CAT 2025 notification is expected to be released in the last week of July 2025 by one of the IIMs, likely IIM Kozhikode or IIM Calcutta. The notification will provide all critical details — registration timelines, fee structure, exam pattern, eligibility, and instructions.

Tentative CAT 2025 Schedule

The exam will be conducted in computer-based mode across 170+ test cities in India. The test is usually divided into three sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening.

Key Highlights for CAT 2025 Aspirants

• Mode of Exam: Online (CBT)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Total Questions: Around 66
• Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, –1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative marking for non-MCQs
• Conducted once every year by the IIMs on a rotational basis

Marking these dates in advance helps candidates manage preparation schedules efficiently and avoid missing important deadlines.

2. CAT 2025 Registration Process

The entire CAT registration process will take place online through the official CAT portal. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1.    Visit the official website once registration opens.

2.    Create a new user ID and password using a valid email ID and mobile number.

3.    Log in and fill the application form with personal, academic, and professional details.

4.    Upload documents: recent photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).

5.    Select preferred IIM programs and test cities (up to 6 choices).

6.    Pay the registration fee online and submit the form.

After successful submission, download and keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.

Expected Registration Fee

Note: Fees are non-refundable, so candidates must double-check all information before submitting.

Tips for Smooth Registration

• Use a stable internet connection and avoid mobile browsers.
• Keep all scanned documents in the required file size and format.
• Fill out details exactly as per official documents.
• Ensure your photograph and signature are clearly visible and recent.

3. CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet the official eligibility requirements. Even a small error or ineligibility can lead to disqualification at later stages.

Educational Qualification

• A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50 % marks or equivalent CGPA.
• For SC, ST, and PwD categories, the minimum required marks are 45 %.
• Final-year students can apply, provided they complete their degree by June 2026 and submit proof at the time of admission.

Age Limit

There is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in CAT 2025.

Work Experience

Work experience is not mandatory, but candidates with experience often receive additional weightage during the selection process in many IIMs.

Nationality

Indian citizens, NRIs, and foreign nationals are all eligible to apply under respective admission policies.

4. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

CAT is designed to test analytical, verbal, and quantitative abilities under time pressure. Since 2020, the IIMs have maintained a two-hour format with three timed sections.

Marking Scheme:

• +3 marks for each correct answer
• –1 mark for each incorrect MCQ
• No negative marking for TITA (Type-in-the-Answer) questions

Candidates cannot switch sections during the exam; once time expires, the screen automatically moves to the next section.

5. CAT 2025 Syllabus Overview

While the IIMs do not officially release a syllabus, analysis of past papers helps identify recurring themes.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading comprehension passages
• Para jumbles and paragraph summaries
• Sentence correction and completion
• Odd-sentence-out type questions

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Tables, graphs, and charts
• Logical puzzles and seating arrangements
• Caselets and reasoning sets
• Data comparison and analysis

Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Arithmetic (Percentages, Time & Work, Speed & Distance)
• Algebra (Equations, Functions, Progressions)
• Geometry & Mensuration
• Number System and Modern Math (Permutation, Combination, Probability)

Difficulty Level

Generally, the VARC section is moderate, DILR ranges from moderate to tough, and QA is moderately difficult. A strategic approach and consistent practice are key to scoring well.

6. CAT 2025 Seat Matrix and Participating Institutes

Participating Institutes

CAT 2025 scores will be accepted by:

• All 21 IIMs (including new ones like IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Jammu, and IIM Nagpur)
• Over 1,300+ management institutes across India

Reservation Policy

As per government norms:

·        SC: 15 %

·        ST: 7.5 %

·        OBC-NCL: 27 %

·        EWS: 10 %

·        PwD: 5 % horizontal reservation

Each IIM follows this structure while preparing shortlists and final admission lists.

Seat Availability

While exact seat numbers may vary slightly each year, the combined capacity of the 21 IIMs exceeds 5,500+ seats. Top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta offer around 400–500 seats each.

7. CAT 2025 Admission Process

Admission through CAT follows multiple stages. Clearing the exam is only the beginning; final admission depends on performance in subsequent rounds.

Step 1: Appear for CAT 2025

Candidates take the CBT on 30 November 2025 and receive their percentile scores in early January 2026.

Step 2: Shortlisting by Institutes

Each IIM sets its own cut-off percentile and shortlist candidates based on:

• CAT score
• Academic background (10th, 12th, graduation)
• Work experience
• Gender & academic diversity factors

Step 3: WAT / GD / PI Rounds

Shortlisted candidates are invited for the next stages:

• WAT (Written Ability Test): an essay or analytical writing task.
• GD (Group Discussion): evaluates communication and teamwork.
• PI (Personal Interview): assesses motivation, clarity of goals, and personality.

Step 4: Final Merit List

Final selection is based on weighted scores combining:

• CAT percentile (usually 40–60 %)
• Academic record (10–20 %)
• WAT / PI performance (20–30 %)
• Work experience / diversity factors

Step 5: Admission Confirmation

Once offers are issued, selected candidates confirm seats by paying an admission acceptance fee. Classes typically commence by June–July 2026.

8. Key Differences Between IIMs and Non-IIM B-Schools

While CAT primarily serves IIMs, other top-tier institutes also accept CAT scores. Here’s how they differ:

Both sets of colleges offer excellent opportunities depending on career goals, location preference, and budget.

9. How to Prepare for CAT 2025

Start Early

Begin preparation at least 8–10 months before the exam. Early starters have time for concept clarity, practice, and mock tests.

Use Mock Tests Wisely

Attempt one full-length mock test every week. Analyze each test for weak areas and track percentile improvement.

Focus on Conceptual Learning

Understand basic formulas and logical reasoning methods rather than relying on shortcuts early in the process.

Read Daily

Reading newspapers, business magazines, and editorials enhances comprehension and vocabulary for the VARC section.

Balance Accuracy and Speed

Since negative marking applies, it’s better to attempt fewer but more accurate questions.

10. FAQs on CAT 2025

1. When will CAT 2025 registration start?

Registration is expected to begin on 1 August 2025 and close on 13 September 2025.

2. What is the CAT 2025 exam date?

CAT 2025 is scheduled for 30 November 2025 (Sunday).

3. Is there any age limit for CAT 2025?

No. Candidates of any age can appear for the exam provided they meet the educational qualifications.

4. Who is eligible for CAT 2025?

Any graduate with at least 50 % marks (45 % for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university.

5. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2025?

Yes. They must complete their degree requirements by June 2026.

6. What is the application fee for CAT 2025?

₹ 2,600 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and ₹ 1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

7. How many times is CAT conducted each year?

Once annually, generally on the last Sunday of November.

8. How many seats are available through CAT 2025?

Around 5,500+ IIM seats, plus thousands more in other business schools.

9. What is the validity period of a CAT score?

CAT scores remain valid for one admission cycle (one year).

10. What happens after the CAT exam?

Candidates are shortlisted by institutes for WAT/GD/PI rounds followed by final admission offers.

11. Can a candidate edit the application after submission?

Yes. A limited correction window is provided for photo, signature, and test-city preferences.

12. Is work experience mandatory for IIM admission?

No, but it can add weightage in the selection process.

13. What percentile is needed for top IIMs?

Usually above 98 percentile for general category candidates, though it varies across institutes.

14. Which section in CAT is toughest?

Historically, the DILR section is considered the most challenging due to complex reasoning sets.

11. Strategy for Success

1.    Plan backward from the exam date, dedicating specific months to concept building, practice, and revision.

2.    Track your progress using mock scores and percentile trends.

3.    Join online or offline test series to simulate real-exam conditions.

4.    Stay consistent—short daily study sessions often work better than cramming.

5.    Maintain mental and physical well-being, especially during the final month of preparation.

12. Conclusion

The CAT 2025 exam is not just a test — it’s the starting point for future business leaders and entrepreneurs. Understanding the exam dates, eligibility criteria, seat matrix, and admission process will help you navigate your preparation efficiently.

Whether your goal is IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, or any other premier institution, success begins with clarity, consistency, and confidence. Stay updated, stay focused, and make every practice session count toward your CAT 2025 dream.