CAT 2025 Complete Guide: Exam Date, Registration Process & Key Changes

Are you dreaming of cracking the CAT and stepping into India’s top B-schools in 2026? The journey begins with mastering everything about CAT 2025—the gateway to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and a host of other premium management institutes. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant, a re-taker, or simply want the most up-to-date, detailed, and engaging guide on what’s new this year, this blog is your ultimate resource.

Let’s dive deep into the CAT 2025 with exclusive insights, timelines, preparation hacks, and all the key changes!

Table of Contents

•        What is CAT & Why is it Important?

•        CAT 2025: At a Glance (Dates & Major Updates)

•        Registration Process: Step-by-step Breakdown

•        Eligibility Criteria

•        Detailed Exam Pattern & Key Changes This Year

•        CAT 2025 Syllabus Breakdown (Section-wise)

•        The Most Important Dates for CAT 2025

•        CAT 2025 Fee Structure & Slot Info

•        Preparation Strategy for CAT 2025

•        FAQs and Latest Trends

•        How to Stay Motivated & Last-minute Tips

What is CAT & Why is it Important?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is not just India’s most competitive entrance exam for MBA aspirants—it’s the golden gate to IIMs and over 1,200 renowned business schools. Every year, more than two lakh candidates appear for this test, but less than 2% make it into an IIM classroom. Top recruiters, international exposure, and the chance to turbocharge your career—CAT is the first milestone.

CAT 2025: At a Glance

•        Exam Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025 (three time slots)

•        Mode: Computer-based test (CBT), held in 170+ cities

•        Conducting IIM: IIM Kozhikode

•        First day of Registration: August 1, 2025

•        Last date to Register: September 13, 2025

•        Admit Card Release: November 5, 2025

•        Result Announcement: Third week of December 2025

What’s New in CAT 2025?

•        Application Fee increased: Now ₹2,600 (General/EWS/OBC), ₹1,300 (SC/ST/PwD)

•        Adaptive/Conceptual Questions: A growing focus on conceptual clarity and application-based problem-solving

•        Sectional time flexibility: Candidates must attempt each portion in a defined order, with a specified time for each section (40 minutes).

•        Exam pattern emphasis on accuracy: Expect negative marking for MCQs and no penalty for TITA (type in the answer) questions

Registration Process: Step-by-step Breakdown

Navigating CAT registration may feel elaborate but it’s straightforward if you follow these steps:

•        Step 1: Go to the official CAT website.

•        Step 2: Click ‘New Registration’ and enter basic details—name, DOB, nationality, email, phone.

•        Step 3: Verify your email and mobile to get your User ID and Password.

•        Step 4: Login and fill the CAT application form:

4  Personal info

4  Academic Qualifications (bachelor’s, master’s, professional degrees)

4  Parental details

4  Work experience (if any)

•        Step 5: Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photo, signature, and, if applicable, category certificates.

•        Step 6: Program/Course Preferences

4  Choose the IIMs and courses you’re interested in.

•        Step 7: Select preferred test cities (up to five options).

4  Early applicants usually get their first-choice city; don’t wait till the last day!

•        Step 8: Pay the Registration Fee

4  Pay via debit/credit card or net banking.

4  Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.

Correction Window: After submission, there will be a brief window (likely late September) for minor edits if any errors occurred.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025

•        Academic Requirements: Bachelor's degree with at least 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university.

•        Final Year Students: Eligible to apply; admission is provisional until they submit their degree/marksheets.

•        Professional Degrees: Candidates having a CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI with the requisite percentage may apply.

•        No Age Limit: Anyone can apply, regardless of birth year or work history.

Note: Candidates found to furnish false information or misrepresent data can be disqualified at any stage.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern & Key Changes

Overview:

•        Sections: Three (VARC, DILR, QA)

•        Number of Questions: 68 (expected: 24 in VARC, 22 in DILR, 22 in QA)

•        Exam Duration: 120 minutes, 40 minutes per section

•        Format:

4  MCQs: +3 marks, -1 penalty

4  TITA (Type in the Answer): +3 marks, no negative marking

Important Features:

•        Mandatory order: VARC → DILR → QA (no switching between sections)

•        On-screen calculator and answer review within each section

•        Negative marking for MCQs, none for TITA

Exam Slots:

•        Slot 1: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

•        Slot 2: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

•        Slot 3: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Adaptive Testing (Possible Pilot):

CAT 2025 may experiment with adaptive testing, which adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your success. Focus on strong fundamentals for this shift.

CAT 2025 Section-wise Syllabus Breakdown

1.     Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Total Questions: 24
Topics:

•        Reading Comprehension (4 passages with 3–5 questions each)

•        Para jumbles

•        Para summary

•        Odd sentence out

•        Verbal reasoning

What’s tested: Comprehension, inference, grammar, and vocabulary (though direct grammar questions are rare).

2.     Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Total Questions: 22
Topics:

•        Tables, charts, graphs, and case-lets

•        Data sufficiency and puzzles

•        Blood relations, syllogisms, family trees

•        Coding-decoding, arrangements, series

What’s tested: Analytical skills, logical sequence, data analysis

3.     Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Total Questions: 22
Topics:

•        Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, SI/CI, Time and Work, Mixtures & Alligation etc.

•        Algebra: Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Functions

•        Geometry & Mensuration

•        Number systems, Modern math, Trigonometry (occasional)

What’s tested: Class X–XII level concept application, speed, and accuracy

Important Dates for CAT 2025

Fee Structure & Slot Info

•        General/OBC/EWS: ₹2,600

•        SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,300

•        City Preference: You can select up to five cities. Test centres are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy

Reaching the top 1% in CAT requires more than just intelligence—it takes a robust plan, relentless practice, and psychological readiness. Here’s an exclusive, actionable gameplan:

•        Diagnose Your Strengths and Weaknesses

4  Take a diagnostic mock test.

4  Analyze which section pulls you down.

•        Sectional Preparation

4  VARC: Read editorials, novels, and diverse materials. Practice RCs daily.

4  DILR: Develop logic by solving puzzles and caselets. Practice sets from previous years.

4  QA: Focus on arithmetic and algebra first. Strengthen basics, then move to advanced topics. Use tricks for faster calculations.

•        Mock Tests & Analysis

4  Do at least 20–25 full-length mocks.

4  Post-mock analysis is as crucial as taking the test—identify and correct recurring errors.

•        Time Management

4  Practice questions with sectional timers.

4  Simulate the real exam environment.

•        Revision & Adaptive Practice

4  Go back to mistakes.

4  Practice new application-based and conceptual questions, as the exam focuses on understanding, not just rote learning.

•        Peer Learning & Mentorship

4  Join study groups or forums.

4  Seek advice from recent toppers and mentors.

•        Health & Wellbeing

4  Sleep well before mocks and the real exam.

4  Maintain a positive and calm mindset.

CAT 2025: Frequently Asked Questions & Trends

Q: Can I choose which section to attempt first?
No, there is a fixed sequence —VARC, then DILR, then QA.
Q: Can I apply without a professional degree?
Yes, all bachelor’s degree holders are eligible, professional degrees are just an additional route.
Q: Is there an upper or lower age limit?
No age limit exists for the CAT exam.
Q: What is the marking scheme?
+3 for every correct answer, -1 for every wrong MCQ, no penalty for TITA.
Q: Which exam slot is easier?
All slots are normalized, so no slot is officially more or less difficult.

How to Stay Motivated: Real-World Toppers’ Advice

•        Set weekly targets and reward yourself for achievement.

•        Treat mocks as learning opportunities, not just performance indicators.

•        Remember, CAT is as much about perseverance as it is about aptitude.

Final Thoughts

CAT 2025 is more competitive and dynamic than ever—embracing adaptive questions, rewarding conceptual mastery, and demanding strategic thinking. Start your prep now, stay updated with the official CAT website, and don’t get swayed by myths. With the right strategy, discipline, and mindset, your B-school dream is just a CAT away. Good luck!

For more updates, always refer to the official CAT website and trusted preparation portals!