CAT 2025: Registration, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, and Exam Dates

CAT 2025: Registration, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, and Exam Dates

Every year, thousands of ambitious graduates across India set their sights on the Common Admission Test (CAT) — the gateway to prestigious management institutes like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. CAT is not just an exam; it’s a journey of discipline, focus, and strategy. The CAT 2025 exam is expected to follow the pattern of previous years, with some potential refinements to enhance fairness and assessment quality.

If you’re planning to appear for CAT 2025, this detailed guide covers everything you need to know — from registration and eligibility to exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and important dates. Let’s begin.

1. What is CAT 2025?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The test evaluates a candidate’s analytical, verbal, and quantitative abilities. A valid CAT score is accepted by more than 1,000 management institutes across India, including 21 IIMs and top-tier private B-schools such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, and TAPMI Manipal.

CAT scores are used not only for shortlisting candidates for MBA and PGDM programs but also for evaluating candidates in various Executive MBA and Fellowship programs.

2. CAT 2025 Exam Conducting Body and Schedule

The conducting body of CAT changes every year among the IIMs. While IIM Calcutta and IIM Lucknow have conducted recent editions, the official confirmation for CAT 2025 will likely be released in July 2025 on the official website — https://iimcat.ac.in.

Expected Timeline for CAT 2025

CAT is conducted in three slots on the same day: morning, afternoon, and evening. Each slot has the same difficulty level and exam structure, ensuring fairness across sessions.

3. CAT 2025 Registration Process

The registration process for CAT 2025 will be entirely online through the IIM CAT website. Candidates need to register using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate login credentials.

Step-by-Step Registration Guide

1.    Visit the Official Website:
Go to https://iimcat.ac.in once the registration window opens.

2.    Create a User Profile:
Enter basic details like name, email ID, and mobile number. A unique user ID and password will be sent via email/SMS.

3.    Fill the Application Form:
Log in using your credentials and fill in personal, academic, and professional details carefully. Select up to six preferred test cities for the exam.

4.    Upload Documents:
Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and caste/disability certificates (if applicable).

5.    Pay the Application Fee:
Payment can be made via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.

Expected Application Fees

Once payment is confirmed, a confirmation email will be sent. Candidates should download the application form and fee receipt for future reference.

4. CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must meet the eligibility conditions laid down by the IIMs.

Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates).
• Final-year students can also apply, provided they complete their degree by June 2026 and furnish proof of qualification.

Age Limit

• There is no upper or lower age limit to appear for CAT.

Work Experience

• Work experience is not mandatory. However, it may provide an edge during the final selection process (especially for Executive MBA programs).

Nationality

• Only Indian citizens and foreign nationals (with valid visas) can appear.
  Foreign candidates can also apply via the GMAT or GRE route if specified by individual IIMs.

5. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The CAT exam pattern is designed to test time management, logical reasoning, and conceptual clarity. It consists of three sections and is conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.

Section-Wise Breakdown

Marking Scheme

• +3 marks for every correct answer
• –1 mark for every incorrect MCQ
• No negative marking for TITA (Type In The Answer) questions
• Total Marks: 198
• Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
• Each section is time-bound, meaning candidates cannot switch sections once the time expires.

6. CAT 2025 Syllabus

While IIMs do not release an official syllabus, the CAT pattern has remained stable. The syllabus can be divided as follows:

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension Passages
• Para Jumbles and Para Summary
• Sentence Correction
• Odd One Out
• Vocabulary and Grammar

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Data Tables and Charts
• Bar Graphs and Line Graphs
• Logical Arrangements and Puzzles
• Caselets and Seating Arrangements
• Blood Relations and Directions

Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Arithmetic: Time, Speed, Distance, Profit & Loss, Percentage
• Algebra: Equations, Inequalities
• Geometry and Mensuration
• Number Systems
• Modern Math: Probability, Permutation & Combination

7. CAT 2025 Selection Process

Qualifying CAT is just the first step. Each IIM and B-school has its own selection process that includes multiple stages:

1.    CAT Written Exam: Candidates must secure a minimum sectional and overall percentile to qualify for further rounds.

2.    Shortlisting for WAT/GD-PI: Institutes shortlist based on CAT score, academic background, diversity, and work experience.

3.    Written Ability Test (WAT) / Group Discussion (GD): Tests communication and analytical thinking.

4.    Personal Interview (PI): Evaluates personality, goals, and suitability for management programs.

5.    Final Merit List: Prepared by assigning weights to CAT score, WAT/PI performance, work experience, and academics.

8. Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Scores

Apart from the IIMs, several top private institutes accept CAT scores. Below are some leading institutions:

9. CAT 2025 Admit Card and Exam Guidelines

Admit Card

Candidates who successfully register can download their CAT 2025 Admit Card from the official website by logging in with their credentials. It will contain details like:

• Candidate’s name and photograph
• Registration number
• Exam date and slot
• Test centre and address
• Important instructions

Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, or Passport).

Exam Day Guidelines

• Reach the centre at least 90 minutes before the exam.
• Carry only essential items – admit card, ID proof, and simple pen/pencil.
• Avoid wearing smartwatches, metallic accessories, or electronic devices.
• Follow the instructions on screen carefully; each section is time-bound.

10. CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

CAT is more about smart preparation than rote learning. Here’s a strategic roadmap:

1. Start Early

Begin your preparation 8–10 months before the exam. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing shortcuts initially.

2. Build Conceptual Clarity

Strengthen basics in Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning before jumping into complex questions.

3. Practice Mock Tests

Attempt one mock test every week initially and increase frequency to two per week closer to the exam.

4. Analyze Performance

After each mock, analyze accuracy, time spent per question, and weak topics.

5. Improve Reading Habits

Reading newspapers, business magazines, and editorials improves vocabulary and comprehension skills.

6. Time Management

Since CAT is time-bound, practice completing sections within allotted time limits during mocks.

7. Focus on Sectional Balance

Don’t neglect any section. Even a single weak area can reduce your overall percentile.

8. Stay Calm and Consistent

CAT rewards calmness under pressure. Regular revision and mindfulness help maintain focus.

11. CAT 2025 Result and Percentile Calculation

CAT results are expected in January 2026. The scorecard will display:

• Scaled scores for each section
• Overall scaled score
• Percentile rank

How Percentiles Are Calculated

Percentiles are based on relative performance:

A percentile above 99 usually corresponds to a top 1% performance among lakhs of aspirants.

12. Post-CAT 2025 Process

After results, candidates must:

1.    Apply separately to institutes accepting CAT scores.

2.    Attend WAT/GD/PI rounds based on shortlisting.

3.    Receive final admission offers by April–May 2026.

4.    Classes at IIMs typically commence by June or July 2026.

13. Key Points to Remember

• CAT 2025 will be held in computer-based mode across 150+ cities.
• The exam duration will remain two hours with three sections.
• There is no age limit to appear for CAT.
• Candidates can apply to multiple IIMs through a single application form.
• Always check official updates on https://iimcat.ac.in only.

14. Expert Advice for CAT 2025 Aspirants

CAT is as much a test of strategy as it is of aptitude. Experts recommend the following:

• Focus on accuracy over attempts — a few incorrect answers can drastically reduce your percentile.
• In VARC, reading comprehension carries higher weight; practice daily.
• In DILR, prioritize logical grouping and elimination rather than brute-force solving.
• In QA, learn formulas but practice applying them under timed conditions.
• Join study groups or online communities for motivation and peer learning.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CAT 2025

1. When will CAT 2025 registration start?

CAT 2025 registration is expected to start in the first week of August 2025 and close by mid-September 2025.

2. Who will conduct CAT 2025?

The conducting IIM has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be IIM Calcutta or IIM Lucknow.

3. What is the exam date for CAT 2025?

CAT 2025 is likely to be held on November 30, 2025, the last Sunday of November.

4. How many times is CAT conducted in a year?

CAT is conducted once every year across multiple slots on a single day.

5. What is the eligibility for CAT 2025?

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Final-year students can also apply.

6. Can I take CAT after completing my degree in engineering, arts, or commerce?

Yes, candidates from any academic background are eligible for CAT as long as they meet the percentage criteria.

7. Is there any age limit for CAT 2025?

No, there is no upper or lower age limit to appear for CAT.

8. Can I edit my CAT 2025 application form after submission?

Yes, a short correction window is usually opened after registration closes, allowing limited edits in uploaded images or test city preferences.

9. How many attempts are allowed for CAT?

There is no restriction on the number of CAT attempts. You can take it as many times as you wish.

10. What is the validity of the CAT score?

The CAT score is valid for one year only, i.e., for admissions to the 2026–28 academic batch.

11. What is the difficulty level of CAT?

CAT is considered a moderate to difficult exam, especially in the Quantitative and DILR sections. However, with consistent practice, it is manageable.

12. Which section is the toughest in CAT?

Historically, DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) is found to be the toughest by most candidates.

13. Can foreign nationals apply for CAT 2025?

Yes, foreign nationals can apply for CAT or through GMAT/GRE depending on institute guidelines.

14. How many students appear for CAT every year?

On average, 2.5 to 3 lakh candidates register for the CAT exam annually.

15. What is a good percentile to get into top IIMs?

A percentile of 98–99+ is typically required for older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta.