The Common Admission Test or CAT is India’s most coveted entrance examination for admission to MBA. Organized every year by the Indian Institutes of Management or IIMs, CAT scores are accepted by 21 IIMs and more than 1000+ other business schools across India.
CAT is a computerized test (CBT) that tests candidates in the areas of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The CAT 2025 exam is likely to be held on 30th November 2025 (Sunday).
With more than 4 lakh candidates likely to take CAT 2025, it is crucial to know the exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, and preparation strategy to crack it. This guide has all the information, including the CAT 2025 exam date, eligibility, syllabus, registration process, exam day instructions, and preparation strategy.
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CAT 2025 Exam Date: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management, Kozhikode (Expected) |
| CAT Frequency | Annual |
| Exam Level | National |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Duration | 120 Minutes ( 2 Hours ) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 68 |
| CAT Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in The Answer (TITA) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct answer, -1 for MCQs (No negative for TITA) |
| CAT Score Validity | 1 year |
| Number of IIMs Participating | 21 IIMs |
| Non-IIMs Accepting CAT Scores | 1000+ prestigious management institutes |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2025 Exam Date & Schedule (Expected)
The official notification regarding the CAT 2025 exam date is expected to be released by the end of July. The examination is likely to be held in the last week of November 2025. Hence it is important to know how to apply for the CAT exam.
| CAT Exam | Expected Date |
| CAT 2025 Notification Release | 30th July, 2025 |
| Start of CAT 2025 Registration | 2nd August, 2025 |
| End of CAT 2025 Registration | 13th September, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Form Correction Date | September 25th-28th, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Admit Card Issue | 25th October 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Results Announcement | First Week of January 2026 |
CAT 2025 Exam Date & Timing (Expected)
The CAT 2025 exam date will be adhered to with a set schedule and time slots. The exam timings must be known by the candidates, and they must schedule accordingly.
| Exam | Slot | Exam Timing (Expected) |
| Slot 1 | (Morning) | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Slot 2 | (Afternoon) | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Slot 3 | (Evening) | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
The candidates are required to arrive at their allocated examination centre at least one hour before undertaking biometric identification and security screening.
CAT Exam Date for MBA – Trends for Previous Years
The CAT 2025 exam date also has a pattern following previous years’ schedules. Here’s an overview of previous CAT exam dates:
| Year | CAT Exam Date |
| 2024 | 24th November 2024 |
| 2023 | 26th November 2023 |
| 2022 | 27th November 2022 |
| 2021 | 28th November 2021 |
As seen, the CAT exam date 2025 will also be planned to take place on 30th November 2025, following the trend of holding the exam on the last Sunday of November.
CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates should confirm whether they are eligible according to the eligibility criteria specified by the IIMs.
1. Educational Qualification
- The candidates should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institute.
- General & NC-OBC Category: Graduation with minimum 50% marks.
- SC, ST, and PwD Category: Graduation with minimum 45% marks.
2. Final Year Students
- Final-year students with bachelor’s degrees can apply but must provide proof of graduation before admission.
3. Professional Degrees
- Eligible candidates with CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI qualifications.
4. Age Limit
- There is no limit on age for appearing in CAT 2025.
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Overview
There has been no significant alteration in the CAT exam pattern 2025 as compared with last year. Yet, a few minor changes have followed to enhance the testing process.
Here is a general overview of the CAT 2025 exam pattern:
| Section Name | Number of Questions | Allotted Time (in Minutes) |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 |
| Total | 66 | 120 |
The duration of the CAT exam is 2 hours long, that is 120 minutes, and the exam is bifurcated into three parts. Each segment has been allocated 40 minutes. Thus, candidates cannot shift to the other segment after the time duration of that particular segment has elapsed.
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Wrong Answer (MCQ): -1 mark
- Wrong Answer (Non-MCQ): No negative marking
- Unanswered Question: No negative marking
Type-In-The-Answer questions or Non-MCQs questions carry no negative marking allowing candidates some relief from potential penalties.
CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus
Even though the official syllabus is not published by IIMs, here’s a breakdown based on past years:
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension (RC) – Passages with MCQs
- Para Jumbles – Putting sentences in logical order
- Fill in the Blanks – Filling sentences with correct words
- Sentence Correction – Grammar questions
- Critical Reasoning – Assessing arguments
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Seating Arrangement – Linear & Circular
- Venn Diagrams – Logical sets
- Coding-Decoding & Blood Relations
- Logical Sequences & Puzzles
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Geometry & Mensuration – Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry
- Factors, Remainders, LCM & HCF of Number System
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Probability & Permutations
Registration Process for CAT 2025
The application procedure for CAT 2025 shall start in August 2025.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Registration
- Visit the official website: www.iimcat.ac.in
- Registration as New User: Fill up basic details such as name, email, and mobile number.
- Receive OTP & Login Credentials: Authenticate OTP to generate a CAT login ID.
- Fill Application Form: Provide academic information, work experience, and category certificate (if required).
- Select Exam Cities: Select up to six preferred cities for the test centre.
Upload Documents: Upload a passport-sized photo, signature, and category certificates. - Pay the Application Fee:
General & NC-OBC: ₹2500
SC/ST/PWD: ₹1250 - Submit & Download Confirmation: Save a copy for future
CAT 2025 Application Correction Window
The CAT 2025 application correction window will be enabled by the conducting authorities, through which candidates will be able to make required corrections to their submitted applications. For this, candidates will have to log in via their user ID and password.
Details That Can Be Edited:
- Photograph: Replace or update the uploaded photograph if necessary.
- Signature: Correct the signature in case of mistakes or wrong format.
- City Preferences Test: Alter the preference for cities, if needed.
Procedure to Correct the CAT 2025 Application Form:
- Open the official website of CAT via your user ID and password.
- Press “Go to Application” to view the submitted form.
- Double-check and correct the mandatory fields.
- Be sure that every detail is right before saving changes.
Note: Applicants should go through the official guidelines while rectifying to not face application rejection.
CAT 2025 Admit Card
The CAT Admit Card 2025 is a formal document released by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to examinees who have effectively enrolled in the exam. It is a necessary condition to appear for the CAT exam, as it will include vital information like the candidate’s name, roll number, date of examination, time, venue, and some essential instructions.
Likely to be out in October 2025.
- Contains the exam schedules, centre information, and instructions to be adhered to.
- Candidates need to bring a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre.
CAT 2025 Answer Key & Result
Answer Key Release
- The provisional answer key will be available 8-10 days from the date of the exam.
- Candidates are allowed to raise objections against incorrect answers.
CAT 2025 Result
- The result of CAT 2025 will be announced in January 2026.
- Candidates can view their scorecard online through their login credentials.
CAT 2025 Preparation Tips:
Preparation for the CAT 2025 exam must be strategic, disciplined, and methodical. Since the exam evaluates your analytical, verbal, and logical reasoning skills, you should have a solid strategy to score high. Here are comprehensive preparation strategies for each section and overall exam readiness.
1. Study the Exam Pattern & Syllabus in depth
- Make sure you understand the CAT 2025 exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly before starting preparation.
- Analyse the previous year’s trends to understand the key topics in depth.
- Understand the weightage of different sections so that you can plan your time accordingly.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses to concentrate on areas of improvement.
2. Prepare a Well-Planned Study Schedule
Success in CAT demands a systematic study and a planned study schedule.
Daily Schedule:
- Try to study every day for approximately 4-5 hours of focused preparation.
- Set aside a minimum of 1.5 hours for Quantitative Aptitude, as it is usually found to be the toughest section in CAT.
- Set aside at least 1 hour each for VARC and DILR daily.
- Allow 1 hour for analyzing and revising mock tests.
Monthly Study Targets:
- Month 1-2: Develop conceptual clarity in all three sections.
- Month 3-4: Practice sectional tests and speed-building exercises.
- Month 5-6: Practice full-length mock tests, focus on weak concepts, and enhance time management.
3. Create Section-Wise Strategies
a) Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Enhance reading speed and understanding by reading newspapers, business magazines, and editorials (e.g., The Hindu, The Economist).
- Practice RC techniques such as skimming, scanning, and inference-based reading.
- Practice Para Jumbles, Para Completion, and Critical Reasoning daily.
- Solve 30-40 reading comprehension sets before the test.
b) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Practice graph-based DI sets daily, including bar charts, pie charts, and tables.
- Practice logical puzzles including seating arrangement, blood relation, and logical sequences.
- Develop calculation speed using approximation techniques.
- Practice at least 100+ DILR sets before the test.
c) Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Understand the fundamentals of Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry, and Arithmetic.
- Devote additional emphasis to shortcut shortcuts and approximations to speed up calculations.
- Solve the QA questions of last year to perceive the difficulty levels.
- Try a minimum of 500+ quant questions in preparation.
4. Attempt Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers
Mock tests are the key to CAT success. They help with:
- Time Management: Mastering the skill of timing responses regularly throughout sections.
- Weakness Identification: Determination of weak zones and improvement of accuracy.
- Exam Endurance: CAT is cognitively stressful; mock tests increase the quality of focus.
5. How Many Mocks to Do?
- Start with at least 1 mock per week for the first three months.
- Then, gradually make it up to 2-3 mocks per week for the remaining 3 months.
- Make a note of your mistakes and the areas in which you are weak and work accordingly.
6. Improve Time Management & Accuracy
- Prioritize: It is important to prioritise the easy questions first just to score the maximum.
- No guesswork: Since there is a negative marking, it is important to focus on the accuracy of the questions rather than just focusing on the numbers.
- Use the elimination method: If you are not sure about the answer then the elimination method is helpful, just eliminate the wrong options to improve accuracy and build certainty.
7. Stay Consistent & Motivated
- Participate in an online study group: Interaction with aspiring people will keep you motivated.
- Reward yourself for the attainment of study milestones.
- Rest breaks to prevent burnout. Taking a 15-minute break every 2 hours of study can improve retention.
8. Revise Regularly
- Keep a formula notebook: Write down important formulas and shortcuts for Quant.
- Make a habit of revising the concepts every weekend just to make sure that you recall what you studied.
Conclusion
The CAT 2025 exam date is a gateway to India’s top B-schools, including IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, and MDI Gurgaon. The stakes are high, with over 4 lakh contenders set to appear in 2025.
Key things:
The earlier you start, the better your chances of scoring well.
Planned consistency, mock tests, and planning are the success mantras.
Time management, precision, and section-wise approaches will improve your performance.
By following a systematic preparation plan, regular practice, and effective analysis of mock tests, you can achieve your dream percentile (99+) and secure admission to your dream B-school.
Start your CAT 2025 journey today!
