The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 notification has been officially released by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K). As per the announcement, the CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in a computer-based format across various test centers in India.
CAT is the gateway to MBA and PGDM programs offered by IIMs and over 100 top B-schools across the country. If you’re an MBA aspirant planning to appear this year, here’s everything you need to know—from the registration process to exam pattern and eligibility.
📌 What is CAT 2025?
CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by the IIMs on a rotational basis. It assesses candidates’ aptitude in areas such as Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
The scores of CAT are accepted not only by the 21 IIMs but also by prestigious institutions like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, and others.
🗓️ Important Dates for CAT 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Notification Release | July 27, 2025 |
| Registration Start Date | August 1, 2025 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Last Date | September 13, 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | November 5, 2025 |
| Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | January 2026 (Tentative) |
All registration and exam-related updates will be available on the official website: www.iimcat.ac.in
🧑🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following criteria to apply for CAT 2025:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least:
- 50% marks for General/EWS/OBC
- 45% marks for SC/ST/PwD
- Candidates in the final year of graduation (2025–26) can also apply.
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.
Note: Eligibility to apply for individual IIMs may include additional academic or work experience criteria.
💻 Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide
You can apply for CAT 2025 online only. Here’s how:
- Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on “New Candidate Registration”
- Fill in your basic details to receive your login credentials
- Complete the application form with:
- Academic history
- Work experience (if applicable)
- Choice of 6 preferred IIMs
- Test city preferences (up to 6 cities)
- Upload required documents:
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Caste/PwD certificates (if applicable)
- Pay the application fee:
- ₹2,600 for General/EWS/OBC
- ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD
🧠 CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
The CAT exam is divided into three sections, each timed separately:
| Section | Duration | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 min | ~24 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 min | ~22 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 40 min | ~22 |
- Total duration: 120 minutes
- Type of questions: MCQs and TITA (Type-In-The-Answer)
- Marking scheme: +3 for correct answers; −1 for wrong MCQs; no negative marks for TITA
🎓 Selection Process
The CAT score is only the first step in the selection journey. IIMs use a multi-stage process:
- CAT 2025 score (percentile)
- Academic background and consistency
- Work experience
- Diversity factor (gender/academic)
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Personal Interview (PI)
Each IIM publishes its admission criteria after the CAT exam, so candidates must follow updates on individual institute websites.
✅ Why is CAT 2025 Important?
- Over 2.5 lakh candidates are expected to appear this year
- Entry into top-tier IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and Lucknow
- Widely accepted by leading private B-schools
- A valid CAT score opens doors to lucrative career opportunities in consulting, finance, marketing, analytics, and operations
📝 Documents Required for CAT Application
Keep the following ready before starting your application:
- Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
- Graduation marksheets and certificates
- Passport-size photo (recent, in .jpg/.jpeg format)
- Scanned signature
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
- Caste/Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Work experience proof (if applicable)
🧾 Tips to Crack CAT 2025
- Start early with a clear preparation strategy
- Focus on mock tests and time management
- Analyze past-year papers for question trends
- Strengthen basics in math, grammar, and logic
- Join an online or offline coaching program if needed
The release of the CAT 2025 notification marks the beginning of the MBA admission season. With the exam scheduled for November 30, aspirants have about four months to prepare thoroughly.
This is your chance to aim for a seat in India’s most prestigious B-schools. Plan your prep, stay consistent, and keep visiting the official site www.iimcat.ac.in for updates. Remember, the CAT is not just an exam — it’s a career-defining opportunity.
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- CAT 2025 registration start date
- CAT 2025 eligibility and fees
- How to apply for CAT 2025
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Read More: GATE 2026 Notification Released
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the exam date for CAT 2025?
CAT 2025 will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in three sessions across India.
2. When does CAT 2025 registration start?
Registration begins on August 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM and ends on September 13, 2025.
3. What is the official website to apply for CAT?
Candidates must apply via the official IIM CAT portal: www.iimcat.ac.in
4. Who is eligible for CAT 2025?
Anyone with a Bachelor’s degree with 50% (General) or 45% (SC/ST/PwD) is eligible. Final-year students can also apply.
5. What is the application fee for CAT 2025?
-
₹2,600 for General/OBC/EWS
-
₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates
6. What is the duration and pattern of the CAT exam?
The exam has three sections, each with 40 minutes, totalling 120 minutes. It includes both MCQs and TITA questions.
7. Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes. For MCQs, −1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. There is no negative marking for TITA questions.
8. How is the CAT score used for admission?
Each IIM uses CAT scores as a primary filter, followed by Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).