The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-Schools across India. For the academic year 2025-26, IIM Kozhikode will serve as the organizing institute for CAT 2025. The exam will be held on November 30, 2025, and online registration will begin on August 1, 2025, at 10 am on the official website – iimcat.ac.in.
This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of the CAT 2025 exam, including key dates, registration process, eligibility, exam pattern, application fee, test cities, and preparation strategy. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a repeater aiming to improve your percentile, this guide will help you stay informed and prepared.
Table of Contents
- 1 CAT 2025: Important Dates
- 2 Organising Institute: IIM Kozhikode
- 3 Mode of Examination
- 4 Registration Fees
- 5 CAT 2025 Test Cities
- 6 Eligibility Criteria
- 7 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- 8 CAT Exam Pattern (Expected)
- 9 What After CAT?
- 10 CAT 2025 Preparation Tips
- 11 Top Institutes Accepting CAT Score
- 12 FAQs About CAT 2025
- 13 Conclusion
CAT 2025: Important Dates
Here are the crucial dates to remember for CAT 2025:
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | August 1, 2025 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | September 13, 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | November 5, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Result Announcement (Tentative) | First week of January 2026 |
Organising Institute: IIM Kozhikode
Every year, one of the top IIMs is chosen to conduct the CAT exam. In 2025, IIM Kozhikode has been entrusted with the responsibility. IIM Kozhikode is known for its innovation in education and world-class academic infrastructure, ensuring a seamless and fair examination process.
Mode of Examination
CAT 2025 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. As per previous patterns, the exam is expected to be held in three sessions on the same day – morning, afternoon, and evening.
Candidates are allotted a session randomly during the admit card release, and efforts are made to maintain uniform difficulty across sessions to ensure fairness.
Registration Fees
The application fee structure for CAT 2025 is as follows:
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: ₹1,300
- All other candidates: ₹2,600
Note: The registration fee is non-refundable and must be paid online using credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI, or other payment gateways.
CAT 2025 Test Cities
This year, CAT 2025 will be held in approximately 170 cities across India. Candidates can select five cities in order of preference while filling out the application form.
The final allotment of the exam center will be communicated via the admit card. It’s advisable to fill in preferred cities wisely and as early as possible to improve the chance of getting your first choice.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for CAT 2025, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates).
- Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results can also apply.
- No Age Limit: There is no age restriction for appearing in CAT.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
- Register Yourself: Create a user profile by entering basic details such as name, email ID, phone number, etc.
- Login: Use the credentials generated to log in.
- Fill Application Form:
- Personal details
- Academic qualifications
- Work experience (if applicable)
- Programmes and IIMs you wish to apply for
- Preferred exam cities (choose five)
- Upload Documents:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Pay Application Fee: Use online payment methods.
- Submit & Print: Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation for future reference.
CAT Exam Pattern (Expected)
CAT generally consists of three sections:
| Section | Duration | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 mins | 24-26 (approx.) |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 mins | 20-22 (approx.) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 40 mins | 22-24 (approx.) |
| Total | 120 mins | 66-70 Questions |
- Some questions are MCQs (with negative marking), while others are TITA (Type In The Answer) with no negative marking.
- Each correct answer is awarded +3 marks.
- Incorrect MCQs attract -1 mark.
What After CAT?
CAT is just the first step in the admission journey. Once results are declared, candidates must:
- Apply to individual IIMs or other participating B-Schools as per their score.
- Participate in the selection process, which usually includes:
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Personal Interview (PI)
Each IIM and institution has its own shortlisting criteria, considering factors like academic profile, work experience, diversity, and more.
CAT 2025 Preparation Tips
If you’re starting your preparation for CAT 2025, here’s how you can create an effective strategy:
1. Understand the Syllabus & Pattern
Know the types of questions asked, marking scheme, and time limits for each section.
2. Create a Study Plan
Make a realistic study schedule dividing topics over months. Allocate more time to weaker sections.
3. Practice with Mock Tests
Appear for weekly mock tests under exam-like conditions. Analyze performance and work on time management.
4. Use Quality Study Material
Refer to standard books like Arun Sharma’s series, TIME/IMS coaching modules, and free online resources.
5. Join Test Series
Enroll in a reputed test series to benchmark your preparation with thousands of aspirants.
6. Revise Regularly
Revise concepts and practice previous years’ questions to reinforce understanding.
Top Institutes Accepting CAT Score
Apart from the 20 IIMs, several top B-Schools in India accept CAT scores, including:
- FMS Delhi
- MDI Gurgaon
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
- IITs (like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi)
- NITIE Mumbai (now IIM Mumbai)
- XIMB Bhubaneswar
- TAPMI Manipal
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
Always check individual college eligibility and application timelines post CAT.
FAQs About CAT 2025
Conclusion
CAT 2025 is not just an entrance exam but a gateway to India’s premier management institutions and a stepping stone to a transformative career in business and leadership. With the exam date set for November 30 and registrations starting August 1, now is the time to start preparing in a focused and strategic manner.
Stay updated by regularly visiting the official website iimcat.ac.in, and don’t miss any important deadlines. Begin your journey today, and let CAT 2025 be the first milestone toward your dream B-School!
All the best for your CAT 2025 preparation!
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