The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025. IIM Kozhikode is expected to conduct the exam, as IIMs rotate the responsibility. The official CAT notification will be released on July 30, 2025. Registration will open on August 2, 2025, and close on September 21, 2025. The exam will consist of 68 questions, including 2 in the DILR section, with a total score of 204 marks.
This article will provide the essential CAT Exam date 2025 and detailed information on the registration process, eligibility, exam pattern, and more.
By the end of this article, you will know:
1. Gain clarity on the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility requirements to ensure you meet the criteria for CAT 2025.
2. Discover tips and resources to create a well-structured study plan and boost your performance.
3. Know the CAT Exam date 2025, application steps, and what to expect on exam day for a seamless experience.
Important CAT Exam Date 2025
Below is the key CAT exam date 2025 that every candidate must know before appearing for the exam:
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What is the CAT Exam?
The CAT (Common Admission Test) is an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management programs, like an MBA, at top business schools and management institutes in India. It provides opportunities for careers in various fields, such as marketing, including roles like brand manager, market research analyst, digital marketing manager, and product manager.
CAT Exam: Highlights
Check the table below for a quick overview of all essential parameters for the CAT exam.
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CAT Exam Date 2025: Registration Date
Below is the CAT exam 2025 Registration date:
CAT Exam Date 2025: Registration Process
To register for the CAT 2025 exam, follow these simple steps on the official IIM CAT website:
1. Visit the website and click on 'New Registration'.
2. Create an account and log in.
3. Complete the application form and upload your photo and signature.
4. Select your courses, IIMs, and test city preference.
5. Pay the CAT exam application fee.
Before registering for the CAT exam, review the CAT Exam Fees 2024-25 eligibility criteria and the application process.
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CAT Exam Date 2025: Application Form
To complete your registration, make sure to have the following documents ready for CAT form 2025:
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CAT Exam Date 2025: Admit Card
Candidates must bring the CAT admit card to the exam center on exam day. It includes the test center location, exam slot, and reporting time.
Follow these three simple steps to download your admit card:
1. Visit the official CAT website and log in using your application number and password.
2. Navigate to the ‘Admit Card’ section.
3. Click on ‘Download’ to save and print your admit card.
CAT Exam Date 2025: Answer key
The CAT 2025 answer key will be available only through the official website. Candidates can download the CAT answer key by following the steps:
1. Go to the official CAT website and log in using your ID and password.
2. Click on the 'CAT 2025 Answer Key' option to view it on the screen.
3. Click the ‘Download’ to save it as a PDF.
Candidates can raise objections to the CAT answer key within 3-4 days of its release by submitting an online form, uploading supporting documents, and paying a fee. Experts will review the objections; the preliminary answer key will be revised if they are valid. The final CAT 2025 result will be based on the updated answer key.
CAT Exam Date 2025: Result and Scorecard
Candidates can download the CAT exam scorecard from the official website in the third week of December 2025.
Follow the below steps to download the scorecard:
1. Visit the official CAT website and click on the ‘Login’ tab.
2. Enter your CAT application form 2025 number and password.
3. Go to the ‘Scorecard’ section and click the download option to save the scorecard as a PDF.
The scorecard will display raw scores and percentiles for each section. The download link will remain active for one year, and no hard copies will be issued, so candidates should download and save the scorecard promptly.
CAT Exam Date 2025: Exam Timings
The CAT is conducted in three slots, and candidates must adhere to the specified reporting and exam timings to ensure a smooth experience.
The details for each slot are as follows:
CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam is a multiple-choice test (MCQ) with a mix of non-MCQ questions. Candidates earn +3 points for a correct answer, while one point is deducted for incorrect answers in MCQs. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs or unattempted questions.
Below is an overview of the CAT exam pattern:
Check out the detailed CAT Exam Pattern 2024 information, including sectional cut-offs, syllabus, and expert preparation tips.
CAT Exam Analysis 2025
Based on the trends observed in the CAT 2024 exam, the CAT 2025 exam is expected to range from moderate to difficult. Over the past few years, all three slots of the CAT exam have been considered high difficulty. The final analysis of CAT 2025 will depend on the feedback from candidates and experts appearing for the exam.
CAT Exam Syllabus
The CAT exam consists of three sections, each with topics designed to test candidates' skills in various areas.
Here is an overview of the syllabus for each section:
Discover the complete CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA, including section-wise details and weightage, to plan your preparation effectively.
CAT Exam Guidelines
The CAT 2025 exam will take place at centers across India. Candidates must follow all instructions on the admit card to avoid issues on exam day.
Documents to Carry
Below are the documents candidate must carry to appear in the CAT exam:
Items Not Allowed Inside the CAT Exam Hall
The exam will be monitored with CCTV, and the following items are prohibited:
1. Electronic devices like calculators, phones, or smartwatches
2. Bags, purses, or personal items
3. Food or drinks
4. Metal jewellery or accessories
5. Jackets or clothing with pockets
6. Closed shoes
7. Books, notebooks, or loose paper
CAT Score vs Percentile 2025
Understanding how your CAT score relates to your percentile is important for knowing your chances of getting into top MBA colleges.
Here is how different scores in each section of the CAT exam can affect your overall percentile:
IIM CAT Exam Cut-Off
The CAT exam cut-off varies across different Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and is an important factor for admission.
Below are the cut-off scores for various IIMs for CAT 2025:
After clearing the CAT exam, check out the CAT Exam Colleges and their fees, admission criteria, and future opportunities.
IIM Selection Process After CAT Exam
The IIMs use CAT scores to select candidates for their MBA and other programs. Candidates must also appear for the WAT-PI (Written Ability Test and Personal Interview) for full-time MBA admission.
Below is an overview of the three stages of the IIM CAT selection process MBA:
1. Candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT scores.
2. Shortlisted candidates appear for the WAT-PI round.
3. Final selection and admission offer is made.
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CAT Exam Cut-Off: Non - IIMs
Many top business schools outside the IIMs also have competitive CAT cut-offs for admission into their MBA programs. Below are the cut-off scores required for various prestigious colleges:
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the CAT 2025 exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA candidates) from a recognised university.
2. Final Year Students
Candidates in the final year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting results can also apply.
3. Professional Degrees
Candidates with the required percentage of professional degrees (CA, CS, ICWA, FCAI) are eligible.
CAT Exam Preparation Tips
Here are some simple CAT preparation tips to help you prepare effectively for CAT 2025:
1. Create a daily study schedule
Break the syllabus into sections and assign time for each part.
2. Choose self-study or join classes
Opt for self-study or enroll in coaching classes using reliable study resources.
3. Make notes and flashcards
Write down key points and create flashcards with important formulas and techniques.
4. Practise regularly
Solve previous year’s CAT papers and take mock tests. Review your performance to identify areas for improvement.
5. Manage time during practise
While solving questions, track the time spent on each one.
6. Improve general knowledge
Read newspapers daily to stay updated.
The CAT 2025 exam is essential for those looking to join a top management program in India. By keeping track of the key dates and understanding the registration process, eligibility requirements, and exam pattern, you can prepare effectively for this competitive exam.
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