Cat 2025 Complete Guide to Preparation, Eligibility, Best Exam Pattern, and More.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams in India, and it serves as the gateway to admission in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other renowned business schools. CAT 2025, likely to be conducted by IIM Kozhikode, is expected to take place on 30th November 2025. The official notification for the exam will be released in the last week of July 2025. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to CAT 2025, including the exam date, eligibility criteria, registration process, exam pattern, preparation tips, and more.
Overview of 2025 Exam
The exam is an annual event and will be held nationwide in an online mode. It is a computer-based test (CBT) that tests candidates on three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The scores of this exam are accepted by the 21 IIMs and over 1000 prestigious management institutes across India. Here’s a summary of the important details of the 2025 exam:
Cat Overview of 2025 Exam
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | IIM Kozhikode (Expected) |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Exam Level | National |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 66 |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) |
| Score Validity | 1 year |
| Participating IIMs | 21 IIMs |
| Non-IIMs Accepting CAT Scores | 1000+ Business Schools across India |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Important Dates for CAT 2025
The key dates for 2025 are important to keep in mind as they guide the entire application process. Based on the trends from previous years, the dates for 2025 are expected as follows:
| CAT 2025 Event | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Notification Release | Last week of July 2025 |
| Start of Registration | August 2025 |
| End of Registration | September 2025 |
| Form Correction Date | September 2025 |
| Admit Card Issue | November 2025 |
| CAT Exam Date | 30th November 2025 |
| Result Announcement | December 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
Before starting the registration process for CAT 2025, candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria. The key eligibility criteria for 2025 are as follows:
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Final-year students pursuing their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the required marks upon graduation.
- Individuals holding professional qualifications like CA, ICWA, CS, or FIAI are also eligible to apply.
- Age Limit:
- There is no upper or lower age limit for appearing for CAT.
SITEEE 2025: Registration, Application Form
How to Register for CAT 2025?
The registration process for 2025 will be online and involves several steps. Below is a step-by-step guide for registration:
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.
- New Candidate Registration:
- Click on the “New Candidate Registration” link.
- Fill in the required basic details, including your name, email ID, phone number, etc. You will receive an OTP to verify your contact information.
- Fill in the Application Form:
- Once registered, log in using your credentials to access the CAT application form.
- Fill in all the required personal, academic, and contact details carefully.
- Upload Documents:
- Upload your photograph and signature as per the specified format and file size.
- Select Exam Centers:
- Choose up to six exam centers where you would prefer to take the exam.
- Payment of Registration Fee:
- Pay the required registration fee using the online payment method (debit card, credit card, or net banking).
- Submit Application:
- Review all the details in the application form and submit it.
- Download and print a copy of the completed application for future reference.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for preparing effectively for 2025. Based on the previous years’ trends, the exam will consist of the following:
- Number of Sections: 3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
- Total Number of Questions: 66
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA)
- Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
- Marks for Correct Answer: +3 for each correct answer
- Negative Marking: -1 for each incorrect MCQ answer. There is no negative marking for TITA questions.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted | Marks per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) | 24 | 40 minutes | 3 |
| DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) | 20 | 40 minutes | 3 |
| QA (Quantitative Ability) | 22 | 40 minutes | 3 |
| Total | 66 | 120 minutes | 3 |
2025 Syllabus
While the 2025 syllabus is not officially outlined, candidates can gain insight into the exam’s content by reviewing previous years’ papers. The expected topics for each section are as follows:
- VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension):
- Reading Comprehension (RC) passages
- Para jumbles
- Odd sentence out
- Para summary
- Inferences
- One-word substitution
- Odd one out
- Syllogism, Analogies
- DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning):
- Blood relations
- Directions
- Syllogism
- Binary logic
- Clocks and calendars
- Tables, charts, graphs
- Venn diagrams
- Seating arrangement
- Logical sequence
- Coding-Decoding
- QA (Quantitative Ability):
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Number systems
Preparation Tips for 2025
Preparing for requires dedication and a strategic approach. Here are some valuable tips for candidates:
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern:
- Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern. Prioritize high-weightage topics and work on improving your weaker areas.
- Time Management:
- Create a study timetable and allocate specific time slots for each section. Regularly revise the concepts and keep improving your time management skills.
- Mock Tests and Previous Papers:
- Consistently solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests. Analyze your performance after each mock test to identify areas for improvement.
- Improve Reading Skills:
- Read newspapers, magazines, novels, etc., to improve reading speed and comprehension skills, particularly for the VARC section.
- Conceptual Clarity:
- Focus on understanding the core concepts in Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning. Regular practice will help solidify your conceptual understanding.
- Enroll in Coaching (If Required):
- If you need expert guidance, consider enrolling in a coaching program. Coaching institutes provide structured study material, mock tests, and doubt-clearing sessions.
Admit Card
The admit card for 2025 will be available for download on the official IIM CAT website around November 2025. To download the admit card, candidates should:
- Log in to the official CAT website.
- Click on the 2025 Admit Card” link.
- Review the details mentioned on the admit card and download the PDF.
- Print a copy of the admit card and keep it safe for the exam day.
CAT 2025 Result and Cut-Off
The results will be announced in December 2025. Candidates will be able to view their results by logging into the portal using their ID and password. The result will be available as a scorecard, which will be valid for one year.
Post-result, business schools across India, including the IIMs, will release their individual cut-offs. The expected cut-off for each IIM varies, but the general trend suggests:
- IIM Ahmedabad: 99-100 percentile
- IIM Bangalore: 99-100 percentile
- IIM Calcutta: 99 percentile
- IIM Lucknow: 97+ percentile
- IIM Kozhikode: 97-98 percentile
Conclusion
will be an important step for candidates aiming to pursue an MBA from prestigious institutions like the IIMs. With proper planning, systematic preparation, and understanding of the exam structure, candidates can significantly improve their chances of success. It is essential to stay updated with official announcements on the IIMCAT website and follow a disciplined approach toward preparation.