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The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level examination that is administered to students who are pursuing admission to management programs at IIMs and other prestigious business schools in India. It is a management test that is exceedingly competitive, with thousands of applicants. The actual date of the CAT 2025 exam will be announced in the near future; however, this examination is typically administered in November each year. The final Sunday of November 2025 is anticipated to be the date of the CAT Exam 2025. Registration for the CAT is anticipated to commence in August 2025, in accordance with the patterns of the previous year. Before the deadline, applicants must meticulously review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications online. A graduation from a recognized university is the minimum requirement for applying to the CAT. Discover all the information you need about the Common Admission Test 2025, including registration, eligibility, exam date, pattern, and more, by scrolling down.
Which of the following is the Common Admission Test?
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) annually administer the Common Admission Test (CAT), a management aptitude test that is conducted online. It serves as an entryway to MBA and other related programs at IIMs and other top-tier business schools in India. It is imperative to comprehend the exam requirements in order to excel on the entrance exam. The CAT exam comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). CAT questions are generally classified as moderate to difficult, as determined by historical trend CAT questions are typically categorized as moderate to difficult based on historical trends and analyses.
Overview of the Common Admission Test (CAT)
The competition level was intense due to the fact that over 2 lakh aspirants took the CAT exam in the previous year. Candidates will be capable of maintaining their preparation by being adequately informed about the Common Admission Test (CAT). This year, the CAT notification 2025 is likely to be announced in July 2025, with the application form expected in August 2025, tentatively. Candidates are encouraged to consult the official website frequently for the most recent information, as these are the anticipated dates. For the sake of candidates, the following is a summary of the CAT 2025 Exam.
Overview of the CAT 2025 Exam
| Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Purpose | Admission to MBA and other PG courses in IIM and other B.Schools. |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Total Registrations (2024) | 3.29 lakh |
| Total Test-takers (2024) | 2.93 lakh |
| CAT Syllabus | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| CAT Exam Pattern | Online Exam, 68 Questions |
| CAT Exam Centres | 170 cities |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
2025 Common Admission Test Exam Date
The dates of all significant events associated with the Common Admission Test 2025 will be disclosed in the months ahead. The CAT Exam 2025 is anticipated to be administered on the final Sunday of November 2025 at a variety of exam centers throughout the nation. For comprehensive information, prospective students must consult the official notification PDF. The tentative dates for the CAT 2025 exam are listed below for the candidate’s reference.
Date of the CAT 2025 Exam
| Event | Dates (Tentative) |
| CAT Notification 2025 Release Date | Last Week of July 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Registration Date | August, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Registration Last Date | September, 2025 |
| CAT Admit Card 2025 | November, 2025 |
| CAT Exam Date 2025 | November, 2025 |
| CAT Result 2025 | January 2025 |
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025- Common Admission Test Qualifications
It is imperative to verify and verify your eligibility prior to submitting an application for the CAT 2025 exam. The disqualification of your candidature may be directly caused by any misleading or inaccurate information in the application. The following is the CAT eligibility criteria for 2025 in terms of qualification:
- A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent grade (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) from a recognized university.
- In addition, students who are in their final year of graduation or are anticipating their results may submit applications for the CAT 2025 exam. It is necessary for them to submit the passing certificate within the designated time frame in order to enroll in the program.
- Successfully completed a professional course (CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)) with the requisite marks/percentage.
Programs Offered at IIMs: Common Admission Test (CAT)
The marks achieved in the CAT exam and other admission rounds will determine the eligibility of candidates for admission to management programs at IIM. Full-time MBA, PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, and other courses are included in this category. They are required to verify the eligibility of each program and submit an application in accordance with their educational background and preferences. Below is the list of programs that the IIMS offers through CAT:
| Institute | Programmes |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGD-ABA (ePost Graduate Diploma in Advanced Business Analytics) |
| IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, EMBA, M.Sc. in Data Science (MSDSM) |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA, MBA (Digital Business Management), MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management) |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA |
| IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM (Master of Science in Data Science and Management) |
| IIM Jammu | MBA, MBA (Hospital Administration & Healthcare Management), Executive MBA |
| IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBAA (Executive Master of Business Administration Analytics) |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP-IL, EPGP Kochi |
| IIM Lucknow | MBA, MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, PGPWE |
| IIM Mumbai | MBA, MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management), MBA (Sustainability Management) |
| IIM Nagpur | MBA, E-MBA |
| IIM Raipur | MBA |
| IIM Ranchi | MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA (Business Analytics) |
| IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGDSM, PGPx |
| IIM Sambalpur | MBA, Executive MBA, MBA for Working Professionals |
| IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGP (WE) |
| IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (Tourism Management), MBA (Travel, Tourism and Hospitality), ExMBA, ExMBA (Digital Transformation & Analytics), MBA (Family Business) |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM (MBA), PGPM-HR (MBA-HR), PGPBM (MBA for Working Executives in Chennai) |
| IIM Udaipur | MBA, MBA-DEM (Digital Enterprise Management), MBAGSCM (Global Supply Chain Management), Executive MBA (Online) |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | PGP, EMBA, PGPMCI |
pattern for the Common Admission Test (CAT 2025) is provided below:
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Anticipated)
| Section | Number of Questions | Exam Duration |
| Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 120 minutes |
Past Trend and Analysis of the CAT Exam Pattern (2014–2024)
| CAT Year | CAT Total Questions | CAT Total Marks |
| 2024 | 68 | 204 |
| 2023 | 66 | 198 |
| 2022 | 66 | 198 |
| 2021 | 66 | 198 |
| 2020 | 76 | 228 |
| 2019 | 100 | 300 |
| 2018 | 100 | 300 |
| 2017 | 100 | 300 |
| 2016 | 100 | 300 |
| 2015 | 100 | 300 |
| 2014 | 100 | 300 |
Syllabus for the Common Admission Test of 2025
The CAT syllabus 2025 is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). A comprehensive understanding of each of these subjects can assist you in achieving high scores on the CAT Exam 2025. A roadmap for your exam preparation is provided by the exam syllabus. The following is a list of significant topics for the Common Admission Test:
2025 CAT Syllabus
| Subject | Important Topics |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | AverageTSD & Time and WorkGeometryInequalities, Modulus & FunctionsRatioMixture & AlligationLogarithmSurds & IndicesVenn DiagramsQuadraticPolynomials & Simple EquationProfit & LossSI CIPercentagesNumber SystemProgression and SeriesProbability and P&C |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | TablesVenn DiagramsLinear ArrangementsCubesPie ChartsLine & Bar GraphsQuant Based DICircular ArrangementsSelectionDistributionGames & TournamentsBinary LogicsNetwork Flow Diagrams |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading ComprehensionPara SummaryOdd One OutPara CompletionPara Jumbles |
Admissions Card for the 2025 CAT
Aspirants may review and download the Common Admission Test (CAT) admit card exclusively through the online mode. The use of valid login credentials is necessary for the purpose of downloading. Test-takers are unable to participate in the entrance exam unless they possess a valid copy of the CAT admit card 2025. The CAT 2025 admit card can be accessed by following these steps:
- Navigate to the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Enter a valid password, CAT ID, and login credentials.
- Select the link to the admissions card. It will be displayed on the screen.
- The hall ticket may be downloaded for future reference.
2025 CAT Answer Key
The CAT answer key 2025 is typically released in two stages: provisional and final keys. The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 answer key is disclosed subsequent to the entrance examination’s conclusion. It comprises the appropriate responses to all inquiries posed in the paper. Aspirants may also challenge the official keys by utilizing the valid CAT application login ID and password to access the Objection Management link on the official portal in the event of discrepancies.
CAT Result 2025: How to Download the CAT 2025 Scorecard?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 exam results will be disclosed subsequent to the release of the answer keys. It is exclusively available online on the official CAT website. The CAT 2025 Result/Scorecard can be accessed by following these steps:
- Navigate to the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Enter a valid password, CAT ID, and login credentials.
- Select the scorecard link. It will be displayed on the screen.
- For future reference, obtain the CAT 2025 scorecard.
2025 CAT Mock Tests
CAT mock tests are crucial for the preparation of the exam. The CAT authorities also offer mock tests on their official website to assist candidates in comprehending the exam format and question types. Additionally, you may enroll in iQuanta’s CAT courses to enhance your preparation. Based on the actual exam, their sectional and full-length mock tests are designed with varying levels of difficulty. Additionally, you will receive a comprehensive performance analysis that emphasizes your strengths, weaknesses, and errors, as well as video solutions. Your likelihood of achieving high scores on the Common Admission Test can be enhanced through consistent practice.
How can one prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT)?
The CAT 2025 exam can be difficult to pass, but it is not unattainable. The preparation necessitates a flawless strategy, the appropriate resources, and dedication. In anticipation of the forthcoming Common Admission Test (CAT 2025), the following is a concise preparation guide:
- Before commencing the exam preparation, it is imperative to review the most recent CAT 2025 syllabus and exam pattern. It emphasizes all of the significant subjects that may be on the question paper.
- Develop a study plan that is efficient and ensures that each subject is given fair time.
- Enroll in the most effective courses to receive expert guidance, the most effective CAT books, and high-quality resources. The iQuanta CAT online coaching program provides all the necessary features. For the purpose of enhancing your confidence, preparation, and performance, this encompasses live conceptual classes, prompt assistance with doubt resolution, and personalized guidance.
- Improve your time management and question-answering abilities by completing an unlimited number of mock papers and CAT previous year papers that provide questions. In addition, it emphasizes all of your strengths and weaknesses, thereby assisting you in formulating an appropriate strategy.
- Improve your chances of achieving high marks in the entrance exam by mastering the art of time management and attempting the majority of the questions correctly.
- Compile concise summaries of all critical subjects and apply them during the final revision phase.
Previous Years’ CAT Papers
There are numerous advantages to practicing the CAT previous year papers. It furnishes data regarding the difficulty of the exam, the weightage of sections, and the recurring topics in the CAT exam. The CAT previous year question papers are a valuable resource for determining the current state of your preparation and identifying the areas that require further attention and development.
2025 CAT Exam Analysis
It is imperative that candidates who are scheduled to take the CAT 2025 exam remain informed about the exam format and competition level from previous years. The CAT question paper is typically moderate in nature. In CAT 2024, the questions of VARC were moderate to difficult, the questions of QA were moderate to difficult, and the questions of DILR were moderate. The analysis of the CAT exam from the previous year enables one to anticipate the questions that will be asked in the upcoming test and to identify the topics that will be given more weightage.
CAT Exam Analysis: Trends from the Previous Year
| Year of publication | CAT Exam Difficulty Level |
| 2024 | Moderate |
| 2023 | Moderate to difficult |
| 2022 | Moderate |
| 2021 | Moderate to Difficult |
| 2020 | Moderate to Difficult |
| 2019 | Moderate to Difficult |
| 2018 | Moderate to Difficult |
| 2017 | Moderate |
| 2016 | Moderate to Difficult |
| 2015 | Moderate to Difficult |
IIM CAT Cutoffs for 2025
The minimum passing marks required to advance in the MBA admission process are known as the IIM CAT qualifying cutoffs. It is released prior to the CAT exam. Aspirants can modify their test strategy and establish achievable objectives by being aware of the IIM CAT qualifying cutoff. For the sake of reference, the qualifying cutoff for the IIM CAT from the previous year is provided below:
IIM Qualifying CAT Cutoffs from the Previous Year
| Institute | Qualifying CAT Cut-Off |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 80 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 |
| IIM Indore | 90 |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 |
| IIM Amritsar | 90 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 |
| IIM Trichy | 94 |
| IIM Nagpur | 94 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 94 |
| IIM Udaipur | 94 |
| IIM Raipur | 94 |
| IIM Vizag | 82 |
| IIM Ranchi | 92 |
| IIM Kashipur | 94 |
| IIM Shillong | 75 |
| IIM Rohtak | 95 |
| IIM Bodhgaya | 94 |
| IIM Jammu | 94 |
| IIM Sirmaur | 94 |
| IIM Mumbai | 85 |
The following are the top MBA colleges that accept CAT scores:
The CAT scores are the basis for admission to MBA and other post-graduate management courses at IIMs and several other prestigious B-schools. These are the most reputable management colleges, with the objective of providing students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed in the corporate sector. They provide a variety of amenities, including placement assistance, experienced faculty, high-quality education, and advanced infrastructure. The following are a few of the top colleges that accept CAT scores in addition to IIM:
- DoMs at IIT Delhi
- Faculty of Management Sciences, Delhi University
- VGoSM at IIT Kharagpur
- the Great Lakes Institute of Management
- IIT Kanpur-IME
- ITM-Educational institute
- IMT in Ghaziabad
- ISM at IIT Dhanbad
- Delhi’s IMI
- SPJIMR, Mumbai.
- Nagpur Campus of the Indian Military University
- -DoMs at IIT Roorkee
- Kolkata International Medical Institute
- Hyderabad Institute of Petroleum Engineering
- IIITM-Gwalior University
- SJMSOM-IIT Bombay
- Asian Business School Noida, among others.