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For admission to esteemed management programs offered by the IIM and other premier B-schools throughout India, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is administered. The CAT exam is taken annually by more than 2 lakh candidates. The official CAT Exam 2025 date will be disclosed in the forthcoming months. It is anticipated that the test will be administered at a variety of test centers throughout the nation on the final Sunday of November 2025. In order to achieve success, candidates must review the exam’s specifications and commence their preparations at an early stage. The CAT registration process is anticipated to commence in August 2025, as has been the case in previous years. In order to participate in the examination, candidates must verify their eligibility and submit the application form online. Please continue reading to obtain comprehensive information regarding the CAT 2025 exam date, registration, syllabus, pattern, and much more found on this page.
What is the CAT Exam for 2025?
Common Admission Test is the full form of the CAT. Every year, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) administer a computer-based management aptitude test at the national level. It is a requirement for admission to MBA and other postgraduate programs offered by IIMs and other top B-schools in the country. The CAT exam is typically administered in three sessions and consists of three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). It is an entrance exam that is both prominent and competitive, with an enormous number of participants annually. Out of the 3.29 lakh registered eligible candidates, 2.93 lakh candidates took the CAT 2024 exam last year.
Highlights of the 2025 CAT Exam
The CAT Exam 2025 is open to all graduates who have achieved the minimum required marks. In order to prevent any future confusion, it is imperative that eligible candidates remain informed about all aspects of this entrance exam. It is anticipated that the CAT 2025 notification will be released in July 2025, and the application window will open in August 2025, at least tentatively. For the convenience of candidates, the following are the primary highlights of the CAT exam.
Overview of the CAT Exam for 2025
| Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Purpose | Admission to MBA and other PG programs in IIM and other B.Schools. |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| 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 |
Date of the CAT 2025 Exam
The authorities will soon announce the official CAT exam date for 2025. Nevertheless, the examination will be administered in a variety of exam centers throughout the nation in November 2025. The official CAT notification PDF contains all pertinent information regarding the exam date, registration, and other pertinent matters. In order to prevent missing any deadlines, it is imperative that aspirants monitor significant dates. A comprehensive schedule of the CAT 2025 exam is provided below for the convenience of candidates.
Important Dates for the 2025 CAT 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 |
Programs Available at IIMs Through CAT
Admission to a variety of courses at IIM, including full-time MBA, PGP, PGPEM, and PGPBA, is contingent upon CAT scores and other selection rounds. Applicants should evaluate the course list and submit an application that aligns with their professional objectives. The following are the courses that the IIMs offer 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 |
Eligibility Criteria for the CAT 2025 Exam
Candidates who are interested in participating in the CAT Exam 2025 must verify their eligibility by reviewing the eligibility criteria. In order to prevent their applications from being rejected, they must guarantee that they satisfy all of the aforementioned criteria. The minimum CAT qualification is that the candidate must be a graduate of a recognized university. The eligibility criteria for the CAT 2025 are detailed below:
- A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent grade (45% for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories) from a recognized university.
- The CAT 2025 exam is also open to candidates who are in the final year of their graduation/equivalent or who are awaiting results. Nevertheless, they will be able to enroll in the program only after submitting the passing certificate by the deadline.
- Aspirants must have earned a professional degree with the requisite percentage (CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)).
Registration for the 2025 CAT
The CAT exam registration process for 2025 will be conducted exclusively online. The CAT 2025 registration link will be accessible to eligible candidates by visiting the official website. In order to finalize the process, they will be required to register and then complete the CAT application form. To apply for the CAT 2025 exam online, refer to the guide provided below:
- Navigate to the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on the “New Registration” link located on the homepage.
- Successfully register by providing accurate information, including your name, nationality, date of birth, and a valid email address and mobile number.
- To complete the CAT application form, log in with valid credentials after registering.
- Enter all pertinent information, including personal, educational, and contact information.
- In the format specified, upload documents such as signatures and photographs.
- Choose your preferred exam center from the list that is currently available.
- Pay the application fees in accordance with your category using the designated methods.
- Take a printout of the CAT 2025 application form for future reference.
Trends in the Registration of CAT Exams
Every year, thousands of students register and take the CAT exam in order to gain admission to the most prestigious MBA colleges in India. The growing demand for management education is underscored by the number of registrations, which is indicative of the exam’s significance. The competition level in the admission process is also demonstrated by the trends. A total of 3.29 lakh candidates registered for the CAT 2024, and approximately 2.93 lakh candidates took the exam. Approximately 89% of the attendees were present. Of the total number of test-takers, 1.07 lakh were female candidates, 1.86 lakh were male candidates, and 5 were transgender aspirants. Review the trends in CAT registration in the table below.
Registration for the Common Admission Test (CAT
| Year | Number of Candidates Registered | Number of Candidates Appeared (Test Takers) |
| 2010 | 2,04,000 | 1,85,000 |
| 2011 | 2,05,000 | 1,86,000 |
| 2012 | 2,14,000 | 1,95,000 |
| 2013 | 1,94,516 | 1,73,714 |
| 2014 | 1,96,988 | 1,70,000 |
| 2015 | 2,18,664 | 1,79,602 |
| 2016 | 2,32,434 | 1,95,679 |
| 2017 | 2,31,067 | 1,99,632 |
| 2018 | 2,40,338 | 2,09,405 |
| 2019 | 2,44,169 | 2,09,926 |
| 2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 |
| 2021 | 2,29,969 | 1,91,660 |
| 2022 | 2,55,501 | 2,22,184 |
| 2023 | 3,23,000 | 2,88,000 |
| 2024 | 3,29,000 | 2,93,000 |
2025 CAT Syllabus
The CAT 2025 syllabus will encompass three primary subjects: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Master the core topics of all subjects and grasp the fundamentals to excel in the CAT Exam 2025. Improving your conceptual knowledge and question-solving abilities can be achieved by becoming acquainted with the high-weightage chapters of the CAT. The following are some of the significant topics of the CAT syllabus 2025:
Syllabus for the CAT Exam of 2025
| Subject | Important Topics |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | AverageRatioMixture & AlligationQuadraticPolynomials & Simple EquationProfit & LossSI CIPercentagesTSD & Time and WorkGeometryInequalities, Modulus & FunctionsProgression and SeriesProbability and P&CLogarithmSurds & IndicesVenn DiagramsNumber System |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | TablesPie ChartsLine & Bar GraphsQuant Based DICircular ArrangementsVenn DiagramsLinear ArrangementsCubesGames & TournamentsSelectionDistributionBinary LogicsNetwork Flow Diagrams |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading ComprehensionPara CompletionPara SummaryOdd One OutPara Jumbles |
Exam Pattern for the CAT 2025 Exam
The CAT Exam 2025 will be administered online in a computer-based test format. The CAT 2025 question paper includes both MCQs and Non-MCQs. It is probable that the exam will last 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted for each section. It is anticipated that the CAT 2025 marking scheme will be comparable to that of the previous year. Three marks will be awarded for each accurate response. There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in MCQ. The anticipated CAT exam pattern for 2025 is presented below:
The anticipated CAT exam pattern for 2025 is as follows:
| 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 |
Previous Trends and Analysis of the CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam has undergone a multitude of modifications over the years, including modifications to the number of questions, maximum marks, and exam duration. Insights into the competition trends and the difficulty level of the entrance exam are provided by this analysis of past trends. The table below displays the historical trends in the total marks and questions of the CAT from 2014 to 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 |
Tips for Preparing for the CAT Exam in 2025
One of the most challenging management entrance exams in the nation is the CAT exam. In order to distinguish yourself, it is imperative to possess the appropriate resources and strategy. We have provided the CAT exam 2025 preparation guide for the candidates’ reference in order to assist them.
- Before devising any study strategy, verify the most recent CAT 2025 syllabus and exam pattern.
- Enroll in the most effective online course to enhance your resources and preparation. Not only will the most effective online coaching save you valuable time, but it will also provide the appropriate guidance. They provide live conceptual classes, personalized mentorship, instant doubt-solving support, and numerous other features to prepare candidates for the exam.
- To assess the extent of your preparation, attempt mock papers and CAT previous year question papers.
- While studying, take brief notes and utilize them during rapid revision.
CAT 2025 Admit Card
The CAT admit card for 2025 will be made available online a few days prior to the exam date. In order to access the admit card for the CAT Exam 2025, eligible candidates must provide valid login credentials. The examination will not be administered to candidates who do not possess a valid CAT 2025 admit card. The instructions for downloading the admit card are as follows:
- Navigate to the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Use a valid CAT ID and password to log in.
- The admit card will be displayed upon clicking on the link.
- For future reference, please download the admit card.
2025 CAT Mock Tests
Successful preparation necessitates the implementation of CAT mock tests. CAT authorities also provide a link to mock tests on their official website, allowing candidates to become acquainted with the types of questions that are typically asked in the exam. They provide in-depth performance analysis and video solutions for sectional and full-length mock tests. Its mock tests are designed to enhance the time management and question-solving capabilities of candidates under exam pressure by simulating the actual CAT exam.
Previous Years’ CAT Papers
Your preparation can be improved by addressing CAT previous year papers. It aids in comprehending the overall difficulty level, section-wise weightage, and frequently asked topics in the CAT question paper. It is a critical instrument for enhancing your confidence and refining your ideas. Additionally, the CAT previous year papers assist in identifying the areas that require further attention and enhancement.
Answer Key for the 2025 CAT Exam
The CAT answer key 2025 will be released in two phases: provisional and final keys. A few days following the conclusion of the CAT Exam 2025, the answer key will be disclosed. It contains the correct responses to each question that was asked during the examination. Candidates may also challenge the official answer keys by accessing the Objection Management link on the CAT website in the event that they identify any discrepancies. The CAT 2025 answer key challenge window can be accessed by entering a valid CAT application login ID and password.
CAT Result and Scorecard for 2025
Shortly following the announcement of the final answer keys, the CAT Result 2025 will be disclosed. The official CAT 2025 can be downloaded by candidates. scorecards by accessing the websites. The instructions for downloading the CAT Exam 2025 results are as follows:
- Navigate to the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Please enter your CAT application login ID and password with valid credentials.
- The scorecard will be displayed upon clicking on the link.
- For future reference, please download the CAT scorecard.
2025 CAT Exam Analysis
Detailed insights into the actual format and difficulty level of all sections are essential for candidates who aspire to take the upcoming CAT exam in 2025. Refer to the previous analysis for details. The CAT question paper is generally moderate in difficulty. In the 2024 CAT, the VARC questions were moderate to difficult, the 10+ DILR questions were moderate, and the QA questions were moderate to difficult. Candidates can anticipate cutoff scores and identify critical topics through CAT exam analysis.
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 IIM CAT qualifying cutoffs are the minimum score necessary to be shortlisted for the subsequent MBA admission process. The qualifying cutoff marks are accessible prior to the CAT exam. Candidates are able to establish their target score in the preparation process and approach the exam in a manner that is consistent with their understanding of the IIM CAT qualifying cutoff. To gain insight into the level of competition, consult the qualifying cutoff from the previous year’s IIM CAT:
IIM Qualifying CAT Cut-Offs from the Previous Year
| Organization | 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 |
Top Colleges that Accept CAT Scores
CAT scores are being accepted by a variety of IIMs and top B-schools in India for the purpose of admission to MBA and other management programs. Quality education, modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and robust placement records are the hallmarks of these esteemed institutions. The following is a list of the top colleges that accept CAT scores in addition to IIM:
- DoMs at IIT Delhi
- IIT Kanpur- IME
- ITM-University
- FMS, Delhi University
- IIT Kharagpur- VGoSM
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- IMI-Kolkata
- IIITM-Gwalior
- IIT Bombay-SJMSOM
- Asian Business School Noida
- SPJIMR, Mumbai
- IMT, Ghaziabad
- IIT Dhanbad-ISM
- IMI, Delhi
- IMT-Nagpur
- IIT Roorkee-DoMs
- IPE-Hyderabad, etc.
FAQs regarding the 2025 CAT exam
What is the deadline for submitting an application for the CAT exam in 2025?
On the official website, candidates will be able to submit their applications for the CAT Exam 2025 online shortly after the registration link becomes active. The CAT application form for 2025 is anticipated to be released in August 2025.
What is the curriculum for the CAT 2025 exam?
The CAT 2025 syllabus will encompass three primary subjects: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Is the CAT administered twice annually?
No. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an annual management examination that is administered at the national level.
Who is eligible to apply for the CAT Exam in 2025?
Graduates who have achieved a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) are eligible to apply for the CAT 2025 exam.
CAT Exam Date 2025: What is it?
In November 2025, the CAT 2025 exam will be administered at a variety of test centers throughout the nation. The official CAT exam date for 2025 will be disclosed in the forthcoming months.