CAT 2025 Exam Date, Syllabus, Pattern, Registration, Eligibility, Preparation Tips
Common Admission Test 2024 ( CAT )
CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on the last Sunday of November 2025. Registration process for the CAT exam 2025 will begin in the first week of August 2025. Check here all about CAT 2025.
CAT 2025 exam
CAT 2025 will be conducted most likely on November 30, 2025. The official announcement will be made by July 30, 2025. MBA aspirants planning to pursue the course in 2026, must appear for CAT 2025 exam as the score is accepted by 21 IIMs, other top B-schools as well as 1,300 MBA colleges in India.
CAT is a business aptitude test in which candidates are assessed on Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. It is conducted in computer based test mode at designated centres across India. The exam duration is 120 minutes in which candidates have to address 68 questions. Check here all about CAT 2025 exam.
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Q: What's new in CAT exam?
There has been no change in exam pattern and syllabus of the CAT exam from last year apart from the fee amount which has been increased from INR 2,400 to INR 2,500 for General category candidates and from INR 1,200 to INR 1250 for Reserved category candidates.
Another key change in the latest CAT application form is reduction in the number of test city selection from six to five. The CAT 2024 applicants can only select 5 cities for test centre allotment.
During COVID era,
- Candidates had to mention their COVID-19 vaccination status in the CAT application form.
- Eligibility criteria for CAT was extended for FCAI degree holders. Now, they are also eligible to appear for the CAT.
Q: Does CAT have negative marking?
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CAT 2024 Topper Interview: How Shaivi Goyal Bagged 99.54 percentile
CAT 2025 Exam Highlights
CAT is the most popular national level MBA entrance exam in India. Check below key highlights of CAT 2025 exam.
| CAT Exam Particulars |
CAT 2025 Details |
|---|---|
| CAT Full Form |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute for 2025 |
To be announced |
| Exam Level |
National |
| Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
| CAT 2024 Exam Date |
November 30, 2025 (tentative) |
| CAT Exam Timings |
Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| CAT Exam Fees |
INR 2,500 (General category) and INR 1,250 (Reserved category) |
| Number of Test Takers |
3.29 lakh (in 2024) |
| CAT exam mode |
Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| No. of test cities |
170 |
| CAT exam website |
https://iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam helpdesk no. |
1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
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CAT 2025 eligibility criteria
CAT is an entrance exam for PG management courses, thus the minimum eligibility criteria is graduation. Check below details:
- Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university. Minimum marks required in 50 per cent (45 per cent for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Candidates in their final year of bachelor’s degree course or awaiting result can also appear in CAT exam.
- Candidates having professional degrees such as CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI are also eligible for CAT.
CAT 2025 Exam Dates
The CAT 2025 exam date and full schedule will be announced by July 30, 2025. Check here tentative CAT 2025 dates.
| CAT Exam Events |
CAT Exam Date 2025 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 notification out |
30-July-2025 |
| CAT exam 2025 registration dates |
First week of August to Third week of September 2025 |
| CAT form correction |
Last week of September 2025 |
| CAT admit card 2025 download starts |
First week of November 2025 |
| CAT exam 2025 date |
30-Nov-2025 |
| CAT answer key release |
First week of December 2025 |
| Declaration of CAT 2024 result |
Last week of December 2025 or First week of January 2026 |
Also Read: CAT exam dates 2025
Q: What is the sectional time limit in CAT?
Q: What is the marking scheme of CAT?
Q: What is CAT exam pattern?
CAT is a computer based test which is conducted in three shifts. The CAT is conducted for two hours in which candidates have to solve 68 questions.
These 68 questions are divided into three sections Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension VARC Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning DILR and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The VARC section has 24 questions, the DILR section has 28 questions and QA section has 22 question. Each question carries 3 marks for correct entry and -1 for incorrect entry. There is no negative marking for unanswered question. A unique aspect of CAT is the sectional time limit. Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes (53.20 minutes for PwD candidates).
Candidates have to complete the section within the time limit as the moment the onscreen timer shows 0 minutes left, the screen will automatically move to the next section. There is no option to go back to older questions. Also, candidates have to follow the question paper chronology. They have to first solve the VARC section, then the DILR section and then the QA section.
Q: Is the question type and pattern of CAT and GMAT similar?
The question type and pattern of CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are not similar. While both exams are used for admissions to management programs, they have different formats and question types. Here are the key differences between CAT and GMAT.
CAT:
- CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
- It is a computer-based exam consisting of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- CAT includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs (Type In The Answer) questions.
- The exam pattern may vary from year to year, but generally, CAT has a time limit for each section and a fixed number of questions in each section.
GMAT:
- GMAT is an internationally recognised exam used by business schools worldwide and in India for admission to MBA and MIM programs.
- It is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance on the GMAT exam.
- GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR).
- The question types in GMAT include multiple-choice questions, data sufficiency, sentence correction, etc.
- The GMAT 2023 exam pattern remains consistent, with a fixed number of questions and time limits for each section.
In summary, while both CAT and GMAT are entrance exams for management programs, their question types, formats, and sections differ significantly. However, it is possible to prepare for both the exam simultaneously as both are based on a similar theme. In fact, both exams will complement each other’s preparation.
Q: What is the difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper?
There is no difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper in terms of structure and patten. The sectional break up, marking scheme and time limit are the same in all slots. However, due to unique sets of questions in each slot leads to difference in difficulty levels. There is usually a slight difference in the CAT question papers of different slots. Sometimes, topic wise weightage of the questions also vary. To negate advantage or disadantage to candidates due to difference in difficulty level of slots, CAT scores are normalised for result preparation.
CAT Registration 2025
CAT 2025 registration process will be online. Candidates will have to follow the below given process to apply for the CAT exam:
- Go to iimcat.ac.in
- Click on ‘new registration’
- Enter personal details to create a login
- Go to application form and fill in all the details
- Upload scanned photo and signature
- Select test cities, courses and IIM campuses
- Pay CAT application fee to submit the form
CAT registration fee is INR 2500 for unservered categories and INR 1250 for reserved categories of students. The CAT application fee is non-refundable thus candidates must fill the CAT application form carefully.
Check: CAT Test Cities and Centres List
CAT Exam Syllabus 2025
CAT 2025 syllabus is expected to remain same as CAT 2024, i,e. Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Check below important CAT topics included in the syllabus.
Quantitative Aptitude: Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration
DILR: Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory + Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding and Series
VARC: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary and Odd Sentence Out
Also Read:
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Check the below table for CAT exam pattern highlights:
| CAT Pattern Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Computer Based Test |
| Exam duration |
2 hours |
| Sectional time limit |
40 minutes per section |
| Number of sections |
3 – VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Number of questions |
66 |
| Section wise questions |
VARC - 24 DILR - 20 QA - 22 |
| Marking scheme |
+3 for every correct attempt -1 for every incorrect attempt |
| Total marks |
198 |
CAT Preparation 2025
CAT preparation is tough and requires long time. One must start CAT exam preparation at least 9 months before the exam. If you wish to appear for CAT 2025, you have two ways to prepare. Either join a coaching institute or prepare by self-study. If you choose the latter, you will have to put in extra hard work and dedication for focused study. Before starting CAT 2025 preparation check its syllabus and analyse which are the topics you are familiar with and which are alien to you. Check below some top CAT preparation article for assistance.
| Tips and Tricks for CAT preparation 2025 |
|
|---|---|
CAT 2025 Admit Card
CAT admit card 2025 will be issued to registered candidates 20 days before the exam. Here is the process to download CAT 2025 admit card.
- Go to iimcat.ac.in website
- Click on login option
- Enter CAT ID and password
- Click on CAT admit card tab
- Download the CAT 2025 admit card PDF
CAT Answer Key 2025
The official CAT answer key 2025 will be released 3-4 days after the exam in the form of candidate response sheet. The CAT response sheet cum answer key will contain name, roll number, exam slot, questions, correct answers and options selected by the candidate.
The CAT 2025 answer key challenge window will allow candidates to challenge the official answers to the questions asked in the exam. If any of the objections raised by the candidates is found to be valid, the official CAT answer key 2025 will be revised.
CAT Result 2025
CAT result 2025 will be prepared and announced after the answer key objections have been analysed. Check below how to download CAT result cum scorecard 2025:
- Visit iimcat.ac.in website
- Click on login/scorecard option
- Enter CAT ID and password
- Click on CAT scorecard tab
- Download the CAT 2025 scorecard PDF
Also Read:
CAT Cut Offs 2025
MBA admission to all B-schools including IIMs and non-IIMs is based on CAT cut off, which is the minimum score requirement. IIMs release qualifying CAT cut offs before the exam and final cut offs after the result. Check below qualifying CAT cut offs, for previous years for reference.
| IIM |
Qualifying CAT cut offs |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad |
85 |
| IIM Bangalore |
85 |
| IIM Calcutta |
85 |
| IIM Lucknow |
90 |
| IIM Indore |
90 |
| IIM Kozhikode |
85 |
| IIM Amritsar |
90 |
| IIM Nagpur |
94 |
| IIM Sambalpur |
94 |
| IIM Trichy |
94 |
| IIM Raipur |
94 |
| IIM Ranchi |
94 |
| IIM Kashipur |
94 |
| IIM Vizag |
80 |
| IIM Udaipur |
94 |
| IIM Bodhgaya |
94 |
| IIM Shillong |
75 |
| IIM Sirmaur |
94 |
| IIM Rohtak |
95 |
| IIM Nagpur |
85 |
| IIM Jammu |
94 |
| IIM Mumbai |
94 |
Also Read:
- IIM cut off for MBA admission
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 50-60 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 60-70 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 70-80 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 80-90 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score 85 percentile and above
IIM CAT Selection Process 2026
The IIMs will shortlist candidates on the basis of CAT 2025 score of MBA admission batch 2026. Admission process includes Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Check below the stages of IIM admission through CAT:
- Stage 1: Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of CAT score
- Stage 2: Conduct of WAT-PI round
- Stage 3: Final selection and offer of admission
The institute will also take into consideration, candidate’s class 10, class 12 and graduation marks a swell as work experience for selection.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 23 hours ago
Hey! I've been in your shoes, so I totally get how you're feeling right now. Scoring the 78 percentile in CAT is a solid achievement, and you might be wondering whether it's enough to get into PIBM Pune. Let me tell you, PIBM looks beyond just numbers—they focus on your overall profile rather than j
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered Yesterday
MBA in Human Resources Admission is based on either numerous admission tests such as the CAT, MAT, SNAP, CMAT, and others, or on merit. After passing the entrance tests, the student must go through a Group Discussion and Personal Interview Round to be further screened. Students need to hold their b
P
Beginner-Level 5
Answered Yesterday
No, your CAT 2026 attempt will not be considerd a gap year because you will be in your final year when you take the exam in November 2026.
- The CAT exam is usually held in November every year.
- Since you graduate in November 2026, you will still be a student at the time of the exam.
- A gap year is counted
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
The admission threshold at top IIMs based on CAT scores stands higher than 50 percent hence students with this percentile will have access to other acclaimed B-schools. These colleges form a list of institutions that could accept your application for admission:
- University Business School (UBS), Chand
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, students can get admission at Centre for Liberal and Advanced Studies MBA without CAT. The institute accepts admisison based on entrance exams. The institute accepts other national exams such as MAT, XAT, CMAT, and others. Candidates can appear on any of the exams accepted the institute. It is
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
It is mandatory to clear CAT examination to seek admission at IIM Ahmedabad. The Institute considers CAT percentile for the admission to MBA, along with the understanding of the CAT percentile for IIM Ahmedabad that reached up to 99.6 in the past years which shows how challenging it is for a candida
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, the CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Until 2019, CAT was conducted in two shifts and the exam duration used to be 180 minutes. However, in 2020, the number of shifts were increased to three and exam duration was reduced to 120 minutes in order to follow the social distancing gui
C
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates can get into the Vidyasagar University MBA course with the CAT percentile. As per the admission guidelines of the university, candidates are shortlisted for the MBA course based on multiple national-level exams such as MAT/XAT/ ATMA/ CMAT. Candidates must make sure to apply for the e
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
No, CAT is not compulsory for admission to AIMS Mumbai. Aspirants with a valid score in any of the accepted entrance exam such as XAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAH CET, etc. can get admission provided they also fulfil the eligibility requirements. Candidates need to provide the entrance exam score in the applica
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Mewar University MBA course admission is entrance-based. Candidates must participate in national-level exams such as CUET-PG, MAT, CMAT, CUET, and MUEE. Therefore, candidates can get admission to the MBA course without a CAT score since candidates can opt for any on of the entrance exams mentioned a
T
Contributor-Level 7
CAT is the entrance exam for aspiring candidates who desire to make a career in management and business administration I. e. MBA. This examination is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (Iims) on a rotational basis. The Common Admission Test is a computer based test for admission in graduate management programs.
The test consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability The top 6 Iims are given the responsibility to conduct the CAT exam. Each of the top IIMs conduct the exam rotation wise after a gap of five years. CAT 2022 was conducted by IIM Bangalore. The CAT 2023 was conducted by IIM Lucknow and CAT 2024 was conducted by IIM Cacutta.