CAT 2025 registration last date has been extended till 20th September, 2025. CAT 2025 Exam will be conducted on 30th November, 2025. For the year 2025, IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT examination. Candidates who are interested in taking the CAT Exam 2025 must apply online through the official website. The application fee for general candidates has increased from INR 2500 to INR 2600. Candidates will be able to download their admit cards from 5th November 2025 onwards. CAT exam 2025 will take place in three different slots, in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates who are willing to enrol in the top 21 IIMs must appear for this test. Apart from this, other B schools and more than 1000 MBA colleges in India also accept CAT scores. Every year, more than 3 lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam, which makes it one of the most competitive exams in India. CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 include a bachelor’s degree in any stream with at least 50% marks for the general category candidates. This exam evaluates candidates’ skills in quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and verbal ability. For more information, candidates should refer to the complete article.
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT Exam Timings |
|
CAT Exam Fees | General Category Candidates: INR 2,600
Reserved Category Candidates: INR 1,300 |
CAT Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Number of Test Cities | 170 |
CAT Exam Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT registration 2025 has started from 1st August, 2025 . CAT 2025 Registration Last Date is 20th September, 2025 . CAT exam for 2025 will take place on 30th November 2025. Candidates can check out the dates for CAT this year:
Events | Dates |
---|---|
CAT Registration 2025 | 1st August, 2025 to 20th September, 2025 (extended) |
CAT Form Correction | Last week of September 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Download | 5th November 2025 |
CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT Answer Key Release Date | 1st week of December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Result Declaration | 1st week of January 2026 |
CAT exam, or Common Admission Test, is a national entrance exam in India. It is conducted annually to select candidates for management courses, such as MBA programs, at top business schools, particularly the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). CAT exam assesses skills in areas such as mathematics, reading, and logical reasoning. Individuals seeking to build a career in business or management typically take this exam. Good scores in CAT help candidates get admission to top institutes. Many other colleges in India also accept CAT scores for their management programs.
Candidates who secure valid scores in the CAT 2025 exam can gain admission to reputed IIMs for various programs, including MBA, Executive MBA, MBA-HRM, and others. Listed below are the IIMs with seat capacity for the courses offered, along with MBA:
IIM Name | Courses Offered Through CAT | MBA/PGP Seats |
---|---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGD-ABA, PhD | 385 |
IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, EMBA, M.Sc. (Data Science with IIT Ropar), PhD | 240 |
IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PhD | 430 |
IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA, MBA (Digital Business Management), MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management), PhD | 120 |
IIM Calcutta | MBA, PhD | 462 |
IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM | 451 |
IIM Jammu | MBA, MBA (Hospital Administration & Healthcare Management), Executive MBA, PhD, PhD (Working Professionals) | 350 |
IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBAA, PhD | 321 |
The exam conducting body has certain eligibility requirements that candidates must fulfil before applying for CAT registrations. Given below are the detailed descriptions of CAT 2025 eligibility criteria for MBA aspirants:
Candidates who are in their final years and whose results are pending must submit the passing certificate or marksheet to the MBA college during the document verification round. Until then, their admission will remain provisional.
CAT Registration Date 2025 is 1st August, and the application window will close on 20th September 2025. For CAT 2025 Application, candidates are required to follow the steps mentioned below:
The application fees for CAT 2025 differ based on candidates’ categories. The general category candidates' fees are higher than those of the reserved category candidates. Also, the CAT 2025 Registration Fees have been increased to INR 2600 for general candidates and INR 1300 for SC/ ST/ PWD candidates. Check out the CAT application fees in the table below:
Categories | CAT Application Fees |
---|---|
General Category | INR 2,600 |
Reserved Categories (SC/ ST) | INR 1,300 |
Pwd | INR 1,300 |
Candidates who are seeking admission into IIMs must be aware that these institutes have some reservation criteria for reserved category candidates. Before filling out the application form for CAT 2025, candidates should check out the category-wise reservation policy of the IIMs:
Categories | IIM Reservation |
---|---|
SC | 15% |
ST | 7.5% |
NC-OBC | 27% |
Pwd | 5% |
EWS | 10% |
CAT 2025 will contain both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answers questions (TITA). Candidates will get 120 minutes to complete the paper, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes. The exam will be conducted in three slots, i.e., morning, afternoon, and evening. The language of the CAT Question Paper 2025 will be English. Get the full details related to the exam pattern of CAT 2025 below:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Mode of CAT Exam 2025 | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes for each section) |
Total Number of Questions | 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Question Type | Both MCQs and TITA |
Number of Answer Choices in MCQs | 4 |
Marking Scheme | +3 marks for each correct answer
-1 for each incorrect answer |
CAT 2025 is divided into three major sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. The total marks, including all the sections, are 204. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension hold the highest weightage among the other sections. Find out the sectional weightage in the table presented below:
Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
---|---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 204 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 | |
Quantitative Ability | 22 |
The exam analysis for CAT 2025 will be released once the exams are over. However, based on the previous years’ data, candidates can get an idea of the number of questions they might receive from each section. In CAT 2024, there were 68 questions instead of 66. The overall difficulty level of the CAT exam paper in 2024 ranged from moderate to difficult. Candidates preparing for CAT 2025 must check out the complete CAT 2024 exam analysis:
Sections | Number of Questions | Number of Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
---|---|---|---|
VARC | 24 | 14-16 | Moderate to Difficult |
DILR | 22 | 10-11 | Moderate |
Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 10 | Moderate to Difficult |
CAT syllabus for 2025 assesses candidates’ competencies in verbal reasoning, quantitative ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. The first sections, i.e., verbal ability and reading comprehension, include reading skills, grammar, vocabulary, analysing written materials, and reading comprehension. On the other hand, the DILR section involves interpreting data from tables, graphs, and charts, as well as candidates’ ability to solve logical reasoning problems. The final section, i.e., quantitative aptitude, evaluates candidates’ mathematical skills, which include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, etc. Given below is the CAT Syllabus 2025 for candidates to check and prepare for the exam well. Candidates can also download CAT syllabus PDF here.
Sections | CAT Syllabus 2025 |
---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Sentence Completion, Grammar, Subject-verb-agreement, Parajumbles, Idioms, Antonyms, Prepositions, Reading Comprehension, etc. |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Blood Relations, Clocks and Calendars, Tables, Data Structures, Family Tree, Binary Logic, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Pie Charts, etc. |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Probability, Profit & Loss, Percentages, Ratios & Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, etc. |
CAT is one of the most competitive and challenging exams in India. Hence, it is important for CAT aspirants to adopt a clear strategy to crack this exam with the highest score. The preparation should include syllabus completion, revision, practising mock tests and previous years’ questions, and time management. Candidates can follow the preparation tips given for CAT 2025:
CAT exam will be of 120 minutes, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each of the three sections — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). VARC will test English proficiency and comprehension through topics like reading comprehension, para jumbles, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning. DILR will assess analytical and logical skills with questions on data arrangements, puzzles, graphs, Venn diagrams, and seating arrangements. QA will focus on mathematical ability, covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, number systems, and modern math, with arithmetic carrying the most weight. Aspirants should strengthen their reading skills for VARC, practice diverse problem sets for DILR, and focus on core mathematical concepts for QA to excel in the exam.
Focuses on English language skills and analytical ability. Key Topics:
Tests analytical ability in interpreting data and logical connections. Key Topics:
Assesses mathematics proficiency at an advanced school level. Key Topics:
CAT admit card is an important document that candidates will require to carry to the examination centre. The admit card includes information, such as the candidate’s name, date and time of the test, exam centre details, and exam day guidelines. Candidates who complete the registration process successfully can download the CAT admit card directly from the CAT official website.
CAT admit card for 2025 will be issued on 5th November. Once the exam authorities release the admit card, candidates can download it to check all the details regarding CAT exam 2025. It will be available for download till the date of the examination, i.e., 30th November 2025. Candidates can follow the step-by-step process to download the CAT Admit Card 2025:
Once the CAT 2025 exams are over, the conducting body will release the answer key along with the response sheet of the CAT aspirants. This answer key will help students know the number of correct and incorrect answers they have marked in the exam. This way, they will also be able to calculate the estimated score they will obtain. In case of any discrepancy, candidates can raise objections to the answer key. It should be done within a limited timeframe of 1-2 days. The fee for objecting to the answer key is INR 1200 for each question.
CAT answer key 2025 is expected to be out on the official website by the 1st week of December 2025. Check out the steps mentioned below to download the answer key of CAT 2025:
The exam conducting authorities will publish the results on the official website for the CAT aspirants. This result will include sectional scores, percentile scores, and overall scaled scores and percentiles. Using CAT Result 2025, candidates can get into IIMs, top B schools, and other management institutes. The result is considered valid only for 1 year.
CAT aspirants can access the results for CAT 2025 once it is made available by the authorities. It is expected that the CAT result 2025 will be out in the 1st week of January 2026. Follow the steps mentioned below to download the results for CAT 2025 successfully:
Each IIM fix their cutoff category-wise. The minimum qualifying marks to secure admission into IIMs range between the 80th and 90th percentiles. However, the cutoffs for top IIMs like IIM Mumbai and IIM Rohtak range from 94 to 95. On the other hand, in 2024, the lowest cutoff score remained at 75 for IIM Shillong. Given below are the expected CAT Cutoff 2025 for IIMs based on previous years’ cutoff:
IIM Institutes | CAT Cut-off 2025 (Expected) |
---|---|
IIM Rohtak | 95 |
IIM Mumbai | 94 |
IIM Trichy | 92 |
IIM Udaipur | 92 |
IIM Ranchi | 92 |
IIM Kashipur | 92 |
IIM Sambalpur | 92 |
IIM Jammu | 92 |
IIM Sirmaur | 92 |
IIM Raipur | 92 |
IIM Bodh Gaya | 92 |
IIM Lucknow | 90 |
IIM Indore | 90 |
IIM Ahmedabad | 85 |
IIM Bangalore | 85 |
IIM Calcutta | 85 |
IIM Kozhikode | 85 |
IIM Amritsar | 85 |
IIM Nagpur | 85 |
IIM Visakhapatnam | 80 |
IIM Shillong | 75 |
Candidates can check the top 10 IIMs that accept the CAT score for admission to an MBA program. These colleges offer excellent teaching, great career opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Non-IIMs | |
---|---|
FMS Delhi | IIFT Delhi |
DOMS IIT Madras | SPJIMR |
MDI Gurgoan | TISS Mumbai |
BIMTECH | XLRI Jamshedpur |
SIBM Pune | NMIMS Mumbai |
Admission into IIMs is done through the counselling process for the CAT-qualified candidates. CAT score is the minimum requirement for admission into IIMs. However, the main selection is based on the written ability test and a personal interview. The counselling is divided into three phases: Phase 1, Shortlisting of candidates based on CAT scores; Phase 2, Written Ability and Personal Interview; and Phase 3, Final Selection. The selection criteria through CAT 2025 include a qualifying cutoff, academic and personality parameters, final admission score, etc. Discussed below is the complete counselling process for CAT 2025: Phase 1: In this first phase of counselling, candidates will be shortlisted based on their scores obtained in CAT 2025. The minimum qualifying cutoff score for IIMs is 90 for the general category candidates. This means candidates who will secure a score above 90 in CAT exam will be considered eligible for the next round of the counselling process. Phase 2: The next phase of counselling involves written ability and a personal interview. The Writing Ability test (WAT) assesses candidates’ written communication skills and analytical thinking. In this round, candidates are required to write an essay on a given topic. In the personal interview round, candidates’ personality, communication skills, knowledge and attitude are evaluated. Phase 3: After the conclusion of the second phase of CAT Counselling 2025, candidates are offered admission based on their overall performance in past academic, work experience, CAT exam, and WAT and PI rounds. Given below is the sectional weightage of each parameter of IIM Bangalore:
CAT Selection Parameters | Weightage |
---|---|
CAT Score | 25 |
WAT | 10 |
PI | 35 |
Class 10 & 12 Results | 20 |
Work Experience | 10 |
CAT Question Paper 2025 is an important resource for students preparing for the Common Admission Test. It is divided into three main sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – with a total of 68 questions carrying 204 marks. Practising previous year papers helps students understand the CAT Exam Pattern, focus on the CAT Syllabus, and improve problem-solving skills. It also enhances time management, accuracy, and speed, while reducing exam stress by simulating real test conditions. By solving these papers, candidates can identify their strong and weak areas and focus their preparation effectively. Overall, the CAT Question Paper builds confidence, enhances analytical skills, and prepares students to perform better in the actual CAT 2025 Exam.
Access and download previous year papers, sample papers, and answer keys of Common Admission Test to improve your preparation:
MBA CAT 2025 Registration Date has been extended. Candidates can now register and submit their CAT 2025 application form till 20th September 2025. The official notification for CAT 2025 Registration and exam was released on 27th July 2025. Candidates can find the application form for CAT 2025 on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. The registration and application process for the CAT exam involves multiple steps, including online registration, entering academic and personal details, uploading documents, and paying the application fee. For 2025, the application fee for CAT 2025 has increased from INR 2500 to INR 2600 for general candidates. While filling out the registration form, candidates must ensure that the form is error-free. Interested candidates must go through the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam.
Candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks are eligible to apply for CAT 2025. Candidates who are appearing for the final examination or awaiting their results are also eligible for CAT 2025. Candidates who fulfil these eligibility requirements can register themselves online and appear for this exam. SC, ST, or PWD candidates should upload the required documents to claim their reservation of seats. To know more, read the complete article, which contains detailed information about CAT 2025 Application Process.
Before candidates can appear for CAT 2025, they are required to apply online for this exam and pay the requisite fees. This application fee can be paid through debit card/ credit card/ net banking. CAT 2025 Registration Process has commenced from 1st August, and candidates who are interested must apply for it online. Check out the highlights mentioned below for CAT Exam Application Form 2025:
Particulars | Highlights |
---|---|
CAT Registration Process | Ongoing |
CAT Application Mode | Online |
CAT Registration Link | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT Application Fees | General Category: INR 2,600 Reserved Category: INR 1,300 |
CAT Application Payment Mode | Debit Card/ Credit Card/ Net Banking |
Test City Options | Five |
Documents to Upload | Recent passport-size photo, scanned signature, caste certificate (if applicable) |
CAT Application Form 2025 Date is 1st August, 2025, and the last date to fill out the application form is 20th September, 2025. Candidates can check out all the important dates related to CAT exam 2025:
Events | Dates |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Registration Last Date | 20th September, 2025 (extended) |
CAT 2025 Application Correction | Last week of September 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Release | 5th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Exam | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Release | 1st week of December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Result | 1st week of January 2026 |
Candidates must be very clear about the eligibility criteria before filling out the CAT 2025 Registration Form 2025. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements is important to appear for CAT exam. If any candidate fails to meet the eligibility criteria, their application form will result in disqualification. Detailed descriptions of CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 are provided below:
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
Professional Degrees | CA / CS / ICWA / Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) are also acceptable |
Final Year Candidates | Eligible to apply if proof of eligibility is provided at the time of admission |
Age Limit | No age limit for candidates applying for CAT |
CAT 2025 Registration Last Date for MBA is 13th September, 2025. Filling out the CAT 2025 Registration Form involves four steps: online registration, entering personal and academic information, uploading documents, and paying fees. Candidates can find the step-by-step process for CAT Exam Application Form 2025 in the given sections:
Follow the steps given below to successfully register for CAT 2025:
After successfully registering for CAT 2025, candidates are required to enter the necessary details and complete the application form. This stage includes five sections, and they are as follows:
This is one of the crucial stages while filling out the CAT Registration Form 2025. Candidates must keep the following documents ready to upload:
The last step in the CAT Application Process 2025 involves payment of the registration fee. After filling out the application form with all the required documents and details, candidates will be redirected to the page to pay the application fee. This fee can be paid through debit card/ credit card/ net banking. Only after successfully submitting the fee will the application form be submitted.
The only way to pay the CAT 2025 Application Fee is online. This fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates choosing more than one institute will still have to pay the application fee only once. For general category candidates, the CAT Application Fee 2025 has increased to INR 2600 and INR 1300 for SC/ ST/ PWD category candidates. The details are mentioned in the table below:
Category | Application Fee |
---|---|
General | INR 2,600 |
SC | INR 1,300 |
ST | INR 1,300 |
Pwd | INR 1,300 |
When candidates are applying for CAT 2025 online, they will be required to upload certain documents with the specific guidelines mentioned by the authorities. Forms that will be submitted without uploading documents will be rejected. Hence, candidates must make a note to follow all these rules while uploading the documents for CAT exam 2025:
Documents | Criteria |
---|---|
Scanned Passport-size Photograph | Candidates must remember that the photograph is not more than six months old. Also, it should be uploaded within the dimensions of 1200x1200 pixels and should be in .jpg or .jpeg format. |
Scanned Signature | The signature should be done in a clean, white background. While uploading, its dimensions should be within 80mmx35mm and in .jpg or .jpeg format. The resolution of the signature should not be more than 80 KB and should be less than 150 pixels/ inch. |
Caste Certificate | If candidates belong to any reserved category and want to upload the caste certificate, they should download it from the CAT official website. The certificate should be self-attested, and a scanned copy must be uploaded in a PDF format. |
Pwd Certificate | Candidates who belong to the Pwd category must submit the relevant Pwd certificate.They will find the certificate on the CAT website, then, self-attest it and upload in a PDF file. |
Final Year Certificate | Candidates who are in their final year of graduation should submit the final year certificate from the Principal, HoD, Registrar or Director certifying that the applicant has secured at least 50% marks. This should be done on the college or institution’s letterhead. This certificate format can be downloaded from the IIMCAT website. |
It is mandatory for candidates to choose test cities of their preference while filling out the CAT 2025 Registration Form. Candidates can select up to five test cities from the list of 170 cities. However, the exam centre allotment will be based on the availability of seats at the centre. Also, the allotment is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Hence, the sooner candidates complete the application form, the higher the chances of getting their preferred test city. The details of the exam centre and the reporting time will be mentioned in the CAT Admit Card 2025. It will be issued on 5th November. Suppose candidates wish to change their choice of exam centre after submitting the application form. In that case, they can do so when the CAT conducting authorities activate the application correction link. Once the admit cards are made public, there will be no chance to change the test city preference. Hence, while filling out the application form, candidates should be very careful about their choices, and it is suggested to give the first preference to their home city always.
Candidates are highly recommended to be very careful with the personal and educational information, test city preferences, document uploading, etc., when applying for CAT 2025 online. There are some common areas where candidates often make mistakes. Tabulated below are the key areas where candidates should avoid making errors:
Error | Details |
---|---|
Email & Mobile Number | Use a valid mobile number and email ID for communication. |
Test City Selection | Choose the exam centre carefully; no changes are allowed later. |
Exam Centre Preference | Select a nearby city or home city for easy access on exam day. |
IIM Selection | Pick IIMs wisely, as candidates can attend WAT-PI only at selected ones. |
IIM Interview Cities | Choose interview cities carefully; only two options per IIM. |
Academic Scores | Enter correct details for Class 10, 12, Graduation, and PG (if any). |
Work Experience | Provide accurate information. Otherwise, it may affect shortlisting for WAT-PI. |
Certificates | Upload valid caste/PwD/Scribe certificates; fake ones lead to disqualification. |
Fee Payment | Ensure complete payment and email confirmation to submit the form. |
CAT application correction window is usually opened after the registration process is over. Candidates can edit certain details, change the test city preference or upload a better image. Other than these, no other sections are editable. Given below is the process to edit the CAT Application Form 2025:
There are certain things that should be kept in mind while exercising the CAT 2025 Application Process. Some of them are discussed below:
Key Points Candidates pursuing a dual degree or integrated program can appear for CAT 2025 if they are in their final year or have completed the program and meet the overall marks eligibility criteria. PwD candidates can avail scribe or reader facilities for CAT 2025 and may also get extra time during the examination if eligible.
Final selection to IIMs is based on:
CAT Cutoff 2025 is the minimum marks required for admission into top IITs. CAT exam 2025 is expected to take place on 30th November, 2025. For this year, the cutoff for management institutes like IIMs, SPJIMR, and FMS Delhi is expected to range between 97 and 99+. However, for the new IIMs and other B schools, the expected CAT cutoff 2025 is likely to range from 85 to 99+. CAT exam cutoff acts as a prime factor for students getting shortlisted for WAT and PI rounds. IIM releases the official CAT 2025 cutoff on their respective website. After the results are declared, students must visit the respective IIM website to check the qualifying cutoff. Read this article to get more information on the section-wise and category-wise CAT cutoff 2025:
While preparing the cutoff scores for CAT aspirants, several factors are considered, and they are as follows:
Candidates are shortlisted for admission into IIMs solely based on their performance in the CAT examination. Each IIM sets its own minimum CAT cutoff percentile to shortlist candidates for the first stage of admission. Also, these cutoffs are released for every category of students, including General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD. Candidates can find out the detailed minimum percentile requirements for admission into different IIMs in the tables given below:
CAT cutoff for IIM Bangalore reached the maximum, where the overall percentile remained at 85 for general category students. Listed below are the category-wise expected IIM Bangalore cutoffs for 2025:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
NC-OBC | 65 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
EWS | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
SC | 60 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
ST | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
PWD | 60 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
The minimum percentile required for getting shortlisted to IIM Calcutta is 85 for the general category students. However, for the SC and ST candidates, it is expected to be 65 and 55, respectively. Tabulated below are the detailed IIM Calcutta CAT cutoffs 2025:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 75 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
NC-OBC | 65 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
EWS | 65 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
ST | 45 | 45 | 45 | 55 |
IIM Kozhikode has witnessed one of the toughest cutoff scores for general candidates, which is 85. The VARC section itself holds 80% of the weightage. Check out the category-wise expected cutoff 2025 for IIM Kozhikode:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 80 | 80 | 75 | 85 |
NC-OBC | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
EWS | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
SC | 65 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
ST | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
PWD | 45 | 45 | 45 | 55 |
For IIM Lucknow admission, students can expect the minimum CAT cutoff percentile to reach 90 for the general category students. Check out the detailed IIM Lucknow expected CAT cutoff 2025 for each category:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 85 | 85 | 85 | 90 |
NC-OBC | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 |
EWS | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 |
SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
ST | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
PWD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
The minimum qualifying percentile for admission into IIM Mumbai is expected to close at 85, where the VARC and DILR sections will carry the highest weightage. Mentioned below are the category-wise CAT exam cutoff 2025 for IIM Mumbai:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 80 | 80 | 75 | 85 |
NC-OBC | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
EWS | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
SC | 65 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
ST | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
PWD | 45 | 45 | 45 | 55 |
For getting into IIM Raipur through CAT scores, the cutoff score is expected to be 94 for the general students, and 60 and 40 for SC and ST students, respectively. Find out the minimum qualifying percentile for IIM Raipur admission, category-wise:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 73 | 73 | 73 | 94 |
NC-OBC | 50 | 50 | 50 | 77 |
EWS | 50 | 50 | 50 | 77 |
SC | 44 | 44 | 44 | 60 |
ST | 25 | 25 | 30 | 40 |
DAP | 25 | 25 | 30 | 40 |
CAT cutoff 2025 for management institutes, FMS, Delhi and IIFT, Delhi, can be lower than the IIMs. However, these cutoffs can still go as high as 99. There are some top-ranked colleges, such as LIBA, Chennai and XIME, Bangalore, where the minimum cutoff requirements are 70. CAT cutoff 2025 for non-IIMs will be released after the exams are over. In the meantime, students must go through the previous year’s cutoff for non-IIMs:
MBA College | CAT Cutoff (Percentile) |
---|---|
FMS, Delhi | 98–99 |
IIFT, Delhi | 95–99 |
SPJIMR, Mumbai | 95–99 |
IMT, Ghaziabad | 95–97 |
JBIMS, Mumbai | 96 |
MDI, Gurgaon | 97–99 |
IMI, New Delhi | 90 |
XIM, Bhubaneswar | 91 |
GIM, Goa | 85 |
K J Somaiya, Mumbai | 86 |
TAPMI, Manipal | 80 |
FORE, New Delhi | 85 |
IFMR, Chennai | 80 |
IRMA, Anand | 80 |
MICA, Ahmedabad | 80 |
LIBA, Chennai | 70 |
XIME, Bangalore | 70 |
CAT cutoff percentile is calculated based on students’ CAT scaled scores. It is a score that arrives after the normalisation of the raw score obtained by students in CAT exam 2025. Students can check the table presented below to know the estimated range of CAT score vs percentile for 2025:
CAT Percentile | VARC Score | DILR Score | QA Score | Overall Score Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
99.9 | 50 | 46 | 46 | 118–123 |
99.5 | 42 | 40 | 41 | 103–108 |
99 | 38 | 37 | 33 | 92–95 |
98 | 28 | 30 | 22 | 69–72 |
95 | 23 | 27 | 16 | 57–59 |
90 | 20 | 21 | 13 | 47–49 |
85 | 18 | 19 | 12 | 42–44 |
80 | 15 | 17 | 10 | 39–40 |
75 | 14 | 14 | 9 | 34–36 |
CAT cutoff trends change every year based on the exam difficulty level, students' performance in CAT exam, seat availability, etc. For the year 2023, CAT cutoff remained at 106 for the 99.9th percentile, whereas in 2022, the cutoff closed at 111. Tabulated below are the CAT percentile vs cutoffs from the year 2023 to 2016:
Percentile | CAT 2023 | CAT 2022 | CAT 2021 | CAT 2020 | CAT 2019 | CAT 2018 | CAT 2017 | CAT 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
99.9 | 106 | 111 | 120 | 131 | 196 | 192 | 208 | 191 |
99.5 | 89 | 93 | 107 | 115 | 170 | 170 | 183 | 168 |
99 | 80 | 82.5 | 97 | 102 | 157 | 155 | 173 | 153 |
95 | 71 | 60 | 71 | 77 | 120 | 125 | 139 | 123 |
90 | 57 | 48.5 | 59 | 63 | 90 | 110 | 121 | 108 |
85 | 30 | 41 | 45.5 | 55 | 87 | 90 | 103 | 93 |
80 | 25 | 35.5 | 40 | 49 | 75 | 80 | 98 | 84 |
70 | 21 | 29 | 35 | 36 | 57 | 62 | 83 | 68 |
CAT 2023 cutoff for MBA in Food and Agri-Business Management remained at the 80th percentile for IIM Ahmedabad, and the highest cutoff was for IIM Rohtak, which was the 95th percentile. Check out the past 3 years’ CAT cutoff for the MBA in Food and Agri-Business Management:
IIM | CAT 2023 Cutoff | CAT 2022 Cutoff | CAT 2021 Cutoff |
---|---|---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | 80 | 99 | 81.53 |
IIM Bangalore | 85 | 99 | 90+ |
IIM Calcutta | 85 | 99 | 95+ |
IIM Lucknow | 90 | 97+ | 90+ |
IIM Indore | 90 | 97+ | 90 |
IIM Kozhikode | 85 | 97–98 | 95.5 |
IIM Amritsar | 85 | 95+ | 90 |
IIM Nagpur | 85 | 95+ | 90 |
IIM Sambalpur | 85 | 95+ | 90 |
IIM Trichy | 93 | 94 | 96 |
IIM Raipur | 93 | 94 | 90–94 |
IIM Ranchi | 94 | 94 | 90 |
IIM Kashipur | 93 | 94 | 90 |
IIM Visakhapatnam | 85 | 92 | 90 |
IIM Udaipur | 90 | 92 | 90 |
IIM Bodh Gaya | 90 | 92 | 90+ |
IIM Shillong | 85 | 90 | 90 |
IIM Sirmaur | 95 | 95 | 95 |
IIM Rohtak | 95 | 95 | 90+ |
For the year 2024, the overall percentile rank for the CAT exam remained at the 85th percentile for IIM Bangalore, whereas for IIM Lucknow, it was the 90th percentile. In the tables given below, students can check out the detailed category-wise and section-wise previous year CAT cutoff percentile:
For IIM Rohtak admission in 2024, the overall qualifying cutoff percentile was 95 for the general students. Get the section-wise and category-wise details in the table given below:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | >=70 | >=70 | >=70 | 95 |
NC-OBC | >=60 | >=60 | >=60 | 78 |
EWS | >=70 | >=70 | >=70 | 92 |
SC | >=50 | >=50 | >=50 | 60 |
ST | >=30 | >=30 | >=30 | 40 |
DAP | >=30 | >=30 | >=30 | 40 |
For IIM Lucknow, the overall percentile for the general category students was the 90th, and for the SC students, it was the 65th percentile. Given below is the category-wise and section-wise qualifying percentiles for IIM Lucknow:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 85 | 85 | 85 | 90 |
NC-OBC | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 |
EWS | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 |
SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
ST | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
DAP | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
In 2024, students witnessed that the overall qualifying percentile of IIM Raipur reached the 94th percentile for the general category students. For more details, check out the table presented below:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 70 | 70 | 70 | 92 |
NC-OBC | 45 | 45 | 45 | 74 |
EWS | 40 | 40 | 40 | 70 |
SC | 35 | 35 | 35 | 54 |
ST | 25 | 25 | 32.5 | 40 |
DAP | 25 | 25 | 32.5 | 40 |
The overall CAT cutoff percentile for IIM Sirmaur was 92 for the general category students and 70 for the EWS category students. Students can go through the table shown below, which contains category-wise and section-wise cutoff percentiles in 2024 for IIM Sirmaur:
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | 70 | 70 | 70 | 92 |
NC-OBC | 45 | 45 | 45 | 74 |
EWS | 40 | 40 | 40 | 70 |
SC | 35 | 35 | 35 | 54 |
ST | 25 | 25 | 32.5 | 40 |
DAP | 25 | 25 | 32.5 | 40 |
Category | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
---|---|---|---|
KM | - | - | - |
PwD | - to 51 | - to 51 | - to 51 |
OBC | 25 to 98 | 25 to 98 | - to 71 |
EWS | 25 to 98 | 25 to 98 | - to 80 |
ST | 25 to 98 | 25 to 98 | - to 51 |
SC | 25 to 98 | 25 to 98 | - to 61 |
General | 25 to 98 | 25 to 98 | 25 to 98 |
College Name | College Short Name | Course Name | Category | Round | Percentile | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, Chennai | Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai | Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Goa Institute of Management, Goa - Other | GIM Goa | PGDM in Healthcare Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun | Graphic Era University | MBA in Advertising and Branding Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Delhi University (DU), Delhi | Delhi University | MBA in Business Economics | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Anand | IRMA Anand | PGDM in Rural Management | PwD | 1 | 51 | 2024 |
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon, Gurgaon | Great Lakes Gurgaon | Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Galgotias University, Greater Noida | Galgotias University Greater Noida | Master of Tourism Administration (MTA) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Amity University, Noida, Noida | Amity Noida | MBA in E-Commerce | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai | HITS | MBA in Green Business | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Trichy (BIM, Trichy), Tiruchirappalli | BIM Trichy | MBA in Digital Business | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
IPE Hyderabad - Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad | IPE Hyderabad | PGDM in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Calcutta University, Kolkata | University of Calcutta | Master of Business Management (MBM) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Vivekanand Business School (VBS), Mumbai | VBS Mumbai | PGDM in Operations and Supply Chain Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida | Gautam Buddha University | MBA in Strategic Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Bhubaneswar | Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi | MBA in Data Analytics | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
IIM Lucknow - Indian Institute of Management - Noida Campus, Noida | IIM Lucknow - Indian Institute of Management - Noida Campus | Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad, Hyderabad | IBS Hyderabad | Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
GNA University, Phagwara | GNA University | MBA in Business Intelligence | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
DBS Global University, Dehradun | DBS Global University | MBA in Fashion Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore | Indus Business Academy | PGDM in Retail Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Delhi School of Business, Delhi | Delhi School of Business | PGDM in Fintech | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Jindal Global Business School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonepat | Jindal Global Business School | Global MBA in Business Analytics | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Siva Sivani Institute of Management, Hyderabad | Siva Sivani Institute of Management | PGDM in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Department of Finance and Business Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi - Other | Department of Finance and Business Economics, University of Delhi | MBA in Business Economics | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
MIMA Institute of Management, Pune | MIMA Institute of Management | PGDM in Agri Business Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Poddar Group of Institution, Jaipur | Poddar Group of Institutions | PGDM (Global) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
GRV Business Management Academy, Bangalore | GRVBMA | MBA + PGDM | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
JK Business School, Gurgaon | JK Business School | Post Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PGDLSCM) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
NTPC School of Business, Noida | NTPC School of Business | PGDM in Energy Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology and Management, Indore | LBSITM | MBA in Financial Administration | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Presidency College, Chennai, Chennai | Presidency College Chennai | PGDM in Agri Business Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Athena School of Management, Mumbai | Athena School of Management | Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Faculty of Management Studies, Institute of Rural Management, Jaipur | Faculty of Management Studies, IRM | PGDM in Rural Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
IILM Academy of Higher Learning, Jaipur, Jaipur | IILM Academy of Higher Learning, Jaipur | PGDM in Fintech | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Krupanidhi Group of Institutions, Bangalore | Krupanidhi Group of Institutions | MBA in Health Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
CMS Bangalore, Bangalore | CMS Jain University Bangalore | MBA in Marketing and Human Resource Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
MIT College of Management, Pune | - | Executive in MBA | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
SBS Sharda University, Greater Noida | - | MBA in Fashion Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
CMS Business School, Bangalore | - | MBA in Marketing and Human Resource Management | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Dr K.N Modi University, Rajasthan - Other | Dr K.N Modi University | MBA (Tourism and Travel Management) | PwD | 1 | 0 | 2024 |
Course Name | EWS | General | KM | OBC | PwD | SC | ST |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) | 25 to 85 | 25 to 85 | - | 25 to 85 | - | 25 to 85 | 25 to 85 |
PGDM in Rural Management | 80 | 80 | - | 71 to 80 | - to 51 | 61 to 80 | 51 to 80 |
PGDM in Agri Business Management | 25 to 40 | 25 to 40 | - | 25 to 40 | - | 25 to 40 | 25 to 40 |
PGDM in Fintech | 50 to 65 | 50 to 65 | - | 50 to 65 | - | 50 to 65 | 50 to 65 |
MBA in Marketing and Human Resource Management | 50 to 70 | 50 to 70 | - | 50 to 70 | - | 50 to 70 | 50 to 70 |
Post Graduate Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management | 75 to 85 | 75 to 80 | - | 75 to 80 | - | 75 to 80 | 75 to 80 |
MBA in Business Economics | 95 to 98 | 95 to 98 | - | 95 to 98 | - | 95 to 98 | 95 to 98 |
MBA in Fashion Management | 60 | 60 | - | 60 | - | 60 | 60 |
PGDM in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance | 60 to 70 | 60 to 70 | - | 60 to 70 | - | 60 to 70 | 60 to 70 |
Post Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PGDLSCM) | 25 | 25 | - | 25 | - | 25 | 25 |
PGDM in Energy Management | 60 | 60 | - | 60 | - | 60 | 60 |
MBA in Financial Administration | 25 | 25 | - | 25 | - | 25 | 25 |
PGDM in Healthcare Management | 90 | 90 | - | 90 | - | 90 | 90 |
PGDM in Retail Management | 70 | 70 | - | 70 | - | 70 | 70 |
MBA in Strategic Management | 25 | 25 | - | 25 | - | 25 | 25 |
MBA in Data Analytics | 25 | 25 | - | 25 | - | 25 | 25 |
Master of Tourism Administration (MTA) | 45 | 45 | - | 45 | - | 45 | 45 |
MBA in Development Management | 50 | 50 | - | 50 | - | 50 | 50 |
MBA in Digital Business | 85 | 85 | - | 85 | - | 85 | 85 |
PGDM (Global) | 25 | 25 | - | 25 | - | 25 | 25 |
MBA in Business Intelligence | 70 | 70 | - | 70 | - | 70 | 70 |
MBA in Green Business | 70 | 70 | - | 70 | - | 70 | 70 |
Master of Business Management (MBM) | 40 | 40 | - | 40 | - | 40 | 40 |
Global MBA in Business Analytics | 50 | 50 | - | 50 | - | 50 | 50 |
MBA in Advertising and Branding Management | 75 | 75 | - | 75 | - | 75 | 75 |
Executive in MBA | 90 | 90 | - | 90 | - | 90 | 90 |
Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM) | 97 | 97 | - | 97 | - | 97 | 97 |
MBA + PGDM | 50 | 50 | - | 50 | - | 50 | 50 |
MBA in Health Management | 40 | 40 | - | 40 | - | 40 | 40 |
MBA (Tourism and Travel Management) | 25 | 25 | - | 25 | - | 25 | 25 |
PGDM in Operations and Supply Chain Management | 75 | 75 | - | 75 | - | 75 | 75 |
MBA in E-Commerce | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
CAT Eligibility Criteria for 2025 are the minimum requirements for students to fulfil in order to appear for CAT exam 2025. For this year, it is expected that IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT exam. CAT 2025 registration process has been started from 1st August 2025 and will continue till 13th September 2025. To be eligible for CAT 2025, students are required to score at least 50% marks in their bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution/ university. However, for SC/ ST students, the minimum marks required are 45%. Applications are also accepted from students who are in their final year of graduation or have finished their bachelor’s degree but are waiting for their results. In this case, such candidates are offered provisional admission based on their CAT 2025 scores. Also, students should provide a certificate from their institution or the university’s Principal/Registrar. This certificate needs to be issued on or before the date specified by the relevant IIM. To explore more about CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria for MBA, students are advised to go through the complete article.
CAT 2025 is an important exam for students who want to pursue management programs from reputed IIMs, or other top B-schools in India. It is mandatory for aspirants to fulfil CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria to appear for this exam:
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
Professional Degrees | CA / CS / ICWA / Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) also acceptable |
Final Year Students | Eligible to apply if proof of eligibility is provided at the time of admission |
CAT Age Limit | No age limit for candidates applying for CAT |
To appear for CAT 2025, candidates have to meet the minimum eligibility requirements, which include having a bachelor’s degree. The minimum marks required differ based on students’ categories. For more details, refer to the sections provided below:
Candidates who are in their final year of graduation or whose graduation results are pending can still apply for CAT 2025, and take the exam. However, they will be required to provide proof stating that they met all the eligibility requirements for receiving the Bachelor’s degree by the specified deadline. The proof of the candidates’ eligibility should be submitted during the CAT Application Process 2025, in the form of a certificate from the Principal or Registrar of their university. Without having the bachelor’s degree marks or scores, students can appear for CAT 2025. However, this does not guarantee admission to IIMs. The CAT 2025 Eligibility of the final year students is stated below in the table format:
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Who Can Apply? | Final-year graduation students or those awaiting final results |
Proof of Eligibility | A certificate from the Principal/Registrar confirming that all degree requirements will be met. |
Admission Requirement | Meeting eligibility criteria allows application, but does not guarantee admission. |
Selection Process | Valid CAT 2025 score and fulfilment of additional selection criteria by each institute |
Other Factors | Academic performance and work experience may also be considered |
Candidates belonging to the reserved category, such as SC, ST or Pwd, can enjoy some reservation policies set by the IIMs. Candidates who are seeking admission under these categories should ensure that they meet all the academic and other eligibility requirements. Also, such candidates are required to submit necessary documents, like a caste certificate to claim the reserved seats. Students can find the reservation criteria category-wise in the table presented below:
Category | Seat Reservation |
---|---|
ST | 7.50% |
SC | 15% |
OBC-NC | 27% |
ews | 10% |
PWD | 5% |
CAT Admit Card 2025 will be released on the CAT official website on 5th November, 2025. Registered candidates can download the admit card till the exam date, i.e., 30th November. CAT 2025 Admit card is an important document that all CAT 2025 aspirants must have with them before appearing for the CAT 2025. CAT Admit Card Download Link will be activated on the specified date. Students should visit the CAT official website to download the admit card and take a printout of the same. Read this article to know everything related to CAT Admit Card 2025, including the release date and how to download the admit card.
CAT Admit Card 2025 will be released on the official website on 5th November. This means that students are required to appear in the slot only that is mentioned in the admit card. Tabulated below are more details about the admit card for CAT 2025:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Admit Card Download Start Date | 5th November 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Download End Date | Till the date of the exam, 30th November |
CAT 2025 Card Release Mode | Online |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Login Link | iimcat.ac.in |
Credentials Required to Access the CAT 2025 Admit Card | CAT Log in ID and password |
Details Mentioned in CAT 2025 Admit Card | Candidate’s name, exam centre name, exam centre address, exam time & slot |
CAT 2025 Admit Card will be available only for those students who will successfully register for CAT exam. The tentative CAT Admit Card Release Date for 2025 is the 5th November, 2025. Get complete details in the table given below:
Events | Dates |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Admit Card Release Date | 5th November 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Download Last Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Result Date | 1st week of January 2026 (Tentative) |
The admit cards for CAT 2025 will be made available online. Only registered candidates will be able to download the admit cards using their login credentials. Follow the steps below for CAT Admit Card Download 2025:
CAT 2025 Admit Card is an important document containing all the exam information. The admit card will involve details that students have entered during the CAT Application Process 2025. In case of any error, students should reach out to the examination authority for rectification so that they don’t have to face any hassle on the exam day during the identification process. Given below are the details that are usually printed on the admit card:
Candidate’s name | Candidate’s caste |
Candidate’s date of birth | Candidate’s photo |
Candidate’s signature | Registration number |
Date and time of the exam | CAT 2025 exam slot |
CAT 2025 exam centre address | CAT exam day guidelines |
In addition to the CAT Admit Card 2025, students are also required to carry other relevant documents to the allotted exam centres. The following is the list of documents that students can bring to the examination centre for identification purposes:
While downloading the CAT Admit Card 2025, candidates may face some issues due to the high traffic the website experienced at that time. It also might be due to slow internet or any other technical problems. Students can check out the table provided below that contains the solutions to such problems, if they occur:
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
Technical issue on the website | The CAT 2025 website may crash due to heavy traffic. Do not try repeatedly. Log out and try again after some time. |
Slow internet speed | Check your internet connection. Switch to a faster network to download the admit card. |
Wrong password or login details | If you forget your password, use the ‘Forgot Password’ option on the IIMCAT website to reset it. Then log in again. |
The moment candidates get access to the CAT Admit Card 2025, they are advised to check all the information printed on it. Students should ensure that all the data provided in the admit card is correct and matches the application form. Given below is the list of data that should be the same on both the admit card and the application form:
If students find any errors in their CAT admit cards, they must contact the exam authorities to get them rectified. Given below are the ways students can choose from to fix the errors present in their admit cards:
CAT Admit Card 2025 will have a Google map link that will be directly linked to the location of the designated exam centres. Students can use this link to locate their exam centres, and get more information about the mode of transport, to check the distance and understand the time it will take to reach there. Here’s how students use this feature:
The admit card for 2025 will contain detailed exam day guidelines that students must adhere to. This will result in a fair, smooth, and hassle-free exam experience for all candidates. Students must go through the detailed instructions laid down by the exam conducting bodies for the CAT exam day 2025:
CAT Exam Pattern 2025 involves a computer-based test, which is conducted at designated centres. The duration of the exam is 120 minutes, where 40 minutes will be allotted to each section. The question paper of CAT 2025 will consist of three major sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. This test assesses students’ basic knowledge of English, including grammar and vocabulary. On the other hand, the other two sections focus on interpreting and analysing data from various sources, and problem-solving skills through word problems, graphs, etc. CAT 2025 Exam Dates have been released on the official website. CAT 2025 will take place on 30th November, 2025, and the registration has been started from 1st August, 2025 and the last date for registration is September 13, 2025. The official notification for CAT 2025 was released on 27th July, 2025. Aspirants who wish to take this exam should thoroughly review the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern for structured and well-planned preparation.
CAT Exam Pattern for MBA 2025 comprises both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Type-in-the-Answer questions (TITA). Altogether, there are 66 questions, which is to be completed within 2 hours. For more details, refer to the table presented below:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Mode of CAT Exam 2025 | Computer-Based |
Duration of the exam | 120 minutes (40 minutes for each section) |
Number of Questions | 68 |
CAT total marks | 204 |
Language of Question Paper | English |
Question Type | MCQ and non-MCQ |
Number of answer choices | 4 |
Exam Shifts |
|
CAT 2025 paper will have a total of 68 questions, and these questions will be divided into three major segments: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The VARC section holds the highest weightage among all the other sections. Evidently, the VARC has the highest marks distribution, i.e., 72 marks out of 204. Students can find out the detailed section-wise weightage and mark distribution mentioned below:
Sections | Number of Questions | Marks Distribution |
---|---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 66 |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 |
Total | 68 | 204 |
Students who are willing to appear for CAT 2025 must be aware of the CAT marking system, which also involves negative marking. CAT Question Paper 2025 will contain a total of 68 questions, including both MCQs and TITA questions. For each correct answer, students will be awarded +3 marks, and -1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer. However, there will be no negative marking for the non-MCQs/TITA. To avoid negative marking, candidates are advised not to attempt all the questions if they are not sure of any. To gain a passable score, answering at least two-thirds of the total questions is necessary. Find out the marking system for CAT 2025 in the table shown below:
Sections | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking (only for MCQs) |
---|---|---|---|
VARC | 24 | 3 | -1 |
DILR | 22 | 3 | -1 |
QA | 22 | 3 | -1 |
CAT 2025 follows a strict time limit for each section. The total duration of the exam paper is 120 minutes, where 40 minutes is allotted for each section. Students are required to attempt the test in a predefined order. This means that they are not permitted to choose from any section to start with, or jump between sections. The time limit for each section is 40 minutes. Once the first section is completed, the system will automatically take the students to another section. The order of the sections is: VARC, DILR, and QA. However, the time limit for Pwd students is slightly longer than that of other students. Tabulated below are the complete time durations of CAT 2025:
Sections | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Time Limit for PwD Students |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Total | 68 | 120 minutes | 160 minutes |
CAT question paper for 2025 will include both Multiple-choice questions and type-in-the-answer questions. In the case of TITA questions, candidates are required to type their answers using the keyboard instead of choosing the right option. Both the MCQs and TITA questions will come from the VARC, DILR, and QA sections. Mentioned below are the ratios of MCQs and non-MCQs that students might have to solve in CAT 2025:
Section | MCQs | Non-MCQs | Total Questions |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 18 (MCQs in RC) | 8 (Para summaries, Context sentences, Para jumbles) | 24 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 10 (LR - 6, DI - 4) | 14 | 22 |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Roots, etc.) | – | 22 |
Total | 50 | 22 | 68 |
Over the years, there have been a lot of changes in the CAT paper. Initially, Data Interpretation was combined with Quantitative Ability. Later, these two sections were separated, and DI was combined with Logical Reasoning. Also, before 2019, the CAT paper was of a 3-hour duration. Check out more details about CAT Exam Pattern 2025, and the changes that have been made:
Candidates can check out the changes that have been observed in CAT exam papers since 2010, in the table given below:
CAT Year | CAT Sections | Number of Questions | Exam Duration (minutes) |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | QA, DILR, VARC | 68 | 120 |
2023 | QA, DILR, VARC | 66 | 120 |
2022 | QA, DILR, VARC | 66 | 120 |
2021 | QA, DILR, VARC | 66 | 120 |
2020 | QA, DILR, VARC | 76 | 120 |
2019 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2018 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2017 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2016 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2015 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2014 | QA & DI, LR & VARC | 100 | 170 |
2013 | QA & DI, LR & VARC | 60 | 140 |
2012 | QA & DI, LR & VARC | 60 | 140 |
2011 | QA & DI, LR & VARC | 60 | 140 |
2010 | QA, DILR, VARC | 60 | 150 |
IIMs will prescribe the CAT Syllabus 2025. However, the syllabus for CAT 2025 is yet to be declared. Based on the previous years’ trends, the CAT question will consist of the VARC, DILR, and QA sections. Students who are preparing for CAT 2025 should carefully examine the syllabus to know the important topics that might come in the exam. Given below are the important topics from the CAT syllabus:
CAT Year | CAT Sections | Number of Questions | Exam Duration (minutes) |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | QA, DILR, VARC | 68 | 120 |
2023 | QA, DILR, VARC | 66 | 120 |
2022 | QA, DILR, VARC | 66 | 120 |
2021 | QA, DILR, VARC | 66 | 120 |
2020 | QA, DILR, VARC | 76 | 120 |
2019 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2018 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2017 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2016 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2015 | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 180 |
2014 | QA & DI, LR & VARC | 100 | 170 |
2013 | QA & DI, LR & VARC | 60 | 140 |
2012 | QA & DI, LR & VARC | 60 | 140 |
2011 | QA & DI, LR & VARC | 60 | 140 |
2010 | QA, DILR, VARC | 60 | 150 |
The exam pattern of all the MBA entrance exams is more or less similar, but has some noticeable differences. CAT exam paper is considered the most student-friendly, where students have to solve only 68 questions, whereas for exams like XAT or MAT, there are 95 and 150 questions, respectively. Knowing these differences will help students develop effective study plans and understand the basic differences between CAT and other MBA entrance exams:
Exam Name | Time Duration | No. of Questions | Sections | Total Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|
CAT | 120 minutes | 66 / 68 | 3 | 204 |
XAT | 180 minutes | 95 | 4 | 95 |
CMAT | 180 minutes | 100 | 5 | 400 |
MAT | 120 minutes | 150 | 5 | 150 |
GMAT | 187 minutes | 70 | 4 | 200–800 |
NMAT | 120 minutes | 108 | 3 | 36–360 |
SNAP | 60 minutes | 60 | 3 | 60 |
There are certain important points that students should take into account when appearing for CAT 2025, and they are as follows:
CAT Syllabus 2025 includes topics from the sections like Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. For 2025, the exam conducting authorities have not released the CAT Syllabus 2025 PDF. However, based on the trends of previous years, it is expected that students will receive questions that will check their basic understanding of English grammar and vocabulary, problem-solving skills, interpreting data from graphs and tables, and mathematical calculations CAT 2025. Candidates must also refer to CAT Exam Pattern 2025 while preparing for the exam. As per the previous years’ question papers, the Quantitative Aptitude topic carried the highest weightage , i.e., 34%, followed by Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. To secure admission into one of the top IIMs, it is crucial for students to go through the syllabus mindfully and understand the key topics to gain higher marks.
The total number of questions students will receive in CAT paper 2025 is 68. The 1st section, i.e., VARC, will have 24 questions, and the DILR and QA sections will have 22 questions each. Students can check out some of the highlights related to CAT 2025 Syllabus:
For students who are willing to take admission into IIMs, it is important to know about the number of questions and the question types that can be asked. Given below is the complete overview of CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2025:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Number of Sections | Three |
Sections’ Name |
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Section-wise Weightage |
VARC: 24 questions DILR: 22 questions QA: 22 questions |
Question Types | MCQs and TITA |
Marks per Section |
VARC: 72 marks DILR: 66 marks QA: 66 marks |
Marking Scheme |
+3 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer (only for MCQs, TITA has no negative marking) 0 for unattempted questions |
Exam Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes for each section) |
CAT Syllabus 2025 will involve topics from different sections like VARC, DILR and QA. It is important for CAT aspirants to crack each of the sections well and score higher marks to secure admission into IIMs. Here is a complete guide of section-wise syllabus and weightage of each section for students to review:
Section | Important Topics | Weightage |
---|---|---|
Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Sentence Completion, Inferences | 10% |
Reading Comprehension | RC Passages on Politics, History, Society, Literature, Science, Environment, Abstract, Mythology, Technology, Culture | 24% |
Data Interpretation | Tables, Graphs, Venn Diagram | 16% |
Logical Reasoning | Caselets, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism | 16% |
Quantitative Aptitude | Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration | 34% |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension is the first section where students will receive questions. This section is further divided into two parts: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Listed below are the important topics related to this section:
Category | Topics |
---|---|
Reading Comprehension | Reading comprehension |
Vocabulary & Word Usage | One word substitution, Idioms, Antonyms, Foreign language words used in English, Different usage of the same word |
Grammar & Syntax | Subject-verb agreement, Parts of speech, Preposition, Types of clauses, Phrases, Modifiers in tenses, Articles usage, Sentence correction |
Sentence-Level Skills | Fill in the blanks, Sentence completion, Sentence correction |
Para-Based Questions | Parajumbles, Jumbled paragraphs, Completion and inference |
Logical & Verbal Reasoning | Verbal logic, Verbal reasoning, Syllogisms, Analogies |
The VARC section has a total of four sub-sections, including Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Verbal Ability and Sentences. It is expected that there will be no direct question from grammar. Find out the weightage, along with the difficulty level for important topics of parts from the VARC section:
Topic | No. of Questions | Level of Difficulty |
---|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | 16 | Moderate to Difficult |
VA - Parajumbles | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
VA - Odd Sentence Out | 2 | Easy to Moderate |
VA - Summary | 3 | Easy to Moderate |
Total (VARC Section) | 24 | Moderate to Difficult |
The second section included in CAT 2025 Syllabus is the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. This section will consist of a total of 22 questions. There are two different sub-sections involved in this section: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. The key areas in this section are Venn Diagram, Data Structures, Tables, and many more. The complete syllabus of the DILR section is presented below:
Category | Topics |
---|---|
Logical Reasoning (LR) | Blood Relations, Clocks and Calendars, Syllogism, Series Statements, Proposition, Direction Sense, Family Tree, Coding-Decoding, Binary Logic, Assumptions, Seating Arrangement, Data Sufficiency, Puzzles |
Data Interpretation (DI) | Venn Diagrams, Data Arrangement, Data Structures, Tables, Pie Charts, Sets & Caselets, Bars & Line Graphs |
The Data Interpretation part in the DILR section is usually related to the tables and graphs. Whereas, the Logical and Reasoning area pertains to verbal, non-verbal, and abstract reasoning. Check out the topic-wise weightage of the DILR section and the difficulty level of each part:
Section | No. of Questions | Level of Difficulty |
---|---|---|
Data Interpretation | 4 | Easy |
Data Interpretation | 4 | Moderate |
Logical Reasoning | 6 | Moderate to Difficult |
Logical Reasoning | 6 | Easy to Moderate |
Overall DILR Section | 20 | Moderate to Difficult |
Quantitative Aptitude is the last section of the CAT Syllabus 2025. This section is completely focused on mathematical topics, such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, etc. It is one of the complex sections, and students must practice mathematics well enough to crack. Given below is the detailed QA syllabus:
Category | Topics |
---|---|
Arithmetic | Ratios and Proportions, Time, Time-Speed-Distance, Percentages, Profit & Partnership (Accounts), Simple Interest, Compound Interest |
Algebra | Inequalities, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Surds and Indices, Logarithms, Binomial Theorem |
Geometry & Mensuration | Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Geometric Progression |
Number System | Square Root and Cube Root |
Modern Math & Others | Probability, Mean, Mode, Median |
The topics most weighted in the Quantitative Aptitude section are Arithmetic and Algebra. The questions that come from this section are based on mathematical calculations. Students should go through the important topics of this section, along with the difficulty level of each section, for better understanding:
Topic | No. of Questions | Level of Difficulty |
---|---|---|
Arithmetic | 8–10 | Moderate to High |
Algebra | 5–7 | Moderate to High |
Geometry | 1–3 | Moderate to High |
Modern Maths | 2–4 | Moderate to High |
Overall QA Section | 22 | Moderate to High |
CAT is considered one of the most competitive exams in India. It requires a well-planned and strategic approach to crack CAT with high scores and secure a seat in reputed IIMs. Students seeking MBA admission through CAT should create a preparation plan based on their strengths and weaknesses. The sections like Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Aptitude have topics studied in school. Most of the concepts are from the classes 9 & 10 syllabus. Hence, the first thing aspirants should do is check which topics they are familiar with and which they are not. It is advisable to \start with non-familiar topics first since they require more time to practise, study, and revise. Students can find some of the preparation tips below curated for each of the sections:
The preparation tips for the VARC section include revising the grammar rules and applications, learning new words & phrases, and more. Mentioned below are some preparation tips for the VARC section:
The DILR section of CAT Question Paper 2025 is going to be all about tables, graphs, family trees, etc. Hence, some of the preparation tips are mentioned below for students to ace this section:
The Quantitative Aptitude section is all about conceptual clarity and mathematical calculations. Some of the important topics of this section are Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, etc. A few preparation tips are mentioned below for students to prepare for the QA section:
While preparing for CAT 2025, it is important to refer to good books as they provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, detailed explanations, and ample practice questions. Along with these, they also offer insights into the CAT Exam Pattern 2025, which helps students understand the questions and the strategic way to approach them. By using the right books, CAT aspirants will be able to save time, improve their understanding of concepts, and build confidence to tackle the questions well. Listed below are some of the recommended books that students can refer to when preparing for CAT 2025:
Section | Book Name | Author(s) |
---|---|---|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 9–10) | NCERT |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha | |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha | |
Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal | |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit Sinha | |
Data Interpretation | Nishit Sinha | |
CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri | |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Nishit Sinha | |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
High School Grammar and Composition | Wren and Martin | |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis |
CAT 2025 results are expected to be declared in the first week of January 2026 on the official IIMCAT website, with the exam to be held on November 30, 2025, across 170 cities in India. This year, over 3.5 lakh candidates are expected to appear for CAT 2025, aiming for around 5,500 IIM seats and thousands of seats in top B-schools in India. Last year, the results came out on December 19, and over 3.29 lakh candidates had appeared for the test. Candidates’ CAT score not only decides their eligibility for IIM shortlisting, but they also help them fetch calls from other reputed MBA colleges. That’s why it’s important to know how to download the CAT result, understand the expected cutoff, and plan the next steps for WAT-PI.
The candidates are advised to revisit the important details of the CAT exam before they apply for it to better understand their score and the upcoming admission process. As one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance exams, CAT is the door to IIMs and top B-schools, with over 3.29 lakh candidates having appeared in 2024, and even higher participation expected for 2025. The CAT 2025 exam is going to be conducted in a computer-based format. Here is a table with the important details about CAT 2025 for candidates’ quick reference:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
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 |
General Category Candidates: INR 2,500 Reserved Category Candidates: INR 1,250 |
CAT Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Total Number of Questions | 66 to 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Question Type | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
Marking Scheme |
+3 Marks for Each Correct Answer -1 for Each Incorrect Answer No Negative Marking for TITA Questions |
Number of Test Cities | 170 |
CAT Exam Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Candidates appearing for CAT 2025 should keep track of all important dates related to the exam and result announcement. The CAT 2025 exam is expected to be held on November 30, 2025, and the result will likely be declared by the first week of January 2026. Keeping a check on these dates will help candidates plan and prepare accordingly. Here is a table with all the important dates related to CAT 2025 results for candidates’ reference:
Events | Tentative Date |
---|---|
CAT Exam 2025 Date | November 30, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Provisional Answer Key Release | First week of December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Objection Window | First or Second Week of December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Final Answer Key Release | Last week of December 2025 |
Declaration of CAT 2025 Result | First week of January 2026 |
CAT 2025 Results scorecard will include all the details candidates need for IIM and B-school admissions, from their section-wise scores to overall percentile and candidate information. It’s advised to check each detail carefully once the scorecard is released. Here is a list of details typically mentioned in CAT Scorecards:
After the declaration of CAT 2025 results, likely in the last week of December 2025, candidates will have to download their scorecards for IIM shortlisting and MBA admission processes. It is important to check and download your CAT result on time to avoid last-minute issues during document verification and interviews. Here is a step-by-step explanation on how candidates can download their CAT 2025 result:
After the declaration of CAT 2025 results, the IIMs will soon start shortlisting candidates for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. Last year, IIMs released the MBA/PGP shortlists in January, conducted PI rounds during March and April, and announced final admission results in May. Each IIM keeps its minimum CAT cutoff, and candidates who meet these cutoffs will be invited to the next stage. Candidates will need to submit an online PI shortlist form on the official websites of the IIMs they opted for in their CAT application. This form must be submitted before the deadline to be considered for the interview rounds. The shortlisting process is based on candidates’ CAT 2025 score and past academic records (Class 10 and 12 marks). Here is a list of factors based on which the final selection for the 2025-2027 MBA/PGP batch depends:
The IIM admission process generally has the following three stages:
Also, candidates need to note that while top IIMs conduct admissions individually, nine new or baby IIMs follow a Common Admission Process (CAP) for WAT/PI rounds.
Apart from the IIMs, various leading and reputed B-Schools like FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, and others also consider CAT scores for MBA admissions. These institutes also shortlist candidates for WAT and PI rounds based on their individual CAT cutoffs. Here is a list of top Non-IIM MBA Colleges accepting CAT 2025 Score:
Sr. No. | Institute Name | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | FMS | New Delhi |
2 | SJMSOM IIT Bombay | Mumbai |
3 | SPJIMR | Mumbai |
4 | MICA | Ahmedabad |
5 | MDI | Gurgaon |
6 | IMI | New Delhi |
7 | IIFT | Delhi |
8 | Great Lakes | Chennai |
9 | DMS IIT Delhi | Delhi |
10 | GIM | Goa |
Please note that for non-IIM B-Schools, candidates will need to fill out separate application forms for each institute they want to apply to. The application windows for many top MBA colleges begin from August onwards, so candidates are advised to regularly check the updates of their preferred colleges to avoid missing out on any important details.
It is advised for the candidates to keep a check on the expected CAT 2025 Cutoffs to plan their strategy accordingly. The cutoffs mentioned below are based on the analysis of CAT 2024 Cutoffs, where top IIMs typically required a percentile above 98 for general category candidates, while the newer IIMs have cutoffs around 92 to 95 percentiles. Please note that since a higher number of candidates is expected this year, and the paper level may vary, cutoffs may fluctuate slightly.
IIM | Expected CAT 2025 Cut Off (Percentile) |
---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | 99-100 |
IIM Bangalore | 99-100 |
IIM Calcutta | 99 |
IIM Lucknow | 97-98 |
IIM Indore | 97-98 |
IIM Kozhikode | 97-98 |
IIM Amritsar | 95-96 |
IIM Nagpur | 95-96 |
IIM Sambalpur | 95-96 |
IIM Trichy | 94-95 |
IIM Raipur | 94-95 |
IIM Ranchi | 94-95 |
IIM Kashipur | 94-95 |
IIM Vizag | 92-94 |
IIM Udaipur | 92-94 |
IIM Bodhgaya | 92-94 |
IIM Shillong | 90 |
IIM Sirmaur | 90 |
CAT 2025 Exam Centers: IIM Kozhikode is administering the CAT 2025 on 30th November, 2025. The exam is expected to be conducted in over 170 cities with more than 375 exam centers. While filling out the CAT 2025 Application Form, candidates will be allowed to select up to six preferred exam cities in order of priority, increasing their chances of getting a center that is convenient for them. Read this article to get the necessary details on CAT 2025 exam centers- from how to select your preferred test cities during registration to state-wise center lists and important Guidelines for a hassle-free experience.
CAT 2025 will be held on 30th November, 2025, with the registration to start from 1st August, 2025, during which the candidates will be required to give their preference for CAT 2025 centers. Here is a table with the necessary CAT 2025 details to help candidates stay updated with important dates and updates:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Registration Closes | 13th September, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Download | 5th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Result Declaration | First week of January 2026 (Expected) |
CAT 2025 will be conducted in its usual computer-based format with three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section has its time limit, making it important for candidates to balance their speed with accuracy during the exam. Here is a table with CAT 2025 Exam Pattern in detail:
In order to get the preferred CAT 2025 exam centre, candidates need to pick their test cities while filling out the CAT application form on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. This year, candidates can choose up to five cities in order of their preference, and the exam centre will be allotted based on the choices and seat availability. Here’s how candidates need to select their CAT 2025 exam centres:
Candidates need to note that choosing their exam city wisely can save them a lot of travel hassle on exam day and help them stay calm and focused when it matters the most.
As candidates prepare to register for CAT 2025, it is important to know the exam center options available to them. This year, CAT will be conducted across 170 cities in India, allowing candidates to choose a test location that is accessible and convenient to them. Here is a table with a state-wise list of CAT 2025 exam centers to help candidates in making the right choice while selecting their exam center:
State / UT | Test Cities |
---|---|
Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
Andhra Pradesh | Guntur, Kakinada, Kurnool, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Tirupathi, Vishakapatnam, Vijayawada, Vizianagaram |
Bihar | Arrah, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Patna |
Assam | Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar, Tezpur |
Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar - Naharlagun |
Chattisgarh | Bhilai Nagar, Bilaspur, Raipur |
Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu | Silvassa |
New Delhi | New Delhi |
Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Anand, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara |
Goa | Madgaon, Panaji |
Himachal Pradesh | Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Shimla |
Haryana | Ambala, Faridabad - Gurugram |
Jharkhand | Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Jamshedpur, Ranchi |
Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu, Srinagar |
Kerala | Kannur, Ernakulam, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Trivandrum |
Karnataka | Belagavi (Belgaum), Bengaluru, Hubli-Dharwad, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Mangaluru (Mangalore), Mysuru (Mysore), Shivamogga (Shimoga), Udupi |
Ladakh | Leh |
Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Sagar, Satna, Ujjain |
Meghalaya | Shillong |
Maharashtra | Ahmednagar, Amravati, Aurangabad, Bhiwandi, Boisar, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Pune, Raigad, Satara, Solapur, Thane, Vasai |
Manipur | Ukhrul |
Mizoram | Aizawl |
Nagaland | Kohima |
Odisha | Balasore, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Rourkela, Sambalpur |
Puducherry | Puducherry |
Punjab | Amritsar, Bhatinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala |
Rajasthan | Ajmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sikar, Udaipur |
Telangana | Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Warangal |
Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Vellore |
Tripura | Agartala |
Uttar Pradesh | Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Greater Noida – Noida, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mathura, Meerut, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Prayagraj, Varanasi |
Uttarakhand | Dehradun, Haldwani, Roorkee |
West Bengal | Asansol, Bankura, Burdwan, Durgapur, Hooghly, Kalyani, Kolkata, Siliguri |
A hassle-free exam day can make a huge difference in candidates’ performance during CAT 2025. Knowing what to carry, what to avoid, and how to handle yourself at the test centre will help them stay calm and focused, ensuring they don’t face unnecessary issues at the last moment. Here are a few things for the candidates to keep in mind about their CAT 2025 exam centers:
CAT Answer Key 2025 will be released on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, before the release of the final CAT Results 2025. Based on past years’ release dates, the CAT 2025 answer key can be expected to be released in December 2025, a month after the examination concludes, i.e., 30th November, 2025. CAT exam answer key contains the answers marked by the candidates along with the correct answers. Candidates can use it to calculate the raw score and estimate the percentile for admission to the target institute. Candidates can raise objections to the answer key within a specified timeframe after it is released. Using the dedicated link on the CAT website, an objection can be raised against a specific question along with the reasoning. A fee of INR 1,200 must also be paid, which will be refunded if the objection is accepted. After incorporating the objection, the final results are declared.
CAT 2025 dates have been released. However, the authorities have yet to declare the answer, response sheet, and result dates. The examination of CAT 2025 will be held on 30th November, 2025, and the answer key is estimated to be released in December 2025. Here are CAT 2025 Dates given below.
Particular | Dates |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Registration Window | 1st August 2025 to 13th September 2025 |
CAT 2025 Examination Day | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Release | December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Objection Window | December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Results Declaration | 1st week of January 2026 |
Candidates can access the CAT exam answer key before the results are declared by using their CAT ID and password. The answer key is displayed on the screen, which can be downloaded. The step-by-step process to download the CAT exam answer key 2025 is as follows. Step 1: Visit the official IIM CAT 2025 website: iimcat.ac.in. Step 2: On the homepage, click the “Candidate Login for Raising Objection” link. Step 3: Enter the CAT ID, password, and click “Submit” to log in. Step 4: The next page will display the answer key. Click the “Download PDF” link to save to device.
CAT exam answer key 2025 provides the correct answers for the exam. It also includes the response sheet, which displays the candidate’s information and marked answers, enabling them to compare their responses and estimate their scores. Here is the complete list of details that the CAT answer key contains:
The IIMs allow candidates to raise objections to any discrepancies found in the CAT answer key. Objections can be raised along with a payment of a fee and supporting reasoning for the objection. Individuals who have downloaded the CAT answer key and the response sheet can raise an objection during the given window in the following way. Step 1: Visit the official IIM CAT website at iimcat.ac.in. Step 2: Use the CAT ID and password to log in to the portal. Step 3: Open the link directing to the CAT answer key. Look for the “Raise Objections” or the “Objection Management System” link and click on it. Step 4: The portal will display the exam questions. Click the question with the objection. Step 5: State valid reasoning and provide proof, if available, for each objection. Step 6: Pay a fee of INR 1,200 per question. If the objection is accepted, the fee is refunded. Step 7: Complete all the details in the form and submit it.
CAT examination employs a scaled marking system, where candidates are assigned percentiles based on their scores. For every correct answer, CAT awards three marks (MCQs and Non-MCQs) and deducts one mark for wrong MCQ answers. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions and wrong non-MCQ answers. Here is how candidates can use the CAT answer key to calculate scores and how it relates to percentiles:
MBA course admissions are made based on the percentile. The raw scores are used to determine the percentiles by comparing a candidate’s score against the scores of all other CAT candidates. This means that candidates need to perform well and outperform their peers. Attempting 30-35 questions with an accuracy rate over 80% will likely result in a score in the 99th percentile for CAT 2025. For reference, the table below lists the estimated CAT 2024 score and corresponding percentile.
Percentile | Slot 3 | Slot 2 | Slot 1 |
---|---|---|---|
99 | 90–92 | 87–89 | 90–92 |
95 | 68–70 | 65–67 | 68–70 |
90 | 56–58 | 53–55 | 56–58 |
85 | 47–49 | 44–46 | 47–49 |
80 | 41–43 | 38–40 | 41–43 |
CAT Exam Analysis 2025: With CAT 2025 scheduled for December, most aspirants are curious about how the paper might turn out this year. While no official updates on the structure have been released yet, the exam is expected to stick to its usual format, three slots in a day, timed sections, and the familiar mix of MCQs and TITA questions. This article gives a detailed look at what to expect based on recent trends, covering everything from the section-wise difficulty and safe attempt ranges to score vs percentile estimates and cutoff predictions for top IIMs. Insights from CAT 2024 have also been added to give readers a better idea of how each slot played out last year. Whether you're targeting a 99+ percentile or aiming for consistent sectionals, this breakdown is meant to help you prepare smarter. The goal here is simple: bring you the most relevant analysis, minus the guesswork.
CAT 2025 is likely to be held in three shifts on a single day, just like last year. The paper will be split into three sections, and each one will be timed separately. You won’t be able to move between sections during the exam. The total number of questions is likely to stay 68, as seen in recent years of the CAT exam. All three sections (VARC, DILR & QA) are expected to have a mix of multiple choice questions and Type in the answer questions. Candidates will get 40 minutes per section, and will not be allowed to switch sections once the timer starts. Candidates will be awarded +3 marks for each correct answer, and -1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer in Multiple choice section; there will be no negative marking for Type in the answer questions.
Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Total Marks | Question Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | 24 | 40 minutes | 72 | MCQs + TITA |
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | 22 | 40 minutes | 66 | MCQs + TITA |
QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | 22 | 40 minutes | 66 | MCQs + TITA |
Total | 68 | 120 minutes | 204 | - |
Based on the past trends, Type in the Answer questions in VARC and Quant may be on the tougher side. DILR is expected to remain time-consuming, even if the number of sets stays the same.
CAT 2024 exam was held in three different time slots on the same day: morning, afternoon, and evening. While the basic structure of the test remained unchanged across these sessions, students pointed out noticeable differences in difficulty and the types of questions asked. CAT 2024 came as a surprise for many. With para-jumbles missing entirely and a friendlier Quant section, the paper felt more balanced than the previous year. Slot 1 was clearly the most approachable overall. Slot 2 gave a middle-ground experience, while Slot 3 added some pressure, especially in reading comprehension. The structure of the exam hasn’t changed drastically, but the tweaks in question difficulty across slots might have a subtle impact on normalisation. For serious test-takers, the 2024 edition of CAT rewarded smart prep, calm execution, and a sharp eye for detail.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VACR) | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Quantitative Ability (QA) |
---|---|---|
Slot 1: Morning Shift | ||
Test-takers found this section to be on the easier side. One interesting shift this year was the complete absence of para-jumble questions, which used to be a standard feature. Reading comprehension passages were direct and didn’t require multiple re-reads. | Candidates managed to navigate this section with more ease than usual. Most of the sets were familiar in nature, which gave students a confidence boost and allowed for better time management. | Questions in Quant weren’t as tricky or time-consuming as expected. Those who were comfortable with basic formulas and arithmetic had a smoother run through this section. |
Slot 2: Afternoon Shift | ||
This section stayed consistent with what students saw in the morning. The structure remained unchanged and there were still no para-jumbles. Most test-takers were able to attempt a decent number of questions. | The logic-based sets felt a little easier than what candidates remembered from CAT 2023. While the section still demanded focus, it didn’t include unusually complex sets that derail time plans. | While not as straightforward as in the morning session, Quant in Slot 2 was still fair. Students who had a good hold on foundational concepts managed a solid number of attempts with accuracy |
Slot 3: Evening Shift | ||
Students found this section a notch tougher than earlier slots. The reading passages were slightly longer and more abstract, requiring careful interpretation. Still no para-jumbles, but the question framing was more subtle. | The sets in this slot were more layered and took extra time to understand. Though not unreasonably difficult, they weren’t as straightforward as those in the earlier slots, leading to lower attempt rates. | Surprisingly, many candidates felt this section was a breather. The questions were mostly based on standard concepts and didn't demand complex logic or multiple steps, making it a scoring opportunity for many. |
CAT 2024 exam was conducted in three separate slots, and while the overall structure remained consistent, many students noticed slight shifts in difficulty. This slot-wise comparison helps understand how each section performed across sessions, giving future aspirants a clearer picture of what to expect and how to plan their attempts accordingly.
Section | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Easy to Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Tough |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Easy to Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Moderate |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate to Easy |
The following table presents a structured analysis of each section in CAT 2024, including the number of questions, observed difficulty level, section-specific highlights, and the range of good attempts as reported across all three slots.
Section | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempt Range | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 (22 MCQs + 2 TITA) |
Moderate across all three slots | 17 - 18 |
- No para-jumble questions were asked in any slot. - RC passages were of moderate length, based on behavioural economics, cultural studies, and technology. - Question format and level remained consistent across all shifts. |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 (across 5 sets, varying from 4 to 5 questions each) |
Easy to Moderate | 12 - 13 |
- Each slot featured 5 sets, some with 4 questions, others with
5. - Slot 1 and Slot 2 were more manageable than previous years. - Slot 3 showed a slight increase in complexity but was solvable. - Set selection and time management were crucial. |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | Moderate overall (Slot 3 slightly easier) |
13 - 15 |
- Considered more accessible than CAT 2023. - Focused on arithmetic, with occasional algebra & geometry. - Many candidates reported Slot 3 as more favorable. |
Although CAT 2025 is yet to be conducted, previous year trends provide a helpful reference for estimating the raw scores required to achieve specific percentile brackets. These estimates serve as a benchmark for aspirants during preparation and mock tests, allowing them to set realistic performance goals.
Overall Percentile | Estimated Raw Score (out of 198) |
---|---|
99.9 | 110-115 |
99 | 95-100 |
95 | 75-80 |
90 | 65-70 |
85 | 55-60 |
80 | 48-52 |
These estimates assume that CAT 2025 will follow the same pattern as last year, 66 questions, 198 marks. Since the exam happens in multiple slots, raw scores are normalised to account for difficulty differences. Top IIMs also look at section-wise scores, so balanced performance across VARC, DILR, and QA is important. Lastly, accuracy matters more than high attempts, especially due to negative marking.
Getting a call from an IIM depends on more than just your total score. Each IIM has its own cutoff based on category and past trends. Below is a rough idea of the expected overall percentile cutoffs for CAT 2025, based on how things looked in previous years.
Institute | General | OBC | SC | ST | PwD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ | 95+ | 80+ | 75+ | 70+ |
IIM Bangalore | 98.5+ | 94+ | 80+ | 75+ | 70+ |
IIM Calcutta | 98.5+ | 94+ | 80+ | 75+ | 70+ |
IIM Lucknow | 97+ | 90+ | 75+ | 70+ | 65+ |
IIM Kozhikode | 97+ | 90+ | 75+ | 65+ | 65+ |
IIM Indore | 96+ | 90+ | 75+ | 65+ | 60+ |
IIM Udaipur | 92+ | 85+ | 70+ | 60+ | 60+ |
IIM Trichy | 92+ | 85+ | 70+ | 60+ | 60+ |
After the CAT 2025 result is out, there is no single central counselling. Instead, each IIM and other top colleges carry out their own admission process. However, most of them follow similar steps, starting from shortlisting to final selection. Here’s a clear breakdown of how it generally works:
Based on the CAT score, academic background, work experience, and diversity, institutes prepare a list of shortlisted candidates. Some newer IIMs take part in the Common Admission Process (CAP), where WAT and PI are held together for all such IIMs. CAP 2025 was led by IIM Bodh Gaya.
This is a short essay round. Candidates are asked to write on general or abstract topics. Some IIMs may skip this step and directly go for interviews.
In this round, candidates speak with a panel. The interview tests confidence, goals, speaking ability, and clarity of thought. It plays a big role in the final selection.
Every institute uses its own formula. They give different weight to CAT marks, WAT/PI scores, academics, and profile (like work experience or gender diversity). All of this adds up to a final score.
After checking everyone’s final scores, institutes release their admission list. Selected candidates receive emails or can check the result on the official website.
Those who get an offer must confirm it by paying a seat acceptance fee. If they got offers from CAP IIMs, they can use the CAP portal to pick one. Only one seat can be accepted.
After accepting a seat, students need to submit their original documents and pay the course fee. Once everything is verified, the admission is confirmed. Some colleges allow refund or withdrawals under fixed deadlines.
CAT Exam Dates 2025 have been released along with the notification on 27th July, 2025. Since the CAT 2025 Notifications are out, candidates can check the exam dates on the official IIMCAT website. For candidates planning to appear for the exam, it is important to stay updated with all important dates and notifications. The exam is scheduled for 30th November, 2025, giving candidates around four months for focused preparation. Keeping a check on these dates will ensure there is enough time for preparation, registration, mock practice, and revision without last-minute stress.
CAT is one of the most important MBA entrance exams in India, opening doors to IIMs and top B-schools for thousands of candidates each year. In 2024, around 3.29 lakh students appeared for CAT, and an even higher number in 2025 as the competition continues to grow. For 2025, the CAT exam is to be conducted on 30th November, 2025, in a usual computer-based format across 170 cities in India. Here is a table with important details about CAT 2025 to help candidates get an overview before beginning their application and preparation.
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
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 |
General Category Students: INR 2,600 Reserved Category Students: INR 1,300 |
CAT Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Total Number of Questions | 66 to 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Question Type | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
Marking Scheme |
+3 Marks for Each Correct Answer -1 for Each Incorrect Answer No Negative Marking for TITA Questions |
Number of Test Cities | 170 |
CAT Exam Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2025 official notification released on July 27, 2025, on the IIMCAT official website and in newspapers. Registrations will start from 1st August and will continue till 13th September. Here is a table with the important CAT 2025 dates for the candidates to keep a note of:
Events | Date |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Notification Out | 27th July, 2025 |
CAT Exam 2025 Registration Dates | 1st August to 13th September 2025 |
CAT 2025 Form Correction | The last week of September 2025 |
CAT Admit Card 2025 Download Starts | 5th November 2025 |
CAT Exam 2025 Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT Answer Key Release | First week of December 2025 |
Declaration of CAT 2025 Result | First week of January 2026 (Tentative) |
Candidates preparing for CAT 2025 need to note that the preparation goes beyond studying the syllabus; it requires staying updated on every important date so that they don’t miss any important step in their MBA journey. From registration and form correction to admit card download, mock tests, and result declaration, each stage has a fixed timeline that candidates should keep track of to avoid last-minute panic. Here are the important events and relevant details to remember for CAT 2025 to help candidates plan their preparation and application process effectively:
CAT registration window will open on 1st August, 2025, and will remain active until 13th September, 2025. It is recommended to complete the registration process before the last date to avoid last-day glitches. Candidates also need to pay the CAT exam fee while submitting the form, which is INR 2,600 for General category candidates and INR 1,300 for reserved category candidates.
The admit card will include important details such as the exam date, slot timing, reporting time, test city, exam centre address, and instructions for the exam day. Candidates must carry a printout of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre on the day of the exam.
Candidates will be allotted a slot and exam centre based on their preferences and availability, which will be mentioned on their admit cards.
If a candidate finds discrepancies in the official answer key, they will have the option to raise objections by submitting an answer key objection form along with the required fee per objection. The examination authority will review the objections and make necessary corrections before finalising the result.
CAT 2025 is the gateway for students aiming for IIMs and other top B-schools across India. The forms have been released on 1st August, with the exam scheduled for 30th November. This year, IIM Kozhikode will conduct the exam in its usual computer-based format. With just about four months left for CAT 2025, it’s the right time for aspirants to start their preparation seriously to work on their basics, practise regularly, and take mock tests without last-minute stress. Also, cracking the CAT isn’t about studying all day; it’s about studying smart. It involves understanding the syllabus, focusing on high-weightage topics, and regularly practising with CAT PYQs and mock tests. For VARC, preparation should be more focused on reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summaries, and para completion, as these form the core of the section. For Quantitative Ability, it is suggested to spend the majority of your preparation time on arithmetic, and the remaining time on algebra, geometry, and number systems to cover the key topics properly. Lastly, DILR preparation requires calculation speed and practising many question sets to improve accuracy and speed. Most toppers and mentors recommend referring to CAT preparation books by Arun Sharma and Nishit K. Sinha, while those preparing without coaching can benefit from free YouTube lectures by reputable coaching institutes.
CAT 2025 will be held on 30th November 2025, with the registration to commence from 1st August 2025. Here is a table with the necessary CAT 2025 details to help candidates stay updated with important dates and updates:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Registration | 1st August - 13th September, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Download | 5th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Result Declaration | First week of January 2026 |
CAT 2025 will be conducted in the usual computer-based format, having three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). In the CAT test, each of the three sections has a specific time limit, requiring candidates to manage their speed and accuracy carefully. The table below shows the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern for candidates' reference.
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Mode of CAT Exam 2025 | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes for each section) |
CAT Exam Slots |
Slot 1: Morning - 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Slot 2: Afternoon - 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Slot 3: Evening - 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
Total Number of Questions | 66 to 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Question Type | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
Number of Answer Choices in MCQs | 4 |
Marking Scheme |
+3 Marks for Each Correct Answer -1 for Each Incorrect Answer No Negative Marking for TITA Questions |
CAT Syllabus 2025 basically tests the candidate’s performance in verbal reasoning, quantitative ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. There are three sections: the first section, VARC, includes reading skills, grammar, vocabulary, analysing written materials, and reading comprehension. The second section, DILR, involves interpreting data from tables, graphs, and charts, and also candidates’ ability to solve logical reasoning problems. The third section, Quantitative Aptitude, evaluates candidates’ mathematical skills, which include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, etc. Here is a table mentioning the detailed CAT Syllabus 2025 for candidates to check and prepare for the exam accordingly:
Sections | CAT Syllabus 2025 |
---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Sentence Completion, Grammar, Subject-verb agreement, Parajumbles, Idioms, Antonyms, Prepositions, Reading Comprehension, etc. |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Blood Relations, Clocks and Calendars, Tables, Data Structures, Family Tree, Binary Logic, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Pie Charts, etc. |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Probability, Profit & Loss, Percentages, Ratios & Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, etc. |
CAT exam lasts 120 minutes and is divided into three sections, each with a strict 40-minute time limit:
Aspirants should tailor their preparation according to the nature and focus of each section.
This section evaluates English language proficiency and analytical reading skills. Reading Comprehension (RC) is the most dominant component, often contributing nearly half the questions in this section.
Topic Area | Subtopics |
---|---|
Reading Comprehension (RC) | Passages from AI, technology, environment, politics, literature, social sciences, etc. |
Para-based Questions | Parajumbles, paracompletion, parainference |
Sentence-based Questions | Sentence completion, correction, rearrangement |
Vocabulary & Usage | Idioms, analogies, antonyms, one-word substitutions |
Grammar & Verbal Logic | Usage rules, logical reasoning in language |
DILR tests your ability to interpret data and apply logical thinking to structured and unstructured information.
Topic Area | Subtopics |
---|---|
Data Representation | Tables, pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs |
Logical Puzzles | Series, sets, caselets, binary logic |
Arrangement Problems | Seating arrangement, data arrangement |
Analytical Reasoning | Blood relations, direction sense, family tree |
Mathematical Logic | Venn diagrams, clocks, calendars, syllogisms |
Data Sufficiency & Assumptions | Evaluating given conditions, propositions |
This section measures your mathematical ability, typically up to the advanced school level. Arithmetic is the most important topic, carrying the highest weight.
Topic Area | Subtopics |
---|---|
Arithmetic | Percentages, profit & loss, time & work, averages, ratio & proportion |
Algebra | Equations, inequalities |
Geometry & Mensuration | Lines, angles, triangles, circles, area, volume |
Number Systems | Factors, multiples, divisibility rules |
Modern Mathematics | Permutations & combinations, probability, set theory |
CAT 2025 preparation requires a little different approach for each section, and it helps to understand what each demands before you plan your study routine.
CAT 2025 preparation requires a balanced approach that suits your daily routine while keeping your progress consistent. Here are a few tips on how one can approach CAT 2025 strategically:
While preparing for CAT 2025, many candidates tend to make small mistakes that can affect their scores later. Here are a few things for the candidates to keep in mind to prepare better and avoid these common mistakes:
CAT Counselling Process 2025: The admission process for IIMs and other top B-schools through CAT 2025 is expected to begin shortly after the CAT 2025 Results are announced in January 2026. Shortlisting for the WAT and PI rounds is expected to start in January 2026 and continue through February. Most interviews will take place between February and April 2026, with final admission offers expected by May 2026. Once selected, candidates will be asked to confirm their seat by paying the required fee and submitting their documents. The final steps, including document checks and formalities, will be completed by June 2026. Unlike centralised counselling, the CAT 2025 admission process will be carried out separately by each IIM and participating B-school. Some IIMs, especially the newer ones, will take part in the Common Admission Process (CAP), while others like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, will conduct their own selection rounds. Institutes will follow multiple stages, shortlisting, WAT, PI, composite score calculation, and final offer lists, before filling MBA and PGDM seats. Along with IIMs, top institutes such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IITs, and SPJIMR will also admit students based on their CAT scores.
There is no single window for CAT counselling. Instead, each IIM and top B-school follows its own schedule for admissions after CAT results are declared. The overall admission timeline usually begins in January, right after results, and runs until May or June, depending on the institute.
Event | Date (Tentative) |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Results Out | First week of January 2026 |
IIMs and B-schools start shortlisting candidates for interviews | January - February, 2026 |
WAT-PI rounds are held by most IIMs | February - April, 2026 |
Final admission results start getting released | April - May, 2026 |
Selected candidates pay the fee and accept their seat | May 2026 |
Last steps like document checks and joining formalities | June 2026 |
To take part in the CAT 2025 admission process, you need more than just a decent score. Each IIM and B-school has its own way of filtering candidates, but the basic rules remain the same across the board. To get into top IIMs or B-schools through CAT 2025, you need to meet a few basic conditions. These include your academic background, CAT score, and any institute-specific rules like work experience or past grades. Everything else, like interviews or written tests, comes after these basic checks.
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or institution. Final-year students can also apply, but their admission is provisional until proof of graduation is submitted. |
Minimum Marks Required |
General/EWS/OBC: Minimum 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in
graduation. SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 45% marks. |
Valid CAT 2025 Score | You must have appeared for CAT 2025 and received a valid percentile to be shortlisted by any participating institute. |
Additional Institute-Specific Criteria | Some IIMs and B-schools may consider 10th, 12th, and graduation scores, along with work experience, for shortlisting. Weightage given to each component varies across institutes. |
Age Limit | There is no upper age limit to apply for CAT or its counselling process. |
Nationality | Indian citizens can apply. NRIs and foreign nationals can apply through separate admission routes (GMAT + separate application). |
Note: Qualifying CAT doesn’t guarantee admission. Candidates still need to go through further shortlisting rounds and meet each college’s cut-off and criteria.
After the CAT 2025 result is out, there is no single central counselling. Instead, each IIM and other top colleges carry out their own admission process. However, most of them follow similar steps, starting from shortlisting to final selection. Here’s a clear breakdown of how it generally works:
Based on the CAT score, academic background, work experience, and diversity, institutes prepare a list of shortlisted candidates. Some newer IIMs take part in the Common Admission Process (CAP), where WAT and PI are held together for all such IIMs. CAP 2025 was led by IIM Bodh Gaya.
This is a short essay round. Candidates are asked to write on general or abstract topics. Some IIMs may skip this step and directly go for interviews.
In this round, candidates speak with a panel. The interview tests confidence, goals, speaking ability, and clarity of thought. It plays a big role in the final selection.
Every institute uses its own formula. They give different weight to CAT marks, WAT/PI scores, academics, and profile (like work experience or gender diversity). All of this adds up to a final score.
After checking everyone’s final scores, institutes release their admission list. Selected candidates receive emails or can check the result on the official website.
Those who get an offer must confirm it by paying a seat acceptance fee. If they got offers from CAP IIMs, they can use the CAP portal to pick one. Only one seat can be accepted.
After accepting a seat, students need to submit their original documents and pay the course fee. Once everything is verified, the admission is confirmed. Some colleges allow refund or withdrawal under fixed deadlines.
CAT scores are used by many top colleges other than IIMs. These include well-known institutes like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IITs, IMT Ghaziabad, and several others that offer MBA or PGDM courses. While the overall process is somewhat like IIMs, there are a few key differences. Here's how admissions usually work at non-IIM B-schools.
Students have to apply separately to each non-IIM institute. Applications usually open soon after the CAT exam and continue till Jan or Feb 2026.
Once CAT results are out, colleges shortlist students based on their CAT score, past academics, work experience (if any), and profile.
Shortlisted students are called for selection rounds. These may include Group Discussions (GD), a short essay (WAT), or a Personal Interview (PI). Some colleges may skip GD or WAT.
Colleges prepare a final list by giving weightage to CAT score, interview round performance, and academic background. Some also consider work experience or gender diversity.
Selected students get admission offers through email or the college portal. To book the seat, students must pay the fee within the deadline.
Once you receive an admission offer from an IIM or another institute through CAT 2025, you’ll need to verify your documents. Make sure to carry both originals and photocopies at the time of reporting.
The number of seats available through CAT depends on each college. Every IIM has a different intake, and in some cases, the seat count may go up slightly each year if new courses are added or existing programs expand. Below is a rough idea of the expected seat intake at some IIMs and top non-IIM B-schools that are accepting CAT 2025 scores.
Institute Name | Seats |
---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | 398 |
IIM Bangalore | 412 |
IIM Calcutta | 462 |
IIM Lucknow | 436 |
IIM Kozhikode | 525 |
IIM Indore | 450 |
IIM Udaipur | 150 |
IIM Rohtak | 240 |
IIM Trichy | 210 |
IIM Kashipur | 300 |
IIM Raipur | 210 |
IIM Ranchi | 210 |
IIM Bodh Gaya | 120 |
IIM Sambalpur | 120 |
IIM Jammu | 250 |
IIM Amritsar | 150 |
FMS Delhi | 314 |
MDI Gurgaon | 240 |
SPJIMR Mumbai | 240 |
IMT Ghaziabad | 180 |
To get into top IIMs or other B-schools through CAT 2025, candidates must clear the minimum cutoff scores set by each institute. These cutoffs change annually based on the difficulty of the exam, the number of applicants, and the number of available seats. There are usually two types of cutoffs. The first is the qualifying cutoff, which is the minimum score needed to be considered for the WAT-PI round. The second is the final cutoff, which is the actual score required to receive an admission offer after all selection rounds are done. The table below gives a general idea of past trends.
Institute | General | OBC | SC | ST | PwD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ | 95+ | 80+ | 75+ | 70+ |
IIM Bangalore | 98.5+ | 94+ | 80+ | 75+ | 70+ |
IIM Calcutta | 98.5+ | 94+ | 80+ | 75+ | 70+ |
IIM Lucknow | 97+ | 90+ | 75+ | 70+ | 65+ |
IIM Kozhikode | 97+ | 90+ | 75+ | 65+ | 65+ |
IIM Indore | 96+ | 90+ | 75+ | 65+ | 60+ |
IIM Udaipur | 92+ | 85+ | 70+ | 60+ | 60+ |
IIM Trichy | 92+ | 85+ | 70+ | 60+ | 60+ |
While your CAT score is important, it’s not the only thing that matters in the admission process. There are many small steps that can improve your overall chances of getting selected by an IIM or other top B-school. Some of the tips might help.
Every IIM keeps aside a certain number of seats for students from reserved categories, as per the rules made by the Government of India. This applies during the shortlisting as well as the final admission stage. Even with reservation, students still need to meet the basic CAT percentile and academic marks that each IIM asks for.
Category | Reservation Percentage |
---|---|
Schedule Castes (SC) | 15% |
Schedule Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) | 27% |
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
PwD | 5% |
CAT scores are accepted by many top colleges, not just the IIMs. While IIMs are the most popular choices, several well-known non-IIM B-schools also use CAT scores to shortlist students for MBA and PGDM courses. On one side are the IIMs, including the older, well-established ones and the newer institutes that are growing quickly. On the other side, many non-IIM colleges offer strong MBA programs, good placements, and active alumni networks.
IIMs | Non-IIMs |
---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | FMS Delhi |
IIM Bangalore | MDI Gurgaon |
IIM Calcutta | SPJIMR Mumbai |
IIM Lucknow | IMT Ghaziabad |
IIM Indore | IIT Bombay SJMSOM |
IIM Kozhikode | DMS IIT Delhi |
IIM Shillong | Great Lakes Chennai |
IIM Raipur | TAPMI Manipal |
IIM Ranchi | KJ Somaiya, Mumbai |
IIM Rohtak | FORE Delhi |
CAT Notification 2025 has been officially released on 27th July, 2025, on the IIMCAT official website at iimcat.ac.in. The notification has been released in PDF format. With the release of the notification CAT 2025 Registration has been started from 1st August 2025. The last date for registration is 13th September, 2025. This year, IIM Kozhikode will administer the exam. Every year, CAT is taken by lakhs of students aiming for MBA programs at IIMs and other top B-schools in India, and staying informed about these dates will help you plan your preparation and registration smoothly. Since the CAT 2025 notification is out, take time to read it thoroughly to be clear about the process, key deadlines, and the guidelines one needs to follow to ensure a smooth application and preparation journey for CAT 2025. Read this article to know more about the CAT 2025 notification- from the important dates and eligibility criteria to exam pattern and the top institutes accepting CAT Scores in India.
CAT 2025 official notification was released on July 27, 2025, on the IIMCAT official website and in newspapers. After that, registrations will start from 1st August and continue till 13th September, 2025. The exam will take place on November 30, 2025. Here is a table with the important CAT 2025 dates for the candidates to keep a note of:
Events | Dates |
---|---|
CAT 2025 Notification Out | 27th July, 2025 |
CAT Exam 2025 Registration Dates | 1st August to 13th September, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Form Correction | The last week of September 2025 |
CAT Admit Card 2025 Download Starts | 5th November, 2025 |
CAT Exam 2025 Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT Answer Key Release | First week of December 2025 |
Declaration of CAT 2025 Result | First week of January 2026 |
Before applying for CAT 2025, the candidates must check whether they meet the eligibility criteria decided by the conducting IIM. Candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum required percentage, and there’s no age limit to apply for CAT. Final-year students can also appear for the exam, provided they can submit the required documents at the time of admission. All the key aspects of CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria have been shared below:
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) |
Professional Degrees | CA / CS / ICWA / Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) are also accepted |
Final Year Students | Eligible to apply if proof of eligibility is submitted at the time of admission |
Age Limit | No age limit for appearing in CAT 2025 |
CAT 2025 will follow the typical computer-based format, consisting of three different sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each of the three sections has a specific time limit; therefore, the candidates need to manage their time, speed, and accuracy carefully. Here is a table having the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern for candidates’ reference:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Mode of CAT Exam 2025 | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes for each section) |
CAT Exam Slots |
Slot 1: Morning - 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Slot 2: Afternoon - 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Slot 3: Evening - 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
Total Number of Questions | 66 to 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Question Type | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
Number of Answer Choices in MCQs | 4 |
Marking Scheme |
+3 Marks for Each Correct Answer -1 for Each Incorrect Answer No Negative Marking for TITA Questions |
CAT 2025 registration process will be conducted entirely online on their official website. Candidates basically need to create an account, fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the exam fee to complete their registration. Here’s how the candidates can apply for CAT 2025 without confusion:
CAT 2025 Application Fee is INR 2600 for General category candidates, while it is INR 1300 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Candidates need to note that the CAT application fee is non-refundable, so it’s important to fill in all details accurately before making the payment. The form will be considered submitted only after the successful payment of the exam fee.
In India, over 1,000 management colleges, including 21 IIMs and top private B-schools, accept CAT scores for admission to their MBA and PGP programs. Here is a table that shows the CAT accepting top MBA colleges in India with their year-wise NIRF ranking:
Top Colleges | NIRF 2024 | NIRF 2023 | NIRF 2022 |
---|---|---|---|
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode | 3 | 3 | 5 |
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai | 6 | 7 | 9 |
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Indian Institute of Management, Indore | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | 10 | 10 | 11 |
CAT Application Form Correction 2025 will commence immediately after the conclusion of the application process. Candidates will be able to open the correction window around the last week of September. With CAT 2025 scheduled for 30th November, the official notification was released on 27th July. The registration window will open on 1st August and close on 13th September 2025. This correction window is a limited-time chance provided by the authorities, allowing candidates to rectify specific errors in their application. Missing this step or making mistakes during correction can result in disqualification from appearing for CAT 2025, so it’s essential to use this window carefully.
CAT Application Correction form isn’t just another step- it’s the first and last chance for the candidates to ensure their form is accurate before the exam. Here are some reasons why it is important:
CAT 2025 Notification was released on 27th July, 2025, on the IIMCAT official website and in newspapers. Once the registrations are complete on 13th September, IIM Kozhikode will open the CAT Application Form Correction Window 2025, providing candidates with a final opportunity to correct any errors in their submitted forms. To get more detailed information, candidates should refer to the table below:
Events | Date |
---|---|
CAT Exam 2025 Registration Dates | 1st August to 13th September 2025 |
CAT 2025 Form Correction | The last week of September 2025 |
CAT Admit Card 2025 Download Starts | 5th November 2025 |
CAT Exam 2025 Date | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT Answer Key Release | First week of December 2025 |
Declaration of CAT 2025 Result | First week of January 2026 (Tentative) |
CAT Application Correction Window 2025 will allow candidates to rectify any specific details in their submitted application forms. However, not all fields can be edited during this period. It is advisable for the candidates to keep a check on exactly which details they can and cannot change, which will help them use this one-time opportunity and avoid issues later during admit card release or admission. Here is a table with editable and non-editable fields during the CAT 2025 correction window for candidates’ reference:
Editable Fields | Non-Editable Fields |
---|---|
Photograph | Name |
Signature | Date of Birth |
Test City Preferences | Class 10th/12th Marks |
Graduation Details | - |
Work Experience | - |
If candidates spot an error in their CAT 2025 Application Form, they get a chance to fix it during the application correction window. Here’s a step-by-step explanation to help candidates edit their form easily:
File Type | Specifications |
---|---|
Photograph | 1200×1200 pixels (JPG/JPEG, ≤80 KB, ≥150 ppi) |
Signature | Min 80x35 pixels, Max 80KB |
CAT Response Sheet 2025: CAT 2025 will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode. Dates for candidate registration and examination have been released. However, the release dates of the answer key and response sheets have not been announced yet. CAT 2025 Response Sheet is expected to be released after the examination concludes in December 2025. CAT response sheet lists the answers marked by the candidate. It is available for download from the official website at iimcat.ac.in with the CAT Answer Key 2025. Both documents can be compared to calculate the number of incorrect answers and correct answers, and calculate the raw score. If candidates find discrepancies in the response sheet or the answer key, they can object by completing the CAT objection form and providing the reasoning or proof. A fee of INR 1,200 must be paid when submitting the objections. After the objections window closes, the CAT 2025 Results will be announced by the first week of January 2026.
IIM Kozhikode, the conducting body for CAT 2025, has announced dates for the examination. The exam is 30th November 2025, and the response sheet will be tentatively released in December 2025. Here are the tentative CAT 2025 Dates.
Particulars | Dates |
---|---|
Registration for CAT 2025 | 1st August- 13th September, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Examination | 30th November, 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Release | December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Raising Challenge Window | December 2025 |
Declaration of CAT 2025 Results | 1st week of January 2026 (tentative) |
CAT 2025 response sheet is made available to candidates who have attempted the examination. The response sheet enables them to review their answers to questions and compare them with the answer key. The following are the eligibility criteria to check the CAT response sheet 2025.
CAT response sheet is made available to download before the results are declared. The IIM CAT website allows candidates to log in using their CAT ID and password to download the response sheet for their slot. Here is the step-by-step process to download the CAT 2025 response sheet: Step 1: Visit the official IIM CAT website: iimcat.ac.in. Step 2: Log in to the portal using the CAT ID and password Step 3: Click on the dedicated link to download the 2025 CAT response sheet. Step 4: The next page will display the response sheet. Download it for future reference.
CAT candidates can use the CAT response sheet 2025 to calculate their scores and estimate their percentiles, which is essential to get admission to target institutes. CAT awards three marks for every correct answer and deducts one mark for each wrong MCQ answer. Here is how scores can be calculated for CAT: Step 1: Download the CAT 2025 answer sheet and response sheet from iimcat.ac.in. Step 2: Estimate the number of correct answers and multiply it by three. For instance, for 30 correct answers, the score could be 30 x 3 = 90. Step 3: Calculate the number of wrong MCQ answers and multiply it by one. For instance, for 10 wrong answers, the score would be 10 x 1 = 10. Step 4: Deduct the wrong answer score from the correct answer score to arrive at the total raw score. From the example, 30 - 10 = 20. Step 5: Compare the total score with the previous year’s percentile figures to estimate the percentile.
For objections or discrepancies found in the CAT answer sheet and the response sheet, candidates can submit their objections on the IIM website. Upon payment of a fee of INR 1,200, candidates can submit their objections to specific questions along with a supporting reason. If the objection is accepted, the cost is refunded. Here is how objections can be raised for CAT 2025. Step 1: Visit the official IIM CAT website: iimcat.ac.in. Step 2: Log in to the portal with CAT ID and password. Step 3: Read the instructions on raising objections and the deadline for submitting challenges. Step 4: Click the link to download the CAT 2025 answer key and response sheet. Step 5: Fill out the objection form and submit reasoning and proof, if available, of the objection. Step 6: Click the “Raise Objection” link. Step 7: Pay the objection fee of INR 1,200 and click “Submit.”
4 Sept, 2025
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4 Sept, 2025
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