The official CAT 2025 notification is now live at iimcat.ac.in. Registration begins on August 1, 2025, and the exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025. Read on for dates, fees, eligibility, syllabus, and more.
What’s New with CAT 2025 Notification?
On July 27, 2025, IIM Kozhikode officially released the CAT 2025 notification on iimcat.ac.in. The exam is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025, conducted in three computer‑based sessions across over 170 cities in India.
Registration for CAT 2025 will begin on August 1, 2025, and close on September 13, 2025.
CAT 2025 Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | July 27, 2025 |
| Registration Begins | August 1, 2025 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Closes | September 13, 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | November 5–30, 2025 |
| CAT Exam | November 30, 2025 |
| Answer Key Release | Early December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Result Declaration | First week of January 2026 (Tentative) |
CAT 2025 Registration Process & Fee
How to Apply
Visit iimcat.ac.in
Click on “New Candidate Registration”
Enter valid email ID and mobile number to receive OTP and login credentials
Complete personal and academic details
Upload required documents (photo, signature, category certificate if applicable)
Choose up to six test city preferences
Pay the application fee and submit
Download and save the confirmation slip for future reference
Fees Structure
₹2,600 for General / EWS / NC-OBC
₹1,300 for SC / ST / PwD candidates
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Final-year students awaiting results are eligible to apply
No age limit for appearing in CAT exam
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Exam Structure
Format: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Sessions: 3 slots (Morning, Afternoon, Evening)
Duration: 2 hours (with 40-minute sections)
Sections:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 24 questions
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) – 22 questions
Quantitative Ability (QA) – 22 questions
Marking Scheme
+3 for every correct answer (MCQ)
–1 for incorrect MCQs
No negative marking for TITA questions
Total questions: Approx. 66–68
Expected Syllabus Coverage
VARC: Reading comprehension, para jumbles, inference, vocabulary
DILR: Chart interpretation, seating arrangements, puzzles, caselets
QA: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths, Number system
Why CAT 2025 Matters
Mandatory for admission to all 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, IIFT, SPJIMR, IITs and over 1,200+ MBA colleges across India
Score is valid for one year
Serves as gateway to top management programs nationwide
Preparation Tips for CAT 2025
Start Early: Begin dedicated prep by August to allow test strategy development
Expand Your Mock Test Routine: Take at least 25–30 full-length mocks
Focus on Faster Accuracy: Especially in DILR & VARC sections
Sectional Revision: Allocate 40 minutes per section in mocks to mimic the exam
Time Management: Develop a time allocation plan per section
Review and Analyze: Post-mock review is crucial for improvement
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. When exactly does CAT 2025 registration start?
Registration opens on August 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM IST
2. Which IIM is conducting CAT 2025?
IIM Kozhikode is the designated exam authority for CAT 2025
3. What are the CAT 2025 exam fees?
₹2,600 for general category; ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates
4. How many cities will hold CAT 2025?
Over 170 cities across India will host the exam centers
Helpful Resources
Conclusion
With the CAT 2025 notification now live, aspirants have a clear roadmap ahead. This year’s registration window, exam pattern, and fee structure are in line with previous trends—yet small changes like question count or test cities may emerge. Thorough preparation and awareness of procedures are essential. Bookmark this article for all your exam updates until January 2026 .
