CAT 2025 registration kicks off on August 1 with IIM Kozhikode conducting this year’s exam on November 30. From fees to eligibility, exam pattern to seat allotment, here’s everything aspirants need to know.
Introduction to CAT 2025
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s premier MBA entrance exam conducted annually by one of the IIMs. For 2025, IIM Kozhikode will oversee registration and examination procedures.
CAT serves as the gateway to top-tier management programs at all 21 IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, and over 1,300 other B-schools across India .
2. Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | July 27, 2025 |
| Registration Opens | Aug 1, 2025, 10:00 AM |
| Registration Closes | Sept 13, 2025, 5:00 PM IST |
| Admit Card Availability | Nov 5–30, 2025 |
| Exam Date | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | Expected Jan 1st week, 2026 |
These dates, confirmed in IIM’s official PDF, are crucial for every aspirant.
Eligibility & Fee Structure
Eligibility
Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks, or 45% for SC/ST/PwD, from a recognized university.
Final-year students awaiting results can apply provisionally — with results required by June 30, 2026.
Registration Fees
₹2,600 for General / EWS / NC-OBC candidates
₹1,300 for SC / ST / PwD categories
Fees are non-refundable and must be submitted online via credit/debit card, net banking or UPI.
Application Process: How to Register
Visit iimcat.ac.in
Click “New Registration” link
Provide email, mobile number, and personal details
Create login credentials to access the application portal
Fill personal, academic and work experience details
Upload documents:
Photograph, signature
Class 10, 12, and graduation certificates/scores
Category/PwD certificate, if applicable
Work experience proof, if any
A form correction window will likely open (tentatively between September 22–25) for minor edits such as test city, photo, and signature.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Highlights
Exam Pattern
CAT 2025 is expected to follow the three-section format with a total of 68 questions in 120 minutes (duration 40 minutes per section) — no revisits allowed between sections:
VARC: 24 questions
DILR: 22 questions
Quantitative Ability (QA): 22 questions
Scoring: +3 marks per correct response, -1 for incorrect MCQs, no deduction for non-MCQs.
Key Changes
CAT 2024 saw an increase in DILR questions; CAT 2025 is likely to maintain the same or similar pattern.
The structure remains rigorous to test speed, accuracy, and data interpretation skills.
Preparation Tips & Timeline
Strategic Prep Timeline
Begin preparation early — ideally 9–10 months before exam.
Topic-wise study plan:
VARC: Grammar, RC passages, vocabulary
DILR: Practice case sets and puzzle-based reasoning
QA: Practice arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems
Mock Tests & Time Management
Use CAT mock tests and past year papers to simulate exam pressure.
Focus on speed-to-accuracy ratio and sectional time limits.
Reserve time for QA and DILR improvements; review mocks thoroughly and close weak areas before mid-November.
FAQ Section
Q1: When does CAT 2025 registration begin and end?
A: From 1 Aug 2025 (10:00 AM) to 13 Sept 2025 (5:00 PM IST) .
Q2: What is the exam date and how many slots?
A: November 30, 2025, conducted in three shifts across ~170 cities
Q3: What are the eligibility criteria?
A: A bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% marks or 45% for reserved categories) or being in the final year; valid degrees must be submitted by June 30 next year .
Q4: Can I change my test city or photograph after submitting the form?
A: Minor corrections like test centre, photograph or signature may be allowed in a correction window (tentatively late Sept).
Q5: How is CAT scoring done?
A: +3 marks for correct MCQ, -1 penalty for wrong choices, and no negative marking for TITA questions .
Conclusion
CAT 2025 presents a fresh leap for MBA aspirants with IIM Kozhikode at the helm as the conducting institute this year. Registration begins August 1, and the exam is set for November 30 in a computer-based format across 170 cities. With over 3 lakh expected applicants and rigorous sectional pattern, preparation, and early registration matter more than ever.
Aspiring candidates should plan methodically—gather documents, register early, polish strengths via mocks, and stay informed through official channels. CAT score unlocks admission to India’s top management schools, making every step—application to performance—crucial.
Helpful Resources
Times of India – CAT 2025 Registrations Begin at iimcat.ac.in (Test Funda, The Economic Times)
Economic Times – CAT 2025 Notification, Dates & Fee Details (The Economic Times)
IndiaToday/BestColleges – How to Apply CAT 2025, Step-by-Step Guide (Best Colleges India Today)
Wikipedia – CAT Overview: Eligibility & Exam Pattern (en.wikipedia.org)
