One of the most prominent entrance tests in India for admission to MBA and PGDM programs at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other elite B-schools is the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025. The CAT exam 2025 announcement is now out, and the exam is set for November 30, 2025. This year, it will be administered by IIM Kozhikode. Since thousands of applicants take the CAT each year, success demands a calculated strategy, in-depth knowledge of the format, and constant preparation. Complete information regarding the CAT 2025 exam, including crucial dates, the syllabus, the format, eligibility requirements, and study advice to help you on your MBA path, can be found in this blog.
CAT Exam 2025 – Notification & Important Dates
- Notification Released: On July 27, 2025, by IIM Kozhikode
- Registration Window: Opens August 1, 2025, and continues until September 13, 2025
- Correction Window: Likely opens in late September 2025
- Admit Card Availability: From around November 5, 2025
- Exam Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025, in three slots
- Answer Key Release: Tentatively in the second week of December 2025
- Result Declaration: Likely in late December 2025 or early January 2026
CAT 2025 Key Dates Summary
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | July 27, 2025 |
| Registration Begins | August 1, 2025 |
| Registration Ends | September 13, 2025 |
| Correction Window | Late September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Around November 5, 2025 |
| Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Answer Key Publication | Second week of December 2025 |
| Result Announcement | Late December 2025 – Early January 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year students can apply, provided they complete their graduation before the admission deadline.
- No age limit, and no cap on the number of attempts.
Exam Pattern & Structure
Following trends and the Shiksha overview:
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) in English
- Total Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section, no switching)
- Sections & Number of Questions:
- VARC: ~24 questions
- DILR: ~22 questions
- Quantitative Ability (QA): ~22 questions
(Total ~68 questions, ~204 marks across sections) - Question Types: Multiple Choice (MCQ) and Type-in-the-Answer (TITA).
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, −1 for wrong MCQs; no negative marking for TITA
- Slots: Three slots—typically morning (8:30 AM–10:30 AM), afternoon (12:30 PM–2:30 PM), and evening (4:30 PM–6:30 PM)
Syllabus Overview
While IIMs do not publish an official syllabus, preparation generally follows prior-year trends and the Shiksha breakdown:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Reading comprehension, para‑jumbles, vocabulary, verbal logic.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Sets, tables, graphs, puzzles, critical reasoning.
- Quantitative Ability (QA): Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Math, Data Sufficiency.
Candidates are advised to master Class X level Maths & English, and practice extensively with mocks and previous CAT papers.
How to Apply
- Apply at the official portal: iimcat.ac.in, starting August 1, 2025.
- Upload scanned documents (marksheets, ID proof, photo, signature, category certificate if applicable).
- Pay application fee: ₹ 2,600 (General/OBC/EWS); ₹ 1,300 (SC/ST/PwD)
- Select preferred exam cities (up to five) during registration.
Preparation Tips
- Follow the exam pattern and tentative syllabus (see above).
- Take regular mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on weaker sections and track progress.
- Improve reading habits and comprehension for VARC.
- Practice DI‑LR puzzles and QA fundamentals daily.
- Stay updated on management and current affairs for future GD/PI stages.
FAQs (Based on Shiksha Insights)
1. Is the CAT notification already out?
Yes—July 27, 2025, is the official release date
2. When is the CAT 2025 exam date?
Scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025
3. What is the registration fee?
₹ 2,600 for general category; ₹ 1,300 for SC/ST/PwD
4. Who is eligible to apply?
Graduates with minimum marks (50% general, 45% reserved). Final-year students are also eligible. No age limit or attempt cap.
Conclusion
CAT 2025 is a significant milestone for MBA candidates seeking admission to leading colleges such as IIMs and top business schools. With the notification officially out and registration underway, candidates should focus on systematic preparation through mock examinations, topic-specific research, and adhering to application deadlines.
