CAT Exam 2025: Dates, Registration, Fee, Eligibility, Syllabus

If you’re dreaming of an MBA seat in a good B-school, CAT Exam 2025 is probably already on your mind. It’s that one exam everyone in the MBA crowd keeps talking about - in classrooms, on WhatsApp groups, even in canteen gossip.

CAT is the gateway to IIMs and many top private institutes, so students naturally feel a mix of excitement, pressure, and hope as they prepare. According to IIM data, over 3 lakh candidates register for CAT every year, underscoring its competitiveness (IIMCAT official reports).

As you start your journey for CAT Exam 2025, this guide will walk you through dates, pattern, prep strategy, and what happens after the exam.

What is CAT Exam? – Complete Overview

The CAT exam (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance test conducted by the IIMs. It is computer-based, held once a year, and mainly checks your aptitude in English, maths, and logical thinking.

The purpose of the CAT exam for MBA is simple: to filter candidates who can handle the academic rigour of top management programs. It doesn’t test business knowledge directly, but it measures skills like decision-making under time pressure, data interpretation, and comprehension.

In the MBA admissions process, CAT is usually the first major filter. Your score and percentile decide whether you’ll get a call from IIMs and other B-schools after that come WAT, GD, PI and final selection based on a mix of CAT score, profile, and performance.

CAT Exam Date 2025 – Important Updates

CAT Exam 2025 will follow a similar timeline as previous years. Usually, the exam is held on the last Sunday of November, with registrations beginning around August and results declared in early January.

Here’s an approximate flow to help you plan:

CAT 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)

Always confirm the exact CAT 2025 exam date and deadlines from the official IIMCAT notification.

CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Before you start worrying about mocks and books, it’s important to be clear about CAT Exam 2025 eligibility. Many students get confused here and assume they’re not eligible when they actually are.

• Age LimitThere is no upper age limit for CAT. Whether you’re a fresher or have years of work experience, you can appear as long as your education fits the criteria.
• Educational QualificationYou need a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Students with professional degrees, such as CA/CS/ICWA are also eligible. The degree should be in accordance with UGC/AICTE norms, typically of at least 3 years' duration.
• Marks / CGPA RequirementGenerally, a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA is required (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories). Universities with CGPA systems usually have a conversion formula mentioned on the mark sheet.
• Final-Year EligibilityFinal-year graduation students can also apply for CAT Exam 2025, provided they complete their degree within the timeline set by their university and submit proof during admission.

CAT Exam 2025 Registration Process

Filling the CAT Exam 2025 form is not difficult, but it does require attention. Think of it like filling an important college form - one small mistake can create issues later.

Step-by-step registration guide

• First, register on the official IIMCAT website using your name, email ID, and mobile number. You’ll receive a User ID and Password.
• Log in, fill personal details, academic history, work experience, and program/college preferences.
• Then choose up to six preferred test cities.
• Upload your photograph and signature as per the specified size, review all details carefully, and
• Finally pay the application fee online.

Documents requiredKeep scanned copies of your photo, signature, category certificate (if applicable), graduation details, and work experience proofs ready. Having everything on hand makes the form-filling smoother.

Common mistakes to avoidDon’t rush. Double-check spellings, category selection, and marks. Many students forget to verify centres or upload blurred photos, which can cause unnecessary hassle.

CAT Exam 2025 Application Fees

The CAT Exam 2025 application fee is an important factor while planning your MBA journey, especially if you’re also applying to multiple colleges separately.

• IntroThe fee is paid online only, and is non-refundable, so make sure your details are correct before final submission.
• General / NC-OBC / EWS FeeFor General, NC-OBC, and EWS candidates, the fee is usually in the range of ₹2,300–₹2,500 (exact amount will be mentioned in the official notification).
• SC / ST / PwD FeeFor SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the fee is lower, typically around ₹1,150–₹1,250, as per recent trends. Category proof is mandatory.
• Payment OptionsYou can pay via debit/credit card, net banking, UPI, or online wallets. Keep a screenshot or PDF of the payment receipt for your own record.

CAT Exam 2025 Syllabus

The CAT Exam 2025 syllabus isn’t officially listed topic-wise by IIMs, but over the years a clear pattern has emerged from previous papers and coaching analysis.

• VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)This section includes Reading Comprehension passages, para jumbles, odd-sentence out, para summary, and sometimes basic grammar/usage. Many students find RCs challenging due to abstract topics and time pressure. This section rewards regular reading, strong comprehension, and quick elimination of wrong options.
• DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)DILR focuses on charts, tables, caselets, seating arrangements, puzzles, games, and logical structures. The difficulty can spike quickly if you choose the wrong set. Typically, this section rewards smart set selection, patience, and the ability to decode patterns under pressure.
• QA (Quantitative Aptitude)QA covers topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Math, and basic higher maths. Many non-engineering students fear QA, but a concept-based approach with lots of practice can change the game. This section heavily rewards clarity in basics and accuracy over guesswork.

CAT Exam 2025 Pattern

The CAT Exam 2025 pattern is expected to be similar to recent years, though minor tweaks are always possible. Understanding the structure early helps you plan your preparation intelligently.

• Total MarksCAT usually follows +3 for each correct answer and –1 for each wrong MCQ, while non-MCQ (TITA) questions carry no negative marking.
• Total QuestionsRecent CAT papers have had around 66 questions in total, divided across three sections. The exact split may vary by year and slot.
• Time DurationThe exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours) with no overall extra time. You can’t move freely between sections; once a section ends, it’s locked.
• TITA QuestionsSome questions are Type In The Answer (TITA), where you must type the answer instead of choosing options. These carry marks but no negative marking.
• Sectional Time LimitEach section gets 40 minutes, strictly timed. You cannot switch between sections, making time management and question selection extremely important.

CAT Exam 2025 Admit Card

The CAT Exam 2025 admit card is your entry pass to the exam centre, so treat it like a very important document.

• Release DateAdmit cards are usually released in October, a few weeks after registration closes. You’ll get an email/SMS update, but it’s still your responsibility to download it on time.
• How to DownloadGo to the official IIMCAT website, log in using your User ID and Password, and click on the “Admit Card” section. Download the PDF and take 2–3 clear printouts. Always check the test centre address properly.
• Details MentionedThe admit card includes your name, photograph, signature, exam date, slot, reporting time, test city, centre address, and important exam-day instructions.

CAT Exam 2025 Mock Tests & Preparation Strategy

Mocks are where CAT Exam 2025 preparation really becomes serious. Without mocks, even strong concepts can crumble under exam pressure.

• Topic-wise PreparationStart by building section-wise fundamentals. For QA, revise school maths; for VARC, read daily and solve RCs; for DILR, practise different puzzle types. Break your study into manageable daily blocks instead of marathon sessions. Many students underestimate basics and jump to mocks too early.
• Time Management StrategyUse mocks to test different strategies: which section to push harder in, how many questions to attempt, when to skip. Track your accuracy and average time per question. Small changes in pacing can give big percentile jumps.
• Best Books for CAT 2025Standard books from authors like Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and coaching material (TIME/IMS/CL etc.) are popular. Combine them with previous year papers and sectional tests for balanced preparation.

CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2025

Exam day can feel overwhelming, but a few clear guidelines can keep you calm and focused.

• Documents to Carry: Carry your CAT admit card printout, a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, DL), and any special permission documents if applicable. Reach the centre well before reporting time to avoid last-minute panic.
• Dress Code: Wear simple, comfortable clothes without too many pockets, metal accessories, or jewellery. Avoid smart watches or anything that could raise suspicion during frisking. Comfort matters because you’ll be seated for two hours.
• Barred Items: Items like mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, notes, pens, bags, and electronic gadgets are not allowed. The centre usually provides pen and rough sheets. Travel light and follow the instructions of the invigilators calmly.

CAT Exam 2025 Counselling & Admission Process

Once CAT Exam 2025 is done and results are declared, the focus shifts from preparation to admissions and counselling.

• WAT/PI Shortlisting: Based on your CAT percentile and profile, institutes shortlist candidates for WAT (Writing Ability Test), GD (Group Discussion), and PI (Personal Interview). Each college has its own cut-offs and weightages.
• Selection Weightage: Final selection is not based on CAT alone. Colleges consider 10th, 12th, graduation marks, work experience, academic diversity, gender diversity, and performance in WAT–GD–PI. Each IIM or B-school publishes its own criteria.
• Final Merit List: A final composite score is calculated using CAT score plus profile plus interview performance. Based on this, institutes release offer letters. You then choose which college to join, based on fit and finances.

Why Choose ITM Business School for MBA After CAT?

Many students who don’t want to depend only on IIMs look at strong private institutes, and ITM Business School often comes up in those conversations.

• Accreditations: ITM has over 30 years of legacy in management education with AICTE-approved programs. Its reputation is built on industry-linked curriculum, experienced faculty, and a strong focus on employability rather than just classroom theory.
• Placement Highlights: ITM’s MBA programs have seen placements in BFSI, IT, Consulting, Retail, Analytics, and FMCG. Average packages are competitive, with higher CTCs for top performers. Students often talk about the value of live projects, internships, and pre-placement offers from corporate partners.
• Specialisations Offered: Popular specialisations include Marketing, Finance, Business Analytics, HR, International Business, FinTech, Operations, and Retail Management. This allows you to align your CAT effort with a domain that matches your long-term career goals.

Conclusion

Preparing for CAT Exam 2025 is not just about solving questions; it’s about managing time, emotions, and expectations. You’ll have good mock days and terrible ones, moments of doubt and bursts of confidence — all of that is normal.

If you stay consistent, keep refining your strategy, and remain honest about your strengths and weaknesses, CAT becomes manageable. Remember, the exam is a stepping stone, not the final destination. Use it to open doors, explore the right MBA college, and design a career that truly fits you.

FAQs – CAT Exam 2025

When will CAT Exam 2025 be conducted?

Most likely in late November 2025, usually on a Sunday. Final dates will be confirmed in the official IIMCAT notification, so keep checking the website.

What is the syllabus for CAT 2025?

The syllabus mainly includes VARC, DILR, and QA topics - reading comprehension, logic puzzles, data interpretation, and school-level maths. There’s no fixed official list, but patterns follow previous year's papers.

Who is eligible for CAT 2025?

Anyone with a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% marks; 45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognised university, including final-year students, is generally eligible to appear.

How many attempts are allowed in CAT exam?

There is no limit on attempts. You can take the CAT every year as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Many candidates reattempt to improve their percentile.

How much percentile is needed for top MBA colleges?

For older IIMs and FMS, people usually target the 98-99+ percentile. Newer IIMs and top private colleges may consider 90-95+, depending on your profile.

Is CAT difficult to crack in the first attempt?

It’s challenging but absolutely possible. With 1 year of focused preparation, regular mocks, and honest analysis, many students crack the CAT in their first attempt.

What are the best books for CAT 2025 preparation?

Students commonly use the Arun Sharma series, Nishit Sinha books, TIME/IMS/CL material, plus previous year papers and sectional tests for extra practice and concept clarity.

Can I get admission in ITM with CAT score?

Yes. ITM Business School accepts CAT scores, as well as scores from exams such as XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, and CET. Shortlisting also depends on your profile and interview performance.