Every year, the Common Admission Test (CAT) decides the future of lakhs of aspirants who dream of studying in India’s top business schools. The CAT 2025 notification is now officially out (July 27, 2025), issued by IIM Kozhikode, and the countdown to one of India’s toughest exams has begun.
In this complete guide, we cover everything about CAT 2025:
- Notification details and direct links
- Important dates
- How to apply
- Eligibility
- Exam pattern and syllabus
- Fees and required documents
- Top colleges accepting CAT
- Tips and FAQs
Official CAT 2025 Notification & Website
CAT 2025 Notification
- Conducting Body: IIM Kozhikode
- Notification Release Date: July 27, 2025
- Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in
The notification specifies dates, eligibility, syllabus, fees, and the application procedure.
Important: The registration window will open from August 1, 2025 (10 AM). Only the official site should be used for application.
Why CAT Matters?
CAT is more than just an exam; it’s a gateway to the 21 IIMs and 100+ leading B‑schools. From IIM Ahmedabad to FMS Delhi and even IITs, CAT scores shape your management career.
With over 2.5 lakh candidates registering every year, getting updated with accurate information is the first step in your preparation.
Direct Links for CAT 2025
Bookmark these links:
- Official CAT Website:
https://iimcat.ac.in - Direct Link to Apply (Active from Aug 1, 2025):
https://iimcat.ac.in/per/g06/pub/756/ASM/WebPortal/1/index.html
Important Dates for CAT 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 27, 2025 |
| Registration Start | August 1, 2025 (10 AM) |
| Registration Deadline | September 13, 2025 (5 PM) |
| Form Correction Window | 3rd week of September 2025 (tentative) |
| Admit Card Download | November 5 – 30, 2025 |
| CAT Exam Date | Sunday, November 30, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | 1st week of January 2026 (tentative) |
Pro Tip: Don’t wait till the last day to apply. Last‑minute traffic often causes technical glitches.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for CAT 2025 if:
- Graduation:
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC, ST, PwD)
- Final‑year students can also apply; they must submit proof later.
- Professional qualifications:
- CA, CS, ICWA candidates are eligible even without a degree.
- No age limit:
- There is no maximum age restriction for appearing in CAT.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
The CAT exam has three sections, conducted in CBT mode (computer-based test).
| Section | Duration | No. of Questions (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 40 min | 24 |
| DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 40 min | 20 |
| QA – Quantitative Ability | 40 min | 22 |
| Total | 120 min | 66 |
- Marking scheme:
+3 marks for correct answer
–1 for incorrect answer (MCQs only)
No negative marking for TITA (type‑in) questions.
Registration Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹2,600 – ₹3,000 (final confirmed on portal)
- SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,300 – ₹1,500
Mode: Online payment only (UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards).
Documents Required for Application
Before applying, prepare these:
- Scanned passport photo (JPEG, 30–150 KB)
- Scanned signature (JPEG, 30–150 KB)
- Academic certificates (10th, 12th, graduation)
- Caste/Category certificates (if applicable)
- Payment details (card/net banking/UPI)
Step‑by‑Step Process to Apply for CAT 2025
- Go to https://iimcat.ac.in
- Click “New Candidate Registration”
- Fill in personal details and verify email/phone → Get User ID & Password
- Login and fill out academic, personal, and work experience information
- Choose IIM programs & cities (up to 5)
- Upload documents (photo, signature, certificates)
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and download confirmation PDF
11. Top Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
IIMs (21 Institutes):
- IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore
- IIMs at Shillong, Rohtak, Ranchi, Udaipur, Kashipur, Trichy, Raipur
- Bodh Gaya, Sambalpur, Visakhapatnam, Amritsar, Nagpur, Sirmaur, Jammu, Mumbai
Other Leading Institutes:
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- IIT Management Departments
- IIFT Delhi/Kolkata
Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting till the last date to apply
- Entering incorrect email/phone number (can’t be changed)
- Uploading blurred photo/signature
- Forgetting to save application confirmation
CAT 2025 Syllabus Overview
Unlike many competitive exams, CAT does not publish an official syllabus.
However, by analyzing previous years’ papers, experts have identified the major topics and question trends.
The exam is designed to test aptitude, analytical ability, and logical reasoning skills rather than rote memorization.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the three CAT sections:
A. VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
This section checks your reading speed, comprehension skills, vocabulary, and grammar.
Key Topics (Expected in CAT 2025):
- Reading Comprehension (RC):
- 4–5 long passages with 4 questions each (20+ marks)
- Topics can range from business, economy, history, literature, philosophy, science, etc.
- Questions test inference, main idea, tone, and vocabulary-in-context.
- Para Jumbles:
- Unscramble jumbled sentences to form a logical paragraph.
- Odd Sentence / Out-of-context Sentence:
- Identify the sentence that doesn’t fit logically in a paragraph.
- Summary Writing / Para Completion:
- Choose the option that best summarizes the given passage.
- Grammar & Usage:
- Although direct grammar questions are rare, understanding sentence structure is crucial.
Weightage: RC accounts for 65–70% of this section.
B. DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
This section focuses on data analysis, patterns, and decision-making ability.
Key Topics:
- Data Interpretation (DI):
- Bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables
- Combination of data from multiple sources
- Caselets with data-driven word problems.
- Logical Reasoning (LR):
- Puzzles (arrangement, seating, distribution)
- Games and tournaments
- Venn diagrams and set-based logic
- Blood relations, directions, coding-decoding.
Trend:
Questions are usually presented in sets (one set has 4 questions).
Typically, there are 5–6 sets, out of which 2–3 are DI and 2–3 are LR.
C. QA – Quantitative Ability
This section measures numerical aptitude and application of mathematical concepts.
Key Topics:
- Arithmetic (High Weightage):
- Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
- Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures & Alligations
- Speed, Time & Distance, Time & Work.
- Algebra:
- Linear and quadratic equations
- Inequalities
- Progressions (AP, GP)
- Functions and Graphs.
- Geometry & Mensuration:
- Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons
- 2D and 3D mensuration problems.
- Number System:
- Factors, multiples, divisibility, HCF/LCM
- Remainders, base systems.
- Modern Math:
- Permutations & Combinations
- Probability
- Set theory and Venn diagrams.
Important Notes on Syllabus & Difficulty
- CAT syllabus evolves – question types change every year.
- No direct theoretical questions; all questions test logic and application.
- Focus more on concept clarity and practice rather than memorizing formulas.
- Mock tests and previous year papers are the best way to understand the exam trend.
Preparation Tips for CAT 2025
Cracking CAT is not only about intelligence; it’s about consistency, smart strategy, and discipline.
Here are some proven tips that can help you perform at your best in CAT 2025:
1. Begin with Previous Year CAT Papers
Before buying new books or enrolling in coaching, start with the basics: past papers.
- Download the last 5–6 years of CAT question papers (freely available on the official CAT website).
- Analyze them carefully:
- Which type of questions appear most frequently?
- Which topics carry more weight?
- How is the difficulty level changing every year?
- This initial analysis will give you clarity about the exam and help you plan your preparation realistically.
2. Practice Mock Tests Regularly
Once you are familiar with the syllabus, start attempting mock tests.
- In the beginning, take 1 mock per week and analyze your performance in detail.
- After 2–3 months, increase it to 2–3 mocks per week.
- Analysis is more important than the mock itself:
- Review every wrong question.
- Understand why you made that mistake (concept gap, time pressure, silly error).
- Note down patterns of your weak areas and improve them systematically.
3. Focus on Time Management (2-Hour Test)
CAT is a 2-hour test (40 minutes per section).
Even brilliant students fail to score well because they cannot manage time under pressure.
- Practice solving questions with a timer from Day 1.
- Learn to skip difficult questions quickly—there is no need to attempt everything.
- Focus on accuracy rather than attempting all 66 questions.
- By the time of the exam, you should be able to scan and plan your entire section within the first 2–3 minutes.
4. Use the Official Notification to Plan Your Study Schedule
The CAT notification is not just an announcement; it is also a deadline setter.
- From July 27, 2025 (notification date), you have 4 months to prepare.
- Break these 4 months into phases:
- Phase 1 (August): Revise basics and practice questions topic-wise.
- Phase 2 (September–October): Move to full-length mocks and advanced level practice.
- Phase 3 (November): Focus only on mocks, revision, speed, and accuracy.
- Stick to a daily study routine: Even 2–3 focused hours a day can make a huge difference if done consistently.
Additional Preparation Tips
- Read newspapers (The Hindu, Economic Times) and non-fiction books to improve VARC skills.
- Work on mental calculations (tables, squares, cubes) to improve speed in QA.
- Practice logical puzzles daily to strengthen DILR.
- If you are working, plan a realistic schedule around your office hours.
Mindset Matters
Remember, CAT is a percentile exam, not a marks exam.
Even if the paper is tough, it is tough for everyone. Your goal is to stay calm, attempt smartly, and maximize your accuracy.
FAQs About CAT 2025
Q1. When was the CAT 2025 notification released?
Answer:
The official CAT 2025 notification was released on July 27, 2025 by IIM Kozhikode.
This notification clearly mentions the exam date (November 30, 2025), the registration period (August 1 to September 13, 2025), eligibility rules, fees, exam pattern, and all key instructions for candidates.
You can view the full notification on the official website https://iimcat.ac.in.
Q2. What is the last date to register for CAT 2025?
Answer:
The last date to fill and submit your CAT 2025 application form is September 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM (IST).
After this deadline, no new registrations will be accepted. There will be a short correction window in the 3rd week of September where candidates can edit limited fields (photo/signature, exam city preferences). Therefore, it is advised to complete your registration well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute issues.
Q3. What is the direct link to apply for CAT 2025?
Answer:
Candidates can apply only through the official CAT website:
👉 https://iimcat.ac.in
From August 1, 2025 (10 AM), a dedicated “Register / Apply for CAT 2025” button will be visible on the homepage.
You need to first register as a new candidate, verify your email and phone with OTP, and then log in using the credentials provided by IIMCAT to complete the form. There is no offline mode; the entire process is online.
Q4. When will the CAT 2025 exam be held?
Answer:
The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025.
The exam will be conducted in three different slots on the same day:
- Morning slot
- Afternoon slot
- Evening slot
Your exact slot and exam city will be mentioned in your admit card, which can be downloaded from November 5 to November 30, 2025.
Candidates are advised to report to the exam center at least 1.5–2 hours before their slot.
Q5. Is there any age limit for CAT 2025?
Answer:
No, there is no age limit for CAT.
Any graduate (or final‑year student) who meets the minimum marks criteria (50% for General/EWS/OBC, 45% for SC/ST/PwD) can apply, regardless of their age.
This policy makes CAT one of the most inclusive competitive exams in India.
Q6. Which IIM is conducting CAT 2025?
Answer:
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM‑K) is the official conducting body for CAT 2025.
IIM‑K will handle all notifications, exam conduction, result declaration, and answer key releases. However, the CAT score will be accepted by all 21 IIMs and 100+ other top management institutes in India.
Q7. Do IITs accept CAT scores for MBA/PGDM programs?
Answer:
Yes, many IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) accept CAT scores for admission to their MBA or PGDM programs through their Management Departments or Schools of Management.
For example:
- IIT Bombay – Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management
- IIT Delhi – Department of Management Studies (DMS)
- IIT Madras – DoMS
- IIT Kharagpur – Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM)
- IIT Roorkee, IIT Kanpur, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad also admit candidates through CAT.
In these programs, IITs shortlist candidates based on their CAT percentile, followed by Written Ability Tests (WAT) / Group Discussions (GD) / Personal Interviews (PI).
Final Thoughts
The CAT 2025 notification has officially been released, and the race towards one of India’s most prestigious management entrances has begun.
From this moment onwards, every day counts.
Whether you are a first-time aspirant or a repeater, remember that CAT is not just a test of aptitude, but also of perseverance, planning, and presence of mind.
If you are serious about getting into IIMs or other top B-schools, start early, stay consistent, and don’t underestimate the power of regular mock tests.
Your preparation journey in the next few months can change the course of your career for years to come.
Call to Action (CTA)
Are you ready to take the first step towards your IIM dream?
- Visit the official website: https://iimcat.ac.in
- Mark the important dates on your calendar.
- Begin your preparation today—don’t wait for “the right time”.
💡 Want a free CAT 2025 preparation roadmap (4‑month self-study plan with mock links)?
Drop a comment saying “CAT Plan 2025” below, and we’ll send you a comprehensive strategy PDF to kickstart your journey.
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