The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive entrance exams for MBA aspirants. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the CAT exam serves as the gateway to admission in IIMs and over 1,200 other top B-schools across India. The CAT 2025 exam will be held on November 30, 2025, and IIM Kozhikode will organise this year’s test in three computer-based sessions.
Open to graduates with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA, the CAT exam assesses candidates’ aptitude in Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Performance in CAT, along with academic record, diversity, and GD-WAT-PI rounds, determines entry into India’s most reputed management programs.
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What is the CAT Exam?
The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam, conducted annually for admission into MBA, PGDM, and other postgraduate management programs at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several top business schools across the country.
The CAT exam is a computer-based test that evaluates a candidate’s analytical, verbal, and problem-solving skills, essential for success in business and management roles. It comprises three key sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Beyond academic knowledge, the CAT is designed to test how efficiently candidates can think critically, interpret data, and make decisions under pressure, qualities that define effective future managers and leaders.
Who Conducts the Common Admission Test (CAT)?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. Each year, one of the older IIMs takes charge of organising the exam, from releasing the official notification to managing registration, conducting the test, and declaring results.
For CAT 2025, IIM Kozhikode is the designated conducting body. Since 2014, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with IIMs as the official technology and logistics provider, ensuring the smooth and secure execution of computer-based tests across India.
Key Highlights of CAT 2025
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based national-level exam conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other management programs. It’s a 2-hour test divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA - designed to assess analytical, reasoning, and verbal skills.
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
|
Conducting Body |
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) – Rotational basis |
|
CAT 2025 Organizer |
IIM Kozhikode |
|
Exam Level |
National-level |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
|
Duration |
2 hours |
|
Sections |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
Marking Scheme |
+3 for correct, –1 for incorrect MCQ |
|
Official Website |
|
|
Expected CAT 2025 Date |
November 30, 2025 |
Recent Changes in the Common Admission Test (CAT)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) has undergone several updates in recent years, retaining its core structure and marking pattern. For CAT 2025, the total number of questions is expected to remain 68, following the increase introduced in the 2024 exam. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section also saw a rise in questions, from 20 to 22, with a mix of 3 sets of 4 questions and 2 sets of 5 questions.
Key Changes in CAT 2025
Total Questions: Increased from 66 to 68 in CAT 2024; expected to continue for CAT 2025.
DILR Section: Number of questions increased from 20 to 22, with the same sectional structure likely to remain.
Exam Format: Continues as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with both MCQ and non-MCQ (TITA) questions.
Sectional Timing: Each of the three sections will have a 40-minute time limit.
Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, 1 for each incorrect MCQ, and no negative marking for non-MCQs.
Difficulty Level: CAT 2024 was slightly easier than CAT 2023, with variation in difficulty across different slots.
What Remains the Same
Total Duration: 120 minutes (160 minutes for PwD candidates).
Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes per section.
Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, 1 for incorrect MCQs, and no penalty for unattempted or non-MCQ questions.
CAT Exam 2025 Registration & Process
The CAT 2025 registration process has concluded, with the last date being September 20, 2025. The application window opened on August 1, 2025, and all candidates were required to apply through the official website iimcat.ac.in.
The online application process is straightforward and includes the following steps:
Visit the official website: Go to iimcat.ac.in and access the registration portal.
New Registration: Enter your personal details such as name, email, and contact number to create a profile.
Create Account: Set a secure user ID and password for login.
Fill the Application Form: Provide academic records, graduation details, work experience (if any), and other required personal information.
Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scanned signature in the specified format.
Select Preferences: Choose preferred exam cities and IIMs for admission consideration.
Pay Registration Fee: The fee for CAT 2025 was ₹2,600 for General/OBC/EWS categories and ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Submit & Download: Complete the process by submitting the form and saving a copy for your records.
CAT Exam Dates 2025
CAT 2025 dates include the registration start and end dates, admit card release, and the exam date. Tracking these ensures a smooth application and preparation process.
|
Event |
Date |
|
Registration Start |
August 1, 2025 |
|
Registration End |
September 20, 2025 |
|
Admit Card Release |
November 5, 2025 |
|
CAT 2025 Exam Date |
November 30, 2025 |
CAT Exam Fees
The CAT exam fees is ₹2,600 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates, and ₹1,300 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online via net banking, debit, or credit card to complete the application process successfully.
|
Category |
Application Fee |
|
General / EWS / NC-OBC |
₹2,600.00 |
|
SC / ST / PwD |
₹1,300.00 |
CAT Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for CAT exam 2025, candidates must meet specific academic and other criteria. Understanding the eligibility for the CAT Exam is essential before applying for this national-level management entrance test.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature in India, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education.
- Final-Year Students: Students in the final year of their bachelor’s program can also apply if they meet the minimum marks criteria.
Minimum Marks:
- General, EWS, OBC-NCL: At least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA
- SC, ST, PwD: At least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA
Other CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria include:
Age Limit: No minimum or maximum age limit
Work Experience: Not mandatory; freshers and experienced candidates are eligible.
Number of Attempts: No limit on the number of attempts
Reservation: Reserved category candidates (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS, PwD) must provide valid certificates during registration and admission
Admit Card for CAT Exam
The CAT exam admit card will be available for download from November 5, 2025, on the official website iimcat.ac.in. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card to their exam centre.
How to Download CAT Admit Card 2025
Visit the official CAT website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
Login: Click on "Registered Candidate Login" and enter your CAT 2025 user ID and password.
Download Admit Card: Find the CAT 2025 Admit Card link and download it.
Print: Take a clear printout of your admit card to carry to the exam centre.
CAT Exam Syllabus
The CAT exam 2025 syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s analytical, reasoning, and verbal skills. It is divided into three main sections, covering all essential topics for admission to top management programs.
|
Section |
Topics Covered |
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Reading comprehension passages, para jumbles, para summary, verbal reasoning, sentence completion, critical reasoning |
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Interpretation of data from charts, graphs, tables; seating arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, Venn diagrams, caselets |
|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages), Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Maths (permutations & combinations, probability, time & work) |
Weightage of Common Admission Test
The CAT 2025 exam weightage is approximately 34% for Quantitative Ability, 30–32% for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and 34–37% for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Based on past trends, here’s an approximate breakdown for CAT 2025:
1. CAT VARC Topic-Wise Weightage
|
Topic / Type |
Approx. Weightage / Number |
Notes |
|
Reading Comprehension |
~ 8–10 passages, ~ 60–70% of VARC section |
Highest weight among VARC topics |
|
Para jumbles, para summary |
3–4 questions |
Usually present in every VARC |
|
Sentence completion / Fill in the blanks |
2–3 questions |
Moderate weight |
|
Inference / Critical reasoning |
2–3 questions |
Moderate weight |
|
Vocabulary / Grammar / Usage |
1–2 questions |
Lower weight comparatively |
2. CAT LRDI (DILR) Topic-Wise Weightage
|
Topic |
Approx. Weightage / Questions |
|
Tables, charts, graphs |
4–5 questions |
|
Caselets / Data sets |
3–4 questions |
|
Logic puzzles / seating arrangement / variable arrangement |
3–4 questions |
|
Venn / sets / data sufficiency |
2–3 questions |
|
Inference / reasoning |
2–3 questions |
3. CAT Quant Topic-Wise Weightage
|
Topic |
Approx. Weightage / Questions |
|
Arithmetic (ratios, percentages, time & work, time & distance etc.) |
6–8 questions |
|
Algebra (equations, inequalities) |
4–5 questions |
|
Geometry & mensuration |
3–4 questions |
|
Number System |
2–3 questions |
|
Modern maths (probability, permutations, logarithms) |
2–3 questions |
|
Coordinate geometry |
2–3 questions |
Top Colleges Accepting Common Admission Test (CAT) Scores
Top colleges accepting CAT scores include the 21 IIMs, along with other leading business schools across the country. These institutes consider CAT scores, academic records, work experience, and personal interviews for admission.
Top IIMs
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Indore
- IIM Udaipur
- IIM Tiruchirappalli
Other Prominent Management Colleges
- SPJIMR Mumbai – S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research
- MDI Gurgaon – Management Development Institute
- FMS Delhi – Faculty of Management Studies
- IIFT Delhi – Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
- IITs (Management Departments) – IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras
- NITIE Mumbai – National Institute of Industrial Engineering
- TISS Mumbai – Tata Institute of Social Sciences
- MICA Ahmedabad – Mudra Institute of Communications
- XIM Bhubaneswar – Xavier Institute of Management
- IMT Ghaziabad – Institute of Management Technology
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- JBIMS Mumbai – Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies
- KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam pattern 2025 is designed to assess candidates’ analytical, logical, verbal, and quantitative skills. The test is a computer-based exam of 120 minutes, divided into three sections, with a mix of MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA) and a clear marking scheme. Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates strategise their preparation and manage time effectively during the test.
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Total Duration |
120 minutes |
|
Number of Sections |
3 |
|
Sections |
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), QA (Quantitative Aptitude) |
|
Time per Section |
40 minutes (fixed sectional time) |
|
Total Questions |
68 |
|
Question Types |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) & Non-MCQs (TITA – Type In The Answer) |
|
Marking Scheme |
+3 for correct answers, –1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative marking for TITA questions |
|
Sectional Order |
Fixed order for all three sections |
CAT Exam Result
The CAT exam 2025 result will be declared online on the official website. Candidates can check their results by logging in with their CAT user ID and password. The result includes sectional and overall percentile scores, which IIMs and other top B-schools use for shortlisting candidates for further rounds such as GD, WAT, and PI.
How to Check CAT 2025 Result
- Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the “CAT 2025 Result” link
- Log in using the CAT 2025 user ID and password
- View and download your scorecard
- Keep a printout for admission and counselling purposes
CAT exam preparation
To prepare for the CAT exam, you should first understand the exam pattern and syllabus. A structured preparation plan, consistent practice, and effective time management are crucial for achieving a high score in CAT 2025.
Preparation Tips for CAT Exam
Know the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarise yourself with VARC, DILR, and QA sections and their weightage.
Create a Study Plan: Allocate daily or weekly time for each section and set realistic targets.
Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt full-length mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
Analyse Performance: Review mistakes and focus on weaker areas to strengthen concepts.
Revise Regularly: Take short notes on formulas, shortcuts, and key concepts to aid quick revision.
Focus on Accuracy: Prioritise solving questions correctly rather than attempting all questions.
Develop Reading Habits: Read newspapers, magazines, and journals to improve comprehension and vocabulary for the VARC section.
Is Appearing in the Common Admission Test Worth it?
Yes, for many aspirants, appearing for CAT is worthwhile:
- It opens doors to premium management institutes that offer an excellent curriculum, a strong peer network, placements, and brand value.
- Even if you don’t land an IIM, a good CAT score can help you get into many reputable B-schools across India.
- The skills you develop (speed, reasoning, data handling, verbal clarity) are useful beyond just the exam.
- Since there is no age limit, you can try multiple times and improve your performance.
- The investment (time, resources) is justified if it leads to significantly better career prospects.
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Conclusion
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is more than an entrance exam; it is the gateway to India’s top management institutes. Understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, fees, important dates, and preparation strategy is crucial for success. Coupled with expert guidance from invest4Edu, candidates can navigate their MBA journey confidently and maximise their potential in securing admission to premier business schools.
