CAT 2025 (Common Admission Test) is one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India, serving as the primary gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other top B-schools. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for a limited number of seats, making strategic preparation essential for success.
In this CAT 2025 Complete Guide, we cover every detail you need to plan your journey — from official exam dates, detailed syllabus breakdown, and updated exam pattern to eligibility criteria, preparation strategies, and the step-by-step registration process. Whether you are aiming for your first attempt or looking to improve your score from previous years, this guide will help you build a strong foundation and prepare smartly.
With accurate, up-to-date information and expert tips, our CAT 2025 guide ensures you stay ahead of deadlines, understand the latest paper trends, and maximize your chances of scoring a top percentile for admission to India’s best MBA programs.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India, serving as the primary gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other top B-schools. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for a limited number of seats, making strategic preparation essential for success.
In this CAT 2025 Complete Guide, we cover every detail you need to plan your journey — from official exam dates, detailed syllabus breakdown, and updated exam pattern to eligibility criteria, preparation strategies, and the step-by-step registration process. Whether you are aiming for your first attempt or looking to improve your score from previous years, this guide will help you build a strong foundation and prepare smartly.
With accurate, up-to-date information and expert tips, our CAT 2025 guide ensures you stay ahead of deadlines, understand the latest paper trends, and maximize your chances of scoring a top percentile for admission to India’s best MBA programs.
Boost your CAT 2025 prep with real exam-like mock tests, detailed analytics, and AI-driven performance insights.
Practice smarter, improve faster, and stay ahead of the competition!
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam used for admission to the IIMs and other top B-schools in India. For 2025, IIM Kozhikode is likely to conduct the exam. Here’s a quick look at the key details:
The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, with the official notification releasing on July 30, 2025. Registrations will open on August 1 and close by September 13, 2025. An application correction window will be available in September 2025.
Admit cards are expected in the first week of November 2025, followed by the exam at the end of the month. The answer key is likely in December 2025, with results also expected the same month.
Quick Dates:
Notification: July 30, 2025
Registration: Aug 1 – Sep 13, 2025
Correction Window: September 2025
Admit Card: 1st week of November 2025
Exam Date: November 30, 2025
Answer Key: December 2025
Result: December 2025
Early Planning: Knowing the dates in advance helps you structure your preparation.
Avoiding Last-Minute Rush: Ensures timely form submission and document readiness.
Mock Test Scheduling: Helps align practice exams with the actual test date for better time management.
Tip: Set reminders for each key date to avoid missing deadlines.
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The CAT 2025 exam pattern is expected to remain similar to previous years, with three major sections assessing a candidate’s quantitative, verbal, and reasoning abilities. While there is no official CAT syllabus, topics are based on trends from past exams.
Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
Total Questions: Around 66
Question Types:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Type In The Answer (TITA – no options, typed response)
Marking Scheme:
+3 marks for each correct answer
-1 mark for each incorrect MCQ
No negative marking for TITA
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Approx. 24 questions
40 minutes allotted
Tests reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, parajumbles, and sentence correction.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Approx. 20 questions
40 minutes allotted
Covers data charts, tables, puzzles, logical sequences, and analytical reasoning.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
Approx. 22 questions
40 minutes allotted
Focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, and modern math concepts.
Reading Comprehension passages
Para Jumbles & Para Summary
Sentence completion & correction
Vocabulary & grammar
Tables, charts, and graphs
Bar, line, and pie charts
Caselets and data analysis
Seating arrangement & puzzles
Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work
Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions
Geometry & Mensuration
Number System
Modern Math: Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory
No fixed official syllabus – rely on past paper trends.
Recent CAT papers show higher weightage for reading comprehension & data sets.
Time management is essential due to sectional timing.
Regular mock test practice builds accuracy and speed.
The CAT 2025 registration process will be conducted entirely online through the official website — iimcat.ac.in (link will be active once registration starts). Below is everything you need to know:
Visit the official CAT website and click on “New Candidate Registration.”
Fill in personal details — name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
Generate your login credentials via the email confirmation link.
Log in and complete the application form with academic, professional, and exam city details.
Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, category certificate if applicable).
Pay the application fee using one of the accepted payment methods.
Submit the form and download the confirmation page for reference.
Before applying for CAT 2025, candidates must ensure they meet the required eligibility norms set by the IIMs:
Educational Qualification
A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or educational institution.
Minimum 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) for General, EWS, and OBC categories.
Minimum 45% aggregate marks for SC, ST, and PwD categories.
Final-Year Students
Candidates appearing for the final year of a Bachelor’s degree (or awaiting results) are also eligible.
Proof of completion must be submitted by the deadline set by the IIMs.
Age Limit
No upper age limit for CAT 2025 applicants.
Accepted Degrees
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Professional qualifications like CA/CS/ICWA are also accepted if the candidate meets the percentage criteria.
Recent passport-sized photograph (as per CAT specifications)
Scanned signature
Category certificate (if applicable)
PwD certificate (if applicable)
Academic mark sheets (10th, 12th, graduation)
General/OBC/EWS: ₹2,300 – ₹2,500
SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,150 – ₹1,250
(Exact fees to be confirmed in the official notification.)
Debit/Credit cards
Net banking
UPI
Entering incorrect email ID or mobile number
Uploading blurred or incorrect-size documents
Selecting exam city preferences without checking travel feasibility
Missing the deadline for payment submission
After registrations close, a short correction window will open in September 2025 for editing photo, signature, and test city choices. Personal details generally cannot be changed.
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To crack the CAT 2025 exam, you need a smart preparation plan that covers all sections — VARC, DILR, and QA — along with consistent practice and mock tests.
12 Months Before: Strengthen your basics in all three sections.
6 Months Before: Start practicing sectional tests and work on weak areas.
3 Months Before: Take regular Mock4u full-length mocks to simulate the real exam environment.
Last Month: Focus on revision, accuracy, and time management.
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) – Read editorials, practice RC sets, and improve vocabulary.
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) – Practice puzzle-based and data-driven sets daily.
QA (Quantitative Aptitude) – Focus on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.
Books: Arun Sharma series, Word Power Made Easy, Nishit Sinha’s books.
Mocks: Full-length and sectional mocks exclusively from Mock4u for realistic exam practice.
Previous Year Papers: Study question patterns and difficulty trends.
Attempt Mock4u mocks regularly and analyze your performance.
Work on accuracy before speed.
Keep a fixed daily study routine.
Learn calculation shortcuts for time efficiency.
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