CAT 2025 Exam – Complete Guide to Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Cutoff & Tips

CAT (Common Admission Test) 2025 Exam

Are you planning to pursue an MBA from a top B-School in India? Then cracking the Common Admission Test (CAT) is your first major milestone. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT is India’s most competitive and prestigious MBA entrance test. Since the beginning, various changes have been made in the CAT exam. It was first conducted in 1950 and was a pen and paper based entrance exam till 2009 but after that, it has become a Computer based entrance test and was first conducted by the IIM Ahmedabad. Every year, around 2.5 lakh aspirants appear for CAT, hoping to secure admission in the country’s top B-Schools.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about CAT 2025 in one place — from who can apply and what's in the syllabus to how to prepare, when results are released, and answers to common questions.

What is CAT?

CAT (Common Admission Test) is a computer-based national-level entrance exam conducted by IIMs for admission into MBA/PGDM programs. Initially adopted only by IIMs, today CAT scores are accepted by over 1200+ top B-Schools, including IITs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, IMI, MDI, and others. The test evaluates candidates on verbal ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.

CAT 2025 Overview

Here’s a quick overview of key highlights for the upcoming CAT 2025 exam — one of the most competitive management entrance exams in India.

Important Dates for CAT 2025

The official CAT exam date for 2025 is expected to be announced in July. However, based on previous trends, the exam will likely be held in November 2025 across multiple test centers nationwide. It is crucial for aspirants to stay informed and regularly check the official website to ensure they don’t miss any deadlines. Here’s a tentative timeline of CAT 2025

Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025

Before applying for the CAT 2025 exam, it's essential for aspirants to review the eligibility criteria to ensure they meet all requirement set by the IIMs. The exam is open to a broad group of candidates who possess the below listed qualifications..

• Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, or PwD candidates).
• Final-year students are eligible to apply, but admission is subject to completing their degree with the required marks.
• Candidates with a professional qualification such as CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI are also eligible to apply.
• There is no age limit to appear for CAT.
• No restriction on the number of attempts — candidates can apply for CAT multiple times.

CAT Exam Pattern 2025

To crack CAT 2025, understanding its structure is crucial. The test consists of three sections, each with a fixed time limit and a mix of MCQs and non-MCQs. Here's how the exam is structured:

Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong MCQ. No negative marking for TITA questions.

CAT 2025 Syllabus

CAT 2025 will test your skills across three core sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). While the exam body doesn’t release an official syllabus, topics are generally based on trends from previous years. Here's a subject-wise breakdown of the most important areas to focus on:

CAT 2025 Answer Key & Objection Process

• A provisional answer key is expected to be released in the first week of December 2025.
• Candidates can raise objections during the official objection window, usually open for 3–4 days.
• After reviewing the challenges, the final answer key will be released before the result.

CAT 2025 Result & Scorecard

• The result will be declared in January 2026 on the official CAT website.
• Candidates can download their scorecard by logging in using their CAT user ID and password.
• The scorecard will display both section-wise and overall scaled scores and percentiles.

What Happens After CAT 2025?

Once the results are declared, shortlisted candidates are invited for the next stage of the admission process, which may include:

• WAT (Written Ability Test)
• GD (Group Discussion)
• PI (Personal Interview)

Each IIM and other participating B-schools follow their own shortlisting criteria based on CAT score, academic profile, diversity factors, and work experience.

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

Preparing for CAT requires a mix of smart planning and consistent practice. It’s not just about studying hard but also about studying right. Here are some helpful strategies to guide your preparation:

• Understand the complete CAT 2025 syllabus and exam format before planning your schedule.
• Choose your preparation resources wisely — books, online classes, or test series — based on your learning style.
• Solve sample papers and take topic-wise mock tests to build accuracy and speed.
• Use short notes or flashcards for quick revision of formulas, concepts, and vocabulary.
• Review your mock test performance and revise areas where you are weak.

CAT Admit Card 2025

The admit card for CAT 2025 will be available online around October, approximately a month before the exam. It contains essential details like exam date, time, venue, and candidate instructions. You must carry a printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID to the test center.

How to download CAT Admit Card:

1. Visit the official CAT website: www.iimcat.ac.in
2. Log in using your user ID and password
3. Click on the 'Admit Card' tab to view and download
4. Take a printout and keep it safe for exam day

Last 5 Years' CAT Cutoffs for Top Institutes