CAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule, Eligibility Criteria, Seats & Admission Process

Overview: The CAT exam 2025 is targeted to be conducted on the last Sunday of November 2025. Registration for CAT 2025 will begin in the last week of July 2025. Continue reading to learn the important events of the CAT 2025 exam!

The Common Admission Test is the most challenging MBA entrance exam in India, and it is conducted annually by one of the IIMs. 

CAT 2024 Slot 1,2 and 3 Detailed Analysis

• The CAT exam comprises 68 questions (MCQs + TITA) from all three sections, including VARC, DILR, and QA. 
• Based on the trends followed during the CAT exam 2024, we have mentioned the important events for the CAT 2025 exam.

Continue reading to get CAT exam 2025 full details regarding CAT exam dates, eligibility criteria, fee structure, application process, and more!

Learn More | How to Prepare for CAT Exam in One Year?

CAT 2025 Exam Date & Schedule

The CAT exam's full form is the Common Admission Test (CAT). As per the CAT notification 2025, the exam will be conducted in three sessions on the announced exam date. Important CAT exam 2025 date details are tabulated. 

CAT Exam 2025 Events	CAT Entrance Exam Important Dates
CAT 2025 Exam Official Notification	July 2025 (Tentatively)
CAT 2025 Registration Date Opens	August 2025 (Tentatively)
CAT 2025 Application Form's Last Date	September 2025 (Tentatively)
CAT 2025 Exam Admit Card Release Date	November 2025 (Tentatively)
CAT 2025 Registration Fees	INR 1250 (Reserved categories) INR 2500 (Other categories)
CAT Exam Date 2025	November 2025 (Last Sunday)
Official Website	iimcat.ac.in

Read More | CAT Exam Admission Process 2025

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2025 by SuperGrads

CAT 2025 Exam Highlights

Here is everything about the CAT exam 2025 in tabular format:

Particulars	Details
CAT Exam Full Form	Common Admission Test (CAT)
CAT 2025 Conducting Body	Indian Institute of Management
CAT 2025 Exam Level	National
CAT 2025 Exam Frequency	Once a year
CAT 2025 Exam Date	Last Sunday of November 2025
CAT 2025 Exam Timings	It will be conducted in 3 Slots
CAT 2025 Registration Fees	SC/ST/PwD - INR-1250/- GEN - INR 2500/-
CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria	Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students)
Number of Applications in the CAT Entrance Exam	3.29 lakh (in 2024) 3.33 lakh (in 2023)
CAT 2025 Exam Purpose	Admission in IIMs, IIFT, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India
Degree Offered Through CAT Exam 2025	MBA/ PGDM
CAT Entrance Exam Sections	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Ability (QA)
CAT Exam 2025 Mode	Online Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs
No. of test cities for the CAT Exam 2025	170 cities (Tentatively)
Website	https://iimcat.ac.in/

Note** Candidates must declare and maintain a valid and unique email account and mobile phone number throughout selection.

Know More | How Many Times CAT Exam is Conducted in a Year?

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

 As per the CAT exam eligibility criteria, the candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories], from any recognized University or educational institution. 

Candidates who have finished degree prerequisites, are awaiting results, and are taking the last year of the Bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification test are both eligible to apply.

Note: Applicants should note that as per the official CAT notification 2025, mere fulfilment of the minimum CAT entrance exam criteria will not ensure consideration for shortlisting by IIMs and other B-schools.

Download Free QA Sample Questions for CAT Exam

CAT 2025 Paper Pattern

The CAT exam's full form is the Common Admission Test (CAT). An overview of the CAT entrance exam pattern 2025 can help you start your preparations for the CAT exam in 2025. Ensure you go through the updated CAT Entrance Exam Pattern thoroughly. 

CAT Exam Paper Pattern 2025
Mode of CAT Entrance Exam 2025	Computer Based Test
CAT 2025 Exam Date Duration	120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
CAT 2025 Number of Questions	68 (Expected as CAT 2024)
CAT total marks	204
Language of CAT Question Paper	English
Number of Answer Choices	4
CAT 2025 Mode of Paper	Online (Computer-based Test)
CAT 2025 Question Types	MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)
CAT 2025 Section Names	1. Quantitative Aptitude 2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension 3. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Learn More | How Many Students Appear for CAT Exam Every Year

Section-wise Number of MCQ and non-MCQ Questions (as per CAT exam 2023)

The following table gives you an idea about the number of questions asked in each CAT subject or section divided into MCQ and non-MCQ.

Section	Number of MCQs	Number of Non-MCQs	Total Questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	21	3	24
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	16	6	22
Quantitative Ability	14	8	22
Total	51	17	68

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CAT 2025 Marking Scheme

As per the trends, the CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on the last Sunday of November 2025 and the following will be the marking scheme on the day:

• Each correct answer will receive +3 marks.
• A negative mark of -1 will be for every incorrect answer to the objective questions.
• Non-MCQ-type questions will have NO negative marking.

Learn More | CAT Exam 2025 Shift Timings

Download Free Number Theory Practice Questions by Supergrads

Section-Wise CAT 2025 Syllabus

The CAT exam date 2025 will be conducted in November 2025. The CAT Exam syllabus 2025 is expected to be the same as CAT 2024, which was as follows:

CAT 2025 Exam Sections	CAT Exam Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude	Number System, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, Time and Work
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation	Seating Arrangements, Blood Relation, Syllogism, Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	Para-Jumbles & Para-Summary, Sentence Completion, Inferences, RC Passages-Based Questions

CAT 2025 Registration Process

The CAT exam registration is crucial once the CAT exam date 2025 and notification are announced. You need to be careful while filling out the registration form.

The application can change for this year's CAT 2025 Exam date. The information below is curated based on the previous year's data. 

What are the CAT exam application fees?

As per CAT 2024, the exam fees for CAT 2025 are expected to be the  same:

• SC, ST, and PwD candidates must pay an application fee of ₹1250. 
• The general category must pay an application fee of ₹2500. 

Note* A candidate needs to pay the CAT registration fees only once, regardless of the number of institutes he/she is applying to.

Steps to successfully register for the CAT Exam 2025

Follow the mentioned steps to register for the CAT exam 2025:

• Step 1: Registration for User ID and Password 
• Step 2: Log in to the CAT Official Website
• Step 3: Fill Application Form 
• Step 4: Choose your preferred PG programme
• Step 5: Pick a Test City
• Step 6: Make the Payment

Download Free VARC Daily Study Plan by Supergrads

CAT 2025 Application Correction Window

The examination authorities will make the edit window live; students must log in using their user ID and password. Please make use of this period if you wish to edit the following: 

• Photo
• Signature
• Test City preferences

What is CAT Exam Steps to Edit its Application 2025?

• Log in using your user ID and password to edit your application form. 
• After logging in, click on Go to application to start editing.
• Please read all the instructions carefully while editing the form. 

Also Check | CAT Exam Preparation Books 2025 

The Trend of the CAT Entrance Exam Pattern Over the Years

The CAT exam for 2025 will be conducted on November 24. The following table will help you understand how the CAT exam has evolved over the past years.

Year	Time (mins)	Sections (Abbreviation)	Questions per Section	Total Questions
2025 (expected)	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24, 22, 22	68
2024	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24,22,22	68
2023	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24, 20, 22	66
2022	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24, 20, 22	66
2021	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24, 20, 22	66
2020	120	VARC, DILR, QA	26, 24, 26	76
2019	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2018	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2017	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2016	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2015	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2014	170	QA & DI, VA & LR	50, 50	100
2013	140	VALR, QADI	30, 30	60
2012	140	QA, DI, VARC	21, 9, 30	60
2011	140	VALR, QADI	30, 30	60

Note*

• VARC: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
• DILR: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
• QA: Quantitative Ability
• VALR: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
• QADI: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

CAT Exam Score Accepting IIMs

Here is the list of the top institutes offering MBA:

List of IIMs	Establishment Year	Score	NIRF MBA Ranking (MBA)	Programs Offered
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad	1961	83.32	1	PGP, PGP-FABM
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore	1973	81.16	2	PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode	1997	77.9	3	PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP Kochi
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta	1961	75.07	5	MBA
Indian Institute of Management Mumbai	1963 (renamed in 2023)	74.73	6	MBA, MBA (Operations and SCM) and MBA in SM
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow	1984	74.43	7	PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM
Indian Institute of Management Indore	1996	73.53	8	PGP, PGP-HRM
Indian Institute of Management Rohtak	2009	66.49	12	PGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM
Indian Institute of Management Raipur	2010	64.4	14	PGP
Indian Institute of Management Ranchi	2010	61.27	17	PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics)
Indian Institute of Management Udaipur	2009	60.93	22	MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBA
Indian Institute of Management Shillong	2008	60.49	24	PGP, PGPEX, PGPWE
Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam	2015	59.2	26	PGP, PGPEX, PGPDGM
Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli	2011	57.67	27	PGPM, PGPM-HR, PGPBM
Indian Institute of Management Nagpur	2015	56.94	31	PGP
Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya	2015	56.27	33	PGP
Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIMJ)	2016	54.64	42	MBA, Executive MBA (Blended Mode), PGP in Health Care Management (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu), PGP in Hospital Administration (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu)
Indian Institute of Management Amritsar	2015	52.57	47	MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM
Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur	2015	51.47	50	MBA, Executive MBA
Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur	2015	50.92	57	MBA, MBA (T&HM)

Download Free VARC Preparation Tips by Supergrads

CAT 2025 Admit Card/Hall Ticket

The CAT admit card is an official document issued by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to candidates who successfully registered for the CAT exam in 2025. It is mandatory to carry the CAT Admit Card on the day of the exam as it contains essential details like the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, time, and venue.

Download Free VARC Sample Questions for CAT Exam

CAT 2025 Selection Process

The CAT exam full form is the Common Admission Test (CAT). Once the CAT exam date 2025 is officially notified, please be aware that IIMs use their own, maybe separate, criteria to shortlist applicants for the interview round. Generally, the IIM selection process is conducted in three parts, viz.,

• Phase 1- Condution of the CAT entrance exam and shortlisting based on CAT results.
• Phase 2- Individual conduction of multiple rounds by IIMs like Personal Interview (PI), Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Group Discussion (GD).
• Phase 3- Verification of Candidates and Final Selection.

Note:

• IIMs may also shortlist and rank applicants at different stages of the admissions process using other criteria such as the applicant's prior academic performance, pertinent job experience, gender and academic diversity, and other comparable inputs. 
• There may be differences between IIMs in the procedures, academic cutoffs, and weights given to the evaluation metrics. For more details on the CAT entrance exam, consult the admissions policies of each IIM on their separate websites.

Check | CAT Exam Details About Preparation 2025

Download Free DILR Study Plan by Supergrads

CAT 2025 Reservation Policies

According to regulatory regulations, the following are the reservations given to the candidates applying for the CAT exam 2025 as per different categories.

For the CAT exam, "Specified disability" refers to the conditions listed in the RPwD Act 2016's Schedule. The types of disabilities include:

• Blindness and low vision
• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Locomotor disability, including cerebral palsy, leprosy, dwarfism, acid attack victims and muscular dystrophy
• Autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness
• Multiple disabilities from amongst persons under clauses (a) to (d)
• Other 'specified disabilities' mentioned in 'The Schedule' of the RPwD Act 2016

Note: After CAT registration, no change in category will be considered. Applicants are advised to pay attention while registering.

Check | CAT Exam Marks vs Percentile 2025

CAT Exam IIM Minimum Cut-Offs 2025

• IIM CAT cut-offs are the minimum scores required to be eligible for admission to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). 
• The CAT exam cut-offs are determined based on the number of available seats, the number of applicants, and the difficulty level of the exam. 
• The cut-offs are typically higher for the prominent IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta.

Download Free DILR Preparation Tips by Supergrads

CAT Exam 2025 Cut-Offs (Expected)

Following are the minimum cut-offs released by different IIMs in 2024:

IIM	General	OBC	EWS	SC	ST
IIM Ahmedabad	80	75	70	70	60
IIM Bangalore	85	75	75	70	65
IIM Kozhikode	85	75	75	65	55
IIM Calcutta	85	75	75	70	65
IIM Lucknow	90	82	82	65	60
IIM Mumbai	85	75	75	70	65
IIM Indore	90	80	90	60	45
IIM Raipur	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Rohtak	95	78	90	55	30
IIM Udaipur	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Kashipur	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Trichy	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Ranchi	92	74	70	54	40
IIM Shillong	75	75	75	60	50
IIM Visakhapatnam	82	72	72	50	40
IIM Jammu	Male- 91	Male- 74	Male- 48	Male- 54	Male- 32
	Female- 89	Female- 72	Female- 47	Female- 52	Female- 30
IIM Nagpur	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Amritsar	88	78	88	55	40
IIM Bodh Gaya	92	74	70	54	40
IIM Sambalpur	92	74	70	54	40
IIM Sirmaur	92	74	70	54	40

Check | CAT Exam Documents

IIM Seats Campus Wise 2025 (Expected)

Check the official website for CAT entrance exam fees and other information on the CAT exam. Here is the seat matrix for the management program at each IIM.

IIM campus	PGP/MBA seats
IIM Ahmedabad	385
IIM Bangalore	412
IIM Calcutta	462
IIM Lucknow	436
IIM Kozhikode	375
IIM Raipur	210
IIM Udaipur	260
IIM Rohtak	240
IIM Visakhapatnam	60
IIM Trichy	180
IIM Sambalpur`	320
IIM Ranchi	240
IIM Bodhgaya	120
IIM Sirmaur	60
IIM Jammu	120
IIM Amritsar	60
IIM Shillong	120
IIM Kashipur	210
IIM Nagpur	130
IIM Indore	451

Check | CAT Exam Top Colleges 2025

Download Free DILR Sample Questions for CAT Exam

Conclusion

The CAT exam 2025 is essential in applying to a top business school in India. Hence, it is vital to prepare well for the CAT entrance exam 2025 and clearly understand its topics and concepts.

With the proper preparation and focus, a successful CAT exam result can help you achieve your goal of getting into a top business school.

Prepare well now that the CAT exam date 2025 has been officially announced and will be conducted on November 24.