How to Re-Appear for the CAT Exam? Check Imp Steps

Candidates must start preparing 6-9 months before to re-appear for the CAT exam, as it requires a proper time management to practice and revise the huge CAT syllabus.

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How to Re-Appear for the CAT Exam? CAT stands for Common Admission Test which the IIMs conduct. CAT is considered to be one of the toughest exams in India. This entrance exam opens up the admission opportunity to the most prestigious colleges in India. On average, 2 to 3 lakh students appear for the CAT exam every year, and less than 10% of the appearing candidates clear the exam.

The CAT exam result was out on December 24, 2025. For the candidates who couldn't clear the exam, there is an option to re-appear for the CAT exam. However, there are no specified limits to attempting the CAT exam. A candidate is free to attempt the exam as many times as they wish to.

Steps to Re-Appear for the CAT Exam

The process to re-appear for the CAT exam is the same as the first time and simple as well. Candidates can check the steps listed below to re-appear for the CAT exam:

Step 1: Visit the official CAT website iimcat.ac.in

Step 2: Click the 'Register' tab under the 'New Candidate Registration' button on the website.

Step 3: Enter name, date of birth, email ID, mobile phone number, and nationality as details.

Step 4: Click the 'Generate OTP' button. Candidates will receive an OTP on their registered mobile number upon successful registration.

Step 5: Verify CAT registration 2025 by entering the OTP in the given box on the page. After successful registration, students will receive their CAT registration number and password.

Also Check: List of Documents Required for CAT 2025 Registration

Eligibility to Re-Appear for the CAT Exam

The eligibility criteria for the candidates to re-appear for the CAT exam are very basic. The CAT eligibility criteria 2025 are the same to re-appear as it is for first-time registration. Students can check the table below for the eligibility criteria

Eligibility to Re-Appear for the CAT Exam
Particulars	Details
Number of Attempts	No Limit
Academic Qualification	Bachelor’s Degree
Required Marks in Graduate	50% (45% for SC/ ST/ PwD)
CAT Eligibility for Final Year Students	Admitted on a Provisional basis if Qualified
Age Limit for CAT 2025	No Age Restriction
Work Experience	Not Mandatory
Reservation	Based on Category

The good part is even if any candidate who couldn’t clear the exam on their first attempt can re-appear for the exam in the subsequent years.

Click to read: Too many failed CAT Attempts? What next?

Preparation to Re-Appear for the CAT Exam

As it’s known the CAT exam is considered in the list of toughest exams in India and when re-appearing for the exam, it is obvious that CAT needs a lot of good preparation.

There are 3 sections in the CAT syllabus, i.e., Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Students can check a few CAT preparation tips to re-appear for the exam listed below:

Analyse the previous attempt

Candidates need to analyze where they went wrong in the previous attempt such as:

- Any specific section
- Time management
- Lack of preparation

Revise the syllabus and prioritize the topics

Start the revision at least 6-9 months before the exam, revise the syllabus effectively, prioritise topics, and focus on strengthening their weak areas from Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).

Practice regularly with Mock tests

Practising with CAT mock tests 2025 regularly helps build confidence and understand the exam pattern. It will help the candidates to work on their time management to finish the paper on time and boost their confidence to perform better in the exam.

Work on Time management

Time management is crucial in the CAT exam. As mentioned, there are three sections, each with a 40-minute sectional time limit; time management is key. Candidates can improve their time management abilities by consistently practising mock and previous year CAT questions. This will help students to prepare better and re-appear for the CAT exam.

CAT Preparation Related Article:

Key Points to Remember for Reappearing in CAT

A few basic points that candidates need to keep in mind for reappearing in CAT are listed below

No Attempt Limit: Candidates can appear for the CAT exam as many times as they like, so a less-than-ideal performance in the first attempt is not a barrier.
Stay Committed to Preparation: A structured study plan, consistent practice, and mock tests are key to improvement.
Focus on Weak Areas: Use the insights from the previous attempt to target weak areas and improve problem-solving skills.
Effective Time Management: Time management is crucial in the CAT exam. Candidates should practice solving questions within the set time limits.

Also Check: How to Crack CAT Exam 2025? Preparation Tips