
Table of Contents
- What is CAT 2025?
- CAT Exam Highlights
- CAT Exam Dates 2025
- CAT Exam Date Trends (Previous Records)
- CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
- CAT 2025 Registration
- CAT 2025 Syllabus
- CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
- CAT Test Cities and Centres
- CAT Mock Test 2025
- CAT Admit Card 2025
- CAT Exam Day Guidelines
- CAT 2025 Answer Key
- CAT Result 2025
- CAT Cut off 2025
- Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 2025
- CAT 2025 Selection Process
- CAT Contact Details
CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, with the official announcement expected in the last week of July 2025. The exam will be conducted in three shifts across 170+ cities in India, and IIM Kozhikode is likely to oversee its administration.
The CAT 2025 registration and application process will begin in August 2025 and continue until the third week of September 2025. The application form will be available online at iimcat.ac.in, and aspirants must complete the form to be eligible for the test.
Find all key details about CAT 2025, including registration, exam pattern, important dates, and more, below.
What is CAT 2025?
CAT, also known as the Common Admission Test, is a national entrance exam for the prestigious Indian Institute of Management and other top business institutions in various postgraduate management programs, including MBA and PGDM.
CAT is scheduled to be conducted by IIM Calcutta, on November 30, 2025. The exam is scheduled to be held in 170 cities in India for admissions to MBA courses in 21 IIMs as well as top institutions, including IITs, NITs, MNITs, and various other higher education institutions. Registration for the CAT will began in Aug 2025 and close in September 2025.
Scoring good marks in the CAT exam is very essential to secure seats at the top management colleges in India. The preparation for the CAT requires rigorous practice and understanding of exam patterns as well as the syllabus.
Importance of CAT Exam or Why is CAT prestigious?
The CAT is a national-level entrance exam widely accepted by Indian institutes of management and other top business schools, including IITs, NITs, and various other institutions offering high-quality management education, advanced facilities, experienced faculty, and extensive industry connections. These institutions have partnerships with major companies that offer high-paying jobs and have a strong network.
Graduates from IIMs and other top schools are globally recognized for the reputation of these institutions. Furthermore, the CAT exam assesses students based on their analytical skills, quantitative ability, verbal ability, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning, helping them improve their problem-solving and time-management skills. This is further beneficial for their professional endeavours.
The CAT exam also makes it easier for students to secure scholarships and financial aid for meritorious students and provides them with accessibility to a broad range of study opportunities.
CAT Exam Highlights
CAT 2025 highlights are tabulated below:
Highlights | Particulars |
Exam Name | CAT |
Full Form | Common Admission Test |
Exam Level | National |
Conducting Body | IIM Calcutta |
Category | Postgraduate |
Application Mode | Online |
Frequency | Annual |
Language | English |
Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Helpdesk | 1-800-210-1088 |
CAT Exam Dates 2025
CAT 2025 exam date is scheduled to be held on Nov 30, 2025. IIM will hold CAT 2025 in three slots across 170 cities in India. According to sources, IIM Calcutta will conduct the CAT 2025. CAT exam dates 2025 schedules are tabulated below for the candidates' reference.
CAT 2025 Events | Dates |
CAT 2025 Registration | Aug ' 25 - Sep ' 25 |
CAT 2025 form correction process | Sep ' 25 |
CAT 2025 admit card download | Nov ' 25 |
CAT 2025 exam | Nov 30 ' 25 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card | 5 Nov 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key | Dec 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Challenge | Dec 2025 |
CAT 2025 Result | Dec 2025 |
CAT 2025 Final Answer Key | Dec 2025 - Last Week |
Follow the links for CAT Subject-wise Syllabus:
- VARC Syllabus for CAT Exam 2025
- CAT Quant Syllabus 2025
- CAT Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation Syllabus 2025
CAT Exam Date Trends (Previous Records)
According to CAT exam date trends, the exams are usually conducted in November every year, and the notification for the same is released by the end of July. The exam date trends for all the previous years' of CAT are tabulated below for the candidates.
Exam Year | CAT Exam Date |
2024 | Nov 24, 2024 |
2023 | Nov 26, 2023 |
2022 | Nov 27, 2022 |
2021 | Nov 28, 2021 |
2020 | Nov 29, 2020 |
2019 | Nov 24, 2019 |
2018 | Nov 25, 2018 |
2017 | Nov 24, 2017 |
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
CAT exam eligibility is specified in the notification by IIMs. However, candidates can take a look at the primary CAT exam eligibility 2025 announced in previous years.
- IIM has decided to remove the minimum percentage of marks (45% and 50% [or equivalent CGPA] respectively) for appearing in the CAT 2025 exam because of the possibility that various universities will use various evaluation patterns throughout the nation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This exception will be made to provide equality for candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree in 2020/2021/2025 or who will do so in 2025. Please be aware that this notice applies to the criteria for writing the CAT 2025. The eligibility criteria for CAT 2025 will be updated once the official notification is released.
- Candidates are advised to look at and follow respective institution-specific admission policies. This will be for 2020, 2021, and 2025 graduates. The minimum eligibility criteria for all the other candidates are Graduation with 50% - General/ OBC-NC/EWS, and Graduation with 45% - SC/ST/ PWD.
- The college or institute that a candidate has studied in shall abide by the Act of Parliament or State Legislature in India or be declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.
CAT 2025 Registration
CAT 2025 registration will commence in the first week of August 2025, with the official schedule set to be announced in the last week of July 2025. Candidates can complete the CAT 2025 application process online at iimcat.ac.in.
The registration process will involve online registration, form filling, document uploading, and fee payment. Aspiring candidates must ensure they complete all steps within the given timeline to be eligible for the exam.
IIM CAT Registration 2025: How to Apply?
The candidates must follow the steps below to apply for the CAT exam 2025 successfully.
- Login: CAT 2025 login credentials will be sent to the candidates' registered email IDs or mobile numbers after they enter all the required details for CAT 2025 registration. The applicants must take down the credentials to log into the candidate portal on the official website.
- Enter All Details Carefully: The application form requires candidates to enter various details. Candidates must fulfil this step with utmost care and attention. Mistakes of spelling or factual errors should be avoided.
- Upload Documents as Per Specifications: The candidates will be asked to upload their photographs and signatures along with the form. The candidates must resize the documents as per the specifications given on the website. Candidates from reserved categories will be asked to upload their respective category certificates.
CAT 2025 Syllabus
The CAT 2025 syllabus covers topics designed to evaluate a candidate's English communication, reasoning skills, and quantitative aptitude. It is divided into three key sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
Below are the main topics from which most questions are asked. Candidates should focus on these areas for effective preparation.
CAT 2025 Syllabus Breakdown
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
-
Reading Comprehension
-
Para Jumbles
-
Para Summary
-
Odd Sentence Out
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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Set Theory (Variables)
-
Set Theory + Puzzles
-
Puzzles with Additional Data
-
Coding-Decoding
-
Series
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
-
Number System
-
Algebra
-
Arithmetic
-
Geometry
-
Mensuration
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
The CAT 2025 question paper will consist of both Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions. The exam duration is 120 minutes, with a 40-minute sectional time limit. PwD candidates will receive additional time.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern Highlights
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Total Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
Exam Slots | - Morning: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM - Afternoon: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM - Evening: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
Number of Questions | 66 – 68 |
Total Marks | 198 – 204 |
Language | English |
Answer Choices | 4 |
Question Types | MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA) |
Candidates should familiarise themselves with this structure to optimize their exam preparation.
CAT Test Cities and Centres
The CAT exam 2924 centres list was released by the conducting authority on the official website for the candidates. IIM Lucknow has identified 170 cities and approximately 375 centres to serve as the official CAT exam centres 2025. The hall tickets of the candidates will contain all the necessary details related to the exam centre of candidates for CAT 2025.
The candidates are advised to check and visit their exam centre a day before to avoid any last-minute confusion on the exam day. The complete details are mentioned on the exam admit card.
Relevant Links
- How many students trying luck in CAT Exam 2025?
- NIRF Management Ranking 2025: Top Management Colleges List
CAT Mock Test 2025
The CAT official mock test 2025 will be released by the conducting authority. The candidates are advised to go through the details carefully and attempt the mock test. This is one of the best ways to check your preparation and guide you towards the mistakes. The candidates will be able to login to the CAT official mock test using their login credentials, i.e., registration number and password.
CAT Mock Test Link 2025
The candidates willing to take the mock test are advised to click on the link shared below to access it. The second mock test details will be notified soon. One must note that the mock tests are a replica of the actual exam and thus the test will be over in 120 minutes.
CAT Mock Test Link 2025 | To Be Updated |
CAT Admit Card 2025
The CAT 2025 admit card will be released on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. The exact date for downloading the admit card will be announced along with the CAT 2025 exam schedule in July 2025.
The CAT admit card download link will help the candidates access the hall ticket with ease.
Download Link | To Be Updated |
Steps to Download CAT 2025 Admit Card
Candidates must input their user ID and password on the CAT admit card download link to access the hall ticket. Candidates can follow the steps given below to download the CAT 2025 admit card.
- Step 1: Candidates must log in to the CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
- Step 2: Enter CAT user ID and password.
- Step 3: Go to the 'Admit Card' section.
- Step 4: Click on 'Download'.
- Step 5: After downloading, candidates can take a printout of their CAT exam admit card 2025 download for future reference.
CAT Exam Day Guidelines
Candidates taking the CAT exam must adhere to all exam-day rules released by the IIM hosting the test. The formalities that the candidates have been given are listed below.
- When the candidates arrive at the IIMCAT exam centre, they must first find their lab and go through the frisking process.
- After completing this work, candidates' systems will be assigned, and their documents will be verified.
- Finally, to start the exam, candidates must finish the registration process and log in.
Also Read: Dress Code for CAT Exam 2025
IIM CAT Exam Timings
The IIM CAT timing has been shared below for all three slots. The candidates are advised to reach the exam centre an hour before.
Event | Slot 1 Timing | Slot 2 Timing | Slot 3 Timing |
Reporting Time at CAT Exam Centre | 7:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
Entry Closing Time at CAT Exam Centre | 8:15 AM | 12:15 PM | 4:15 PM |
CAT Exam Timing | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
CAT Exam Timing for PwD Candidates | 8:30 AM to 11:10 AM | 12:30 PM to 3:10 PM | 4:30 PM to 7:10 PM |
CAT 2025 Answer Key
The conducting IIM will provide the CAT answer key 2025 a few days after the examination. Candidates must follow the methods outlined below to download the CAT 2025 answer key and response sheet from the official website:
- Step 1: Visit the official CAT 2025 website (iimcat.ac.in).
- Step 2: Click the 'login' tab.
- Step 3: Enter the CAT login ID and password.
- Step 4: Click on the 'CAT 2025 answer key' will show on the screen.
- Step 5: Click the 'download' icon to save it as a PDF.
The provisional CAT 2025 answer key and response sheet will allow candidates to check their correct and incorrect attempts and estimate their CAT score.
Candidates will also have the option to challenge the official CAT 2025 answer key if they believe any answer is incorrect. To do so, they must submit a valid supporting document as proof.
CAT Result 2025
The CAT 2025 scorecard PDF will be available only online. Candidates will be required to download their results using their login ID and password. Check out the steps below to download the CAT 2025 results.
- Log on to CAT website iimcat.ac.in
- Click on 'login' tab
- Enter CAT application number and password
- Click on the scorecard section
- Click on download option and save the PDF of CAT 2025 scorecard
The CAT admission process 2025 will commence soon after the declaration of results for different colleges.
CAT Result 2025 Download Link Available
The download link for the CAT Scorecard 2025 is given below:
Particulars | Link |
CAT Result 2025 | To Be Updated |
To check the results and download the scorecards, candidates will have to log in using their credentials. Once they have logged in, the screen will display the scorecard and then they will be able to download it.
CAT Cut off 2025
The CAT cut off 2025 will be released separately for all colleges based on the total seats they offer. The cut off marks will be released by the last week of Dec 2025, at iimcat.ac.in. The IIM cut off 2025 marks, shall range around 98-100 percentile for top IIM colleges. On the other hand, the CAT cutoff is usually about 70-80 percentile for the tier 2 MBA colleges.
List of IIMs | IIM Category Wise CutOff | |
Gen/ OBC | EWS/ SC/ ST | |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Gen- 80 OBC- 75 |
EWS- 80 SC- 70 ST- 60 |
IIM Bangalore |
Gen- 85 OBC- 75 |
EWS- 75 SC- 70 ST- 65 |
IIM Calcutta |
Gen- 85 OBC- 75 |
EWS- 75 SC- 70 ST- 65 |
IIM Lucknow |
Gen- 90 OBC- 82 |
EWS- 82 SC- 65 ST- 60 |
IIM Indore |
Gen- 90 OBC- 80 |
EWS- 90 SC- 60 ST- 50 |
IIM Kozhikode |
Gen- 85 OBC- 75 |
EWS- 75 SC- 65 ST- 55 |
IIM Amritsar |
Gen- 85 OBC- 75 |
EWS- 85 SC- 55 ST- 40 |
IIM Nagpur |
Gen- 90 OBC- 76.5 |
EWS- 80 SC- 60 ST- 40 |
IIM Sambalpur |
Gen- 74 OBC- 74 |
EWS- 70 SC- 54 ST- 40 |
IIM Trichy |
Gen- 92 OBC- 74 |
EWS- 70 SC- 54 ST- 40 |
IIM Rohtak |
Gen- 95 OBC- 78 |
EWS- 90 SC- 55 ST- 30 |
IIM Raipur |
Gen- 92 OBC- 74 |
EWS- 70 SC- 54 ST- 40 |
IIM Ranchi |
Gen- 92 OBC- 74 |
EWS- 70 SC- 54 ST- 40 |
IIM Kashipur |
Gen- 92 OBC- 74 |
EWS- 70 SC- 54 ST- 40 |
IIM Vizag |
Gen- 80 OBC- 70 |
EWS- 72 SC- 45 ST- 35 |
IIM Udaipur |
Gen- 92 OBC- 74 |
EWS- 70 SC- 54 ST- 40 |
IIM Bodhgaya |
Gen- 92 OBC- 74 |
EWS- 70 SC- 54 ST- 40 |
IIM Shillong |
Gen- 75 OBC- 75 |
EWS- 75 SC- 60 ST- 50 |
IIM Sirmaur |
Gen- 92 OBC- 74 |
EWS- 70 SC- 54 ST- 40 |
IIM Jammu |
Gen- (Male- 90, Female- 87) OBC- (Male- 72, Female- 70) |
EWS- (Male- 68, Female- 65) SC- (Male- 52, Female- 50) ST- (Male- 37, Female- 34) |
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score 2025
The following are the colleges that accept CAT scores for admission. Check CAT Percentile Wise Colleges here.
Top IIMs Accepting CAT Score 2025
Indian Institute of Management are a group of business schools in India set up by the government of India with the aim of providing high-quality management education. There are currently 20 IIMs across India which allow admissions to various management programmes based on common admission test (CAT) scores. The list of IIMs is given below.
IIM Campus | MBA Seats | MBA Fees |
IIM Indore | 451 | INR 17.07 LPA |
IIM Nagpur | 130 | INR 13.37 LPA |
IIM Kashipur | 210 | INR 15.10 LPA |
IIM Shillong | 120 | INR 12.68 LPA |
IIM Amritsar | 60 | INR 12.00 LPA |
IIM Jammu | 120 | INR 13.80 LPA |
IIM Sirmaur | 60 | INR 11.75 LPA |
IIM Bodhgaya | 120 | INR 10.60 LPA |
IIM Ranchi | 240 | INR 15.30 LPA |
IIM Sambalpur | 120 | INR 13.03 LPA |
IIM Trichy | 180 | INR 10.70 LPA |
IIM Visakhapatnam | 60 | INR 10.70 LPA |
IIM Rohtak | 240 | INR 15.30 LPA |
IIM Udaipur | 260 | INR 17.60 LPA |
IIM Raipur | 210 | INR 14.20 LPA |
IIM Kozhikode | 375 | INR 19.00 LPA |
IIM Lucknow | 436 | INR 19.00 LPA |
IIM Calcutta | 210 | INR 23.00 LPA |
IIM Bangalore | 430 | INR 23.00 LPA |
IIM Ahmedabad | 385 | INR 23.00 LPA |
Top Non-IIMs Accepting CAT Score 2025
Over 1,200 B-schools across the country accept CAT scores. Given below are the top Non-IIMs colleges.
CAT Exam 2025: MBA Programs Offered by IIMs
Every IIM provides CAT exam-based admission to various MBA/PGDM programs. The programs provided by each of the 20 IIMs are included in the table below.
IIMs | MBA Programs |
IIM Trichy | PGPM, PGPBM, PGPM-HR |
IIM Calcutta | MBA |
IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGP, PGPX |
IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPPM, PGPBA |
IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-BA, MBA-HR |
IIM Bodh Gaya | PGP |
IIM Jammu | PGP |
IIM Visakhapatnam | PGP |
IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, EPGP |
IIM Lucknow | PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM |
IIM Nagpur | PGP |
IIM Ranchi | PGP, PGP-HRM |
IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM |
IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA-BA |
IIM Kashipur | PGP, EPGP |
IIM Sambalpur | MBA |
IIM Raipur | PGP |
IIM Udaipur | MBA |
IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGPX |
IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX |
CAT 2025 Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be called for CAT counselling 2025 or the selection process. Different admission procedures may be used by each IIM institute, including shortlisting applicants based on CAT result 2025, GD/PI, and WAT performances.
Check out the CAT 2025 admission process:
- Writing Assessment Test (WAT)
- Discussion in Groups (GD)
- PI (Personal Interviews)
CAT Admission Procedure
CAT 2025 admission policy for the MBA program remains the same as last year. Candidates can check the following stage-wise academic requirements for IIM Calcutta's MBA program.
Stage 1: CAT Result and IIM Shortlist
The exam's organizing authority must first disclose the CAT 2025 results.
- IIMs will start publishing dates for shortlists and subsequently commence the CAT process for admission.
- IIMs will publish their own CAT cutoffs for 2025 for various categories.
- The list of candidates who have been shortlisted for the next selection round will be made accessible on the relevant IIMs' websites.
- All shortlisted candidates will receive interview letters directly from IIMs.
Stage 2: WAT, PI, and GD Rounds
IIM MBA selection process 2025 will continue with Written Ability Tests (WAT), Personal Interviews (PI), and Group Discussions for all applicants who meet the CAT cutoff (GD). Candidates are assessed based on their general knowledge, communication skills, past performance in rounds, and mental clarity. CAT interview dates 2025 will be announced soon after the results are declared.
Click to read How to prepare for CAT Personal Interview?
Parameter | Weightage |
CAT 2025 score | 56 |
Class 10th marks | 10 |
Class 12th marks | 15 |
Gender diversity factor | 4 |
Total | 85 |
Stage 3: Final Selection
The eligibility and verification requirements for the final CAT selection process must be met by each applicant listed for a personal interview at an IIM. Candidates are now graded according to their academic success. Here is a list of the possible criteria used to choose candidates. Earlier, the CAT 2025 score weightage will be 25.
Parameter | Weight |
CAT 2025 score | 30 |
PI | 48 |
WAT | 8 |
Academic diversity | 6 |
Work experience | 8 |
Total | 100 |
Relevant Links
CAT Contact Details
Candidates who are interested in taking the CAT exam should be aware that they are free to contact the relevant authorities if they have any questions or concerns about the exam. Questions about the CAT 2025 registration process, payment, and document uploading.
Contact Details |
Particulars |
Toll-free Number |
1-800-210-8720 (Mon-Sat from 9 am - 6 pm) |
Email Address |
cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in |
Address |
CAT Centre C/o. Admissions Office, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru – 560 076, Karnataka, India. |
Getmyuni |
+91 8884032828 |
Contact the CAT Center office using the following information if you have questions on academic matters like eligibility, category, or PwD certificates. (Note that any issue relating to CAT registration, application, or payment processing should NOT be addressed by contacting the CAT Center.)
Phone Number | +91-080-26993388 / 3017 / 3013 |
Email Address | cat2025@iima.ac.in |
FAQs on CAT
Q: Is CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?
Yes, the CAT is considered tougher than other MBA entrance exams like XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and CMAT. Although the difficulty level of any exam depends on the strengths and weaknesses of an individual, but there are several reasons why CAT is considered more difficult than other entrance exams for MBA. The reason CAT is considered the toughest MBA entrance exam is due to its comprehensive syllabus, high competition, the complexity of the questions, time management (120 minutes to answer 66 questions), negative marking, and the pressure to perform well in a single attempt, as CAT is a one-shot exam.
Q: Can CAT Application form be filled offline?
Yes, the CAT application form can be filled out online. The digital approach ensures an effective and accessible application process throughout the country. It provides convenience as it is accessible anytime and from any corner of the world. This is very beneficial mainly for remote areas. It allows effective data management as the candidate can centralise their data, reducing the risk of errors which occur due to manual entry, this also facilitates quick retrieval in the processing of applications thus reducing the chances of errors. The steps to fill CAT application form include Registering online through CAT's official website by generating a user ID and password Now fill out the form, providing your personal details, academic history, work experience, and choice of programs Now upload authentic and relevant scanned copies of documents, including your passport-sized photograph, signatures, and academic certificates in the size required by the authority Pay the fees of the application form through net banking, credit card, debit card, or any other options available Check for mistakes or errors before submitting the form
Q: What are the documents required for the CAT application form?
Some of the documents required for the CAT application form are: Passport-sized photograph (preferably a recent one in .jpg or .jpeg format within the specified size limit) Scanned copy of the candidate's signature in .jpg or .jpeg format. Make sure the signature is clear and matches the one in official documents. Class 10th and 12th mark sheet and certifiCATe Graduation mark sheet and degree certificates Category certifiCATe if applicable for SC, ST, NC-OBC, EwS, PwD Work experience, if any, including appointment letters, salary slips, and other document that validates the duration and nature of work Make payment of the fees through credit card, debit card or net banking
Q: How to prepare for CAT?
To prepare for the CAT exam, you must start preparing strategically and maintain a disciplined approach. This increases the chances of scoring better. The first step is understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. The CAT exam consists of three sections, including qualitative ability, verbal ability & reading comprehension, and data interpretation and logical reasoning. The exam is computer-based test with 120 minutes divided equally among three sections. To prepare for the exam, you must create a study schedule targeting different topics for a particular day or week according to your flexibility and convenience. Make sure to prioritise the most important topics which hold greater importance in the exam. Use relevant books and study material like “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Arun Sharma, “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis for VARC, and “Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT” by Nishit Sinha. Practice previous year’s papers and sample papers, which increases time management, and also helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Stay updated with all the new trends and notifications so you do not miss out on anything.
Q: Can the CAT exam be cracked in six months?
Yes, the CAT exam can be cracked in 6 months if prepared with the right strategies and using the right study material. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and exam patterns in the various sections such as Verbal Ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. Create a study plan that spans six months and divides into three phases: initial learning, practice, and revision. In the initial learning phase, seek clarification on concepts and record weekly progress to identify strengths and weaknesses. Use previous years' and sample papers to identify important questions, and practice solving them with timed sessions to improve time management skills. Maintain a record of formulas, concepts, and shortcuts for easy reference during last-minute revision. Stay updated on current affairs and new trends.
Q: Which are the best books to prepare for CAT?
Some of the best books to prepare for CAT are: How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K. Verma How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha Face To Face CAT Common Admission Test by Arihant
Q: How to score over 90 percentile in CAT?
You can score 90% percentile in CAT 2025 by using a strategic and disciplined approach towards preparation. This includes understanding the exam pattern and the syllabus, creating a study schedule, focusing on your weaknesses and strengths, practising mock tests, sample papers, and previous year’s papers, focusing on time management, revising important concepts for Shortcuts, focusing on accuracy while solving questions staying updated with all current affairs using right study material and resources. Practising questions and topics with high importance and weightage in the CAT exam 2025 can also help you achieve the 90 percentile. Some of these topics include percentage, profit loss, linear and quadratic equations, coordinate geometry, data, interpretation, synonyms, antonyms, seating arrangement, blood relations, coding, decoding, complex tables, data sufficiency, assumptions, conclusions, and many more.
Q: Can CAT exam be given after class 12th?
No, you cannot take the CAT exam after the 12th class as it is an entrance exam for postgraduate programmes, which necessarily requires a bachelor's degree. Some of the eligibility criteria include a minimum of 50% marks in any of the bachelor's degrees for general and a minimum of 45% for SC, ST, and PwD CATegories from a recognised university. Finally, students from any undergraduate program can also apply for the CAT exam while providing their degree before the MBA program starts. There is no limit for the CAT exam. However, the students who are interested in pursuing management studies right after the class 12th can start by doing undergraduate management courses like BBA or integrated MBA programs which are available in certain institutions. These programs do not require CAT scores.
Q: Is there any limit to CAT exam attempts?
No, there is no official limit to the number of attempts an aspirant can take for the CAT exam. However, re-attempting the exam without understanding your weaknesses may not improve your results. Thus, focusing on your weaknesses and improving your mistakes while preparing strategically can yield better results and improve performance. Additionally, balancing preparation with other commitments is also essential for the candidate.
Q: Which IIM is conducting CAT 2025?
Calcutta this year. Every year, the CAT rotates among IIMs, and one IIM takes the responsibility of organizing the CAT for that particular year. IIM Calcutta, established in 1961, has a strong reputation due to its academic excellence, research output, and strong alumni network. For this year's CAT, IIM Calcutta will oversee all the examination processes, including exam dates, designing the question paper, managing test centres, and ensuring the overall conduct of the examination for the candidates. Those appearing for CAT must stay updated with announcements from IIM Calcutta regarding important dates, registration processes, and other relevant information.
Q: How many students are expected to register for the CAT exam?
Every year, around 2 to 2.5 lakh students register for the CAT examination. However, there was an unexpected increase in registrations last year and a similar trend is expected for the year 2025. The most accurate and updated information can be found on the official CAT website. The registration numbers for the examination are influenced by various factors such as the exam pattern, economic climate, and the perceived value of an MBA degree, as there is an increasing demand for MBA degree jobs.
Q: Is CAT an online or offline exam?
CAT Is a computer-based online examination which is held in 150+ cities in India. The exam is scheduled to be held on 30 November 2025, and the registration process is expected to begin in the first week of August. CAT 2025 will be organised and conducted by IIM Calcutta this year, which will admit students to 21 IIMs, IITs, MITs, NITs, and over a hundred management institutions. To secure a seat in top management institutions in India, the candidate must score a good percentile in CAT exam 2025.
Q: How to find my CAT exam centres 2025?
The candidates can check their CAT test centres on their admit cards. Every detail related to the exam centre is mentioned on the hall ticket. The admit card contains all the details such as exam hall number, city, state, address, and exam hall code as well.
Q: What is the total marks of CAT exam?
The CAT exam is being held for a total of 198 marks. There shall be 66 questions for 3 marks each, which makes a total of 198 marks. There shall be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong attempt.
Q: Is CAT exam online or offline?
The CAT exam is a national-level test that will be held online. The exam is held every year by any one of the IIMs. The IIM CAT 2025 is being conducted by IIM Calcutta. The exam will have three sections in total.
Q: What is the CAT cut off for IIM for OBC?
The CAT cut off 2025 will be notified during the CAT PI rounds. The cut off marks will be different for all colleges and shall be decided on the number of available seats. However, the CAT cut off for IIM for OBC ranges between 95-98.