Are you planning to pursue an MBA from India’s top business schools like the IIMs? Then, the CAT exam for MBA must be your go to choice. Common Admission Test (CAT) is the national-level entrance exam conductijg for students across India for admission into IIMs and other top B-schools. Common Admission test is a highly competitive test conducted every year in the month of November with lakhs of aspirants, hoping to secure admission into the top IIMs or other top-tier MBA colleges. CAT 2025 to be held on 30th November 2025. Read on more to know all the important details about CAT exam for MBA, including the eligibility criteria, registration process, CAT syllabus, and CAT participating colleges.Â
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What is CAT exam for MBA?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam for IIM and other top B-schools conducted by Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) annually, on a rotational basis. With high level of competition and a rigid selection process, the CAT exam for MBA is a computer-based test that evaluates candidates not only on knowledge basis but also on their problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and decision making abilities. The CAT exam pattern comprises of sections, i.e. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). CAT questions typically range from moderate to difficult based on previous trends and analysis.
CAT Exam for MBA: Overview
Knowing everything about CAT exam for MBA will help CAT aspirants to stay on track during their preparation. This year, IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT 2025 on 30th Novemebr 2025 and registration is expected in August 2025. Here is the overview of the CAT exam for MBA:
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Level | Nationl-Level |
| Frequency of the Exam | Once a year |
| Mode of the Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium | English |
| Total Registrations (2024) | 3.29 Lakhs |
| Total Test-Takers (2024) | 2.93 Lakhs |
| No. of Seats in IIMs | Around 5000 |
| Duration of the Exam | 02 Hours |
| Total No. of Questions | 68 Questions |
| CAT Syllabus | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Question Type | MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT Exam for MBA: Eligibility Criteria
It is very important to know the eligibility criteria before applying for entrance test for IIM, any incorrect information or knowledge will lead to the disqualification of the candidature. To appear for the IIM entrance exam, a candidate must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories], awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State legislature in India or declared to be deemed as an University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
- Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. However, it may be noted that such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate from the Principal/Registrar of their University/Institution (issued on or before the date as stipulated by the respective IIM) stating that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification on the date of issue of the certificate.
- Candidates applying for CAT exam should fulfill any one of the following conditions:
a) Completed Bachelor’s degree with the required percentage of marks.
b) Completed professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)) with required percentage.
c) Should be in the final year of Bachelor’s degree with required percentage.
d) SC/ST/PwD candidates should have a minimum 45%. For General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, the minimum is 50%.
- IIMs may verify eligibility at various stages of the selection process, the details of which are provided at the website www.iimcat.ac.in. Applicants should note that the mere fulfilment of the minimum eligibility criteria will not ensure consideration for shortlisting by IIMs. Candidates must declare and maintain a valid and unique email account and a mobile phone number throughout the selection process.
CAT Exam for MBA: Registration Process
The registration process for the CAT exam for MBA is completely online through the official website iimcat.ac.in. The CAT 2025 registration process is most likely expected in first week of August 2025. Below mentioned are the steps to apply online CAT entrance test for IIM:
- Online Registration: Visit the official website iimcat.ac.in, click on register to generate your User ID and Password. Fill in the basic details like your name, DOB, email ID & contact details (active). Enter the Captcha and click on Submit, you will receive your User ID & Password via SMS and email.
- Fill up the CAT Application Form: After registering online, login to access CAT application form. Fill in your personal details, academic information, upload the required documents, work experience (if any), choose the IIMs and MBA/PGP programs you wish to apply, select the city preferences.
- Pay the application fees.
- Final submit the CAT application form.
CAT Application Fee (Non-Refundable)
- For SC, ST and PwD candidates: INR 1250/-.
- For all other candidates: INR 2500/-.
- Note: A candidate needs to pay the registration fee only once, irrespective of the number of institutes he/she is applying for. SC, ST and PwD candidates must upload a copy of their SC/ST/PwD certificates at the time of registration. Fees once paid cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
Documents Required for CAT Registrations
Following are the documents needed by the candidates during the application of CAT entrance exam for IIM:
- A Passport-size Photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Academic Certificates (10th, 12th and graduation)
- Work Experience Details (if applicable)
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CAT Exam for MBA: Registration Trends Over The Years
The number of CAT aspirants registering for CAT exam for MBA has witnessed a rise over the last few years. This indicates growing interests among CAT aspirants, whether a student or a working professional to enter into top B-schools or IIMs. Lets look at the CAT exam for MBA registration trends over the years:
| Year | No. of Candidates Registered | No. of Candidates Appeared |
| 2020 | 2.28 lakhs | – |
| 2021 | 2.31 lakhs | +1.3% |
| 2022 | 2.55 lakhs | +10.4% |
| 2023 | 2.88 lakhs | +12.9% |
| 2024 | 3.28 lakhs | +13.8% |
Out of 3.28 lakhs registered candidates, 2.93 lakhs candidates appeared for CAT exam 2024 for 5000+ IIM seats, making it the most competitive IIM entrance exam in India. This increase in CAT registration is driven by increased awareness, better online resources, and a booming demand for MBA graduates across industries.
CAT Exam for MBA: Syllabus
The CAT entrance test for IIM consists of three sections which are Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). To score high in CAT exam for MBA, aspirants are required to have a deep knowledge and understanding of these three sections. Below mentioned are some key topics for the CAT entrance test for IIM:
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI):
- Tables
- Venn Diagram
- Linear Arrangements
- Cubes
- Pie Charts
- Line & Bar Graph
- Quant-Based DI
- Circular Arrangements
- Selection & Distribution
- Games & Tournaments
- Binary Logics
- Networks Flow Diagrams
- Quantitative Aptitide (QA):
- Average
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time and Work
- Geometry
- Inequalities
- Modules & Functions
- Ratio, Mixture & Allegations
- Surds & Indices
- Venn Diagram
- Quadratic, Polynomials & Simple Equation
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Number Systems
- Percentages
- Progression and Series
- Probability
- Permutation and Combination
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension Passage
- Para Summary
- Odd One Out
- Para Completion
- Para Jumbles
CAT Exam for MBA: Exam Pattern
The CAT exam pattern consists of three sections: VARC, LRDI, and QA. The entrance test for IIM, CAT is a computer-based test, comprises of MCQs and TITA questions. Check below the exam pattern for CAT exam for MBA:
CAT Test Structure
| Section | Name | No. of Questions | MCQs | TITA | Time Limit |
| 1 | VARC | 24 | 19 | 5 | 40 mins |
| 2 | LRDI | 22 | 14 | 8 | 40 mins |
| 3 | QA | 22 | 15 | 7 | 40 mins |
| Total | 68 | 48 | 20 | 120 mins |
NOTE: Each correct answer carries 3 marks and each incorrect MCQ gives negative marking of 1 marks. There is no negative marking for TITA questions.
IIM Admission Through CAT: Selection Process
The IIM entrance exam is your first step towards admission into your dream college. After CAT results got declared, each IIM conducts its own selection process which consists of:
- Shortlisting of Candidates based on their CAT scores and Academic Profile
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Personal Interview (PI)
There some key parameters which were considered by every IIMs during the selection process. These are listed below:
| Factor | Weightage |
| CAT Score | 25% – 60% |
| Academic Background | 10% – 30% |
| Work Experience | 5% – 15% |
| Gender Diversity | 2% – 10% |
| WAT-PI Performance | 20% – 35% |
NOTE: Every IIM have unique selection process and follows a different weightage system, always go through IIMs official website before applying.
CAT Exam for MBA: Programs Offered at IIMs
The candidates will be eligible to get admission to management programs into top IIMs on the basis of their CAT scores. These programs includes various courses, the list of these courses offered by IIMs through CAT is listed below:
- Post Graduation Programs in Management (PGP)
| IIMs | Program Offered |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGD-ABA (ePost Graduate Diploma in Advanced Business Analytics) |
| IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, EMBA, M.Sc. in Data Science (MSDSM) jointly offered with IIT Ropar |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA, MBA (Digital Business Management), MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management) |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA |
| IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM (Master of Science in Data Science and Management) |
| IIM Jammu | MBA, MBA (Hospital Administration & Healthcare Management), Executive MBA |
| IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBAA (Executive Master of Business Administration Analytics) |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP-IL, EPGP Kochi |
| IIM Lucknow | MBA, MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, PGPWE |
| IIM Mumbai | MBA, MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management), MBA (Sustainability Management) |
| IIM Nagpur | MBA, E-MBA |
| IIM Raipur | MBA |
| IIM Ranchi | MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA (Business Analytics) |
| IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGDSM, PGPx |
| IIM Sambalpur | MBA, Executive MBA, MBA for Working Professionals |
| IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGP (WE) |
| IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (Tourism Management), MBA (Travel, Tourism and Hospitality), ExMBA, ExMBA (Digital Transformation & Analytics), MBA (Family Business) |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM (MBA), PGPM-HR (MBA-HR), PGPBM (MBA for Working Executives in Chennai) |
| IIM Udaipur | MBA, MBA- DEM (Digital Enterprise Management), MBAGSCM (Global Supply Chain Management), Executive MBA (Online) |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | PGP, EMBA, PGPMCI |
- Fellow Programes in Management (FPM) [PhD]
| Institute | Programs Offered |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Doctoral Programme in Management |
| IIM Amritsar | PhD |
| IIM Bangalore | PhD |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | PhD |
| IIM Calcutta | Doctoral Programme (PhD) |
| IIM Indore | Doctoral Programme in Management |
| IIM Jammu | PhD, PhD (Working Professionals) |
| IIM Kashipur | PhD |
| IIM Kozhikode | PhD, Fellow Programmes in Management PhD (PT) |
| IIM Lucknow | PhD |
| IIM Mumbai | Ph.D., Ph.D. (Executive) |
| IIM Nagpur | PhD, E-PhD |
| IIM Raipur | PhD, PhD (Practice Track) |
| IIM Ranchi | PhD, EPhD |
| IIM Rohtak | PhD |
| IIM Sambalpur | PhD, Executive PhD |
| IIM Shillong | Doctoral Program, Doctoral Program (WP) |
| IIM Sirmaur | PhD, PhD (Executive) |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | PhD, Executive PhD |
| IIM Udaipur | PhD |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | PhD, Executive PhD |
Other Top B-Schools Accepting CAT Score
Apart from IIMs, over 1000+ institutes accept CAT score for admission into their flagship MBA programs and other post-graduation programs. CAT exam for MBA opens up doors to only IIMs but other premier B-schools across India. They offer world-class infrastructure, high-tech studies, experienced faculties and mentors, strong industry connections, excellent ROI, and high placements. Some of the top B-schools accepting CAT score are mentioned below:
- FMS, Delhi
- IIT Delhi -DMS
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Madras -DoMS
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Roorkee
- IIFT Delhi
- NITIE Mumbai
- TISS Mumbai
- SPJIMR, Mumbai
- MDI, Gurgaon
- IMT, Ghaziabad
- IMI, Delhi
- XIM, Bhubaneshwar
- Welingkar, Mumbai
- BITS, Pilani, etc
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Conclusion
The CAT exam for MBA is much more than a test, it’s the beginning of a transformative journey into India’s top management institutes. The IIM entrance exam offers CAT aspirants a chance to step into the boardrooms of global companies. Whether you are a fresher, a working professional, a student from arts background, or an engineer, or a commerce graduate from the top B-schools, the CAT exam for MBA is your best choice to rise above average and redefine your future. Just stay committed, stay consistent.