What is CAT Exam: The Indian Institutes of Management, Kozhikode, will conduct the computer-based Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 for students aspiring to enrol in postgraduate programs like MBA/PGDM/PGP in IIMs and other leading B-schools. The CAT registration 2025 window will open from August 01, 2025 (10:00 am) to September 13, 2025 (5:00 pm) as per the latest update. The CAT 2025 exam date is also out and will be conducted on November 30, 2025. Interested applicants should fulfil the minimum academic qualification requirements and other criteria to participate in this entrance test. Read on to learn more about what is CAT exam, along with other details like the latest update, exam date, steps of the registration process, exam pattern, syllabus & more here.
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What is CAT Exam?
CAT or Common Admission Test is a prerequisite for admission to MBA programs in IIMs and other reputed colleges in India. As per the official schedule, the CAT 2025 exam will take place on November 30, 2025, in three sessions. It will be held in the exam centres located across around 170 test cities. It tests candidates’ knowledge across three sections i.e. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). In the previous year, 3.29 lakh test-takers registered for CAT and 2.93 lakh test-takers attempted the test. Keep on reading to understand what is CAT exam and all the latest details related to it.
Who will conduct the CAT 2025 Exam?
The Indian Institutes of Management, Kozhikode, will be conducting the CAT 2025 Exam this year. Take a look at the quick overview of the CAT exam shared below for clarity.
| Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Kozhikode |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Purpose | Admission to MBA and other PG programs in IIM and other B-Schools. |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Total Registrations (2024) | 3.29 lakh |
| Total Test-takers (2024) | 2.93 lakh |
| CAT Syllabus | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| CAT Exam Pattern | Online Exam, 68 Questions |
| CAT Exam Centres | 170 cities |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
What is CAT Exam? Is CAT 2025 Notification Out
Yes, the brief notification for CAT 2025 has been published by IIM Kozhikode on its official site. The detailed CAT notification 2025 PDF will be uploaded anytime soon on the CAT official website. It will contain all the important details related to the test, such as eligibility, reservation policies, how to register, and many other crucial information.
CAT Exam Dates 2025
The CAT Exam Dates have been announced officially. The entrance test will be conducted on November 30, 2025, and the admit card will be uploaded on November 5, 2025, only on the official website. Moreover, applicants should submit the CAT application form before the last date for a hassle-free experience. Check the important CAT Exam Dates and other related event dates in the table below.
| Events | Dates |
| CAT Registration opens | August 01, 2025 (10:00 am) |
| CAT Registration closes | September 13, 2025 (5:00 pm) |
| CAT Admit Card Download | November 05-November 30, 2025 |
| CAT Test date | November 30, 2025 |
| CAT Result | First week of January, 2026 (Tentative) |
What is CAT Exam, and who can register for it?
CAT is one of the crucial national-level entrance tests serving as a gateway for MBA/PGDM admissions in IIMs and other business schools in India. Graduates from recognised universities who meet the minimum marks criteria are eligible to register for CAT 2025. Gain insights into the CAT eligibility conditions below.
- CAT Age Limit: No age restrictions
- Qualifying Degree: Bachelor’s Degree
- Minimum Required Marks in Degree: 50% marks (45% for ST, ST, and Persons with Disability (PwD)
CAT Registration 2025
As per the latest advertisement, the CAT registration will begin from August 01, 2025 (10:00 am) only at iimcat.ac.in. The last date of CAT 2025 registration will be September 13, 2025 (5:00 pm). Applicants should ensure they provide only valid information in the application form to avoid any disqualification in future. Every year, lakhs of students register and appear for this entrance test. Learn about the CAT registration trends given below.
| Year | Number of Candidates Registered | Number of Candidates Appeared (Test Takers) |
| 2010 | 2,04,000 | 1,85,000 |
| 2011 | 2,05,000 | 1,86,000 |
| 2012 | 2,14,000 | 1,95,000 |
| 2013 | 1,94,516 | 1,73,714 |
| 2014 | 1,96,988 | 1,70,000 |
| 2015 | 2,18,664 | 1,79,602 |
| 2016 | 2,32,434 | 1,95,679 |
| 2017 | 2,31,067 | 1,99,632 |
| 2018 | 2,40,338 | 2,09,405 |
| 2019 | 2,44,169 | 2,09,926 |
| 2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 |
| 2021 | 2,29,969 | 1,91,660 |
| 2022 | 2,55,501 | 2,22,184 |
| 2023 | 3,23,000 | 2,88,000 |
| 2024 | 3,29,000 | 2,93,000 |
| 2025 | To be updated soon | To be updated soon |
How to Register for CAT 2025?
Once you’re familiar with what is CAT exam, registering for the CAT 2025 becomes a straightforward process. Aspirants should have all the necessary details and documents to register and fill out the CAT application form. Here are the general steps to apply online for the CAT 2025 exam.
- Go to the CAT official website.
- Click the “Registration” link and then register successfully with the required information.
- Log in with newly generated credentials to fill out the online form.
- Now, upload all the certificates/documents and pay the application fees for the final submission of the CAT 2025 form. The CAT application fees are Rs 1300 for SC, ST and PwD category candidates and Rs 2600 for all other categories of candidates.
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CAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Expected)
The CAT exam pattern 2025 has not yet been announced officially. However, it is expected to be the same as the previous year. There shall be three sections with MCQs and Non-MCQs, and the test duration will be 120 minutes. Each correct answer will earn 3 marks, while 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response. Learn more about the expected CAT exam pattern 2025 shared below.
| Section | Number of Questions | Exam Duration |
| Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 120 minutes |
CAT Syllabus 2025 (Expected)
Along with knowing what is CAT exam is, aspirants should also check the detailed syllabus before commencing their test preparation. Every section of the CAT exam has a wide range of topics that need to be mastered to perform well. A strong grasp of concepts can help you understand the advanced-level fundamentals in a better manner. Gain insights about the expected CAT syllabus for all three sections given below.
| Subject | Syllabus |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | AverageRatioMixture & AlligationQuadraticPolynomials & Simple EquationProfit & LossSI CIPercentagesTSD & Time and WorkGeometryInequalities, Modulus & FunctionsProgression and SeriesProbability and P&CLogarithmSurds & IndicesVenn DiagramsNumber System |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | TablesPie ChartsLine & Bar GraphsQuant Based DICircular ArrangementsVenn DiagramsLinear ArrangementsCubesGames & TournamentsSelectionDistributionBinary LogicsNetwork Flow Diagrams |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading ComprehensionPara CompletionPara SummaryOdd One OutPara Jumbles |
What is CAT Exam & How to Prepare Well For It?
As only four months are left for the CAT exam, it is high time for aspirants to prepare seriously. They should begin attempting reliable mocks, quizzes, and past papers to identify their exam readiness and rectify all their mistakes. Check the comprehensive CAT preparation tips discussed below.
- Integrate the latest CAT 2025 syllabus and exam pattern in your study schedule.
- Join the leading CAT online coaching like iQuanta to excel. They hold impressive success records and provide course features that are rarely offered anywhere else. It includes live conceptual and application-based classes, 24X7 doubt-solving support, mocks with in-depth analysis, etc.
- Solve mock tests and CAT previous year question papers to identify all the areas and topics that demand more focus and preparation.
- When studying any new topic, create notes on its concepts for quick review.
CAT Admit Card 2025
The exam authorities will make the CAT 2025 admit card available for download starting November 5, 2025, with the window remaining open until November 30, 2025. You can check and download the CAT 2025 admit card with your valid CAT ID and password. It is mandatory to bring documents like an admit card and a photo ID proof to the CAT exam centre on the examination day.
CAT Result 2025
The exam authorities are expected to make the CAT result available in the first week of January 2026, tentatively. Along with this, aspirants can also view/download their CAT scorecards using credentials such as CAT application login ID and password only at the official website.
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What is CAT Exam? FAQs
CAT or Common Admission Test is a prerequisite for admission to MBA programs in IIMs and other reputed colleges in India.
The Indian Institutes of Management, Kozhikode, will be conducting the CAT 2025 Exam this year.
As per the official schedule, the CAT 2025 exam will take place on November 30, 2025, in three sessions.
Graduates from recognised universities who have secured 50% marks (45% for ST, ST, and Persons with Disability (PwD) can register for CAT 2025.
The last date of CAT 2025 registration will be September 13, 2025 (5:00 pm).
