Why MBA/Why CAT
What if we told you that one decision could change the trajectory of your career as well your life? The only answer to these questions - Ever wanted a change? Or feeling stuck in your career? Or wanted to work in a different domain? - MBA a degree opening gateway to India’s top most management institutions - IIMs that are globally recognized. MBA is not just a degree but an opportunity that opens doors to high paying jobs, growth opportunities and an accelerated career. The high package offered to IIM graduates is one of the common answers to the question Why MBA?.
answers to the question Why MBA?. To do an MBA CAT examination, is a gold-standard benchmark, designed by the Indian Institutes of Management, that allows candidates to get into IIMs and other top B-schools. Every year lakhs of candidates appear for this exam and as per the latest data in CAT 2024 3.29 lakh candidates registered for the CAT exam, out of which 2.93 lakh actually took the CAT exam. There is an extremely selective process of qualification, interviews and eventual admission into the top IIMs of the country. The average package of top IIMs range between 30 to 40 LPA.
CAT Exam 2025: Registration, Date, Syllabus, Pattern, Admit Card, Preparation Strategy
The CAT Exam, or the Common Admission Test, is one of the popular management aptitude tests in the country. Graduates or working professionals who want to pursue an MBA and other postgraduate programs in management from IIM or other top business schools in India usually appear for the CAT. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) is the conducting body of this entrance exam. The official announcement regarding the CAT exam date 2025, along with a detailed notification, can be made anytime soon. It is expected that the CAT will be held in the month of November 2025, tentatively. Aspirants are highly advised to check the official website regularly for any latest updates on the CAT exam 2025 registration date to avoid missing any important deadlines. They must ensure they meet the CAT eligibility requirements prior to applying to prevent disqualification at any point in the selection process. Scroll down for completed CAT exam details, including registration, exam date, syllabus, pattern, admit card, prep strategy, and more.
CAT Exam 2025 - When will the official CAT Notification be Out?
CAT is a management entrance exam for graduates desirous to take admission to MBA programs at IIMs and other prestigious business schools in India. Lakhs of aspirants attempt this entrance test every year. The CAT exam is the toughest management entrance exam, comprising three sections, i.e. DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), and QA (Quantitative Ability). Last year, 3.29 lakh candidates registered for the CAT exam, out of which 2.93 lakh actually took the CAT exam. Therefore you need the right strategy for CAT exam to get a 99+ percentile. As the CAT exam notification 2025 PDF is expected soon, so you must check the official website regularly for all the latest information. The CAT notification 2025 is anticipated to be released in the month of July on the official website.
CAT Exam Full Form
The full form of the CAT Exam is the Common Admission Test. It is India’s top management entrance exam conducted by IIMs. Each year, it draws lakhs of aspirants from across the country who aim to seek MBA admission at IIMs or any other top B-schools in the country.
CAT Exam Mock Tests
CAT mock tests are an essential study material to prepare efficiently for the entrance test. CAT mock test links are available on the official CAT website to improve candidates’ familiarity with CAT-level questions. They can also join iQuanta’s CAT mocks to elevate their preparation. iQuanta’s CAT mock tests include both sectional and full-length test series with video solutions, error tracker and AI performance analysis. The mock tests mimic the CAT exam standards to help candidates get real exam exposure and improve their overall preparation.
CAT Exam Syllabus 2025
The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three subjects/sections, i.e. DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), and QA (Quantitative Ability). You need to master these 3 sections to get high percentile and increase chances of securing MBA admission at top IIMs or other business schools in India. They must also recognise subject-wise top priority chapters and plan their exam strategy accordingly. Here is the CAT exam syllabus 2025 for all subjects to ease candidates’ preparation:
Syllabus for CAT 2025 Exam
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Average TSD & Time and Work Geometry Number System Ratio Mixture & Alligation Probability and P&C Inequalities, Modulus & Functions Logarithm Surds & Indices Progression and Series Venn Diagrams Quadratic Polynomials & Simple Equation Profit & Loss SI CI Percentages |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension Para Summary Para Completion Para Jumbles Odd One Out |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Tables Linear Arrangements Cubes Selection Network Flow Diagrams Distribution Pie Charts Line & Bar Graphs Quant Based DI Circular Arrangements Venn Diagrams Games & Tournaments Binary Logics |
CAT Exam 2025 Highlights
Candidates who have completed their graduation or equivalent from any recognised University are eligible to appear in the CAT exam. As the notification can be announced anytime soon, candidates must understand all the aspects of the exam before applying. To help, we have shared the key overview of this admission test for candidates’ reference.
Exam Overview
Frequency
Annually
Application Mode
Online
Total Registrations (2024)
3.29 lakh
Total Test-takers (2024)
2.93 lakh
CAT Syllabus
DILR, VARC ,QA
Exam Pattern
Online Test, 68 Questions
CAT Exam Centres
170 cities
CAT Exam 2025 Important Dates
Knowing all the important dates of the CAT exam 2025 is crucial to simplify your application process and prep journey. The official notification regarding the CAT important dates can be published anytime soon. Aspirants must thoroughly check all the dates, including registration, exam dates, admit card, etc, to prevent forgetting or missing any essential deadline. No Application Forms will be accepted by the authorities after the deadline. Check the expected CAT 2025 exam date and other events in the table shared below:
CAT 2025 Exam Date
- July
- AUG
- SEP
- NOV
- Jan
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
The CAT Exam 2025 is an online test conducted on a computer. The CAT question paper consists of MCQs and non-MCQ questions. The exam will be conducted for 120 minutes, with a time limit of 40 minutes for each section. It is expected that the CAT 2025 exam pattern and marking scheme will remain the same. As per the CAT marking scheme 2025 each correct answer earns 3 marks while each incorrect answer in MCQs results in a deduction of 1 mark. Check the CAT exam pattern 2025 tabulated below
CAT Exam Pattern for MBA
| 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 Exam Pattern- Past Trends & Analysis
| CAT Year | CAT Total Questions | CAT Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 68 | 204 |
| 2023 | 66 | 198 |
| 2022 | 66 | 198 |
| 2021 | 66 | 198 |
| 2020 | 76 | 228 |
| 2019 | 100 | 300 |
| 2018 | 100 | 300 |
| 2017 | 100 | 300 |
| 2016 | 100 | 300 |
| 2015 | 100 | 300 |
| 2014 | 100 | 300 |
Download VARC Cheat Sheet
CAT Exam Details PDF
MBA Exam Details PDF
Download Formula Book
CAT Exam Preparation Strategy
The CAT exam preparation requires the right mindset, high-quality study material, personalised guidance and consistency. Aspirants must plan their exam strategy based on their learning choice and daily commitment. It will help them stay ahead of the competition and maximise their qualifying chances in the test. Mentioned below is the CAT exam preparation strategy for the ease of the aspirants.
- Familiarity with the latest CAT 2025 syllabus and exam pattern is essential before commencing the exam preparation.
- Find and enrol on the best online course to solidify your basics and overall preparation. The best CAT coaching offers a flexible learning model and personalised guidance. This is where iQuanta CAT online coaching excels. They provide live conceptual sessions + application-based classes, 24/7 doubt-solving support, personalised guidance, CAT exam level and other features to evaluate candidates' exam-readiness.
- Solve mock papers and CAT previous year question papers to strengthen all the weak aspects and elevate overall preparation.
- Focused revision of all topics can help you retain essential information for longer period.
CAT Preparation Tips
- How to Prepare for CAT in 6 months
- VARC Strategy for CAT
- QA Strategy for CAT
- LRDI Strategy for CAT
CAT Past Papers
CAT past papers give you an idea about the difficulty level of the question paper and the exam pattern. Solving the CAT previous year paper will give you an idea about the type of question that is asked in the exam across all 3 questions.
CAT Books
In order to prepare for CAT you need the right books for preparation that has CAT level updated questions. iQuanta is the right choice for CAT books and it has 5 QA books with 2350 questions, 2 LR and 2 DI books that have 440 LRDI sets, having 1,760 questions. The LR books of iQuanta have 160 sets each, while the DI books have 120 sets each.
CAT Exam Notification 2025
The CAT exam notification 2025 consists of various details, including important dates, how to register online for the exam, pattern, test centres, eligibility, etc. It is likely to be available on the official website during the month of July 2025. Aspirants must carefully read all the instructions mentioned in the notification before applying. It helps the aspirants to confirm their eligibility and proceed accordingly. Once announced officially, you can access the direct link to download the CAT 2025 notification PDF on this page.
CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
CAT exam eligibility criteria are one of the important aspects of the selection process. Fulfilling all the eligibility requirements, including age, qualification, and more, is mandatory to avoid rejection of applications at any stage. Therefore, no age limit is there for CAT 2025, irrespective of the aspirant’s category. However, they must be a graduate with a minimum percentage/marks to be eligible. Here is the CAT eligibility shared below for reference purposes.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| CAT Age Limit | No age restrictions |
| Qualifying Degree | Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised University, or Professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)) |
| Minimum Required Marks | 50% marks (45% for SC, ST and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories) in their graduation degree. |
Note: Candidates who are in the final year of a bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible for CAT exam.
CAT Exam 2025 Registration Date
CAT Exam 2025 registration date will be announced in the month of July. The registration process for CAT 2025 will be conducted online on the official website. The CAT registration form is expected to be released in August 2025, tentatively. Aspirants must keep all the information and documents ready beforehand to fill out the registration form without any hassles. It includes a valid Email ID, mobile number, date of birth, scanned copy of photograph & signature, valid ID proofs, marksheet/certificate of the qualifying degree, etc. Once released, we will update the direct link to access the CAT 2025 application form on this page.
How to Register for the CAT Exam 2025
The mode of the CAT registration process will be online. Eligible aspirants must click the CAT 2025 registration link and fill out the online form within the deadline. They must provide only correct details supported by valid documents in the CAT application form. Let’s check the detailed guide on how to register for the CAT exam 2025:
CAT Registration Trends
There are lakhs of participants in the CAT exam every year. As per the previous year official data, 3.29 lakh candidates registered, with 2.93 lakh candidates appearing for the CAT 2024 exam. The attendance stood at 89% for CAT 2024. Among test takers, 1.07 lakh were female test-takers, 1.86 lakh were males, and 5 were transgender aspirants. The table shared below covers the CAT registration trends over the years.
CAT Exam Registration Data
| 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 |
CAT Exam Admit Card 2025: How to Download Admit Card for CAT Exam?
The CAT admit card 2025 is available for download a few weeks prior to the exam date. It can be accessed online using valid login credentials on the official website. Bringing the admit card for the CAT exam is mandatory. Without a valid hall ticket, you cannot appear for the entrance test. The steps to download the CAT hall ticket are shared below:
- Go to the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Log in with your CAT ID and password.
- Now, find the admit card on the screen.
- Lastly, download the call letter for future use.
CAT Exam Result 2025 and Scorecard
The CAT Result 2025 is announced after the announcement of the final answer keys. The scorecard and results for the CAT exam can be downloaded using the login credentials of a candidate. Check the download guidelines for the result listed below:
- Go to the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Enter valid login credentials, i.e. CAT application login ID and password.
- The scorecard will be displayed.
- Download the result/scorecard for future use.
CAT Exam Answer Key
Candidates can access the CAT answer key 2025 a few days after the exam is concluded successfully. The answer key for the CAT Exam 2025 contains correct answers for all questions asked in the exam. It is one of the essential documents to calculate the tentative scores and chances of success in the entrance test. However, candidates can challenge the provisional keys in case of any discrepancies.
CAT Results
CAT result is released within a month of the exam. In CAT 2024 out of 2.93 students only 14 got 100 percentile whereas 29 students were 99.99 percentilers. iQuantta had more than 500+ 99 percentilers in CAT 2024. Check the CAT results here.
Top MBA Collages Courses Offered
| Colleges | Courses Offered | Average Packagers |
|---|---|---|
 IIM Ahmedabad | MBA | 36.14 LPA |
 IIM Bangalore | MBA | 35.92 LPA |
 IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA & DBM | 13 LPA |
 IIM Calcutta | MBA | 35.07 LPA |
 IIM Indore | MBA | 25 LPA |
 IIM Jammu | MBA | 15.48 LPA |
 Kashipur IIM | MBA | 15.04 LPA |
 Kozhikode IIM | MBA | 27 LPA |
 IIM Nagpur | MBA | 18.07 LPA |
 IIM Raipur | MBA | 19.7 LPA |
Explore Popular MBA Colleges
IIM Ahmedabad - Indian Institute of Management
Courses Offered
- 5 courses |
- 4.6
Total Fees Range
- ₹12 L - 25 L
IIM Bangalore - Indian Institute of Management
Courses Offered
- 4 Courses |
- 4.8
Total Fees Range
- ₹12.5 L - 24.5 L
IIM Kozhikode - Indian Institute of Management
Courses Offered
- 4 Courses |
- 4.4
Total Fees Range
- ₹20.5 L - 22.5 L
Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi
Courses Offered
- 2 Courses |
- 4.5
Total Fees Range
- ₹12 L
IIM Calcutta - Indian Institute of Management
Courses Offered
- 1 Course |
- 4.3
Total Fees Range
- ₹27 L
Indian Institute of Management Mumbai
Courses Offered
- 3 Courses |
- 4.6
Total Fees Range
- ₹14 L
IIM Lucknow - Indian Institute of Management
Courses Offered
- 1 Course |
- 4.6
Total Fees Range
- ₹12.6 L
IIM Indore - Indian Institute of Management
Courses Offered
- 2 Courses |
- 4.1
Total Fees Range
- ₹17.25 L - 20 L
Management Development Institute
Courses Offered
- 3 Courses |
- 4.4
Total Fees Range
- ₹18.67 L - 26 L
CAT Exam Analysis- Past Year CAT Exam Analysis
Understanding the past CAT exam analysis allows candidates to gauge the actual difficulty level and format of the question paper. This will also help them set realistic goals during the entrance test preparation. As per previous trends and analysis, questions asked in the CAT paper are typically moderate to difficult level. For your reference, we have shared CAT question paper analysis of past years:
IIM CAT Cutoffs
Those who clear the CAT cutoff marks will only be shortlisted for the further MBA admission process of IIMs. You can check the IIM CAT qualifying cutoff marks prior to the exam. This allows you to establish your goals and formulate your exam strategy accordingly. Have a look at the IIM CAT qualifying cutoff of previous years tabulated below:Those who clear the CAT cutoff marks will only be shortlisted for the further MBA admission process of IIMs. You can check the IIM CAT qualifying cutoff marks prior to the exam. This allows you to establish your goals and formulate your exam strategy accordingly. Have a look at the IIM CAT qualifying cutoff of previous years tabulated below:
CAT Question Paper Analysis
| Year | CAT Exam Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Moderate |
| 2023 | Moderate to Tough |
| 2021 | Moderate to Tough |
| 2020 | Moderate to Tough |
| 2019 | Moderate to Tough |
| 2018 | Moderate to Tough |
| 2017 | Moderate |
| 2016 | Moderate to Tough |
| 2015 | Moderate to Tough |
Previous Year IIM Qualifying CAT cut offs
| Institute | Qualifying CAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 80 |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 |
| IIM Indore | 90 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 |
| IIM Amritsar | 90 |
| IIM Udaipur | 94 |
| IIM Trichy | 94 |
| IIM Nagpur | 94 |
| IIM Kashipur | 94 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 94 |
| IIM Bodhgaya | 94 |
| IIM Raipur | 94 |
| IIM Vizag | 82 |
| IIM Ranchi | 92 |
| IIM Sirmaur | 94 |
| IIM Shillong | 75 |
| IIM Rohtak | 95 |
| IIM Mumbai | 85 |
| IIM Jammu | 94 |
Programs Offered Through the CAT Exam at IIMs
IIMs accept admissions to programs like MBA, PGP, etc, based on CAT scores and other respective admission stages. Candidates must thoroughly check the pros and cons of these programs and apply accordingly. The list of courses provided through the CAT exam at IIMs is as follows:
| Institute | Programmes |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGD-ABA (ePost Graduate Diploma in Advanced Business Analytics) |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA, MBA (Digital Business Management), MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management) |
| IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, EMBA, M.Sc. in Data Science (MSDSM) |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA |
| IIM Jammu | MBA, MBA (Hospital Administration & Healthcare Management), Executive MBA |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA |
| IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM (Master of Science in Data Science and Management) |
| IIM Ranchi | MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA (Business Analytics) |
| IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBAA (Executive Master of Business Administration Analytics) |
| IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (Tourism Management), MBA (Travel, Tourism and Hospitality), ExMBA, ExMBA (Digital Transformation & Analytics), MBA (Family Business) |
| 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 Visakhapatnam | PGP, EMBA, PGPMCI |
| IIM Nagpur | MBA, E-MBA |
| IIM Raipur | MBA |
| IIM Udaipur | MBA, MBA-DEM (Digital Enterprise Management), MBAGSCM (Global Supply Chain Management), Executive MBA (Online) |
| IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGDSM, PGPx |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM (MBA), PGPM-HR (MBA-HR), PGPBM (MBA for Working Executives in Chennai) |
| IIM Sambalpur | MBA, Executive MBA, MBA for Working Professionals |
| IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGP (WE) |
Counselling
Help us building Largest CAT Communities
Join Now
Join Now
Join Now
Join Now
Join Now
Book 1 on 1 Counselling from MBA Experts
CAT Exam FAQs
The CAT exam notification 2025 PDF is expected to be published on the official website during the last week of July 2025
The CAT exam 2025 registration is expected to begin in August 2025 only through the online mode.
It is anticipated that the CAT 2025 exam will take place in November 2025, tentatively.
Graduates from any recognised University who have scored a minimum required percentage can apply for the CAT 2025 exam.
The CAT exam includes three sections which are comprising three sections, i.e. DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), and QA (Quantitative Ability)
iQuanta is among the top online coaching platforms for CAT preparation. It offers live conceptual sessions + application-based classes, 24/7 doubt-solving support, personalised guidance, CAT exam level and other features.
As per the previous trends and statistics, there are more than 2 lakh participants in the CAT exam every year.
The CAT exam consisted of 68 questions in 2024, with a test duration of 120 minutes.
According to the CAT marking scheme, each correct answer earns 3 marks while each incorrect answer in MCQs results in a deduction of 1 mark.
iQuanta provides high-quality CAT mock tests that mirror the real exam level. With CAT exam level mocks, they also provide video solutions, errors, tracker and AI performance analysis.
Candidates will get 120 minutes to solve the CAT question paper, with each section timed for 40 minutes.
You must adhere to the CAT exam syllabus, the latest resources, and practice unlimited mocks to prepare well for the entrance exam.
As per previous trends and analysis, questions asked in the CAT paper are typically moderate to difficult level.
You can register for the CAT exam using your valid details, like a valid Email ID, mobile number, date of birth, scanned copy of photograph & signature, valid ID proofs, marksheet/certificate of the qualifying degree, etc.
1628 Institutes accepting CAT
IIM Ahmedabad - Indian Institute of Management
- Ahmedabad#1 NIRF
Courses Offered
- 5 Courses |
- 4.6
Exams
- CAT
Total Fees
- ₹ 25.00 Lakh
Duration
- 2 years | Full Time
IIM Bangalore - Indian Institute of Management
- Bangalore#2 NIRF
Courses Offered
- 4 Courses |
- 4.8
Exams
- CAT,GMAT
Total Fees
- ₹ 24.50 Lakh
Duration
- 2 years | Full Time
IIM Kozhikode - Indian Institute of Management
- Kozhikode#3 NIRF
Courses Offered
- 4 Courses |
- 4.4
Exams
- CAT, GRE, GMAT
Total Fees
- ₹ 20.50 Lakh
Duration
- 2 years | Full Time
Department of Management Studies, IIT...
- Delhi#4 NIRF
Courses Offered
- 2 Courses |
- 4.5
Exams
- CAT
Total Fees
- ₹ 12.00 Lakh
Duration
- 2 years | Full Time
CAT 2025 New Batch Pro
₹41,999
₹1,29,000