The Common Admission Test—popularly known as CAT 2025—is the gateway to India’s top business schools, especially the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). For MBA aspirants, the stakes have never been higher. CAT 2025 will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode, with the official notification released on July 27, 2025. This exhaustive resource covers everything—registration, exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, preparation hacks, and essential tips for cracking CAT 2025
What is CAT 2025? All You Need to Know
The CAT 2025 exam is more than just an aptitude test. It is the launchpad for a remarkable career in management, leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship, and more. Every year, over 2 lakh aspirants appear for CAT, competing for a few thousand seats at IIMs and 1200+ top business schools. A high CAT percentile can transform your future, providing access not only to world-class education but also to lucrative jobs and unparalleled alumni networks
CAT 2025 promises a level playing field for working professionals and fresh graduates alike. Its online format, section-wise timing, and constantly evolving pattern ensure that only the most diligent, strategic, and resilient candidates make it to the top B-schools in the country.
Important Dates and Timeline for CAT 2025
Getting the calendar right is crucial for the students for a smooth and stress-free CAT experience. Here are the key dates you must remember.
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification Release | July 27, 2025 |
| Registration Opens | August 1, 2025 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | September 13, 2025 (5:00 PM) |
| Form Correction Window | September 25–28, 2025 |
| Admit Card Download | November 5–30, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | November 30, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Answer Key Release | December 5, 2025 |
| Result Announcement | December 21, 2025 (expected) |
Exam Pattern and Structure: CAT 2025
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
- Sessions: Three sessions on exam day
- Test Cities: Approx. 170 across India
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours); 40 minutes per section
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Total Questions: 68 (may vary slightly)
- Question Types: MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect MCQ, 0 for non-MCQ
- Medium: English
Syllabus: What to Expect in CAT 2025
The CAT syllabus is divided into 3 sections quantitative aptitude (QA), Verbal ability and Reading Comprehension (RC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI&LR). Below is the syllabus for CAT 2025.
| QA | VA &RC | DI & LR |
| Number SystemSequenceAveragesSeries and progressionSimplificationRatio and ProportionPercentageSpeed Time and DistanceProfit and lossQuadratic and Linear EquationFunctionsGeometryInequalitiesLogarithmsPermutations and CombinationsMensurationCoordinate GeometryMaxima MinimaProbabilitySet TheoryTrigonometry | Unseen PassagesAnalogies Antonyms Sentence CorrectionPara Jumbles Contextual usageFill in the blanksMeaning/Usage MatchPara CompletionFact Inference Judgement | Tables Data Sufficiency Pie Charts Venn Diagrams Logical Deduction Blood Relations Seating Arrangement Clocks and Cubes Cause and Effect |
CAT 2025 Registration Process: Step-by-Step
- Online-only Registration: Visit iimcat.ac.in and click on “Register” to begin the process.
- Filling Details: Enter personal and academic information such as name, DOB, contact details, marksheets, and work experience (if any).
- Document Upload: Upload digital copies of passport photograph, signature, and any applicable certificates (category, disability, etc.).
- Centre Preferences: Choose up to 5 preferred test cities for the exam.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the application fee (₹2,600 for Gen/EWS/OBC, ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD) via credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking.
- Final Submission: Double-check all details before submitting the CAT 2025 registration form.
- Admit Card Download: After scrutiny, admit cards will be available online from November 5 till the exam date.
All steps must be completed within the registration window; late or incomplete forms are not accepted
CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- Education: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final Year Students: Eligible, provided degree is completed as per schedule
- No Age Limit: CAT 2025 has no upper age boundary
- Work Experience: Not mandatory, but can aid in B-school selection process.
Selection Process After CAT 2025
- Exam Score: The CAT score/percentile is the primary shortlisting criterion.
- Shortlisting for WAT-GD-PI: IIMs and institutes independently release their cutoffs and invite shortlisted candidates for Written Ability Test, Group Discussion, or Personal Interview rounds.
- Final Merit List: Selection is based on a mix of CAT score, academic record, work experience, and WAT/GD/PI performance.
Every IIM uses its own weightages and parameters—you must check each IIM’s admission policy for specifics
Preparation Strategy for CAT 2025: How to Crack It
Start Early, Stay Consistent
Success in CAT 2025 requires 4–6 months of systematic, disciplined study. Most toppers begin preparation in April–May, ramping up intensity with each passing month.
Study Plan
- Concept Mastery: Start with building foundations in mathematics, reading comprehension, and reasoning.
- Sectional Practice: Daily practice sets in all three sections, rotating focus based on individual strengths/weaknesses.
- Mock Tests & Analysis: Attempt 20+ full-length mocks, simulating actual test environment. Analyze errors and develop a strategy for each section.
- Timed Practice: Use timers, restrict distractions, and attempt sets under strict exam conditions.
- Revision: Dedicate the final month for revising core concepts and formulas.
Recommended Books & Resources
- For VARC: Arun Sharma, Norman Lewis, RC99 app
- For DILR: Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, CAT previous paper sets
- For Quant: Arun Sharma, R.S. Aggarwal, Sarvesh Verma
Join Online Forums or Peer Groups
Engage with online CAT communities for free mock tests, doubt-solving, tips, and peer motivation.
Important Tips for CAT Exam Day
- Reach your centre early with a printed admit card and valid photo ID
- Read all instructions on the admit card thoroughly
- Practice stress management and mindfulness; keep calm during the 2-hour test window
- Attempt the easiest questions first to maximize accuracy; skip difficult ones and return later if time allows
CAT 2025 Application Fees & Financial Assistance
- General, EWS, NC-OBC: ₹2,600
- SC, ST, PwD: ₹1,300
IIMs and many B-schools offer need-based scholarships, so don’t hesitate to apply even if the financial cost seems daunting.
CAT Score vs Percentile 2025 (Expected)
Scores are normalized and percentiles are computed based on performance across the entire pool of test takers and within each session. Key pointers:
- Above 99.5 percentile: Possible IIM A/B/C call
- 97–99 percentile: Other old IIMs, FMS, top private B-schools
- 90–96 percentile: Newer IIMs, top state institutes
- Below 90 percentiles: Opportunities at regional and sectoral institutes
Cutoffs change every year, so always target the highest possible score.
| Score | Expected Percentile |
| 127 | 99.9+ |
| 110 – 120 | 99.7 – 99.9 |
| 94 – 103 | 99 – 99.5 |
| 85 – 93 | 97 – 98 |
| 72 – 84 | 90 – 95 |
| 60 – 71 | 85 – 89 |
| 50 – 59 | 80 – 84 |
CAT Score vs Percentile Previous Year Analysis
| Year | 99.9 %ile | 99 %ile | 95 %ile | 90 %ile |
| 2024 | 127 | 95.13 | 70 | 58 |
| 2023 | 101.43 | 76.15 | 54.86 | 44.36 |
| 2025 | 109 | 84 | 62 | 49 |
CAT Score vs Percentile for Top IIMs
Based on past admission patterns:
| IIM Name | Typical Percentile Requirement | Additional Notes |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ (often 99.6 or higher) | Highest cutoffs; requires balanced high scores in all sections |
| IIM Bangalore | 99+ | Slightly lower for candidates with exceptional academic or professional profiles |
| IIM Calcutta | 99+ | Strong QA performance often given extra weight |
| IIM Lucknow | 97–99 | Competitive for candidates with solid sectional balance |
| IIM Kozhikode & Indore | 96–98 | Slightly lower thresholds compared to top three IIM |
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score in India
| Institute Name | Fee (Rs. in lakhs) | Average salary (Rs. in lakhs) |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad | Rs. 25.00 lakhs | Rs.34.45 LPA |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore | Rs. 24.70 lakhs | Rs.35.92 LPA |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta | Rs. 25.00 lakhs | Rs.35.07 LPA |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode | Rs. 20.50 lakhs | Rs.28.05 LPA |
| Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow | Rs. 21.75 lakhs | Rs.30.00 LPA |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore | Rs. 21.17 lakhs | Rs.25.68 LPA |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai | Rs. 21.00 lakhs | Rs.31.00 LPA |
| FMS New Delhi | Rs. 2.32 lakhs | Rs.34.10 LPA |
| SPJIMR, Mumbai | Rs. 22.50 lakhs | Rs.33.00 LPA |
| MDI Gurgaon | Rs. 24.99 lakhs | Rs.27.67 LPA |
| IIFT Delhi | Rs. 21.77 lakhs | Rs.29.10 LPA |
| DMS IIT Delhi | Rs.12.00 lakhs | Rs.25.82 LPA |
| SJMSOM IIT Bombay | Rs.14.08 lakhs | Rs.28.01 LPA |
MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Exam (80-90 Percentile)
| B-School | Program Fee (in Lakhs) | Avg. Placement (in lakhs) |
| MICA Ahmedabad | Rs. 23.00 lakhs | Rs.19.21 LPA |
| IMI New Delhi | Rs. 22.00 lakhs | Rs.16.71 LPA |
| Xavier University Bhubaneswar | Rs. 22.00 lakhs | Rs.19.53 LPA |
| TAPMI Manipal | Rs. 17.34 lakhs | Rs.13.84 LPA |
| GIM Goa | Rs. 20.15 lakhs | Rs.14.81 LPA |
| Great Lakes Chennai | Rs. 20.80 lakhs | Rs.15.10 LPA |
| FORE School of Management New Delhi | Rs.18.50 lakhs | Rs.16.01 LPA |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai | Rs. 22.32 lakhs | Rs.12.79 LPA |
| Welingkar Mumbai | Rs.14.0 lakhs | Rs.12.53 LPA |
| SDA Bocconi Asia Center | Rs.18.60 lakhs | Rs.15.01 LPA |
| MDI Murshidabad | Rs. 11.69 lakhs | Rs. 11.76 LPA |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida | Rs.14.00 lakhs | Rs. 11.10 LPA |
| IFMR GSB, KREA University | Rs. 15.00 lakhs | Rs. 13.06 LPA |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management Gurgaon | Rs.15.75 lakhs | Rs. 11.70 LPA |
| Woxsen University Hyderabad | Rs. 14.40 lakhs | Rs. 9.09 LPA |
| MDI Murshidabad | Rs. 11.69 lakhs | Rs. 11.76 LPA |
| JAGSOM Bangalore | Rs.14.90 lakhs | Rs.10.58 LPA |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida | Rs. 15.75 Lakhs | Rs. 11.29 LPA |
| XIME Bangalore | Rs. 12.50 lakhs | Rs. 10.75 LPA |
| CIMP Patna | Rs. 7.65 lakhs | Rs. 7.00 LPA |
| Rajagiri Business School Kochi | Rs. 7.50 lakhs | Rs. 8.00 LPA |
| IMI Kolkata | Rs. 9.90 lakhs | Rs. 12.48 LPA |
| Indus Business Academy – IBA Bangalore | Rs. 10.32 lakhs | Rs. 7.96 LPA |
| SIES School of Business Studies, Navi Mumbai | Rs. 10.00 lakhs | Rs. 9.10 LPA |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow | Rs.14.75 lakhs | Rs.11.29 LPA |
| IMI Bhubaneswar | Rs.12.99 lakhs | Rs.12.02 LPA |
| VIT Business School (VIT) Vellore | Rs. 7.02 lakhs | Rs. 9.68 LPA |
| Amrita School of Business Coimbatore | Rs. 11.10 lakhs | Rs. 8.98 LPA |
| B-School | Program Fee (in Lakhs) | Avg. Placement (in lakhs) |
| ICFAI Business School (IBS) Hyderabad | Rs. 17.01 lakhs | Rs. 9.71 LPA |
| SDMIMD Mysuru | Rs. 12.70 lakhs | Rs. 10.00 LPA |
| FLAME University Pune | Rs. 14.40 lakhs | Rs. 11.00 LPA |
| Welingkar Bangalore | Rs. 14.00 lakhs | Rs. 10.36 LPA |
| NIA Pune | Rs. 11.00 lakhs | Rs. 12.30 LPA |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow | Rs.14.75 lakhs | Rs.11.29 LPA |
| PSGIM Coimbatore | Rs. 7.60 lakhs | Rs. 8.89 LPA |
| NDIM New Delhi | Rs. 12.75 lakhs | Rs. 9.50 LPA |
| FIIB New Delhi | Rs. 11.55 lakhs | Rs. 8.50 LPA |
| B-School | Program Fee (in Lakhs) | Avg. Placement (in lakhs) |
| NSB Bangalore | Rs. 9.10 Lakhs | Rs. 7.10 LPA |
| SCMS Cochin School of Business | Rs. 7.95 Lakhs | Rs. 7.80 LPA |
| Globsyn Business School, Kolkata | Rs. 7.80 Lakhs | Rs. 7.39 LPA |
| RV Institute of Management | Rs. 11.50 Lakhs | Rs. 6.80 LPA |
FAQs: All Your CAT 2025 Questions Answered
How many colleges accept CAT score?
CAT score is accepted by more than 1200 Management colleges across India. CAT is the most trusted entrance exam and its score is accepted by most MBA/PGDM colleges.
When will the application process for CAT 2025 start?
The application process generally begins from the first week of August. For CAT 2025, the final date has not been informed in the official website.
What will be the exam pattern for CAT 22?
The pattern will be similar as CAT 2021, this online exam will be of 2 hours with 66 questions divided into three sections, Quantitative Ability (QA), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI), Reading Comprehension (RC).
What is the exam date for CAT 2025?
The tentative date of CAT 22 is the last week of November 2025.
Can I apply for CAT while working?
Yes, you can apply for CAT while working as long as you have completed the graduation or in the final year of graduation.
For how many times can I give CAT?
There is no age boundation or limit to the number of times you can appear for CAT, as long as you have cleared the eligibility criteria, you are fit to appear.
I have got 46% in my graduation, can I appear for CAT?
The minimum marks requirement in graduation is 50% in aggregate for general category/NC-OBC candidates and 45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
Is it possible to give cash payment for my registration fee?
No, the only way to give registration fee for CAT is through online mode. You can use UPI, Net banking, Google pay, Debit Card, Credit card to pay the registration fee.
How can I check my CAT score?
CAT scores are released generally in the first week of January; you can visit the official website www.iimcat.ac.in and login with your credentials and see your score. The scores are in the form of percentiles. You can see you individual section percentile and your overall percentile.
What is the fee for CAT 2025?
The fee for CAT 2025 is 2,600 for general category/NC-OBC Candidates and 1,300 for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
