CAT 2025: Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2025, Registration, Syllabus, Mock Test & Preparation
CAT 2025 official notification is expected to be released on Sunday, July 27, 2025, on the official website — iimcat.ac.in. MBA aspirants aiming for admission in 2026 must appear for , as the exam score is accepted by 21 IIMs, 7 IITs, and nearly all leading B-schools across India. The CAT exam is structured into three key sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA).
Effective CAT preparation involves strengthening core concepts and mastering test-taking strategies through regular mock tests. Leveraging top coaching institutes, the best CAT preparation books, and online study resources can significantly boost your percentile. Read the full article for an in-depth guide on CAT 2025 — including exam dates, eligibility, registration process, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies, coaching options, and more.
Table of Contents
What is CAT 2025?
CAT 2025 (Common Admission Test 2025) is the main CAT entrance exam conducted by IIMs for MBA admissions. The CAT exam 2025 will be held on November 30, 2025 (tentative), and CAT registration usually starts in August 2025. You’ll get admit cards in October 2025. Knowing the CAT exam syllabus e arly helps your CAT preparation, and using CAT mock test papers can boost confidence. Many students also solve CAT previous year paper questions to improve.
CAT 2025 Exam Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
|
Exam Name |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
|
Conducting Body
|
Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
|
|
Level |
National-level MBA Entrance Exam |
|
CAT 2025 Exam Date |
Likely on Sunday, November 30, 2025 |
|
Application Mode |
Online only |
|
Registration Starts |
First week of August 2025 |
|
Registration Ends |
Mid to Last week of September 2025 |
|
Admit Card Release
|
Last week of October 2025 |
|
Exam Duration |
2 hours (120 minutes) |
|
Exam Mode |
Online (Computer-Based Test) |
|
Total Questions |
66 Questions (VARC, DILR, QA) |
|
Marking Scheme |
+3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (MCQs only) |
|
Language
|
English only
|
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Graduation with 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
|
|
Participating Institutes |
21 IIMs + 1000+ B-Schools
|
|
Official Website |
www.iimcat.ac.in
|
CAT 2025 Important Dates
Knowing the CAT 2025 timeline helps in planning your CAT preparation better. Here’s a table showing all the key dates related to the CAT exam 2025, CAT registration, and CAT mock test planning.
| Event | Tentative Dates (Expected) |
|---|---|
|
CAT 2025 Notification
|
July 28, 2025 |
|
CAT 2025 Registration Start
|
August 1, 2025 |
|
CAT 2025 Registration End |
September 15, 2025 |
|
CAT Form Correction Window |
September 22–25, 2025
|
|
CAT Admit Card Release |
October 25, 2025
|
|
CAT 2025 Exam Date |
November 30, 2025 (Sunday)
|
|
CAT Result Declaration |
January 7, 2026 (Expected) |
Planning your CAT preparation around these CAT exam 2025 dates will help you finish the CAT syllabus and take multiple CAT mock test sessions before the real CAT entrance exam.
CAT 2025 Registration: How and When?
- CAT 2025 registration opens around August 1, 2025, and closes by September 15, 2025.
- Visit the official website (IIM Cat Zone) to fill out the form.
- You’ll provide personal info, academics, work experience, and category.
- Upload your photo and signature, then make a payment.
- Keep a copy of your confirmation; this confirms your seat in the CAT exam 2025.
Starting CAT preparation early, while CAT registration is open, is wise. You’ll know your test center and exam city after registration ends.
CAT 2025 MBA Admission Process (Step-by-Step)
Once the CAT exam 2025 is over and results are declared, the next steps are just as important. Here’s the post-CAT admission process:
Step 1: Shortlisting
Each IIM and B-school releases cut-offs and shortlists candidates for WAT-GD-PI. Your CAT score, academic record, and work experience will play a role.
Step 2: WAT / GD / PI Rounds
You’ll be invited for the Writing Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) based on your CAT exam 2025 score.
Step 3: Final Selection
Final selection depends on:
CAT 2025 score (weightage ~40-60%)
Academic scores (10th, 12th, Graduation)
Work experience (if any)
Performance in WAT-GD-PI
Step 4: Accept Offer & Join MBA College
You’ll receive admission offers by April–May 2026. Once you accept the offer, you’ll begin your MBA journey by June–July 2026. Remember, each IIM follows a slightly different process. Keep checking individual college websites after the CAT entrance exam.
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
Before you fill out the CAT registration form, make sure you meet the eligibility rules for the CAT exam 2025:
- Education: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final Year Students: Yes, they can apply for CAT 2025
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for the CAT entrance exam
If you’re in your final year, you can still start your CAT preparation, take CAT mock test, and aim for top B-schools. Even repeaters can register again through the same CAT registration process. Just remember, you’ll need your degree proof during admissions.
CAT Exam Syllabus 2025: What to Study
The CAT exam syllabus includes three sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Each section is key in CAT preparation. The CAT exam syllabus may change slightly yearly, so always check the official brochure after CAT registration closes.
CAT 2025 Section-wise Syllabus Breakdown
Let’s break the CAT exam syllabus into three clear parts to help with focused CAT preparation.
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Para Jumbles
Sentence Elimination
Reading Comprehension Passages
Vocabulary Usage
Grammar Correction
This section in the CAT exam 2025 needs strong reading habits and daily practice. Use CAT mock test passages and CAT previous year paper samples.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Graphs, Charts, and Tables
Logical Puzzles
Seating Arrangement
Caselets & Data Games
Build speed using calculators and table reading. Solve puzzles regularly as part of your CAT preparation.
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Arithmetic (Time, Work, Ratio)
Algebra (Equations, Roots)
Number Systems
Geometry & Mensuration
Modern Math (Set Theory, P&C)
Use CAT-specific books and take a topic test weekly. It’s essential to practice from the CAT previous year papers and try each section separately using the CAT mock test platforms.
CAT Entrance Exam 2025: Understanding Format & Pattern
The CAT entrance exam is 180 minutes long, with 66 questions (21 VA/RC, 20 DILR, 25 QA). You get three hours—60 minutes per section. The format is multiple-choice and non-MCQs.
In 2024, non-MCQs carried negative marking? No—they didn’t. Always check your section-specific guides after CAT registration. Using CAT mock test papers designed like the real test is essential for preparation.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Easy Format Table)
The CAT exam 2025 is computer-based and divided into 3 sections. Below is the structure of the CAT entrance exam, which helps in better CAT preparation and mock test planning.
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Ability & Reading (VARC) |
24 |
40 mins |
|
Data Interpretation (DILR) |
20
|
40 mins |
|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
22 |
40 mins |
|
Total
|
66 Questions |
120 mins |
In the CAT exam 2025, each section will auto-close after 40 minutes. So, time management is key—practice this using the CAT mock test regularly. This pattern should guide your CAT syllabus planning and practice with CAT previous year paper questions.
CAT Cut-Off 2025 (Expected)
Here’s a quick look at expected CAT cut-offs based on trends from past years. It helps you set a realistic goal during your CAT 2025 preparation.
| B-School | Percentile (General) | APPLY NOW | Reserved Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
|
99–100
|
95–97 |
||
|
98–100 |
90–94 |
||
|
98.5–99+
|
85–90
|
||
|
95–97 |
80–85 |
||
|
92–96 |
75–80 |
||
|
93–95 |
75–80
|
Aiming for 97+ percentile via solid CAT mock test practice and revision of CAT exam syllabus can open doors to multiple B-Schools.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Scores
While IIMs are the main target, your CAT 2025 score can also be used for admission to other top B-Schools. Let’s look at the list:
| New IIM | Location | APPLY NOW |
|---|---|---|
|
Punjab |
||
|
Bihar |
||
|
Maharashtra |
||
|
Odisha |
||
|
Tamil Nadu |
||
|
Rajasthan |
Each IIM has its own selection process after CAT exam 2025, including Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).
| Institute Name | Location | APPLY NOW |
|---|---|---|
|
Delhi |
||
|
Delhi |
||
|
Uttar Pradesh |
||
|
Haryana |
||
|
Maharashtra |
||
|
Karnataka |
||
|
Odisha |
These colleges accept CAT scores and offer top-notch MBA programs. So, your strong CAT preparation and CAT mock test practice will not go to waste, even beyond IIMs.
CAT 2025 Admit Card Process
After you complete your CAT registration, the next step is downloading your CAT admit card. Here’s how to do it:
How to Download the CAT Admit Card 2025:
- Go to iimcat.ac.in
- Log in with your CAT ID and password
- Click on ‘Download Admit Card’
- Save and print a hard copy (color preferred)
What’s in the CAT Admit Card?
- Your name, photo, signature
- Exam date and slot (Morning/Afternoon/Evening)
- Test center address and Google Map link
- Exam day instructions
Don’t forget to carry your CAT admit card, a valid photo ID, and a simple black ballpoint pen on CAT 2025 exam day. Without these, you won’t be allowed inside the test center.
CAT Preparation Strategy 2025
CAT Preparation Strategy 2025: Start with a study plan in January–June 2025:
- Study Basics: Cover basics from NCERT or CAT prep books.
- Topic-wise Practice: For example, practice arithmetic for QA, puzzles for DILR, and grammar for VARC.
- Monthly Mock Tests: Two tests per month until September, then weekly?
- Analyze Results: Check mock test results—notes should say “CAT mock test” mistakes.
- Revision & CAT previous year paper: Solving 5–10 CAT previous year paper sessions solidifies understanding.
CAT 2025 Preparation Tips for Beginners
Even if you are just starting, don’t worry. You can still crack the CAT 2025 with smart CAT preparation. Here’s a beginner-friendly strategy:
- Start Early – Begin your CAT preparation at least 6–8 months in advance.
- Know the Exam – Understand the CAT syllabus and pattern well.
- Use a Daily Plan – Study one topic per day from QA, DILR, or VARC.
- Read Every Day – Build vocabulary by reading newspapers or blogs (for VARC).
- Take Mock Tests – Begin CAT mock test practice from Month 2.
- Solve PYQs – Use CAT previous year paper to see real patterns.
- Track Progress – Maintain a journal or Excel sheet to track performance.
Stick to these basics, and you’ll see consistent progress in your CAT 2025 journey.
Why take CAT Mock Test 2025?
CAT mock test is a full practice exam that simulates real test conditions. Benefits include:
- Knowing your strengths and weaknesses
- Building time management skills
- Getting used to question formats (VA, DI, QA)
A good CAT preparation plan includes at least 20–30 full-length CAT mock test sessions before CAT exam 2025. Never skip reviewing mocks—reviewing helps you learn from mistakes and improve score.
CAT Mock Test Strategy
Taking mock tests is important, but how you take them is what matters most in CAT preparation. Here’s how to make your CAT mock test strategy smarter:
- Simulate Real Exam Environment: Sit in a quiet place, follow time limits strictly
- Take Mock Tests by Section: Once a week for each section—VARC, DILR, QA
- Analyse Every Mock: Don’t just take tests—spend 2 hours reviewing mistakes
- Maintain a Mock Test Log: Track your score, percentile, and topics where you made mistakes
- Focus on Accuracy Over Attempts: Aim for 75–80% accuracy, even if fewer attempts
Doing 25–30 CAT mock test by the time of the CAT exam 2025 gives you a strong edge. Most toppers say mocks are the key to their success.
CAT Previous Year Paper: Why & How to Use Them
Practising CAT previous year paper helps you:
- Know question types: Sentence flipping, passage reading, data interpretation tables
- Track difficulty level: Few topics are simple, most are moderate.
- Hone speed: Time per question must be under a minute.
Make it a rule: after finishing each topic, solve relevant questions from CAT previous year paper sessions.
Why You Must Solve CAT Previous Year Paper
Solving the CAT previous year paper gives you an idea of actual exam difficulty. Here’s how it helps in your CAT 2025 preparation:
- Real Question Types: You’ll know how CAT asks questions in VARC, DILR, and QA
- Pattern Consistency: You’ll see repeated types like para jumbles, DI sets, arithmetic
- Confidence Booster: If you solve these correctly, you’ll feel confident for the CAT exam 2025
- Better Mock Scores: The more you solve CAT previous year papers, the better you do in mocks
Solve at least 5 complete CAT papers from 2018–2023. You can download these from official sources or trusted coaching platforms like IMS, TIME, or 2IIM.
Best Books for CAT 2025
Here are some beginner-friendly and expert-recommended resources for CAT exam 2025 and CAT preparation:
Books:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude – Arun Sharma
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis (for VARC)
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation – Nishit Sinha
- Past Year CAT Papers – Arihant or IMS Compilations
All these help you with CAT mock test, full CAT exam syllabus, and insights from CAT previous year paper. Bookmark these as you begin your CAT entrance exam journey.
CAT 2025 Monthly Study Plan (June to November)
If you’re starting now, you have enough time to prepare for CAT 2025. Here’s a simple month-wise CAT preparation plan for beginners and repeaters. Follow this to finish the CAT syllabus, take mock tests, and practice with CAT previous year paper questions.
- June–July: Foundation Building
- Learn basic maths concepts from Class 6–10 NCERTs
- Read editorials daily for VARC
- Start solving small puzzles (DILR)
- Take 1–2 CAT mock test to understand the format
2. August–September: Practice Mode
- Focus on full topics (Arithmetic, Algebra, RC, Puzzles)
- Start weekly mock tests
- Begin solving the CAT previous year paper section-wise
- Track your speed & accuracy
3. October: Strengthening Weak Areas
- Take 2 full-length CAT mock test per week
- Analyse mock results thoroughly
- Practice high-weightage topics from CAT exam syllabus
- Revise strategies for each section of CAT 2025
4. November: Final Revision & Mocks
- Give a mock test every 2–3 days
- Focus only on revision—no new topics
- Solve 2–3 CAT previous year paper for real exam feeling
Keep your mind relaxed and fresh before the CAT entrance exam
CAT 2025 Result & Scorecard
The CAT 2025 result will be declared in early January 2026, usually in the first or second week. You will be able to download your CAT scorecard from the official website.
How to Check CAT 2025 Result:
- Visit iimcat.ac.in
- Log in with your CAT ID and password
- Click “Download CAT 2025 Scorecard.”
- Save the PDF for future use
Details in the CAT Scorecard:
- Scaled scores for VARC, DILR, QA
- Overall percentile
- Section-wise percentile
- Candidate name and roll number
You’ll need this scorecard during your CAT 2025 MBA admission process, so don’t forget to keep multiple copies. The CAT exam 2025 score is valid only for one year.
CAT Coaching vs Self-Study: Which One is Better?
One big decision in your CAT preparation is choosing between coaching or self-study. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide based on your learning style:
| Aspect | Coaching | Self-Study |
|---|---|---|
|
Structure |
Fixed schedule & batches |
Flexible, you set your pace |
|
Cost |
₹30,000–₹80,000+
|
Free or low-cost books & resources
|
|
Material |
Provided by experts
|
Must search for good material
|
|
Mentorship |
Yes, experienced mentors
|
Limited to peer guidance or online
|
|
Mock Test Access
|
Included in course |
Need to buy separately |
|
Best for |
Beginners or repeaters needing structure
|
Disciplined students, working people
|
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions
The CAT 2026 exam is expected to be held on the last Sunday of November 2026, tentatively November 29, 2026.
CAT 2026 registration is expected to start in the first week of August 2026 on the official website iimcat.ac.in.
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply.
No, there is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CAT. You can appear as many times as you want.