The official notification for the release dates of CAT 2025 response sheet and answer key will be available 4th Dec 2025 on IIMCat.ac.in. A complete guide and steps to download the PDF will also be provided.

The CAT 2025 exam took place on November 30, 2025, at multiple test centers throughout India. Once the exam is completed, the Response Sheet and Answer Key become crucial for candidates. These materials assist thousands of hopefuls in reviewing their answered questions, comparing them with the official solutions, determining their estimated scores, and evaluating their percentile before the final results are declared.

According to previous timelines and observations of IIM’s release patterns, the anticipated date for the publication of CAT 2025 Response Sheets is December 4–5, 2025. The corresponding Answer Key for CAT 2025 is projected to be available on December 8–9, 2025.

An official notification declaring these dates will 4th Dec 2025 be uploaded on the official website IIMCat.ac.in.

This article offers a comprehensive and detailed guide that simplifies the process of downloading the CAT 2025 Response Sheet and Answer Key, calculating scores, filing objections, and understanding the final answer key. It also explains the release timeline, previous year trends, and all other important details relevant to candidates.

The CAT Answer Key, issued by the respective IIM conducting CAT that year, provides the official correct solutions to every question asked across all exam slots. Its primary purpose is to ensure fairness, transparency and clarity in the evaluation process.

IIMs started publishing official answer keys from CAT 2017, and the practice has continued annually since then.

The CAT 2025 Answer Key includes the following candidate- and question-level details:

• Candidate’s name
• CAT 2025 registration number
• Exam centre name & centre ID
• Unique Question ID for every question
• Question type (MCQ or TITA)
• Attempt status (Attempted / Not attempted)
• Candidate’s selected response
• Official correct option as declared by IIM
• Section (VARC, DILR, QA)
• Test date & time
• Section-wise list of questions with correct answers

For each question the answer key displays both: (a) the option the candidate marked and (b) the option declared correct by the IIM. This side-by-side view enables candidates to verify their responses and assess their performance accurately.

The answer key interface typically provides filters or navigation to view questions by section (VARC, DILR, QA), making it easy for candidates to review section-wise performance.

Note: Candidates should download their candidate response sheet (shows what they actually marked) and compare it with the official answer key question-by-question to calculate their raw score using the CAT marking scheme.

The CAT Answer Key holds significant value for candidates. It is more than an informational document — it is critical for evaluating post-exam performance and ensuring transparency in the evaluation process.

Using the official key, candidates can estimate scores, check for recording errors, and review section-wise performance to understand strengths and weaknesses.

Estimating Scores

One way for candidates to estimate their CAT raw score is by applying the official marking scheme:

• +3 marks for each correct answer
• -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ
• No negative marking for incorrect TITA responses

By comparing responses against the official key, students can predict an approximate raw score and expected percentile before results are declared.

Transparency & Evaluating Performance

Transparency is essential. Candidates should compare their responses with the official key to:

• Verify accuracy of recorded answers
• Detect any system or recording errors
• Understand sectional performance and speed (velocity)
• Identify unanswered or weak questions for focused revision

This analysis is especially useful for candidates planning another CAT attempt or preparing for other MBA exams such as XAT, NMAT, SNAP, IIFT, etc.

Response Sheet vs Answer Key

The CAT Response Sheet (Candidate Response File) shows answers that the candidate actually selected during the exam. The Answer Key lists the official correct options declared by the IIM.

Key differences:

• Answer Key: Official correct answers (common for all candidates; used to compute scores).
• Response Sheet: Candidate-specific marked responses (accessible after login).

Together they let candidates compare what they marked vs what was correct and compute their raw score.

Release Dates, Download Steps & Objections

Expected timeline (based on past trends): CAT 2025 exam: Nov 30, 2025; Response Sheet expected Dec 4–5, 2025; Answer Key expected Dec 8–9, 2025. Results are typically announced in the 3rd week of December. Official notice will be on IIMCat.ac.in.

How to download Response Sheet (PDF)

1. Visit IIMCat.ac.in
2. Click Login and enter credentials
3. Open the Candidate Response tab
4. Download & save the PDF

How to download Answer Key (PDF)

1. Visit IIMCat.ac.in
2. Login using CAT credentials
3. Click Candidate Answer Key
4. Download & save the PDF

Objection filing (if you disagree)

• Locate the Question ID from your PDF
• Fill section name, question ID & explanation
• Click Pay & Submit (fee: ₹1500 per objection)
• Valid objections may get fee refund (transaction charges may apply)

After review, IIMs publish the Final Answer Key. Always wait for official uploads and notifications.