CAT 2025 Exam: Date, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern & Preparation Guide

CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025. Get complete details about CAT 2025 registration, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, cut-offs, and admission process for IIMs and top B-Schools. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is not just an entrance exam; it’s the gateway to India’s top business schools, including the IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) and 100+ leading B-Schools. For aspirants dreaming of a career in management, consulting, finance, or entrepreneurship, CAT is the first big step.

The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and thousands of MBA hopefuls have already begun their preparation. In this detailed guide, we will cover CAT 2025 registration, eligibility, exam dates, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, and cut-off trends to help you stay ahead in your journey.

1. CAT 2025 Important Dates

Here are the key timelines every aspirant should mark in their calendar:

EventDate
Notification ReleaseJuly 2025
Registration WindowAugust 1 – September 13, 2025 (till 5:00 PM)
Admit Card DownloadOctober 2025
Exam DateNovember 30, 2025
Result DeclarationJanuary 2026

Tip: Register early to avoid last-minute technical glitches and keep multiple payment methods ready.

2. CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the basic requirements:

  • Academic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
  • Final Year Students: Eligible to apply, but admission is subject to completion of graduation.
  • Age Limit: No age restriction.
  • Attempts: Unlimited attempts are allowed.

3. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

CAT is a computer-based test with a time duration of 2 hours (120 minutes).

SectionNo. of QuestionsTime AllottedMarks
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)2440 mins72
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)2040 mins60
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)2240 mins66
Total66120 mins198
  • Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative for TITA (Type In The Answer).
  • Sectional Time Limit: Candidates cannot switch sections during the exam.

4. CAT 2025 Syllabus Overview

Although CAT has no official syllabus, the exam is based on Class 10–12 concepts.

📖 Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

  • Reading comprehension (factual & inferential)
  • Para jumbles, para completion
  • Sentence rearrangement, vocabulary usage

 Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  • Graphs (bar, line, pie), charts, and tables
  • Logical puzzles, seating arrangement
  • Data sufficiency and caselets

➗ Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

  • Arithmetic: percentages, profit-loss, ratio-proportion, time & work
  • Algebra: equations, inequalities, progressions
  • Geometry: mensuration, coordinate geometry
  • Number System, Probability, Permutations & Combinations

5. CAT 2025 Registration Process

The CAT 2025 registration will be conducted online through the official IIM CAT website.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Visit official website → Click on ‘Register’.
  2. Fill in personal details (name, email, mobile number).
  3. Generate User ID & Password.
  4. Log in and complete application form with academic & work details.
  5. Upload scanned photograph & signature.
  6. Pay application fee (likely ₹2,500 for General/OBC, ₹1,250 for SC/ST/PwD).
  7. Save confirmation page for future reference.

6. How to Prepare for CAT 2025

6.1 Preparation Timeline

  • 9–12 months before exam: Build strong fundamentals in QA, improve vocabulary & reading speed.
  • 6 months before exam: Start attempting sectional tests.
  • 3 months before exam: Take full-length mocks twice a week.
  • Last 1 month: Revise formulae, focus on weak areas, simulate exam conditions.

6.2 Section-Wise Preparation Tips

  • VARC: Read newspapers like The Hindu daily, solve RC passages regularly.
  • DILR: Practice puzzles, attempt 2 DI sets and 2 LR sets daily.
  • QA: Memorize shortcuts and formulas; attempt timed quizzes.

6.3 Mock Tests Importance

Taking 30–40 full-length mocks is crucial to adapt to CAT’s difficulty level. Analyze mistakes after every test.

7. CAT 2025 Cut-Off Expectations

Cut-offs vary depending on IIMs and other B-Schools.

  • Top IIMs (A, B, C): 98–99 percentile
  • Other IIMs (I, K, L, S): 95–97 percentile
  • Good B-Schools (SPJIMR, FMS, MDI): 90–95 percentile
  • Tier-2 Colleges: 70–85 percentile

Note: Achieving a high percentile alone doesn’t guarantee admission. GD-PI-WAT rounds are equally important.

8. CAT 2025 Admit Card & Exam Day Guidelines

  • Admit card available in October 2025.
  • Must carry admit card + valid photo ID proof.
  • Reach the center at least 90 minutes early.
  • No electronic gadgets allowed.
  • Read instructions carefully to avoid disqualification.

9. Why You Should Appear for CAT 2025

  • Entry to IIMs & top management institutes.
  • High-paying jobs in consulting, banking, FMCG, IT, startups.
  • Opportunity to network with future leaders.
  • Flexible career paths: entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, global roles.

Conclusion

The CAT 2025 exam on November 30 is the ultimate challenge for every MBA aspirant. With limited time and high competition, consistent preparation, mock practice, and smart strategy will be the keys to success.

If you are aiming for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, or other elite B-Schools, start your preparation today. Remember: CAT is not just about intelligence, it’s about speed, accuracy, and endurance.

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