The official CAT 2025 notification is out! IIM Kozhikode will conduct the exam on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in over 170 test cities across India. CAT is the gateway for aspirants aiming for admission into top-tier MBA and PGDM programs at IIMs and other leading B-schools in the country.
CAT Notification 2025 Release Date, Exam Details, and Admission Guide
CAT 2025: Complete Guide for MBA & PGDM Aspirants
The CAT Notification 2025 is officially out—mark your calendars! Conducted by IIM Kozhikode, CAT 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025, across 170+ test cities nationwide. This is the essential exam for MBA and PGDM hopefuls seeking admission to India’s premier management colleges.
CAT 2025: Key Dates to Remember
| CAT 2025 Important Dates (Tentative) | |
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | July 27, 2025 |
| Registration Opens | August 1, 2025 |
| Registration Closes | September 13, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | November 5–30, 2025 |
| Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | 1st week of January 2026 (tentative) |
Tip: Register early within the window to avoid technical mishaps and last-minute stress.
CAT 2025 Registration: Fees & Process
Registration Fees
- ₹2,600 (General / OBC / EWS)
- ₹1,300 (SC / ST / PwD)
Steps to Apply at iimcat.ac.in:
- Register with a valid email and phone number.
- Enter personal, academic, and work details.
- Upload a photograph, a signature, and any relevant documents.
- Select up to 5 exam city preferences.
- Pay fees and save the confirmation page.
Tip: Once submitted, you cannot change your category, so verify all details before submitting.
MBA with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
To register for CAT 2025, aspirants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% or equivalent CGPA; 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a UGC-recognized university.
- Final‑year students awaiting results are eligible, provided they submit passing certificates by June 30, 2026.
- Professional degree holders like CA/CS/ICWA (with requisite marks) can also apply.
- No upper age limit
Important: Meeting eligibility does not guarantee shortlisting—each IIM may have additional criteria for the next rounds.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern & Major Topics
CAT 2025 will be a 2-hour computer-based test (CBT) with three sections:
Key Features
- 3 sections: VARC, DILR, QA
- Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes each section)
- Format: mix of MCQs + TITA (Type In The Answer)
- Shifts: morning, afternoon, and evening slots
| Section | Questions | Time Limit |
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | ~24 | 40 minutes |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | ~22 | 40 minutes |
| QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | ~22 | 40 minutes |
Scoring Scheme
Each section has a strict 40-minute time limit (total exam duration: 120 minutes) and around 66 questions (MCQs + TITA).
- Correct MCQ: +3 marks
- Incorrect MCQ: –1 mark
- TITA questions: no negative marking
CAT Syllabus Outline
- VARC: RC passages, verbal reasoning, grammar, para‑jumbles
- DILR: Bar charts, tables, caselets, puzzles, logical sequencing
- QA: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number theory, modern math
Tip: Practice using official CAT mock tests released in October to get familiar with the format and interface.
Preparation Strategy for CAT 2025
- Begin 5–6 months early to cover all sections thoroughly
- Analyze past papers for recurring patterns
- Focused sectional practice to identify strengths and gaps
- Take full-length mocks and review errors diligently
- Regularly read newspapers and editorials for VARC and current awareness
- Practice time management to switch between sections effectively
- Make concise notes of formulas and shortcuts
- Maintain a healthy routine to avoid burnout
What Happens After CAT?
- Shortlisting: IIMs shortlist candidates based on CAT percentile, academics, and background
- Selection rounds may include: WAT (Written Ability Test), Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI)
- Many other B-schools also accept CAT scores for PGDM and MBA programs
Tip: Track the admission process and deadlines for each institute separately.
Group Discussion Topics
MBA Admission Through CAT 2025
Over 1,300 B schools, including IIMs and top institutes such as Jaipuria Group campuses (Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore), accept CAT scores for MBA admissions. These institutes offer PGDM courses and MBA programs with specializations such as Marketing, Finance, and Service Management. CAT is a key gateway to the best MBA colleges in India.
Top colleges accepting CAT include:
- IIMs, FMS Delhi, IITs, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT
- Jaipuria Institute of Management (Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore)
The Jaipuria campuses offer AICTE-approved PGDM programs with industry-driven specializations such as:
- PGDM in Marketing, Finance, HRM, Business Analytics
- Recognized for NBA accreditation, AIU recognition, and strong NIRF rankings.
With a single CAT score, students can apply to multiple Jaipuria campuses through a common process, streamlining the admission process.
Why CAT 2025 Matters
- Gateway to Top B-Schools
CAT provides entry into premier institutes, including Jaipuria, which are known for industry connections and placement outcomes.
- Industry Aligned Curriculum
These institutes update their MBA programs in line with industry trends. Whether your goal is PGDM in Finance, MBA in Marketing, or exploring emerging fields, CAT-qualified candidates gain access to robust, employment-oriented curricula at top-rated B‑schools.
- Structured Admission Process
Institutes like Jaipuria use CAT percentile as a critical shortlisting criterion, followed by interviews and group discussions to assess fit. Their unified admission process allows selection across campuses using a single application.
- Return on Investment
With strong NIRF rankings, accreditation, quality faculty, and campus facilities, these institutions offer excellent ROI for CAT-qualified candidates seeking management courses.
How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams with a Full-Time Job
Kickstart your CAT 2025 journey today. With disciplined preparation, mock practice, and a clear understanding of eligibility, you can secure admission to top-tier MBA and PGDM colleges across India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CAT 2025
Q1. When was the CAT Notification 2025 released?
A. July 27, 2025
Q2. What is the CAT exam date?
A. November 30, 2025
Q3. Who is the exam conducting body and the convenor?
A. IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT; Prof. Ram Kumar P.N. serves as convenor
Q4. What is the exam fee structure?
A. ₹2,600 for General / OBCEWS, ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD
Q5. Can final-year students apply?
A. Yes, if they can submit a graduation mark sheet before the admission deadlines
Q6. How many questions are in the CAT 2025?
A. Around 66 questions: VARC = ~24, DILR = ~22, QA = ~22
Q7. Is there negative marking?
A. Yes, for incorrect MCQs. TITA questions have no penalty
Q8. Which MBA colleges accept CAT?
A. IIMs, FMS, IITs, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, and Jaipuria Institute of Management across all campuses
Q9. How should one prepare effectively?
A. Build strong basics, practice regularly, and optimize speed and accuracy through mocks
Q10. When are the results announced?
A. Likely first week of January 2026
