Prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, the gateway to India’s top management programs. IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT on 30 November 2025, with registrations open from 1 August to 13 September 2025. Read on for all the details you need—exam date, eligibility, how to apply, pattern, syllabus, and tips from GICE Academy.
1. CAT 2025 Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 |
| Conducting Body | IIM Kozhikode (expected) |
| Notification Release Date | 27 July 2025 |
| Registration Window | 1 Aug – 13 Sep 2025 |
| Exam Date | 30 November 2025 |
| Mode | Computer-based (online) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 min per section) |
| Total Questions | 66 |
| Question Types | MCQs and TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) |
| Score Validity | 1 year |
| Participating IIMs | 21 IIMs |
| Other Accepting Institutes | 1,200+ B-schools |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
2. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 27 July 2025 |
| Registration Opens | 1 August 2025 |
| Registration Closes | 13 September 2025 |
| Form Correction Window | September 2025 (mid) |
| Admit Card Available | 5–30 November 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Day | 30 November 2025 |
| Answer Key & Response Sheet Release | 8–10 days after exam |
| Result Announcement | Third week of December 2025 |
3. Who Can Apply? CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with ≥ 50% marks (≥ 45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Final-year Students: May apply provisionally; must submit passing proof by 31 December 2025.
- Professional Degree Holders: CA, ICWA, CS, or FIAI holders are eligible.
- Age Limit: No restriction.
4. How to Register for CAT 2025
- Visit iimcat.ac.in → New Candidate Registration.
- Enter name, email, mobile for OTP and login credentials.
- Log in, fill out personal and academic details.
- Upload photograph and signature as per specs.
- Choose up to six exam cities in order of preference.
- Pay fee online (link shown on screen).
- Review and submit form.
- Download and save the confirmation page.
5. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & RC) | 24 | 72 | 40 |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logic) | 20 | 60 | 40 |
| QA (Quantitative Ability) | 22 | 66 | 40 |
| Total | 66 | 198 | 120 |
- Marking: +3 for correct MCQ; –1 for wrong MCQ; no negative for TITA.
- Split: Each section timed separately; you cannot switch sections.
6. CAT 2025 Syllabus Snapshot
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| VARC | Reading comprehension, Para jumbles, Inference, Vocab usage |
| DILR | Tables, Graphs, Puzzles, Seating, Series, Venn diagrams |
| QA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number systems, Modern maths |
Use past papers to spot repeated themes and question styles.
7. Preparation Tips
- Plan by Section: Allocate daily slots—40 min VARC, 40 min DILR, 40 min QA.
- Flashcards & Notes: Keep quick-reference sheets for formulas, rules, and tricks.
- Mock Tests: Take full-length tests under timed conditions; analyse every error.
- Reading Habit: Read editorials and fiction to build reading speed and comprehension.
- Sectional Drills: Solve topic-wise question sets to build accuracy.
- Revision Schedule: In last month, cycle through each section twice a week.
8. Admit Card & Results
- Admit Card: Download from 5 November 2025—enter user ID and password.
- Answer Key & Response Sheet: Check your recorded responses 8–10 days post exam.
- Result: View in December 2025 using login credentials. Print scorecard for admissions.
9. Expected Cutoffs for IIMs
| IIM | Expected Percentile Cutoff |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 99 – 100 |
| Bangalore | 99 – 100 |
| Calcutta | 99 |
| Lucknow | 97 + |
| Kozhikode | 97 – 98 |
| Indore | 97 + |
| … (others vary 90 – 97) |
Each IIM’s weight on section cutoffs and overall percentile differs—check individual IIM sites after results.
10. FAQs
Q. What is the CAT 2025 notification date?
The official notice went live on 27 July 2025 at iimcat.ac.in.
Q. When is CAT 2025 held?
The exam is on 30 November 2025 in a single session.
Q. How many attempts can I take?
There is no limit, as long as you meet eligibility.
Q. Is there negative marking?
Yes, –1 for wrong MCQ; TITA questions carry zero negative mark.
Q. Can I change my exam city after submission?
No, city choices are final once you submit the form.
