Why you should Choose
CAT ?
About CAT Exam
Common Admission Test or CAT exam is a highly competitive national-level cat entrance exam for admission to 21 IIMs, other top B-schools, and over 1,300 MBA colleges in India. This cat admission test is conducted in computer-based test mode at designated centres across the country. With over 3 lakh candidates applying each year, the competition is intense.
The cat exam syllabus or common admission test syllabus comprises Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension. The cat examination syllabus remains largely consistent year to year, though aspirants should focus on the updated cat syllabus 2025 to stay current. The cat test syllabus plays a critical role in cat exam preparation and helps candidates plan effectively.
The exam duration is 120 minutes, with 68 questions divided across three sections. The cat exam pattern includes both MCQs and non-MCQs, and the cat marking scheme involves negative marking for incorrect answers.
Aspirants should begin their cat preparation at least 6-9 months in advance and take regular cat mock tests to improve performance. Many platforms also offer free CAT mock test options and cat exam mock test series to enhance practice. Reviewing cat sample paper and solving last year cat paper or cat 2024 question paper helps in understanding the trends and difficulty level. Also, practicing with cat previous year paper and last year cat exam paper is crucial.
The cat exam date 2025 or cat entrance exam date is expected to be announced soon, with the tentative cat 2025 exam date falling in November. Candidates must also stay updated on cat 2025 registration schedules, as the cat exam last date for registration is generally in September. The cat registration process is entirely online.
One of the key advantages of clearing the cat examination is the opportunity to study at the elite IIMs, known for their world-class education, exceptional faculty, and strong industry connections. A good performance in the cat exam for MBA not only opens doors to prestigious institutions but also leads to lucrative job offers, higher salary packages, and a strong professional network.
Overall, the CAT entrance test is more than just an academic evaluation—it's a gateway to a rewarding career in business and management. Candidates aiming for success must focus on strategic cat 2025 preparation with the right tools, including cat mock series and thorough understanding of the cat 2025 syllabus.
CAT 2025 Exam Highlights
CAT is the most popular national level MBA entrance exam in India. It is conducted annually and is of high difficulty level thus need proper preparation. Check below key highlights of CAT 2025 exam.
| CAT Exam Particulars | CAT 2025 Details |
|---|---|
| What is CAT full form? | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Who will be conducting CAT 2025? | IIM Kozhikode will be conducting the CAT exam this year. |
| What is CAT exam level? | CAT is a national level MBA entrance exam. |
| What is CAT exam frequency? | The exam is conducted once a year. |
| What is CAT 2025 exam date? | CAT 2025 will be conducted on November 30, 2025 |
| What is CAT exam timing? |
The CAT exam is conducted in following slots: Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| What is CAT exam fees? | The CAT exam fee is INR 2,500 (General category) and INR 1,250 (Reserved category) |
| Number of Test Takers | In 2024, about 3.29 lakh candidates had applied for the exam. |
| What is CAT exam mode? | CAT exam mode is Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| No. of test cities | The CAT exam is conducted in nearly 170 cities |
| Exam helpdesk no. |
The CAT helpdesk phone number is: 1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
CAT 2025 Exam Dates
The CAT 2025 exam date and full schedule will be announced at iimcat.ac.in website. Check below detailed breakdown of CAT 2025 important dates and events:
| CAT Exam Events | CAT Exam Date 2025 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 notification date | 25-July-2025 |
| CAT exam 2025 registration dates | First week of August to Third week of September 2025 |
| CAT form correction | Last week of September 2025 |
| CAT admit card 2025 download starts | First week of November 2025 |
| CAT exam 2025 date | 30-Nov-2025 |
| CAT answer key release | First week of December 2025 |
| Declaration of CAT 2025 result | Last week of December 2025 or First week of January 2026 |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Last year, the number of questions in DILR section was increased from 20 to 22. There was no other change in the exam pattern. This year, the CAT exam pattern is expected to be the same. Check the below table for CAT exam pattern highlights:
| CAT Pattern Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam mode | Computer Based Test |
| Exam duration | 2 hours |
| Sectional time limit | 40 minutes per section |
| Number of sections | 3 – VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Number of questions | 66 |
| Section wise questions |
VARC - 24 DILR - 22 QA - 22 |
| Marking scheme |
+3 for every correct attempt -1 for every incorrect attempt |
| Total marks | 198 |
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
CAT is an entrance exam for PG management courses, thus the minimum eligibility criteria is graduation. Check below details:
- Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university. Minimum marks required is 50 per cent (45 per cent for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Candidates in their final year of bachelor’s degree course or awaiting result can also appear in CAT exam.
- Candidates having professional degrees such as CA/CS/CMA are also eligible for CAT.