The CAT 2025 Admit Card will be available for download from November 5, 2025, on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. Candidates can download their admit cards until the CAT exam day, which is scheduled for November 30, 2025. To access the admit card, candidates must log in using the credentials they created during registration.
The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in 170 cities across India and held in three sessions. The admit card will include important details such as the exam centre address, test city, and exam slot timing.
Read on to learn more about the CAT 2025 exam, including details about the admit card, mock tests, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, and previous years’ question papers in PDF format.
CAT Exam 2025
The CAT exam (Common Admission Test) is a national-level business aptitude test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programs. It is held every year across India and serves as a gateway to the 22 IIM campuses, including the newest one, IIM Guwahati.
The CAT exam evaluates a candidate’s abilities in three main areas: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Apart from the IIMs, CAT scores are also accepted by several leading B-schools in India, such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, SPJIMR Mumbai, GIM Goa, BIMTECH Noida, and the IIT Departments of Management (DoMs). More than 1,300 MBA colleges in India consider CAT scores for admission to their management programs.
Courses Offered Through CAT at IIMs
The CAT exam not only opens doors to full-time MBA programs but also serves as a gateway to various Executive MBA, PhD, and Fellowship in Management (FPM) programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is designed for graduates, postgraduates, and working professionals who wish to pursue advanced management education in India’s top B-schools.
Below is a summary of the courses offered by IIMs through CAT along with the number of MBA seats available at each institute:
| IIM | Courses Offered Through CAT | Approx. MBA Seats |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGD-ABA (Advanced Business Analytics), PhD | 385 |
| IIM Amritsar | MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, EMBA, M.Sc. in Data Science (with IIT Ropar), PhD | 240 |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PhD | 430 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | MBA, MBA (Digital Business Management), MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management), PhD | 120 |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA, PhD | 462 |
| IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM (Master of Science in Data Science and Management) | 451 |
| IIM Jammu | MBA, MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management), Executive MBA, PhD, PhD (Working Professionals) | 350 |
| IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBAA (Analytics), PhD | 321 |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP-IL, EPGP Kochi, PhD | 484 |
| IIM Lucknow | MBA, MBA-ABM, MBA-SM, PGPWE, PhD | 436 |
| IIM Mumbai | MBA, MBA (Operations & Supply Chain), MBA (Sustainability Management), PhD, PhD (Executive) | 278 |
| IIM Nagpur | MBA, Executive MBA, PhD, Executive PhD | 267 |
| IIM Raipur | MBA, PhD, PhD (Practice Track) | 377 |
| IIM Ranchi | MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA (Business Analytics), PhD, Executive PhD | 246 |
| IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGDSM, PGPx, PhD | 399 |
| IIM Sambalpur | MBA, Executive MBA, MBA for Working Professionals, PhD, Executive PhD | 197 |
| IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGP (WE), Doctoral Programs (Regular & Working Professionals) | 382 |
| IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (Tourism Management), MBA (Hospitality), Executive MBA, Executive MBA (Digital Transformation & Analytics), MBA (Family Business), PhD | 281 |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM (MBA), PGPM-HR, PGPBM (MBA for Executives), PhD, Executive PhD | 378 |
| IIM Udaipur | MBA, MBA-DEM (Digital Enterprise Management), MBAGSCM (Global Supply Chain Management), Executive MBA (Online), PhD | 361 |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | PGP, EMBA, PGPMCI, PhD, Executive PhD | 383 |
CAT 2025 Exam Highlights
The CAT 2025 exam is India’s most prestigious MBA entrance test, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year. Known for its high level of competition, CAT requires 6 to 9 months of focused preparation. Candidates planning to appear must be ready to dedicate consistent effort and time. Below are the key details and important highlights of the CAT 2025 exam:
| CAT Exam Particulars | CAT 2025 Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute (2025) | IIM Kozhikode |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Exam Timings | Session 1: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Session 2: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Session 3: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Exam Fees | INR 2,600 (General Category) INR 1,300 (Reserved Category) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduation with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to IIMs and top B-schools like SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT, and 1,300+ institutes across India |
| Courses Offered | MBA / PGDM |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs |
| Number of Test Cities | 170 |
| Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
| Helpdesk Number | 1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
CAT Exam Date 2025
Candidates must first ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to appear for the CAT 2025 exam. The exam serves as a gateway to top MBA colleges and B-schools in India, including all 22 IIMs.
Below are the important dates for CAT 2025, including registration, admit card release, and result declaration:
| CAT Exam Events 2025 | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Notification Release | July 27, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Registration Begins | August 1, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Form Correction Window | September 20, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Admit Card Release | November 5, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Answer Key Release | December 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Result Declaration | 1st Week of January 2026 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card
The CAT 2025 Admit Card is a crucial document that every candidate must carry to the exam centre. Without it, entry to the test hall will not be permitted. Candidates should download the admit card from the official website and keep multiple copies for safety.
The following are the steps to download the CAT 2025 Admit Card:
- Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the ‘Login’ tab.
- Enter your CAT 2025 Application Number and Password.
- Go to the ‘Admit Card’ section.
- Click on ‘Download’ to save your admit card.
CAT 2025 Syllabus
The CAT 2025 syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and language proficiency. The exam is divided into three major sections, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section plays a crucial role in determining the overall percentile, so candidates should prepare strategically for all three.
Below are the detailed CAT 2025 syllabus topics that carry significant weightage in the exam:
| CAT Syllabus Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory with Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding, Series |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
The CAT 2025 exam pattern will follow a similar structure to previous years, featuring a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA) or non-MCQ questions. As per the latest update, there will be negative marking for incorrect MCQ responses, while TITA questions will have no negative marking. The exact paper pattern will be confirmed once the official CAT mock test 2025 is released by IIM Kozhikode.
Below are the key highlights of the CAT Exam Pattern 2025:
| CAT Paper Pattern 2025 | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration of Exam | 120 minutes (2 hours) — 40 minutes per section |
| Exam Slots | Morning: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Afternoon: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Evening: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Number of Questions | 66 – 68 (expected) |
| Total Marks | 198 – 204 |
| Language of Question Paper | English |
| Type of Questions | MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 marks for each correct answer -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ No negative marking for Non-MCQs |
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a national-level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate management programs like MBA, EPGP, and FPM. Candidates must meet certain academic and qualification requirements to appear for this exam. Below is a simplified breakdown of the CAT 2025 eligibility criteria:
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA candidates).
- Students who are in their final year of graduation or are awaiting their results can also apply for CAT 2025. However, their marks from the first and second years should meet the minimum percentage requirement.
- Those who have completed a professional degree such as CA, CS, ICWA, or FCAI with the required marks are also eligible to appear for the CAT exam.
- The bachelor’s degree can be obtained through regular or distance learning, but it must be a minimum 3-year program from a UGC-recognised university.
- Candidates awaiting results or completing their final exams must submit their degree or mark sheet to the MBA institute within the specified deadline to confirm their admission. Until then, their admission will be provisional.
- There is no upper age limit to apply for the CAT exam. Anyone, regardless of age or career stage, can appear for CAT as it is also accepted for executive and doctoral programs.
CAT Registration 2025
The CAT 2025 registration process has officially ended. Candidates were required to complete their registration by September 20, 2025 through the official website, iimcat.ac.in. Below is a step-by-step guide on how the CAT 2025 application process was conducted:
- Visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in
- Click on ‘New Registration’ to begin the process.
- Enter your name, date of birth, nationality, mobile number, and email ID to register.
- Use the login credentials sent to your registered email to access the CAT 2025 application form.
- Fill in all personal, academic, and parental details as required.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph and scanned signature in the prescribed format.
- Choose your preferred IIMs and courses you wish to apply for.
- Select up to five preferred test cities for the CAT exam centre.
- Pay the CAT application fee using a credit/debit card or net banking.
Important Note: Candidates were allowed to select up to five cities for their CAT exam centre preferences. The final CAT test city and exam centre details were later mentioned on the CAT admit card.
CAT Answer Key 2025
The CAT 2025 Answer Key is expected to be released 2–3 days after the exam in December 2025. Candidates can download the CAT answer key and response sheet from the official website to check their performance and estimate their scores before the results are announced.
The following are the steps to download the CAT 2025 Answer Key:
- Visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the ‘Login’ tab
- Enter your CAT 2025 login ID and password
- Click on ‘CAT 2025 Answer Key’ to view it on the screen
- Click on the ‘Download’ icon to save it as a PDF file
The provisional CAT answer key 2025 allows candidates to compare their responses, identify correct and incorrect answers, and calculate their expected CAT score.
Candidates who find any discrepancy in the provisional answer key can raise objections by submitting valid proof against the question or answer. The objection fee is ₹1200 per question. The fee will be refunded if the objection is found to be valid. The final CAT 2025 result will be prepared after evaluating all objections and releasing the final answer key.
CAT 2025 Result
The CAT 2025 Result and Scorecard PDF will be released on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, around three weeks after the exam. The exact CAT 2025 result date is not officially announced in advance, but IIMs generally release the scorecards by December 20 each year.
Candidates can download their CAT 2025 scorecard by logging into the official portal using their registered login ID and password.
The following are the steps to download the CAT 2025 Result:
- Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the “Login” tab
- Enter your CAT 2025 application number and password
- Go to the Scorecard section
- Click on “Download” to save your CAT 2025 scorecard PDF
The CAT 2025 score remains valid for one year and is accepted by all IIMs and several top B-schools across India. Some institutes allow admission deferment, meaning candidates who qualify but choose to postpone admission can defer it by a year. However, those who skip admission or plan to reapply next year must appear for the CAT exam again.
IIM CAT 2025 Cut Offs
The CAT 2025 cut off for admission to IIMs varies from one institute to another and is released category-wise. Each IIM sets its own qualifying and final cut-off scores.
The qualifying CAT cut-off usually ranges between 80 and 90 percentile for candidates from the General category, while the final cut-off, which determines shortlisting for the Personal Interview (PI), is much higher.
Top IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta typically have final cut-offs between 98 and 100 percentile, whereas other IIMs usually have cut-offs between 90 and 97 percentile.
Below is the table showing the expected qualifying CAT 2025 cut-off percentiles for all 21 IIMs:
| IIM | Expected Qualifying CAT Cut Off (Percentile) |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 85 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 |
| IIM Indore | 90 |
| IIM Rohtak | 95 |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 80 |
| IIM Trichy | 92 |
| IIM Udaipur | 92 |
| IIM Ranchi | 92 |
| IIM Amritsar | 85 |
| IIM Shillong | 75 |
| IIM Kashipur | 92 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 92 |
| IIM Jammu | 92 |
| IIM Sirmaur | 92 |
| IIM Nagpur | 85 |
| IIM Raipur | 92 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 92 |
| IIM Mumbai | 94 |
IIM CAT 2025 Contact Information
Candidates who have any questions or issues regarding CAT 2025 registration, application process, payment, or document upload can reach out to the official CAT Helpdesk through the following contact details:
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-210-0175
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (except national holidays)
Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in
For academic-related queries such as eligibility criteria, category certificates, or PwD certificates, candidates should contact the CAT 2025 Centre Office directly using the details below:
Phone: +91 495 2809219 / +91 495 2809696
Timings: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Email: cat2025_helpdesk@iimk.ac.in
CAT 2025 Centre Address:
C/o Admissions Office,
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK)
IIMK Campus P.O., Kozhikode, Kerala – 673 570
Candidates are advised to contact the concerned team only during working hours for timely assistance regarding their CAT 2025 queries.
| Also Check: | |
|---|---|
| JEE Main 2026 | CUET 2026 |
| NEET 2026 | CLAT 2026 |
CAT Exam 2025 FAQs
Q1. When will the CAT 2025 Admit Card be released?
Ans. The CAT 2025 Admit Card will be available for download from November 5, 2025, at iimcat.ac.in.
Q2. What is the exam date for CAT 2025?
Ans. The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on November 30, 2025, in three sessions across 170 cities in India.
Q3. What are the eligibility criteria for CAT 2025?
Ans. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) to be eligible for CAT 2025.
Q4. How can I contact the CAT 2025 helpdesk?
Ans. For queries, call 1-800-210-0175 (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM) or email cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in.
Q5. What is the expected CAT 2025 result date?
Ans. The CAT 2025 Result is expected to be declared by December 20, 2025, on the official website iimcat.ac.in.
