CAT Exam 2025, Dates, Notification, Eligibility, Syllabus, Percentile, Top Colleges

CAT Exam 2025 is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission into India’s top B-schools, including the IIMs. Held annually, CAT evaluates a candidate’s aptitude in Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. This year, IIM Kozhikode is expected to organise the exam on 30th November 2025 (Sunday). A strong CAT score opens doors to elite management programs with high placement packages. The detailed notification has been discussed below in the article.

CAT Exam 2025

The CAT Exam 2025 will follow a computer-based format comprising three sections and 120 minutes in duration. Candidates must demonstrate efficiency across all sections to maximize percentile scores. With changes in patterns in recent years, aspirants are advised to stay updated with the official details from the conducting IIM. The test structure, duration, and marking scheme remain crucial to building an effective preparation plan.

CAT Exam 2025 Overview

The CAT Exam 2025 is a computer-based MBA entrance test conducted annually for admission into the IIMs and other top B-schools in India. The key highlights related to the exam have been tabulated below.

CAT Exam 2025 Important Dates

Candidates planning to appear for the CAT Exam 2025 must closely monitor the schedule, starting from the notification release to the result declaration. The important dates regarding the same has been provided below in the table.

CAT Notification 2025 PDF Link

The official CAT Notification 2025 PDF Link will be available on the IIM CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) around the end of July. This document will contain comprehensive details such as eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, fee structure, and important dates. Candidates must download and thoroughly read the notification to avoid any confusion during the application and exam process.

Click here to download the CAT Notification 2025 PDF Link [Out Soon]

CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the CAT Exam 2025, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories). Final-year students are also eligible, provided they meet the criteria by June 2026. There is no age limit for CAT, and professional degree holders like CA/CS/ICWA can also apply, making the exam inclusive and accessible.

Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

CAT Registration 2025

The CAT Registration 2025 process is expected to start in the first week of August and continue till mid-September. Aspirants must complete registration online, fill in academic and personal details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee. It is advised to complete the process early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

CAT Application Fee 2025

The CAT Application Fee 2025 is ₹2,500 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates, while it is ₹1,250 for SC, ST, and PwD categories. The fee can be paid online through debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.

CAT Selection Process 2025

The CAT Selection Process 2025 involves three key stages: the written exam, shortlisting for interview rounds, and final selection based on WAT, GD, and PI. Each IIM and institute has its own selection criteria, which may include academic records, work experience, diversity factors, and CAT score. Performing well in all stages enhances admission chances in top colleges.

CAT Exam Pattern 2025

The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 consists of three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). A total of 68 questions are to be solved in 120 minutes, with sectional time limits. The exam includes both MCQ and non-MCQ (TITA) questions with a -1 penalty for incorrect MCQs.

CAT Syllabus 2025

The CAT Syllabus 2025 is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude in three key areas: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). While the exam authority does not release an official syllabus, the topics are based on previous year trends. A strong grasp of fundamentals, regular practice, and smart strategy are essential to tackle each section effectively.

Also Read: CAT Syllabus 2025

CAT Score Vs Percentile

CAT Percentile is not solely based on raw scores but on relative performance compared to other test takers. For example, a raw score of around 140–150 results in a 99+ percentile. Understanding this mapping helps aspirants set realistic score targets and adjust their preparation strategies accordingly.

Top Government Colleges through the CAT Exam 2025

Several prestigious government institutions like the IIMs, FMS Delhi, and IITs offer MBA/PGDM programs through CAT. These colleges consistently rank among the best for management education and have excellent placement records. Admission into these top-ranked institutes requires high percentiles and a strong performance in the interview stages.

CAT Cut Off 2025 Expected

The CAT Cut Off 2025 varies across IIMs and other top B-schools based on categories, academic profiles, and selection policies. Premier IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta usually require 98–100 percentiles, while new IIMs accept 90–95 percentiles. Reserved categories enjoy relaxed cut-offs, making it important to aim for the best score based on one’s target college.

CAT Exam 2025 Conducting IIMs

CAT is conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis each year. In 2025, IIM Kozhikode is expected to hold the responsibility, following IIM Indore in 2024 and IIM Lucknow in 2023. Knowing the CAT Exam 2025 Conducting IIMs can help students stay aligned with that institute’s specific guidelines and support resources.