CAT Exam 2025 Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, and Preparation Tips

CAT Exam 2025

The (IIMs) Indian Institutes of Management organizes the national-level management entrance exam which is commonly known as the Common Admission Test (CAT), for (PG) postgraduate management programs and courses. This exam is highly competitive and prestigious for those aspiring to pursue an MBA in India. The full form or complete form of CAT exam is Common Admission Test. This national-level entrance exam for admission to MBA is conducted by top Indian Business Colleges including IIMs.

what is common admission test?

CAT full form is Common Admission Test (CAT) which is a competitive computer-based entrance test (CBT) for admission to flagship MBA colleges. It is used to enroll and admit students to postgraduate management programs, mostly for MBA programs, at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business colleges. The CAT (Common Admission Test) exam assesses business and management students and participants. It assesses the verbal abilities of applicants while also evaluating their thinking and analytical skills. The examination of CAT provides a comprehensive evaluation to admission in MBA Colleges.

What is CAT exam?

The CAT exam is the gateway to admission in the top-notch colleges for the MBA Program.

Vital Dates:

Registration for CAT Exam is from 1 August 2025 – 20 September 2025.

Release Date of common admission test admit card: In 5 November 2025

CAT Exam: November 24, 2025

Important Links

CAT Exam 2025 Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in/

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Given below are the eligibility criteria of CAT Exam 2025:

For Bachelor’s Degree Candidates: The minimum percentage required is 50% (45% for SC, ST, and PWD)

Final Year Students: Exception if they have completed their degree program before announced date

Professional Degree: CS/CA/ICWA with necessary percentage

Age Limit: There is no specific upper age limit for appearing in the CAT Exam. The exam is open to both experienced and fresher candidates.

Relaxation as per reservation policy for category certificates and degree certificates:

• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.50%
• OBC: 27%
• EWS: 10%
• PWD: 5%

You can find more information about the CAT exam on the official website: https://iimcat.ac.in/

CAT Exam Fees

The CAT (Common Admission Test) exam registration fees for 2025 are as follows:

• Registration fees for General/OBC: ₹2,500
• Registration fees for SC/ST/PWD: ₹1,250

These fees are payable online during the registration process and can be paid using credit cards, debit cards or net banking. Additional charges such as transaction or processing fees may apply depending on the payment method selected. For the most precise and up-to-date information, please visit the official CAT 2025 website: https://iimcat.ac.in/

CAT Exam Outline

CAT examination is a test comprising three parts with 66 questions each.

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude

There will be 40 minutes for each section. CAT Exam is a MCQ-based test.

Marking Based Scheme:

• Each correct answer: +3 marks
• Each incorrect answer: (MCQ): -1 mark
• No negative marking for non-MCQ questions

Key Points:

• Use of onscreen calculator for calculations is allowed during the exam.
• For the CAT 2025 test, the total marks are 198 based on the CAT scoring system where each question holds a value of 3 marks, for a total of 66 questions, in the CAT exam equating to 198 marks. Additionally, for each answer, there is a deduction of (-1) negative mark.
• Applicants cannot switch between the parts.
• Candidates will be able to monitor their time during the exam with the help of an onscreen clock. By familiarizing yourself with the CAT 2025 exam pattern, you can successfully plan your preparation strategy and manage time accordingly.

CAT exam for what purpose?

CAT exam for inspect the purpose of admission to postgraduate management program (MBA).

what about cat exam?

In order to obtain admission in top management and business colleges and institutes, the CAT exam is for the participant who is willing to take admission in MBA program.

CAT Exam Syllabus

Basically, CAT Exam syllabus is briefly divided into three sections which are as follows:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension: Passages from various fields like science, social science, the humanities, and business.
• Verbal Ability: Vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, para-jumbles, critical reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Data Interpretation: investigation of data obtainable in various formats, like tables, charts, and graphs.
• Logical Reasoning: logical reasoning, puzzles, and data sufficiency.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

• Arithmetic: Percentage, Average, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time and Distance, and Number System.
• Algebra: functions, logarithms, and linear & quadratic equations,
• Geometry: Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry.

CAT result 2025:

The common admission test result is declared and announced on official website in December. The CAT test result is tentatively announced in the month of December.

CAT Exam 2025: Cut-Offs

The exact CAT 2025 cut-offs for different IIMs and other top MBA colleges will be announced following the proclamation of the results. However, based on recent year trends and expert estimates, we can expect the following:

For similar iim entrance test criteria (Indian Institutes of Management):

• General Category: 98-100 percentiles
• OBC Category: Around 70-75 percentile
• SC/ST/EWS Categories: Generally lower, about 85-95 percentile, according to each institute’s policies.

For other top MBA colleges:

• General Category: 92-97 percentile
• OBC Category: Around 65-70 percentile
• SC/ST/EWS Category: Generally lower, around 75-85 percentile

what is a CAT exam Preparation and Training

Always keep yourself updated on the official website for vital notifications, and bulletins.

Look forward to NCERT and ICSE Board Books for reference and strong attributions

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension – Read thoroughly and practice grammar and vocabulary
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning – Practice data analysis and logical reasoning with mock tests.
• Quantitative Aptitude – Practice from various quality sources
• Take mock test and sharpen your skills
• Write clear and concise notes for revision
• Always create a rational study schedule, stay updated on current affairs and always check in for personal health.

Preparation tips

Preparing for the common admission test 2025 demands a planned approach to assure success. Start by familiarizing yourself with the exam design and syllabus, which comprises sections on Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Create a study schedule that allocates time for each subject while allowing for regular revision.

Practice is vital, so solve previous years’ question papers and take practice examinations to develop your time management skills and build confidence. Additionally, focus on strengthening your basics, especially in mathematics and language, as these are vital for solving hard issues. Lastly, maintain a balanced schedule that includes breaks, exercise, and healthy nutrition, as physical well-being can greatly affect your performance on exam day.

Tips for CAT Exam 2025

• Understand the Exam Pattern

Familiarize yourself with the structure, marking scheme, and types of questions in each section (Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension).

• Create a Study Schedule

Develop a realistic study plan that dedicates time to each subject. Stick to a consistent routine to cover all topics effectively.

• Focus on Basics

Strengthen your fundamentals in mathematics, grammar, and logical reasoning. Make sure to clear any conceptual doubts.

• Practice Regularly

Solve a series of practice questions and previous years’ tests. Routine practice helps in identifying weak areas and improving pace.

• Take Mock Tests

Replicate exam pattern by taking full-length mock tests.

• Analyze Performance

Analyze the routine performance after solving mock tests.

• Work on Time Management

Create strategies to efficiently supervise time during the exam. Practice pacing yourself on mock tests.

• Revise Regularly

Keep revisiting topics and formulas to strengthen retention. Make brief notes for quick revisions before the exam.

• Stay Updated on Current Affairs

For the verbal section, reading newspapers and magazines can help improve general knowledge and comprehension skills.

• Join Study Groups or Coaching

Collaborate with peers or consider joining a coaching institute for guided preparation and additional resources.

• Stay Healthy

Sustain a balanced diet, workout frequently, and make sure sufficient rest is given to the mind and body. A healthy body aids in better attention and presentation.

Mocks Tests:

Preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam might be a difficult process, but one of the most efficient techniques to increase your performance is taking mock examinations. These practice examinations mirror the actual test setting and allow applicants to assess their knowledge, develop their time management skills, and build confidence.

Importance of Mock Tests for CAT Exam:

• Familiarization with Exam Format: Mock tests provide a comprehensive grasp of the structure and format of the CAT exam. Knowing the types of questions offered in different sections helps students prepare more efficiently.
• Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: By periodically taking mock examinations, candidates can highlight their strong areas and the issues where they need more practice. This understanding allows them to modify their study plans to focus on strengthening weaker subjects.
• Time Management: Mock tests assist applicant’s practice pacing them and managing their time properly to attempt as many questions as possible before time runs out.
• Building Exam attitude: Taking several mock examinations assists in reducing anxiety and building the attitude needed for the actual exam day. Students learn to keep calm and composed under pressure, which is vital for optimal performance.
• Performance Analysis: Most mock test platforms give thorough analytics, indicating areas of improvement and proposing study approaches. This input is crucial for developing one’s strategy and approach.
• Boosting Confidence: Regular practice through mock tests leads to increased familiarity and confidence. As students observe improvement in their scores, they feel more hopeful about their talents.

Tips for Effective Mock Test Preparation:

• Create a Study Schedule: Set up specified hours each week to take sample tests. Make it a routine to review your performance thereafter.
• Simulate Real Conditions: Try to duplicate the exam conditions at home by timing yourself and minimizing distractions.
• Review after Each Test: Analyze your answers, focus on mistakes, and make note of problems that gave you trouble. Understanding why you got a question wrong is vital for improvement.
• Practice a Variety of Questions: Ensure that your mock examinations cover all areas of the course. This variability in preparation will prepare you for the unpredictability of the actual exam.
• Stay Updated: Keep an eye out for the current trends and sorts of questions being asked in the CAT exam through various sources.

Where to find mock Tests?

There are many external website where you can find mock tests for CAT Exam. Many coaching institutions also provide mock tests to their registered students.

CAT Scorecard Validity

The CAT scorecard remains valid for one year starting from the date of CAT exam result declaration, meaning that the results obtained in the distinguished year can be used for admission during that period.

Conclusion

What CAT exam is a stepping stone that shapes the future of numerous individuals aiming to further their careers in management? CAT Exam marks a key turning point for many prospective management students across India. This tough assessment not only assesses candidates’ aptitude in areas such as quantitative ability, verbal thinking, and data interpretation but also acts as a doorway to some of the finest business colleges and institutes in the country.

As the results are published, candidates experience a mix of worry and anticipation, as their scores will decide their eligibility for next stages of the admissions process. Regardless of the outcome, the experience acquired from preparing for the CAT exam builds perseverance, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of oneself, which are useful attributes in both academic and professional pursuits.

This blog illustrates the guidance and assistance to CAT Exam’s Preparation and Tips.