CAT 2025: Registration, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, and Preparation Strategy

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is India’s most prestigious entrance exam for admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. Conducted annually by the IIMs, CAT is a national-level computer-based test that evaluates candidates’ aptitude in quantitative ability, verbal reasoning, and data interpretation.

Key Highlights of CAT 2025

The CAT 2025 Exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, in three sessions. The registration window closed on September 20, 2025, and the form correction process is open from October 4 to October 7, 2025. The admit cards will be available by October 23, 2025.

• Exam Name: Common Admission Test (CAT)

• Conducting Body: IIMs (on a rotational basis)

• Exam Date: November 30, 2025

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)

Candidates should regularly visit the official CAT portal for important notifications and updates.

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for CAT 2025, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements:

1. Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).

2. Final-Year Students: Those appearing for the final year of their graduation are also eligible.

3. Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.

Aspirants are advised to verify their eligibility before submitting the application to avoid disqualification during the admission process.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The CAT Exam 2025 will be conducted in online mode, comprising three major sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Each section carries 40 minutes, and candidates cannot switch between sections. The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes, with a total of 66 questions.

• Question Types: MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA – Type In The Answer)

• Marking Scheme:

  • +3 marks for each correct answer

  • -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ response

  • No negative marking for non-MCQs

CAT 2025 Syllabus Overview

The CAT 2025 Syllabus focuses on analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and quantitative skills. Below is a section-wise breakdown:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

• Reading comprehension passages

• Grammar and sentence correction

• Para jumbles and odd-one-out questions

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):

• Graphs and charts interpretation

• Puzzles and seating arrangements

• Caselets and data tables

3. Quantitative Ability (QA):

• Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration

• Number systems and probability

• Time, speed, distance, and percentages

Aspirants should practice topic-wise questions to strengthen conceptual clarity and improve speed.

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

Cracking CAT requires consistency and a strategic approach. Here are some proven tips to help aspirants perform well:

1. Understand the Exam Format: Analyze the question pattern and weightage of each section.

2. Practice Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mock tests regularly to evaluate performance and build stamina.

3. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and strengthen weaker topics early in the preparation phase.

4. Read Daily: Develop reading habits to improve comprehension and vocabulary for VARC.

5. Revise Concepts: Regular revision ensures better retention of formulas and strategies.

6. Time Management: Practice section-wise time allocation to maximize attempts during the exam.

A six-month dedicated preparation plan, combined with smart work, can significantly enhance your CAT score.

CAT 2025 Cutoff and Admission Process

The CAT 2025 cutoff varies across IIMs and other participating institutes. Top IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta generally require percentile scores above 98. Non-IIMs like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon also consider CAT scores for shortlisting candidates.

After the results are declared, candidates undergo the following selection stages:

1. Written Ability Test (WAT)

2. Group Discussion (GD) or Personal Interview (PI)

3. Final Merit List based on CAT score, academic performance, and work experience.

The CAT 2025 Cutoff page on KollegeApply provides institute-wise cutoff trends for reference.

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