The Common Admission Test (CAT) is among the most sought-after entrance exams for future management students in India. Organized every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the CAT exam is a passageway to admission in top business schools in the nation. Thousands of students sit for this extremely competitive exam each year, hoping to get into prestigious institutes like IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, and so on.
The CAT 2025 exam is likely to be conducted in November 2025, and the preparation has to be commenced early in order to obtain a high percentile. The test evaluates candidates based on their quantitative ability, verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.
Tentative Dates for CAT 2025
Although the official notification for CAT 2025 has not been released, the tentative dates based on last years are as follows:
- Notification Release: July 2025
- Registration Start Date: August 2025
- Registration End Date: September 2025
- Admit Card Release: October 2025
- CAT Exam Date: November 2025
- Result Declaration: January 2026
Applicants should check the official website constantly for any updates on the schedule.
Major Highlights of CAT 2025
Computer-Based Test: The CAT exam is held online mode at selected centers in India.
Three Sections of Exams: The exam consists of three significant sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
Total Timings: The exam is for 120 minutes (2 hours) with 40 minutes of time constraint per section.
Negative Marking: There is a negative marking for wrong answers in MCQs, but none for non-MCQs (TITA questions).
Multiple Sessions: The test is taken in three shifts to provide an equal opportunity assessment process.
Eligibility Criteria: The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Admission to IIMs & Other B-Schools: High CAT percentile is required for shortlisting for IIMs and other top business schools.
Language : English
Features of CAT 2025
- Adaptive Testing Approach
CAT has developed over the years to facilitate an equitable assessment of students of various backgrounds. The test requires candidates’ analytical skills, problem-solving, logical thinking, and time management.
- High-Competition Exam
Since lakhs of candidates are sitting for the exam, CAT is among India’s most rigorous management entrance examinations. Strong prep strategy and ongoing mock tests play a key to success.
- Dynamic Syllabus
Unlike other entry tests, CAT has no pre-set syllabus. It emphasizes analytical skills instead of learning through rote and is thus not predictable.
- Sectional Time Limit
The candidates need to finish every section within the allotted 40-minute time slot, and time management is, therefore, extremely important.
CAT 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The syllabus of CAT consists of three major sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Reading Comprehension (RC) passages
- Para jumbles
- Sentence completion
- Summary writing
- Odd one out
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Bar graphs
- Pie charts
- Tables
- Caselets
- Seating arrangements
- Blood relations
- Syllogisms
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion)
- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
- Geometry (Mensuration, Circles, Triangles)
- Number System
- Probability & Permutations
- The pattern of the exam is as follows:
- Total Questions: Approximately 66
- Exam Duration: 120 minutes
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative marking for non-MCQs.
CAT 2025 Exam Centers
The CAT exam is held in more than 150 test cities in India. Some of the key exam centers are:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Bangalore
- Hyderabad
- Pune
- Ahmedabad
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
Candidates need to choose their desired test city while registering for the exam. The final assignment of the center is subject to availability and is stated on the admit card.
Conclusion
CAT 2025 is a milestone for the aspirants looking to pursue MBA from India’s premier business schools. Conceptual clarity, strategy, and frequent practice are essential to crack the exam. With the competition being intense, an early start and effective time management are essential in order to get a high percentile. Keep yourself updated with the official announcements and start your CAT 2025 journey with devotion and confidence.
