CAT Exam 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation Tips & More

 What is CAT Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level, computer-based MBA entrance exam conducted annually by the IIMs. Each year, one of the IIMs takes charge of conducting the test on a rotational basis.

• Conducting Body: IIMs (rotational)

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Frequency: Once a year (November)

• Sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Accepted by: 20 IIMs + 1,200+ top B-schools across India
  
   

  CAT 2025 Important Dates

  Here are the tentative dates for CAT 2025:

   

  Event	Date (Tentative)
  CAT Notification Release	July 2025
  Registration Window	1 August – 13 September 2025
  Admit Card Release	Early November 2025
  CAT Exam Date	30 November 2025
  Result Declaration	1st Week of January 2026

CAT Exam Eligibility 2025

To apply for CAT 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

• Minimum Marks:

  • General / EWS / OBC: 50% aggregate

  • SC / ST / PwD: 45% aggregate

• Final-Year Students: Eligible to apply, subject to completing graduation requirements.

• Age Limit: No age limit for CAT aspirants.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is designed to test logical thinking, problem-solving, and language skills.

Marking Scheme:

• +3 for correct answers

• –1 for incorrect MCQs

• 0 for incorrect non-MCQs (TITA questions)
  
  
   

  CAT 2025 Syllabus

  While the CAT does not have an official syllabus, topics are based on general aptitude.

  Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading comprehension (passages, inference, tone-based questions)

• Para jumbles, para summary, odd sentence out

• Grammar & vocabulary-based questions

• Graphs, charts, tables, caselets

• Seating arrangements, puzzles, Venn diagrams

• Logical reasoning sets

• Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Arithmetic: percentages, profit & loss, time & work, averages

• Algebra: equations, inequalities, functions

• Geometry & mensuration

• Number system, probability, P&C

• Modern math, coordinate geometry
  
   

  How to Apply for CAT Exam 2025?

• Visit iimcat.ac.in

• Register with your email & mobile number

• Documents Required:

• Passport-size photo & signature

• Class 10 & 12 marksheets

• Graduation certificate / marksheets

• Caste/Category/PwD certificates (if applicable)
   

  CAT Preparation Tips 2025

  Cracking CAT requires a smart study plan and consistent practice. Here’s a proven strategy:

  1. Build Strong Basics (Months 1–3)

• Strengthen arithmetic, algebra, grammar, and reasoning fundamentals

• Start reading editorials, newspapers, and business magazines daily

• 2. Practice & Sectional Tests (Months 4–6)

• Attempt topic-wise practice sets

• Take sectional mock tests and analyze weak areas

• Attempt 20+ full-length mocks under timed conditions

• Analyze performance after every test

• Focus on speed, accuracy, and question selection strategy

• Extra Tips:

• Attempt easy questions first to maximize accuracy

• Don’t get stuck on one question for too long

• Work on reading comprehension daily

• Stay healthy and stress-free
  
   

  CAT Cut-Offs & Colleges

  Cut-offs vary each year, but here’s a general idea:

• Top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta): 98–99+ percentile

• New IIMs & Tier-1 B-schools: 90–95 percentile

• Your CAT percentile, academic background, work experience, and performance in GD/PI/WAT all determine final admission.
  
   

  What After CAT 2025?

• Download CAT 2025 scorecard from the official website

• Apply to IIMs and other B-schools

• Appear for further selection rounds: GD, WAT, and PI

• Final admission depends on composite scores (CAT + GD/PI + profile)
  
  
   

  Conclusion

  The CAT Exam 2025 is the gateway to India’s most prestigious MBA programs. With the right preparation strategy, time management, and practice, you can aim for 95+ percentile and secure admission to your dream B-school.

  At CollegeTracer.com, we bring you the latest updates, strategies, and resources to simplify your MBA journey. Stay tuned and start preparing early—your MBA dream is within reach!
   

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• Tier-2 Colleges: 80–85 percentile

• 3. Full-Length Mocks & Revision (Last 2–3 Months)

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• Fill in academic & personal details

• Upload photo, signature, and documents

• Select preferred exam cities

• Pay application fee online

• Submit form & download confirmation

• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)