CAT (Common Admission Test)

All about registration, eligibility, syllabus, important dates, and more.

Overview

CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into MBA, PGDM, and other management programs at IIMs and other top B-Schools in India.
The exam evaluates candidates on Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.

It is one of the most competitive exams for MBA aspirants in India and is accepted by over 1000+ business schools across the country.
CollegeTracer provides free counseling and admission guidance to help students choose the right MBA college after qualifying CAT.

CAT 2025 Highlights

Particular Details
Exam Name Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Body Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
Exam Level National
Exam Mode Online (Computer Based Test)
Duration 2 Hours
Frequency Once a year
Official Website https://iimcat.ac.in

CAT 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)

Event Date
Notification Release July 2025
Registration Start August 2025
Last Date to Apply September 2025
Admit Card Release October 2025
Exam Date November 2025
Result Announcement January 2026

 CAT Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).

  • Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply.

  • There is no age limit to appear for CAT.

 CAT Exam Pattern

Section No. of Questions Time Limit Marks
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 40 min 72
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 40 min 60
Quantitative Ability (QA) 22 40 min 66
Total 66 Questions 120 min 198 Marks
  • Question Type: MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer)

  • Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (MCQs only)

Application Fee (Expected)

Category Fee
General / OBC     Rs2400
SC / ST / PwD     Rs1200

Payment can be made through credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking.

 How to Apply for CAT 2025

  1. Visit the official CAT website – https://iimcat.ac.in

  2. Click on “New Candidate Registration” and fill basic details.

  3. Complete the application form with academic and work experience information.

  4. Upload scanned photograph and signature.

  5. Pay the fee online and submit the form.

  6. Download and save the application confirmation page.

CAT Syllabus 2025 (Overview)

1.Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension:
Grammar, sentence correction, para jumbles, reading comprehension passages.

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning:
Charts, tables, puzzles, caselets, and logical sequences.

3.Quantitative Ability:
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Number System, Mensuration.

Preparation Tips

  • Understand the exam pattern and sectional timing.

  • Practice mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.

  • Focus on strong reading and reasoning skills.

  • Analyze previous year CAT papers.

  • Maintain a consistent preparation schedule.
     

Highlights

  • Exam Level: National
  • Mode:

    Online (Computer Based Test)

  • Application Fee:
    Category Application Fee (Expected for CAT 2025)
    General / EWS / NC-OBC                                          ₹2,400
    SC / ST / PwD                                          ₹1,200
  • Duration: 2 Hours

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).

  • Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply.

  • There is no age limit to appear for CAT

Important Dates

EventDate
Notification Release 20 Jun, 2025
Registration Start 01 Aug, 2025
Last Date to Apply 13 Sep, 2025
Admit Card Release 05 Nov, 2025
Result Announcement 08 Jan, 2026

Application Process

  1. Register on the official portal
  2. Fill application form
  3. Upload documents
  4. Pay application fee
  5. Download confirmation page

Documents Required

  • 10th & 12th Marksheet
  • Passport size photo
  • Government ID proof
  • Category certificate (if applicable)

Exam Pattern

Section          No. of Questions         Time Limit           Marks
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 40 min 72
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 40 min 60
Quantitative Ability (QA) 22 40 min 66
Total 66 Questions   120 min 198 Marks
  • Question Type: MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer)

  • Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (MCQs only

  •  

FAQs

The CAT exam is conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis.

No, work experience is not mandatory. Both freshers and experienced candidates can apply.

There is no limit on the number of attempts for CAT.

Yes, CollegeTracer provides free MBA counseling and admission guidance for students qualifying through CAT and other exams.

Top Colleges for CAT (Common Admission Test)

No colleges available for this exam.

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