The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to India’s top business schools—including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200+ B-schools across the country. As we step into the 2025 admission cycle, aspirants are gearing up for one of the most competitive exams in India.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about CAT 2025—from eligibility and registration to preparation tips, syllabus, expected changes, and more.
🗓️ Important Dates (Tentative) for CAT 2025
| Event | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Notification | Last week of July 2025 |
| Registration Start | 1st week of August 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | Mid-September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week of October 2025 |
| Exam Date | November 24, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | January 2026 |
Note: These are tentative and based on the CAT 2024 calendar. Always refer to the official IIM CAT website for confirmation.
🎯 What is CAT?
CAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The exam tests candidates on:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
✅ Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
To appear for CAT 2025, candidates must fulfill the following:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year undergraduate students can apply
- No age limit
- No minimum work experience required (though preferred by some IIMs)
International candidates can apply using GMAT/GRE scores or via CAT depending on institute policy.
🧠 Exam Pattern of CAT 2025
While CAT 2024 continued the 120-minute format, there’s speculation that CAT 2025 may introduce minor changes. Here’s the current format:
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 20 | 40 minutes |
| QA | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 66 | 120 minutes |
- MCQs & TITA: Includes both multiple-choice and “Type in the Answer” questions.
- Negative Marking: -1 mark for wrong MCQ answers; no negative marking for TITA.
📚 Syllabus Overview
While CAT doesn’t have an official syllabus, here’s a subject-wise overview based on previous years:
1. VARC
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Odd Sentence Out
- Summary Writing
2. DILR
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
- Puzzles & Games
- Logical Grouping
- Venn Diagrams
3. QA
- Arithmetic (Time-Speed-Distance, Ratios, Averages)
- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Number System
- Modern Math (Permutation, Probability, Set Theory)
📈 Cut-Offs for Top IIMs (General Category)
| Institute | Overall Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99.5+ percentile |
| IIM Bangalore | 99+ |
| IIM Calcutta | 99+ |
| IIM Lucknow | 97–98 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 96–97 |
Note: Each IIM also has sectional cut-offs and a separate shortlisting process based on academics, work experience, diversity, etc.
📖 How to Prepare for CAT 2025
Here’s a preparation strategy broken down by stage:
🧱 1. Foundation (April–June)
- Build conceptual clarity in QA
- Read newspapers/books for VARC
- Practice sets-based reasoning
🔄 2. Practice Phase (July–September)
- Solve topic-wise questions
- Begin timed practice
- Take sectional tests
🚀 3. Mock Test Phase (October–November)
- Take 15–20 full-length mocks
- Analyze every mock thoroughly
- Focus on time management and accuracy
📚 Best Books & Resources
- VARC: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, RC99, The Hindu/AEON essays
- DILR: Arun Sharma DILR, Puzzle books (CATKing, IMS)
- QA: Arun Sharma QA, TIME/IMS module sets
Online Resources: Unacademy, 2IIM, Cracku, CATKing, MBAUniverse, Career Launcher
💡 Tips from Toppers
- “Don’t chase quantity—focus on depth and clarity.”
- “Mocks are the most important part of CAT prep—analyze, don’t just attempt.”
- “Start with your weakest section to allow maximum time for improvement.”
🧾 CAT 2025 Application Process
Here’s how to apply:
- Visit https://iimcat.ac.in
- Register with email and mobile number
- Fill out personal, academic, and professional details
- Select IIM programs and cities
- Upload photo, signature, and documents
- Pay the application fee:
- ₹2400 for General/EWS/OBC
- ₹1200 for SC/ST/PwD
🏫 Institutes Accepting CAT Scores
Besides 21 IIMs, top B-schools accepting CAT include:
- FMS Delhi
- MDI Gurgaon
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
- IIT Delhi, Bombay, Madras, etc.
- NITIE Mumbai (now IIM Mumbai)
- TAPMI, XIMB, GIM, FORE, etc.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I attempt CAT more than once?
Yes, you can attempt CAT every year with no restriction on the number of attempts.
Q: Is CAT very difficult?
CAT is challenging due to competition, not content. With consistent preparation, it’s very much crackable.
Q: What percentile is safe for a top IIM?
For general category: Aim for 99+ percentile for older IIMs. 95–98 can work for new IIMs and other B-schools.
📌 Final Words: Start Early, Stay Consistent
CAT 2025 is not just an exam; it’s a gateway to the most prestigious business schools in India. The journey requires discipline, smart strategy, and mental toughness. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a re-taker, remember—consistency is king.
With proper planning, mock practice, and the right resources, cracking CAT is achievable.
Ready to start your CAT 2025 journey? Let us know your target percentile and dream college in the comments! 🎯
