CAT Exam 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Fees, Preparation Tips
CAT Exam 2025, conducted by IIMs, is a computer-based MBA entrance test on November 30, 2025. It includes VARC, DILR, and QA sections. Graduates with 50% marks (45% for reserved) can apply. With proper planning, mock tests, and regular revision, candidates can score well and secure MBA admission.
Anil Solonki27 Oct, 2025
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CAT Exam 2025 is a national-level entrance exam for students who want to pursue MBA and other management programs in India. The full form of CAT is Common Admission Test. It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) every year. CAT Exam 2025 checks skills in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
This exam is accepted by all 21 IIMs and more than 1,300 other management colleges in India. It is one of the toughest MBA entrance exams, but with proper preparation, candidates can achieve high scores.
What is CAT Exam 2025?
AT Exam 2025 is a computer-based test conducted at the national level. The exam is designed to measure the analytical, logical, and decision-making skills of candidates. The CAT Exam 2025 score is used by IIMs and many top B-schools for admission to MBA, Executive MBA, PhD, and other management programs.
The exam tests three main skills: understanding and analyzing written material, interpreting data and solving logical problems, and solving mathematical questions efficiently. Candidates from any educational background can appear for the CAT Exam 2025.
| CAT Exam 2025 Overview | |
| Feature | Details |
| Full Form | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Number of Questions | 66 – 68 |
| Total Marks | 198 – 204 |
| Language | English |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Eligibility | Graduation or final year students with the minimum required marks |
| Application Fee | INR 2,600 (General), INR 1,300 (Reserved) |
| CAT Exam 2025 Date | November 30, 2025 |
CAT Exam 2025 Important Dates
Candidates must be aware of the important dates for the CAT Exam 2025 to complete registration, corrections, and download the admit card on time.
| CAT Exam 2025 Important Dates | |
| Event | Date |
| Registration Start | August 1, 2025 |
| Registration End | September 20, 2025 |
| Form Correction | October 4 – October 7, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | November 5, 2025 |
| CAT Exam 2025 | November 30, 2025 |
| Answer Key Release | December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Result Announcement | December 2025 (Tentative) |
CAT Exam Dates 2025
CAT Exam 2025 will be conducted in three slots. Each slot has a specific timing, and candidates must reach the exam center on time.
| CAT Exam Dates 2025 | |||
| Slot | Exam Timing | Reporting Time | Last Entry |
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM | 12:15 PM |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:15 PM |
CAT Exam Eligibility
Anyone who meets the educational requirements can appear for the CAT Exam 2025. Students in the final year of graduation are also eligible if they meet the minimum score criteria.
| CAT Exam Eligibility | |
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation with 50% marks (45% for the reserved category) |
| Final Year Students | Eligible if marks till the 2nd year meet the minimum requirement |
| Professional Degree Holders | CA, CS, and ICWA can apply |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Mode of Education | Regular or distance learning from a UGC-recognized institution |
CAT Exam Syllabus 2025
The CAT Exam 2025 syllabus is divided into three main sections. Below, we’ve mentioned the CAT Exam Syllabus 2205:
| CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 | |
| Section | Topics |
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | Reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summary, and odd sentence out |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | Set theory, puzzles, coding-decoding, and series questions |
| QA (Quantitative Ability) | Number system, algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and mensuration |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
CAT Exam 2025 is a computer-based test with a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
| CAT Exam Pattern 2025 | |
| Feature | Details |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Number of Questions | 66 – 68 |
| Total Marks | 198 – 204 |
| Language | English |
| Answer Choices | 4 per MCQ |
CAT Exam Fees 2025
CAT Exam 2025 fee depends on the category of the candidate. Below, we’ve mentioned the CAT Exam Fees 2025:
| CAT Exam Fees 2025 | |
| Category | Fee |
| General | INR 2,600 |
| Reserved (SC/ST/PwD) | INR 1,300 |
CAT Exam Preparation Tips
Proper preparation is the key to success in the CAT Exam 2025. Candidates should follow a structured plan and practice regularly. Below, we’ve mentioned some tips:
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Complete the Syllabus Carefully: Candidates must ensure that they cover the entire CAT exam syllabus without skipping any topic. Practicing all topics will help in attempting questions from any section confidently.
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Practice Mock Tests Regularly: Taking mock tests helps in understanding the exam pattern and improving time management. It also helps identify weak areas that require more attention.
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Revise Important Concepts and Formulas: Candidates should revise important formulas for Quantitative Ability and strategies for Logical Reasoning frequently. Revision helps in retaining concepts and solving problems faster during the exam.
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Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers: Practicing previous CAT question papers gives insight into the type of questions asked in each section. It also helps candidates become familiar with the difficulty level of the exam.
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Improve Reading and Comprehension Skills: For the VARC section, candidates should read articles, editorials, and practice comprehension passages regularly. This improves speed and understanding of complex texts.
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Work on Speed and Accuracy: While practicing questions, candidates should focus on solving them accurately within a limited time. Time management is crucial to attempt all questions in the CAT Exam 2025.
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Use Shortcuts and Tricks: Learning shortcuts, mental math, and problem-solving techniques for Quantitative Ability can save time. It also increases confidence while attempting questions under pressure.
The CAT Exam 2025 is a challenging exam, but with consistent preparation, understanding of the syllabus, and practice of mock tests, candidates can achieve excellent scores. Always keep track of the CAT exam date 2025, admit card release, and result announcements to avoid last-minute issues.
CAT Exam 2025 FAQs
When is the CAT 2025 exam scheduled?
What is the registration fee for CAT 2025?
What documents are required for CAT 2025 registration?
Is there an age limit for appearing in CAT 2025?
When will the CAT 2025 admit card be available?
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