The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a critical milestone for students aspiring to join presti- gious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,000 MBA colleges across India. Scheduled for November 30, 2025, CAT is the primary entrance exam for MBA admissions, testing candidates on Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. This article pro- vides a detailed overview of CAT 2025, its eligibility, preparation strategies, and key considerations for applicants.
CAT 2025 is expected to be conducted on November 30, 2025, with registrations opening in the first week of August 2025 and closing by mid-September. Results are typically announced in January 2026. The exam will be held in multiple sessions across test centers in India, ensuring accessibility for candidates.
To apply for CAT 2025, candidates must hold a bachelors degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) or an equivalent CGPA. Final-year students awaiting results are also eligible, provided they complete their degree requirements by June 2026. There is no age limit, making CAT accessible to a diverse pool of applicants.
The registration process is fully online via the official CAT website (https://iimcat.ac.in). Candidates pay a single, non-refundable fee, which covers applications to all IIMs and select non-IIM institutes. The fee for 2024 was approximately 2,400 for general candidates and 1,200 for reserved categories, with similar rates expected for 2025.
The 21 IIMs, including top institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, use CAT scores as the primary criterion for shortlisting candidates. Each IIM has its own selection process, typically involving:
Additional factors include academic performance, work experience, and diversity (gender and academic background). For example, IIM Ahmedabad weights CAT scores at 65%, academics at 25%, and PI at 10% for shortlisting.
Over 1,000 MBA colleges, including SPJIMR (ranked #20 in NIRF 2024), NMIMS (ranked #21), and FMS Delhi, accept CAT scores. These institutes often have lower cutoffs than IIMs, making them viable options for students with moderate scores.
CAT 2025 will likely follow the 2024 format: a 2-hour computer-based test with three sections:
The exam includes both multiple-choice and non-MCQ questions, with a +3/-1 marking scheme for MCQs and +3 for non-MCQs (no negative marking).
Recent UGC notices highlighted non-compliance with anti-ragging norms at three IIMs (IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Rohtak). Students should verify campus safety policies, as a supportive environ- ment is crucial for academic success.
IIMs typically require CAT percentiles above 95 for general candidates, with top IIMs like Ahmed- abad and Bangalore often demanding 99+. Non-IIM colleges like SPJIMR and NMIMS may accept percentiles as low as 8590, offering more flexibility.
After results, shortlisted candidates must prepare for WAT, GD, and PI rounds. Researching institute- specific requirements and practicing mock interviews can enhance selection chances.
CAT 2025 is a gateway to Indias top MBA programs, offering opportunities at IIMs and other reputed colleges. With strategic preparation, timely application, and awareness of institute-specific criteria, students can maximize their admission chances. Stay updated via https://iimcat.ac.in and start preparing early to ace the exam.
