Common Admission Test CAT-2025

—Know all about the CAT 2025 Exam here - The premiere Common Admission Test for admissions to coveted IIM's and other Top MBA Colleges in India.

Registration Opens

August 1, 2025

10:00 AM IST

Registration Closes

September 20, 2025

5:00 PM IST

Admit Card Available

November 5, 2025

5 PM IST

Examination Date

November 30, 2025

Multiple Sessions

Results Declaration

January, 2026

Tentative Date

The CAT (Common Admission Test) 2025 is recognized as India’s leading national-level MBA entrance exam, serving as the main gateway for admission to the top B-Schools and management institutes across the country. Organized annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)—renowned as India’s most prestigious MBA colleges—CAT is a computer-based exam that tests candidates’ aptitude for business education.

With the CAT exam date now announced, August, September, and November 2025 are critical months since most important CAT deadlines and events will occur during this period—making it essential for aspirants to stay updated and prepared. If you are targeting CAT 2025 for MBA admissions, this complete guide covers everything you need: exam pattern, registration dates, important deadlines, fee details, eligibility requirements, and expert preparation tips for CAT success.

Note This year’s exam will take place on November 30, 2025, in over 170 cities nationwide, under the stewardship of IIM Kozhikode.

Quick Actions

Access important CAT portals and services with just one click

Registered Candidate Login

Access your CAT 2025 application and check status

Mock Test

Mock CAT 2025 Test Papers

Institute Registration

Registration of Non-IIM Institutions for CAT 2025

CAT 2024 Score Card

Download your CAT 2024 score card

Downloads and Resources

Information Documents

Forms & Certificates

Note All documents should be downloaded from the official CAT website. Ensure you have the latest versions of forms and certificates. Check the validity and format requirements before submission.

Important Information

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the IIMs. CAT scores are accepted by 1,000+ business schools across India.

CAT will be conducted in approximately 170 cities

Select any five test cities in order of preference

Payment fees: ₹1300 for SC/ST/PwD, ₹2600 for others (non-refundable)

Stay updated through the official website for latest instructions and changes

Keep mobile number and email active through the selection process

Eligibility Overview

Mark your calendar with key dates for CAT 2025

Secure Your Credentials

Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)

Final Year Students

Final-year students can apply provisionally

Professional Degrees

Professional degrees (CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI) accepted

Age Limit

No age restriction for CAT examination

Reservation Policy

15%

7.5%

NC-OBC

27%

EWS

10%

PwD

Important Note No changes in reservation categories after registration. Certificates must be submitted in the specified format.

CAT 2025 Correction Window*

CAT 2025 application correction window opened on October 4, 2025, and remained active until October 7, 2025. During this period, candidates could log in to the official IIM CAT portal on its website and make edits to specific fields in their application form. Only limited details such as uploaded photographs, signatures and certain exam city preferences can be corrected. No changes will be allowed once the window closes. Candidates are advised to carefully review their form and make necessary corrections before the deadline.

Note *Please be aware that correction window is now closed

IIMs Release Admit Cards, Announce Enhanced Security

Admit cards have been issued for approximately 2.95 lakh candidates registered for the upcoming exam. The cards will remain available for download until the examination day.

In a related update, the IIMs have introduced enhanced security protocols. These measures include the installation of mobile signal jammers at designated test centers to ensure exam integrity.

Experts Advise Final Week Strategy Focused on Revision and Pacing

With only one week left until the examination, aspirants are encouraged to concentrate their efforts on focused revision and timed practice.

Experts suggest that attempting daily mock tests is crucial for strengthening speed and accuracy. This is particularly vital for the DILR section, where completing a set well within the time limit is essential. It is also recommended that candidates review previous years' papers to understand question flow and difficulty levels, while ensuring preparation remains aligned with their individual study plans.

Aspirants should closely analyse their mock attempts to identify slow approaches or repeated errors, as completing questions within the allocated sectional time demands a consistent and efficient pace.

Note Click here for Practice Mock Test.

Know Your Exam Cities

CAT 2025 will be conducted in over 170 cities across India. Select your state to view available exam cities.

Note

You can select any five test cities in order of preference
Test centre allocation is subject to availability
You cannot change test cities after registration
Session timing will be assigned by the exam authority

Participating Institutes

Explore the premier business schools accepting CAT scores

IIM, Ahmedabad

IIM, Amritsar

IIM, Bangalore

IIM, Bodh Gaya

IIM, Calcutta

IIM, Indore

IIM, Kashipur

IIM, Jammu

IIM, Lucknow

IIM, Mumbai

IIM, Raipur

IIM, Ranchi

IIM, Rohtak

IIM, Sambalpur

IIM, Shillong

IIM, Sirmaur

IIM, Tiruchirappali

IIM, Udaipur

IIM, Visakhapatnam

IIM, Kozhikode

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is eligible to take the exam?

−

A candidate:

Holding a Bachelor's Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste(SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Person With Disability (PwD) categories], awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of the Parliament or State legislature in India or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Possessing an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate would be calculated based on the practice as followed by the respective University/Institution. In case of grades/CGPA, the conversion to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure as certified by the respective University/institution. If any University/institution confirms that there is no scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate's CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA, and multiplying the result with 100. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. However, it may be noted that such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate from the Principal/Registrar of their University/institution (issued on or before the date as stipulated by the respective IIM) stating that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the Bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification on the date of the issue of the certificate. IIMs may verify the eligibility at various stages of the selection process, the details of which are provided at the website www.iimcat.ac.in.

Note: The CAT application data is treated as final, and no change in it is permitted at a later stage. Any variation in the data provided at the CAT selection stage with the actual data will lead to nullification of candidature.

Candidates must declare and maintain the following throughout the selection process: Valid and unique Email ID and a mobile phone number, and the CAT User ID (provided to you via email after completion of your online registration).

Q2. I have completed my Bachelor's Degree. Do I need to submit the overall percentage of marks or as per my University standards?

Q3. I have not completed my Bachelor's degree/I am in the final year of my Bachelor's degree. What marks do I need to enter in the Application Form?

Q4. I am not pursuing nor have I completed my Bachelor's degree or any Professional degree like CA/CS/ICWA (CMA). Am I eligible to appear for CAT 2025?

Q5. I have completed my 10th/12th standard Board examination. Do I need to enter the marks mentioned on the Mark Sheet?

Q6. Can I appear for CAT for practice purpose, though I am aware that I am not eligible?

Q7. Is there any age restriction for taking the CAT examination?

Q8. What is the fee for the CAT examination?

The fee is ₹1300 for SC, ST and PwD category candidates and ₹2600 for all other categories of candidates.
Please note that a candidate needs to pay registration fee only once, irrespective of the number of institutes he/she is applying for. SC, ST and PwD candidates must upload a copy of their SC/ST/PwD certificates at the time of registration. Fee once paid cannot be refunded under any circumstances.

Q9. How can I pay the CAT examination fee?

Q10. When and how do I register for CAT 2025?

Q11. Can I use my coaching institute's email address or a friend's email address when registering for CAT?

No, you must provide your own individual valid and unique email address. All correspondence pertaining to CAT 2025 and subsequent information during the selection stages of the respective IIMs will be communicated to the registered email address. Candidates must maintain a valid and unique email account and a mobile phone number throughout the selection process.

Q12. When will CAT 2025 be held and can I choose an examination date?

Q13. From where can I get the list of examination cities?

Q14. When will I get my Admit Card?

The Admit Card will be available for view and print from Wednesday, November 05, 2025, 5:00 p.m. onwards. The Admit Card will appear only if your online application form is submitted successfully. You will receive an automated email confirmation upon successful submission. You can then log into the CAT website using your registered User ID and view/print the Admit Card.

Q15. What details will be mentioned in the Admit Card?

TThe Admit Card will contain the following details:

Name of the candidate
Test date
PWD status
Test centre details
Examination session and time

Q16. Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy or by mail?

The Admit Card will be available on the CAT website only. You must log in using your CAT 2025 User ID to view/print the Admit card.
Note: The Admit Card is a mandatory document for taking the CAT 2025 examination. You must print the Admit Card and bring it to the examination centre on the day of the examination. Follow the instructions provided in the Admit Card before coming for the examination. The photograph to be affixed on the physical Admit Card must be the same as the one uploaded at the time of registration. Writing/doing rough work on the admit card will be treated as using unfair means.

Q17. Are there any special provisions for Person with Disability candidates?

Q18. What are the time slots for the CAT 2025 examination?

Q19. Can I appear for more than one slot for CAT 2025?

You cannot appear for more than one slot. It will be deemed as a fraudulent activity if you attempt to appear more than once for CAT 2025. To ensure that candidates have only one attempt, Admit Cards, Photo IDs, candidate pictures, and biometric information will be verified. Candidates who attempt to take the test more than once will be eliminated any time during the selection process.

Q20. A) I have made mistake(s) during registration of CAT 2025 and have created my user id and password. What should I do now?
B) I have made mistake(s) during Application form filling of CAT 2025. What should I do now?

You cannot edit personal details (Date of birth, email address, mobile number etc.) entered during registration once you confirm the submission. If you have made a mistake in these details, you must register again with a new email ID. Your CAT 2025 application will be considered for the latest registration and the Admit Card will be issued for the same. Please note that, you will not receive a refund or Admit Card for your earlier registration. Failure to re-register in such circumstances may lead to nullification of your candidature. It is recommended to preview your application form before submission to ensure all the details are correct.
You cannot edit Application form details (Academics, Work Experience etc.) entered during application once you confirm the submission. If you have made a mistake in these details, you must register again with a new email ID. Your CAT 2025 application will be considered for the latest registration and the Admit Card will be issued for the same. Please note that, you will not receive a refund or Admit Card for your earlier registration. Failure to re-register in such circumstances may lead to nullification of your candidature. It is recommended to preview your application form before submission to ensure all the details are correct.

Q21. What are the timings to contact the Candidate Helpdesk?

The FAQs, online guides, and videos are designed to be self explanatory. You are requested to use these tools to guide you through the entire process and help answer most of your queries. If you're experiencing any difficulties or have queries about filling out your application form, please log your issue through our Grievance Portal (Available as a separate tab inside the application login page). This is the designated platform for submitting and tracking resolution of application-related queries. In case you still face issues, the CAT Candidate Helpdesk is available by phone, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. To 6:00 p.m. The CAT Candidate Helpdesk is closed on Sundays and on National/Public holidays.

Q22. If I do not get my Admit Card, whom should I contact?

The Admit Card needs to be directly printed from the CAT 2025 website using your User ID and Password. It will be available for printing from Wednesday, November 05, 2025, 5:00 p.m. onwards. The Admit Card will not be mailed to your postal address.
If you are unable to view your Admit Card after logging in, please log a ticket in grievance portal (Available as a separate Tab inside the application login). In case you still face issues, contact the CAT Candidate Helpdesk:
Toll free: 1-800-210-0175
Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in

Q23. In case the website does not work and I am unable to complete my application, what should I do?

If the registration website is not accessible for any reason, please close your Internet browser and try again. Ensure you have a stable internet connection. The Registration/Application Form is best viewed in the Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers.
Please contact the CAT Helpdesk for more instructions:
Toll free: 1-800-210-0175
Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in

Q24. I have not completed any graduation course but I am in the final year of a professional course; am I eligible for CAT 2025?

No. You must fulfill one of the following criteria to apply for CAT 2025:

Completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India with the required percentage of marks*.
Completed professional degree (For example, CA) with required percentage*
Should be in the final year of Bachelor's degree with required percentage*

* Minimum percentage requirement for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates is 50 and for SC/ST/PwD candidates is 45.

Q25. I am a General/EWS/NC-OBC category candidate and got 49% in the Bachelor's degree. I have also completed Master's degree with 51%. Am I eligible to apply for CAT 2025?

Q26. I am a SC/ST/PwD category candidate with 44% in the Bachelor's degree and 46% in the Master's degree, am I eligible to apply for CAT 2025?

Q27. I have completed my Bachelor's degree in May-June 2025 but have a backlog. Am I eligible to apply for CAT 2025?

Q28. I have changed my name with due procedure after completing my degree. Should I enter my name as per the degree certificate or the changed name?

Q29. Which screen appears after I log into the website post registration?

Q30. What should I do if I have not received the password or have lost the SMS?

Q31. What should I do if I am not able to locate the user ID?

Q32. I have received multiple passwords. Which password I should enter to login?

Q33. The University name is not mentioned in the drop-down list while filling the application form?

Q34. Which documents need to be uploaded while filling the application form?

Q35. I do not have NC-OBC/EWS certificate issued on or after 1st April 2025 but have a NC-OBC/EWS certificate issued before 1st April 2025. Can I use the same certificate to apply under the NC-OBC/EWS category?

In exceptional cases, candidates not having a NC-OBC/EWS certificate issued on or after 1st April 2025 but having NC-OBC/EWS certificate issued before 1st April 2025 and are unable to get the certificate renewed in time for reasons beyond their control, may apply with the same certificate. Such candidates are required to upload the following documents along with the certificate:
1. Undertaking for submission of valid NC-OBC/EWS certificate. (Format to be downloaded from the CAT website).
2.Copy of communication/acknowledgment/screenshot received from the certificate issuing authority for submission of application for issuance of the NC-OBC/EWS certificate.
3.A copy of the submitted application in case any of the documents mentioned in point no. 2 is not available.

Q1. Under which categories can I apply for CAT?

You can apply under the following categories:

General
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
Scheduled Caste (SC)
Non-creamy Other Backward Class (NC-OBC)
Scheduled Tribe (ST)

Note1: Until further communication, all candidates applying under the NC-OBC category shall be inevitably considered under the NC-OBC category, provided they meet the NC-OBC eligibility as explained in question number (Q3) below.

Note2: You can not change the category once the CAT 2025 application form is submitted.

Q2. Which documents must I submit if I belong to the SC/ST category?

If you belong to the SC or ST category, your caste/tribe must be listed in the Government of India schedule. Refer:

The caste certificate you upload should be in the Government approved format (sample on the CAT website):

Whether you belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
District and the State or Union Territory of your ordinary residence.
The appropriate Government of India schedule under which your caste/tribe is approved, and signatures from required authorities.

Q3. Do I belong to the NC-OBC category?

To check whether you belong to the NC-OBC category, see the website: https://ncbc.nic.in/.
Refer to the updated list of state-wise OBCs eligible for reservation and the creamy layer. The central government norms will govern the validity of the NC-OBC certificate.

Q4. Do I belong to the EWS category?

Q1. Is CAT an online examination?

CAT is not an online examination. It is a digital or Computer Based Test (CBT); not an Internet-Based Test (IBT); that is, a candidate will not take the examination on an internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.

Q2. How is the computer-based format different from the paper-based format?

Q3. Can I take the examination from any computer?

Q4. What does a CBT examination look like?

Q5. Can I carry rough paper/scribbling pad and pen/pencil to the exam for rough work?

Q6. Can I carry the scribble pad home after the completion of my exam?

Q7. Where can I select my preference of shift and test date?

Q8. How many sections are there in CAT 2025?

Q9. Can I bring a calculator to the testing centre?

Q10. Are there negative marks for questions other than MCQs?

Q11. Do the non-MCQ type questions carry equal marks as MCQs?

Q12. How many non-MCQs are there in each section?

Q13. Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?

Q14. Does CAT 2025 have a syllabus for examination preparation?

Q15. What is the marking/grading scheme for CAT? Is there negative marking for a wrong answer?

Q16. Can I carry my medicines or any other restricted item, which is essential for me, to the Exam hall?

Q17. How will PwD candidates with visual impairment (VI) disability deal with charts, diagrams and graphs in the question paper?

Q18. Can VI candidates adjust the screen magnification?

Q19. Can I adjust the screen brightness of the computer monitor?

Q1. Who is eligible to take the test under the PwD category?

As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act 2016), persons with benchmark disabilities (at least 40% disability certified by competent authority) qualify for reservation. “Person with benchmark disability” means a person with not less than 40% of a specified disability as per the schedule of the Act.
The categories of disability include:
a) blindness and low vision
b) deaf and hard of hearing
c) locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, muscular dystrophy
d) autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness
e) multiple disabilities (from a-d)
f) Other ‘specified disabilities’ in the Act’s Schedule
Candidates should carefully go through the RPwD Act 2016 to ascertain eligibility.

Q2. What are Testing Assistive devices?

Q3. Which are the acceptable testing devices that I can use/bring to the test centre?

Testing Assistance	Applicable for	Arranged by
Abacus (without calculator)	Visually Impaired	Candidate
Hearing Aid	Hearing Impairment	Candidate
Wheel Chair	Locomotor Disability / Cerebral Palsy	Test Centre, on request in Application Form
Magnifying Screen	Visually Impaired	Test Centre on request (system inbuilt feature)
Scribe/Reader	Visually Impaired / Locomotor including cerebral palsy and other disabilities	Candidate

Q4. Will the means of testing assistance be provided to me directly at the test centre?

Q5. What will be the time extension given to a PwD candidate?

Q6. Who will provide a scribe/reader if required by a PwD candidate?

Q7. Is there an eligibility criterion for a scribe/reader?

Q8. Do I have to fill a form to request for a scribe/reader?

Q9. Where can I register for the CAT 2025 test?

Q10. Where do I mail my PwD certificate for approval?

Q11. I have a PwD certificate in the CAT 2025 website format. Can I use this certificate or do I need to use the template again?

If your certificate meets the following, you can upload the same with your application:

Issued by the competent authority
Photo attached (if applicable)
Valid as per RPwD Act 2016
In Hindi or English

Q12. Will the extra 40 minutes (PwD time extension) be distributed among the 3 sections?

Official Website Disclaimer The official CAT 2025 website is https://iimcat.ac.in. Please ensure you access only this official site for registration, information updates, and payments. Verify you are on the official website before entering personal details.