The Common Admission Test or CAT is a highly coveted entry exam for taking admission in best management schools of India, more notably the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). There are thousands of aspirants each year that compete for available seats, thereby qualifying it to be one of the toughest and most competitive exams across India. If you intend to appear in CAT 2025, you can get the necessary information about this exam along with the test pattern, course structure, preparation methods, schedule, details, etc.

What is the CAT 2025 Exam?

CAT (Common Admission Test) is a computer-based test held every year by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The test is the entry point to MBA and PGDM courses of IIMs and many other premier business schools in India. Besides IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and IMT Ghaziabad also accept CAT scores.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Knowledge of the exam pattern is essential for a fruitful preparation plan. CAT 2025 exam is likely to have the same pattern as that of past years, but with slight modifications. The likely exam pattern is given below:

Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Total Sections: Three
Section-wise Duration: 40 minutes per section
Number of Questions: Around 66
Marking Scheme: +3 for a right answer, -1 for a wrong answer (MCQs), and no negative marking for non-MCQs

The three sections in the CAT exam are:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – Tests English language ability, comprehension, and critical reasoning.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – Tests logical thinking and the ability to interpret complex data.

Quantitative Ability (QA) – Tests mathematical ability and numerical problem-solving skills.

CAT 2025 Syllabus

The CAT syllabus is not formally established but is set according to trends of past years. Following is a section-wise split:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension (RC) passages
Para jumbles
Sentence completion and correction
Summary writing
Odd one out
Vocabulary-based questions

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data tables and charts
Graphs (bar, pie, line)
Caselets
Logical puzzles
Seating arrangement
Blood relations
Syllogisms and Venn diagrams

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work)
Algebra (Equations, Progressions, Inequalities)
Geometry and Mensuration
Number System
Probability and Permutations & Combinations

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

To sit for CAT 2025, candidates need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Final Year Students: Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit: There is no age restriction to appear for the CAT exam.

How to Apply for CAT 2025?

The CAT 2025 exam application process will likely start in August 2025. Candidates must perform the following steps:

Go to the Official Website: Navigate to the official CAT website.
Create an Account: Register with your phone number and email ID.
Fill Out the Application Form: Enter personal, educational, and work experience information.
Choose Exam Centers: Choose test cities of preference.
Upload Documents: Upload a new photo and signature.
Pay the Application Fee: Make the payment online.
Submit the Form: Check and submit the application form.

Preparation Strategy for CAT 2025

1. Know the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The initial step in preparation is to clearly know the exam pattern and syllabus. Know your strengths and weaknesses to make a targeted study plan.

2. Make a Study Plan

A systematic study plan should include all the sections of the exam. Plan time carefully and make regular practice of every topic.

3. Take Mock Tests

Mock tests are essential for CAT preparation. They assist in:

Comprehending the exam pattern
Identifying weaker areas
Enhancing time management skills

4. Conceptual Clarity

Rather than mugging up, concentrate on conceptual clarity, particularly in Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning.

5. Enhance Reading and Analytical Skills

Reading books, editorials, and newspapers can sharpen your comprehension abilities, which are crucial for the VARC section.

6. Practice with Previous Year Papers

Practice solving previous CAT papers to get accustomed to question types and difficulty levels.

7. Enroll in a Coaching or Online Course (If Required)

Some aspirants like self-study, but if you want expert coaching, enrolling in a coaching center or online course can be useful.

Important Dates for CAT 2025

Although the final dates will be released later, the preliminary timeline for CAT 2025 is:

Notification Release: July 2025
Registration Begins: August 2025
Release of Admit Card: October 2025
Date of Examination: November 2025
Declaration of Result: January 2026

CAT 2025 Admit Card and Examination Day Instructions

The candidate should download the admit card from the website and bring a hard copy along with a valid photo ID proof on the day of examination. Other instructions are:

Arrive at least one hour prior to the assigned time at the test center.
Adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols (if applicable).
Do not bring banned materials such as mobile phones, calculators, or electronic devices.

CAT 2025 Result and Admission Procedure

The results of CAT 2025 exam will be announced in January 2026. The scores can be accessed by the candidates on the official website using their login details. Depending on their percentile, they will be selected for subsequent rounds of selection, which may consist of:

Written Ability Test (WAT)
Group Discussion (GD)
Personal Interview (PI)

Conclusion

The CAT 2025 test is a significant milestone for students who wish to study management in premier institutions. CAT success depends on a strategic approach, diligent preparation, and regular practice. With knowledge of the exam pattern, adherence to a systematic study schedule, and regular mock tests, you can enhance your probability of securing high marks. Plan ahead, remain motivated, and strive for excellence in CAT 2025