IIM CAT 2025 Notification OUT! Your Ultimate Guide to MBA Admissions. The wait is over! The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, the conducting body for this year’s Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, has officially released the much-anticipated notification. This marks the commencement of the admission process for MBA and other postgraduate management programs offered by the prestigious 21 IIMs and numerous other top-tier B-schools across India.
Aspiring MBA candidates, it’s time to gear up! The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and online registrations begin on August 1, 2025. This comprehensive SEO post will provide you with all the vital details regarding the CAT 2025 notification, including key dates, eligibility criteria, the application process, exam pattern, fees, and essential tips to help you secure your dream MBA seat.
CAT 2025: Your Gateway to Top B-Schools
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based standardized test that assesses a candidate’s quantitative ability, verbal ability and reading comprehension, and data interpretation and logical reasoning skills. A strong CAT score is crucial for gaining admission to the coveted IIMs and other leading management institutes.
CAT 2025 Notification: Key Highlights
Here’s a quick rundown of the important details from the official CAT 2025 notification:
- Conducting Body: IIM
- Participating Institutes: All 21 IIMs and numerous other top B-schools across India.
- Exam Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Exam Slots: 3 slots (Morning, Afternoon, Evening)
- Official Website: iimcat.ac.in
Important Dates to Remember (Don’t Miss Out!):
Event Date Time (IST)
CAT 2025 Notification Release July 27, 2025
CAT 2025 Registration Starts August 1, 2025 10:00 AM
CAT 2025 Registration Ends September 13, 2025 5:00 PM
CAT Admit Card Download November 5 – November 30, 2025
CAT 2025 Exam Date November 30, 2025
CAT Answer Key Release December 3, 2025 (Tentative)
CAT 2025 Result Declaration First week of January, 2026 (Tentative)
Eligibility Criteria: Are You CAT-Ready?
Before you embark on your application journey, ensure you meet the CAT 2025 eligibility requirements:
Educational Qualification:
A Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university.
For candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD categories, the minimum required marks are 45%.
Candidates appearing for the final year of their Bachelor’s degree or equivalent examination, or those who have completed their degree exams but are awaiting results, are also eligible to apply. However, they must submit a certificate from their institution confirming their eligibility by a specified date (usually by June 30, 2026, for the 2025-27 batch).
Professional degrees like CA (Chartered Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), or ICWA (Institute of Cost Accountants of India) are also acceptable, provided they meet the minimum percentage criteria.
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CAT exam.
Work Experience: Work experience is not mandatory to apply for CAT. Both fresh graduates and working professionals are eligible. However, work experience is often a factor considered by IIMs during the final selection process.
CAT 2025 Application Fees:
The application fee has seen a slight increase this year.
- General, OBC, and EWS Candidates: ₹3,000/-
- SC, ST, and PwD Candidates: ₹1,300/-
- The fee is non-refundable and can be paid online through credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
How to Apply Online for CAT 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
- The CAT 2025 application process is entirely online and will be conducted through the official IIM CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in
- New Candidate Registration: Click on the “New Candidate Registration” or “Register” link.
- Fill Basic Details: Provide your name, date of birth, valid email ID, and mobile number. A User ID and Password will be generated and sent to your registered email and mobile number.
- Login: Use your generated User ID and Password to log in to the applicant portal.
- Fill the Application Form: The application form is divided into several sections. Fill in all details accurately:
- Personal Details: Name, father’s name, gender, nationality, communication address, etc.
- Academic Details: Class 10th, 12th, and Bachelor’s degree marks/CGPA. If applicable, also include details of any other professional degrees.
- Work Experience (if any): Provide details such as company name, duration of employment, designation, etc.
- Programmes: Select the IIM programs and other B-schools you wish to apply to.
- Test City Preference: Choose up to five exam cities in order of your preference.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature. Ensure they meet the specified dimensions and file size (typically in .jpg or .jpeg format, not exceeding 80KB each). You may also need to upload caste certificates (if applicable), PwD certificates, and work experience certificates.
- Pay Application Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway and pay the application fee online using the available options.
- Review and Submit: Thoroughly review all the information entered and documents uploaded. Make any necessary corrections before final submission. Once satisfied, click on “Submit.”
- Print Confirmation Page: After successful submission and payment, download and print the confirmation page or the complete application form for your records.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: What to Expect
The CAT 2025 exam will be a 2-hour (120-minute) Computer-Based Test (CBT) divided into three sections, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes each:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Ability (QA)
Number of Questions: Expect around 66-68 questions in total.
Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct answer, -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ. There is typically no negative marking for TITA (Type In The Answer) questions.
Sectional Order: You must attempt the sections in a pre-defined order (VARC, DILR, QA).
The syllabus broadly covers topics from these three areas. It’s crucial to refer to the official information bulletin for any specific changes or detailed breakdowns.
Documents Required for CAT 2025 Application:
Keep the following documents handy for a smooth application process:
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
- Class 10th Marksheet
- Class 12th Marksheet
- Bachelor’s Degree Marksheets (all semesters/years) and Certificate
- Work Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- Scanned passport-size photograph (recent, white background)
- Scanned signature
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL), if applicable
- PwD Certificate, if applicable
- A valid ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, etc.)
Your Road to CAT Success:
Start Early: Given that the notification is out, begin your preparation without delay.
Understand the Syllabus & Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus and exam pattern.
Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve time management.
Analyze Previous Papers: Practice with previous years’ CAT papers to understand question trends.
Stay Updated: Regularly check the official IIM CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) for any further updates or announcements.
The CAT 2025 notification is a green light for your MBA aspirations. With dedicated preparation and a strategic approach, you can ace this crucial exam and take the first step towards a thriving career in management.
Apply online from August 1, 2025, and prepare to unlock your potential!