To get into Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several top MBA colleges across India, the CAT 2025 exam will be the first step. This year, the exam will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode, and the structure will mostly follow the same format as last year. Over 3 lakh students are expected to register.
This article covers exactly what you need to know before you decide to register:
- CAT exam pattern 2025
- Syllabus and section-wise prep focus
- Eligibility and application details
- List of top colleges accepting CAT
- Selection process beyond the score
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern – Total Marks, Sections, Time Limit
Here’s the actual format for the CAT 2025 exam based on the latest update:
- Total Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Sections: 3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
- Section Time: 40 minutes each (fixed sequence)
- Total Questions: 68
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, –1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative for TITA
You cannot switch sections mid-exam. It moves in order: VARC then DILR, next comes QA.
CAT 2025 Syllabus – Topics from Each Section
The CAT syllabus does not alter dramatically; however, the weightage can shift slightly. Based on patterns over the last few years, these are the topics you should focus on:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension (main focus)
- Parajumbles
- Summary questions
- Odd one out
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Tables, graphs, bar/line charts
- Logic-based puzzles
- Seating arrangements
- Caselets
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, TSD, SI/CI)
- Algebra (equations, inequalities)
- Geometry
- Number systems
- Modern math (permutations, probability)
CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply
Anyone with a valid Bachelor's degree can apply, as long as they complete the following requirements:
- General/EWS/OBC: Minimum 50% marks in graduation
- SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 45% marks
- Students in their final year of graduating may also apply.
- No age limit
CAT 2025 Registration Date and Process
The CAT 2025 notification will be released in July 2025, and registration will likely open by the first week of August.
Event | Expected Date |
CAT Notification | July 2025 |
Registration Opens | August 2025 |
Registration Closes | Mid-September 2025 |
Admit Card Release | October 2025 |
CAT Exam Date | November 2025 (exact date not out) |
CAT Result Declaration | December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Application Fee – Category-Wise Breakdown
Category | Fee |
General/OBC/EWS | ₹2,500 |
SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,250 |
You’ll need to pay online during registration. Payment once made is non-refundable.
Colleges Accepting CAT Score in 2025
CAT is accepted by all 21 IIMs, but that’s not where it ends. These colleges also accept CAT:
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- IIT Bombay/Delhi/KGP MBA programs
- IMT Ghaziabad
- TAPMI, XIMB, GIM, and many more
CAT Score Selection Process – What Happens After the Exam
Cracking CAT only gets you shortlisted. Other criteria also affect admission to an IIM.
IIMs have their own admission policies, but typically evaluate:
- CAT percentile (overall + sectionals)
- Academic scores in 10th, 12th, graduation
- Work experience (if any)
- Academic and gender diversity
While some IIMs place more emphasis on your profile, others give your CAT score a lot of weight.
How to Prepare for CAT 2025 – Section-Wise Focus
Remember this if you're just getting started with your preparation or are unsure of where to concentrate:
- QA: Practice arithmetic till it becomes second nature. That’s 40% of the section.
- DILR: Focus on solving sets, not standalone questions. Pattern-based training works best.
- VARC: Read RCs regularly, don’t rely on solving just previous year questions.
Mock tests matter. But don’t attempt them just for the sake of it; analyse them.
In conclusion
Yes CAT is worth it, if you’re aiming for IIMs or any serious MBA in India.
- Study with accuracy in QA and RC; train your logic for DILR.
- Stick to standard section sequence.
- Keep mock-test frequency high and analyze every slot pattern change.
- It’s not about an overall high score; it’s about consistent percentiles in all three sections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAT 2025 only for IIMs?
No. Although CAT scores are mostly used for IIMs, they are also accepted by a number of other MBA colleges as well as prestigious institutions like FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, and IITs.
When will CAT 2025 be held?
The exam is set for November 2025; however, the specific date has yet to be disclosed.
Can final-year students apply for CAT 2025?
Yes, final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply as long as they can provide their documents later.
Is there a limit on the number of CAT attempts?
No. You can take the CAT exam as many times as you like. You can take it each year.
How many questions are there in CAT 2025?
The 68 questions will be divided into three sections: QA, DILR, and VARC.
Will there be negative marking in CAT 2025?
Yes. For multiple-choice questions, correct answers give you +3, while incorrect answers give -1. There is no negative grading for TITA (Type in the Answer) questions.
Can I choose the order of sections in the CAT exam?
No. The section order is fixed: VARC then DILR, and then comes QA. You cannot swap between them.
What is the CAT 2025 application fee?
₹2,500 for General/OBC/EWS, and ₹1,250 for SC/ST/PwD categories.
Which IIM is conducting CAT 2025?
IIM Kozhikode is expected to conduct CAT 2025.
Do IIMs give admission only based on CAT score?
No. IIMs also consider your academic background, work experience, diversity, and interview performance along with your CAT percentile.
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