How Many Attempts Are Allowed for CAT Exam?

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Exam Date
30th November, 2025

Ridhima Jindal
Ridhima Jindal

Table of Content

If you are going to appear for the CAT exam and thinking about, "How many attempts are there in the CAT exam?" you are not alone. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive MBA entrance examinations in India, taken by thousands of students every year in India and conducted by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is the route of entry into premier management programs offered by IIMs and other reputed B-schools in the country.

Unlike many other courses of study or competitive exams, CAT Exam does not have an official limit on the number of attempts. As per the eligibility criteria, a candidate can appear multiple times as long as they are qualified, which requires to have a bachelor degree with a parental percentage of marks. There is no age limit on appearing in CAT either. This allows the aspirants to improve their scores and get into the desired B-school over time.

Read more about CAT entrance exam here

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about attempts in CAT, eligibility conditions to take CAT, and also the impact of repeated attempts on your MBA admissions plan.

CAT 2025 Exam Dates

Students may refer to the following to learn more about all the crucial dates and events related to the CAT examination for the 2025 academic year.

Event

Date

CAT 2025 Notification Release

July 27, 2025

Start of Online Registration

August 01, 2025

Last Date to Register

September 20, 2025

Application Correction Window

Last week of September 2025

Admit Card Release

November 05, 2025

CAT 2025 Exam Date

November 30, 2025

Provisional Answer Key Release

First week of December 2025

Answer Key Objection Window Closes

Within 3 to 4 days post-release

CAT 2025 Result Declaration

First week of January 2026

How to Register for CAT 2025?

Students may follow the below listed steps to register for the CAT exam.

  • Visit the Website: First, students must visit the official website for the CAT 2025 examination atwww.iincat.ac.in.
  • Find the Registration Button: On the homepage, students should find an option for new users to register for the examination under the ‘New Candidate Registration’ button.
  • Register: Students will be required to enter various personal details about themselves as part of the registration process. These details include a student’s name, email address, phone number and date of birth. Upon completing this, students will receive their registration number and password.
  • Application Form: Upon doing so, students will be required to fill the CAT application form. It is crucial students submit updated and accurate information on the CAT application form. The details required for the form include a student’s personal details, academic details and work-experience details.
  • Document Uploading: After filling the form, students must ensure they upload scanned copies of the required documents. The documents required include a passport-sized photograph, a scanned copy of a student’s signature and any caste/ disability certificates if applicable.
  • Registration Fee: Once students finish the document uploading process, they will be required to make the fee payment. Only after the payment of the registration fees will students be able to complete their registration process.
  • Submit the Form: After making the fee payment, students will be able to submit and download their CAT application forms. It is recommended for students to download and print their application forms for future reference.

Is It Worth Attempting CAT More Than Once?

Yes, it does usually make sense to try the CAT exam numerous times. Most students do not get the desired percentile in the initial try because they are unprepared, they are lacking in strategy, or they are apprehensive in test-taking situations. Because there is no restriction on attempts on the CAT, students can try to get a better score in subsequent attempts.

A good score will get you into top IIMs or other top B-schools. More experience will generally benefit the candidates on subsequent attempts. Appearing for CAT again will also benefit by improving time management and accuracy. If you aspire to an MBA and are willing to prepare for top colleges, offering CAT more than once will certainly improve your chances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I take the CAT exam?

There's no limit on how many times you can take the CAT exam. You can attempt it as many times as you like, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

What is the CAT exam eligibility criteria?

To be eligible, you need a bachelor's degree. There's no age limit and you don't need a specific percentage in your graduation. Check the official website for the most up-to-date details.

How to register for the CAT 2025 exam?

Go to the official CAT website, find the registration button, fill in your details, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit the form. Keep your application form for reference.

What are the important CAT 2025 dates?

Check the official website for exact dates, but expect notification in July 2025, registration in August-September, the exam in late November, and results in early January 2026.

Is it worth taking the CAT exam multiple times?

Yes, usually. Many students improve their scores with more attempts. It helps you build experience, manage time better, and increases your chances of getting into your desired B-school.

Why does someone retake the CAT exam?

People retake the CAT to improve their percentile and get admission into a better B-school. It also helps improve test-taking skills and time management.

Can I improve my CAT score with multiple attempts?

Yes, absolutely. Repeated attempts give you more practice, better time management, and reduce exam anxiety, leading to improved scores and better chances of admission.

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