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's 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.
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 (Expected) |
CAT 2025 Notification Release | July 2025 |
Start of Online Registration | First week of August 2025 |
Last Date to Register | Third week of September 2025 |
Application Correction Window | Last week of September 2025 |
Admit Card Release | October 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.
A Comprehensive Take: Is It Worth Attempting CAT More Than Once? ROI of Retaking the Exam
