7 Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT application correction

The CAT Application Form is expected to be released on August 2, 2025, and the last date to fill the CAT Application Form 2025 will most probably be September 20, 2025 going by the last year trends. Those who do not fill out the CAT Application Form will not be able to participate in the CAT exam this year.

The CAT Application Form correction window is opened in September and the candidates will be able to edit the form from 27th September to 30th September 2025 (expected) on the official website of CAT 2025 - iimcat.ac.in. It must be noted that the CAT application window is opened just once and once submitted after editing, it cannot be changed whatsoever.

In this article however, we will aim to cover the aspects of the CAT Application Form Correction like the application form correction dates, common mistakes to avoid during the correction phase, how to correct the form, what details are editable, image uploading guidelines, and certain other important information issued by IIM Kozhikode, the CAT 2025 conducting body.

CAT Application Form Correction Dates

Check the complete details of the CAT application form correction dates tabulated below.

What Is the CAT Application Form Correction Window?

The CAT Application Form Correction Window in simple terms refers to the timeline in which the candidates can make certain edits in their CAT application form. When the candidates fill out the CAT application form initially, it is possible that the candidates can make mistakes. So, to rectify these mistakes and fill out the correct details, the IIM exam conducting authority of that particular year allows these candidates to fill out all the details in the form correctly, and hence this application correction window of CAT exam is opened.

However, the candidates must know that not all the details are editable in this correction window. Only a few details can be edited which will be discussed in detail in the sections ahead.

Also See: CAT Hall Ticket

How to Use the CAT Application Correction Window?

In this section we will simply understand the steps that the candidates need to follow to make changes in the CAT Application Form. The step-by-step procedure to utilize the CAT application form correction window are listed below.

• Visit the official website of CAT - iimcat.ac.in
• Login to the CAT window by entering your login credentials - User ID and Password
• Now, your CAT Application Form will be visible on the screen
• You will now be able to edit your photograph, signature, and the test city preferences

See More: What is CAT exam?

Video Courtesy - "CATKing"

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling Out the CAT Form

In this section we have listed a few mistakes that the candidates should avoid while filling out the CAT Application Form. This will help the candidates fill the form accurately and minimize the risk of getting the application form rejected by the IIM. Check these 7 mistakes to be avoided below.

Mistakes while creating the CAT Login ID

Creating a CAT Login ID and Registering for the exam is the first and most basic step to fill out the CAT Registration Form. Candidates should be careful while filling out the Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Date of Birth. These are the important details and cannot be corrected once they have been filled. In case any errors are found, the registration process will need to be started from scratch again.

Entering Incorrect Personal Details

While entering the personal details like Name, Father's Name, Contact, and Address Details, etc. candidates should be very cautious. These details are verified at multiple stages and in case the details are found to be inaccurate or incorrect in any way, it can cause serious issues at the time of admission process, and can even put you at risk of not getting admission on a timely basis. So be cautious not to enter any wrong or inaccurate details.

Enter Correct Academic Details

Academic details are crucial in the CAT application form. While filling out the academic details candidates should always keep handy their documents like Class 10th and 12th marskheets, and graduation marksheets, so that they can fill the details exactly and accurately without making any mistakes. If any error is made in this section and the form is submitted the candidates will have no chance of redemption and will need to fill out the complete form again.

Uploading Documents Correctly

Uploading the documents in the CAT form is extremely crucial. candidates should make no mistakes here whatsoever, and should upload the documents in the specified format only. The complete list of documents to be uploaded is mentioned below, and the specifications for certain documents like the photograph and signature have been mentioned ahead on this page. Candidates should keep the following documents ready to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Mark sheets of class 10th and 12th.
• Bachelor’s degree/diploma certificate and other academic qualification documents.
• Work experience certificate (if applicable).
• Scanned copy of a recent passport-size photograph and signature

Mentioning Correct Work Experience Details

The work experience details are not mandatory to be filled in the CAT application form but play a vital role during the admission process. Candidates therefore must enter these details carefully and avoid filling out any kind of false information to be safe from potential risks and problems. Note that these details are verified by the college authorities and if they are found to be misleading or false, your candidature can be cancelled.

Choosing the Wrong Test City and Preferences

The CAT 2025 exam is being conducted in 150 CAT Exam Centers across the nation. You can choose upto 6 test city preferences. Candidates here should be very careful and choose the centres wisely ranking them from their highest to lowest preference. It is no guarantee that you will get the first test city. So ensure that you choose test cities that are near to your hometown and you can visit the location easily and on time to sit for the exam.

You also need to select your preferred programs. many candidates choose the ‘select all’ option because there is no limit on the number of programs that can be chosen. You can choose as many you want and wish. Have a list of preferred courses ready beforehand as it will help in filling out the form more conveniently.

Not using the Correct Browser

Another common mistake which should be avoided is the use of the internet browser. Ensure that you select the browser that is fast and does not create interruptions in between the form. Here is a list of the recommended browsers that you can opt for to fill out the CAT form in peace.

Details That Are Editable in the CAT Form

It should be noted that aspirants can only edit 3 fields in the CAT Application Form - Photograph, Signature, and the Test City Preferences. No other detail can be edited. Refer to the table below, to see the details of the editable fields.

CAT Application Window 2025 - Details that Cannot be Edited

As per the official notification, apart from the details mentioned in the table above, you cannot edit any other details including the below.

• Applicant’s Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Mobile Number
• Email ID
• State
• Work experience

CAT Application Correction: Image & Document Uploading Guidelines

While filling out the CAT application, candidates are required to submit and upload certain documents. However, there are certain specifications which the candidates must follow to upload the documents. These guidelines are explained below.

Do’s and Dont’s of the Re-upload of Photograph

To avoid any kind of objections, below is a set of instructions which the candidates should follow to scan the images and documents correctly.

• Photograph should not be older than 6 months
• Candidates should not be wearing any caps, or glasses. However, spectacles are not included in this if they are for regular use
• Photograph should be on a white or off-white background
• The head, face, and shoulders should be clearly visible in the recent photograph
• Polaroid pictures are not acceptable
• Signature should only be done in running hand, and capitalized signatures will not be accepted at any circumstances.
• Instructions to Scan the Documents Correctly
• Set your scanner resolution to a minimum of 200 dpi (dots per inch).
• Set Color to True Color.
• Ensure that the file size is as specified in the instructions.
• Crop the image in the scanner to the edge of the photograph/signature, then use the upload editor to crop the image to the final size (as specified).
• The image file should be in JPG or JPEG format. An example of the file name is: img1.jpg or img2.jpeg. The Image dimensions can be checked by listing the folder files or moving the mouse over the file image icon.
• If you are using MS Windows/MS Office, you can easily obtain a photo less than 1 MB and signature in .jpeg format not exceeding 80 KB by using either MS Paint or MS Office Picture Manager.
• Scanned images of photographs and signatures of any format can be saved in .jpg format by using the 'Save As' option in the File menu. The size can be reduced below 80 KB by utilizing the crop and then resize option available.