Planning to pursue an MBA after graduation? You must have heard of the CAT exam. If you're serious about pursuing studies at top business schools such as the IIMs, then CAT is the initial and most crucial step.
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More than 2 lakh students take this test every year, and the competition is fierce, but don't worry, you're here to nail it. Most students are unsure of the registration procedure, what documents are required, or even if they qualify. And since there's so much information online, it becomes a bit confusing. We'll take you through all of it — what CAT is, who is eligible, what documents you'll need, how you register, and even some advice to prepare well. So take out your notebook, breathe deeply, and let's begin on your path to CAT 2025.
What is the CAT Exam?
CAT is short for Common Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance examination for those students who wish to pursue an MBA or PGDM from the premier management colleges in India, i.e., the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading business schools. The CAT test evaluates your ability in subjects such as reasoning, math, English, and data interpretation. If you perform well, you may be admitted to some of the top business schools in the nation.
CAT 2025 Registration Dates
The announced dates for CAT 2025 have yet to be made public. However, going by the previous years, we can anticipate that the timeline would be as follows:
- Notification release: Last week of July 2025
- Registrations start: First week of August 2025
- Registration closing date: Mid-September 2025
- Release of admit cards: October 2025
- Date of CAT exam: Last Sunday of November 2025
- Declaration of results: First week of January 2026
It is always advisable to go to the official website, iimcat.ac.in, for precise dates and notices.
| CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | You should hold a bachelor's degree (graduation) from any recognised university in any stream. |
| Final Year Students | If you are in your final year of graduation, you may also apply for CAT. You will have to provide a certificate from the college that you are in the final year. |
| Professional Degrees | Students with professional degrees such as CA, CS, or ICWA can also give the exam. |
| Age Limit | There is neither a maximum nor minimum age requirement for CAT. |
| Work Experience | There is no requirement of work experience to apply. Fresh graduates are also eligible to take the exam. |
| Nationality | Indian citizens can apply through the normal process. Foreign citizens must take a different admission process. |
Documents Required for CAT Registration
When you settle down to complete the form, it is always good to have all your documents in hand. Here's what you will require.
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Graduation mark sheets or final degree certificate
- Proof of date of birth (such as a birth certificate or government ID)
- Proof of address (such as Aadhar card, driving license, or utility bill)
- Final year certificate from the principal or head of the college (if you are pursuing studies)
- Caste certificate (if you fall in SC, ST, or OBC category)
- PwD certificate (as and when applicable)
- Scribe certificate (as and when applicable)
- Credit/debit card or net banking information to make fee payment
- Proof of work experience (only if you have previously worked somewhere)
Ensure your scanned documents are legible and in the appropriate file format as requested in the form.
CAT Exam Registration Process
The entire process of registration is done online. You can fill out the form from your phone, laptop, or computer. The steps are as follows.
- Visit the website - https://iimcat.ac.in
- Click on 'New Registration'
- Fill in your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID
- Fill in the CAPTCHA and authenticate your phone and email using the OTP that has been sent to you
- You will receive a CAT 2025 ID and password in your email
- Log in with that ID to complete the application form
- Fill in your personal information and academic details
- Upload a new passport-size photo and scanned signature
- Choose the IIMs and MBA courses of your interest
- Select your test cities of preference
- Pay the fee through a credit card, debit card, or net banking
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for reference purposes
CAT 2025 Application Fees (Expected)
Following last year's fees, here is what you need to pay for CAT 2025.
- General / EWS / OBC category: INR 2,400
- SC / ST / PwD category: INR 1,200
You have to pay the fees online when filling the form. There is no refund against the fee paid.
Mistakes to Avoid During CAT 2025 Preparation
Preparing for the CAT is not simply a matter of hard work. It's also keeping away from common pitfalls that most students fall into. Here are a few things to watch out for.
| Common Mistake | Why to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Not analyzing mock tests | Taking mock tests is not sufficient. You need to identify your mistakes and know where you went wrong. |
| Skipping topics | Don't skip topics because they're tough. You never know what can come in the exam. |
| Not revising | Constant revision improves your memory. |
| Not preparing in advance | Preparing a schedule saves time and maintains concentration. |
| Beginning too late | The sooner you begin, the better your preparation will be. |
CAT Exam Tips for Preparation
If you wish to perform well in CAT, follow these simple tips of preparation.
| Preparation Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Know the exam pattern | Find out how many sections it has, what types of questions are posed, and how much time you will have. |
| Start early | Don't leave everything for the last minute. Provide yourself with a minimum of 6–8 months. |
| Create a study plan | Create daily, weekly, and monthly objectives. Adhere to them. |
| Prioritize basics | Initially, know the basic ideas. Then go to challenging questions. |
| Practice on a daily basis | Practice solving questions every day to enhance your speed as well as accuracy. |
| Read news and articles | This will assist you in reading comprehension and enhance your overall awareness. |
FAQs on CAT Registration 2025
Is it feasible to appear for the CAT again if one is already admitted into a lower-ranked IIM?
Yes, you can appear for CAT even if you are a student in an IIM. Several students do this to attempt better colleges.
If I had a backlog in previous semesters, can I appear for the CAT?
Yes, you can still appear for CAT. But you have to complete your graduation before getting admission into any IIM or college.
Are the MBA and CAT eligibility norms different?
Yes. CAT eligibility is to write the exam. Every college has its own set of rules for final admissions, such as interviews or group discussions.
Can we correct the CAT 2025 application form once we have submitted it?
Yes, generally, there is a correction window after the closure of registration. You can correct fields such as photo, signature, and test city.
Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes, negative marking is present in multiple-choice options. One mark is removed for each incorrect answer.
Conclusion
CAT exam is your key to top MBA Colleges in India. The process of registration is simple if you keep following all the steps. Ensure that you are prepared with your documents, fill the form properly, and remit the fees in due time. Once registered, the second step is to prepare with a plan. With sufficient practice, discipline, and the right attitude, you will be able to perform well in CAT 2025. Regularly visit the official website and don't do anything in the last minute.
