What is the CAT Exam?
The Common Admission Test or CAT is an entrance exam used by several business schools in India including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). CAT is considered as one of the most competitive examinations for getting a Distance MBA course in India. CAT is set by Indian business schools because it efficiently assesses the eligibility and capabilities of candidates. The significant parameters assessed by CAT for MBA candidates are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DIRL). CAT always takes place between November and December every year and is evaluated by IIMs rotationally.
CAT Exam Highlights
Name of the Exam | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 |
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CAT Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
Conducting Body | IIM'S |
Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
CAT Exam Fees (2025) |
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CAT 2025 Exam Date |
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Meduim of Exam | English |
Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test(CBT) |
CAT Exam Question Types | MCQ and Non-MCQ Question |
Syllabus |
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Eligibility | Bachelor's Degree with 50% aggregate |
CAT Exam Timeline and Registration
The registration for CAT examination is most likely to start from August 2025 and admit card is most likely to be available from October 2025. The exam will be held in November 2025 and results will be declared on December 25. For registration you may use the official CAT website iimcat.ac.in.
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
The eligibility criteria for CAT 2025 are as follows-
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Check for the Notifications for CAT eligibility criteria 2025
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A minimum of 15 years of educational qualifications from a recognised institute must be met
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50% marks are a must for the general category candidates and 45% for ST/SC/PWD category candidates
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There is no age limit to take the CAT exam
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Indians and foreign nationals residing in India can apply for the CAT
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Final year students as well as previous graduates both can apply
Top Colleges Accepting CAT Exam Score for Admission
FMS
Required CAT Score:98.20 Percentile
BITSOM
Required CAT Score: 94 Percentile
DMS, IIT Delhi
Required CAT Score: 98+ Percentile
SJMSOM, IIT Bombay
Required CAT Score: 99+ Percentile
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad
Required CAT Score: 90+ Percentile
MDI Gurgaon
Required CAT Score: 95+ Percentile
National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) Mumbai
Required CAT Score: 95+ Percentile
T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) Manipal
Required CAT Score: 90+ Percentile
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Mode of CAT Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Duration of Exam | 120 Minutes |
CAT Exam Slots |
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Number of Questions | 66 |
CAT Total Marks | 198 |
Language of Question Paper | English |
Number of Answers Choice | 4 |
Question Types | MCQ and non-MCQ |
Evolution of CAT Exam
The process of the CAT exam is surely going through an evolution according to the development in the education system and existence of online education procedures. Following is the detailed elaboration of changes done in CAT examination from 2015 to 2023.
CAT Exam Year | Sections | No. of Questions per Section | CAT Time Duration |
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2023 |
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120 Minutes |
2022 | |||
2021 | |||
2020 |
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120 Minutes |
2019 |
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180 Minutes |
2018 | |||
2017 | |||
2016 | |||
2015 |
CAT 2025 Syllabus with Topics
Through CAT examination the educational institutions focus on evaluating the eligibility of candidates for MBA courses. The Syllabus of CAT is the combination of different aspects to understand the efficiency and capabilities of candidates. The most common subjects of CAT examination are VARC, DIRL and QA (detailed below).
CAT Syllabus Section | CAT Syllabus Topics | Weightage in Exam |
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Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| 34-36% |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
| 30-32% |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| 32-34% |
Tips and Tricks for CAT 2025 Preparation
CAT Mock Test
CAT 2025 Admit Card
The CAT national-level exam admit card for Distance MBA eligibility is a document that represents successful registration for the CAT entrance exam. The CAT admit card comprises important and legitimate information regarding the overall process of the exam. It includes the candidate’s name, roll number, exam centre details, timings, etc.
- Browse the official website of CAT
- Login to your account
- Browse the Admit Card section
- Download the admit card
- Verify the details on the admit card
- Print the admit card
- Read and follow instructions
- Keep it safe and secure
Guidelines for CAT Exam Day
Documents to Carry on CAT exam day 2025
CAT admit card
Valid photo ID proof
Photograph
Stationary
Water bottle
Watch (basic)
Medication (if needed)
Directions to the Exam Centre
Items not to carry inside the CAT exam hall
Electronic devices
Communication devices
Books, Notes, and Study Material
Bags and purses
Food and drinks
Watches with communication and internet features
Stationary other than permitted
Jewellery and Accessories
CAT Exam Time Slots
Exam Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Reporting Time: 7:00 AM
Last Entry Allowed: 8:15 AM
Exam Timings: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Reporting Time: 11:00 AM
Last Entry Allowed: 12:15 PM
Exam Timings: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Reporting Time: 3:00 PM
Last Entry Allowed: 4:15 PM
CAT Answer Key 2025
Visit the official CAT website
Go to the official website to get started.
Navigate to the answer key section
Find the answer key section from the menu.
Check the announcement
Look for the latest announcement about the answer key.
Login into your account
Use your credentials to login to your account.
Download the answer key
Download the answer key from the available link.
Verify the answer key
Cross-check the answers with your responses.
Calculate your score
Compute your score based on the answer key.
Raise objections (if applicable)
Submit objections if you find any discrepancies.
Keep updated
Stay informed about any further updates.
Prepare for further rounds
Get ready for the next steps in the process.
CAT 2025 Result
The results of the CAT exam are most likely to be disclosed in December. You can use the following steps to find your CAT result online-
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Visit the official website of CAT
Go to the official CAT website to start the process.
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Navigate to the Results section
Find the results section from the main menu.
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Login to your candidate account
Use your login credentials to access your account.
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Check for result notification
Look for the notification regarding your result.
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View and download your scorecard
Download your scorecard from the results section.
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Print your scorecard
Print a copy of your scorecard for future reference.
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Learn your scoring
Understand your score and how it was calculated.
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Keep it safe
Store your scorecard securely for future use.
Entrance in MBA through CAT Score
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IIM Selection Process:
Meet IIM eligibility criteriaThe Common Admission Test (CAT)Shortlisted for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI)Written Ability TestPersonal Interview (PA)Academic and work profile evaluationDiversity factorsFinal selectionOffer acceptance and admission -
Non IIM Selection Process Through CAT:
CAT examCAT score AnnouncementShortlisting for further roundsWritten ability test (WAT)Group Discussion (GD)Personal Interview (PI)Final selectionWaitlist and admission offersAcceptance of Admission offer
IIM CAT Cut off Marks 2025
List of IIM Colleges | CAT Cutoff 2025 (Expected) |
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IIM Ahmedabad | 99-100 |
IIM Bangalore | 99-100 |
IIM Calcutta | 99 |
IIM Lucknow | 97+ |
IIM Indore | 97+ |
IIM Kozhikode | 97 |
IIM Amritsar | 95 |
IIM Nagpur | 95 |
IIM Fees for MBA - Campus Wise
IIM Campus | MBA Fees |
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IIM Ahmedabad | Rs 24.61 Lakh |
IIM Bangalore | Rs 24.5 Lakh |
IIM Calcutta | Rs 27 Lakh |
IIM Lucknow | Rs 20.7 Lakh |
IIM Indore | Rs 21.14 Lakh |
IIM Kozhikode | Rs 20.50 Lakh |
IIM Amritsar | Rs 16 Lakhs |
IIM Nagpur | Rs 18 Lakh |
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FAQ’s of CAT Exam
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Is an MBA good without CAT?
Absolutely! CAT is a highly recognised entrance exam for MBA courses but it is neither mandatory in all Indian business schools nor globally. If your preferred business school does not provide courses based on CAT then it's fine. They may use GMAT, GRE, MAT, etc. tests for admission.
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Is CAT MBA tough?
“CAT MBA is tough’ is considered true to several related factors in the examination process. Significant factors associated with the CAT exam such as the Broad syllabus, Time pressure, the highly competitive nature of the exam, complexity of questions and negative marking criteria make the CAT MBA difficult.
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What is the salary of an MBA with CAT?
The salary of an MBA with CAT is roughly estimated between 6 lakh to 25 lakh per annum. However, the salary package of an MBA degree holder is not solely based on your CAT score, it is also based on the Institute of MBA, your specialisation, your marks throughout the course, your experience, job role and the location.
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How many attempts for a CAT?
There is no limit of attempts or any restrictions on the number of CAT attempts. This allows you to calmly work on your weaknesses and try regularly each year until you reach your goal.
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Why is IIM costly?
There are several valid reasons for the high cost of IIM education programs-
1) IIM institutions are among the most prestigious business schools in India.
2) Great infrastructure and faculty
3) Pedagogy and broad curriculum
4) High brand value and good reputation
5) Efficient amenities and services for students
6) Limited seats with higher demands
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Which IIM package is highest?
The highest IIM package-providing management institutes are IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore. These institutes tend to have great value and reputation with strong professional relationships with good recruiters and industrial connections.
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Which IIM has the lowest fees?
The fee structure in IIM is based on the selected MBA program, specialisations, and other relevant factors. However, the MBA fees in IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Bangalore, IIM Mumbai and IIM Indore is ranges between Rs 21 lakhs to Rs 25 Lakhs whereas IIM Bodh Gaya offers MBA in Rs 17 lakh per course that makes it IIM with lowest fees.
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Is an IIM degree valuable?
Of course! An IIM degree is valuable in many sectors and reputed recruiters. The IIM degree is highly valuable in finance, healthcare, consulting, marketing and technology industry making. The IIM degree holders are among highly valuable professionals in India.
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