CAT Exam 2025 for MBA

  • Computer-based entrance examination for MBA
  • Get admission into IIMs through CAT

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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.

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CAT Exam Highlights


Name of the Exam Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025
CAT Official Website https://iimcat.ac.in
Conducting Body IIM'S
Exam Duration 2 Hours
CAT Exam Fees (2025)
  • For Reserved Categories: 1200/-
  • For General Categories: 2400/-
  • CAT 2025 Exam Date
  • Registration Date: 1st Week of Aug 2025
  • CAT 2025 registration last date : First Week of Sep 25
  • CAT 2025 exam date : 30 Nov 2025
  • CAT 2025 Results Date : 1st Week of Jan 2026
  • Meduim of Exam English
    Mode of Exam Computer Based Test(CBT)
    CAT Exam Question Types MCQ and Non-MCQ Question
    Syllabus
  • Quantitative Ability
  • Reasoning & Data Interpretation
  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
  • 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-


    1. Check for the Notifications for CAT eligibility criteria 2025
    2. A minimum of 15 years of educational qualifications from a recognised institute must be met
    3. 50% marks are a must for the general category candidates and 45% for ST/SC/PWD category candidates
    4. There is no age limit to take the CAT exam
    5. Indians and foreign nationals residing in India can apply for the CAT
    6. Final year students as well as previous graduates both can apply
    Check eligibility criteria.
    Visit the official CAT website.
    Create the Account.
    Verify your account with OTP.
    Fill in the personal details (as needed).
    Fill in the Academic details (as needed)
    Select exam centre.
    Upload the required documents.
    Review your registration form and submit.
    Pay registration fees.
    Check application status.
    Download the admit card.
    Always make sure to keep an eye on all deadlines.

    CAT Exam Pattern 2025



    Mode of CAT Exam Computer Based Test (CBT)
    Duration of Exam 120 Minutes
    CAT Exam Slots
  • Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
  • 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
    2023
    • Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension (VARC)
    • Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning (DILR)
    • Quantitative Ability (QA)
    • 24
    • 20
    • 22
    120 Minutes
    2022
    2021
    2020
    • Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension (VARC)
    • Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning (DILR)
    • Quantitative Ability (QA)
    • 26
    • 24
    • 24
    120 Minutes
    2019
    • Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension (VARC)
    • Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning (DILR)
    • Quantitative Ability (QA)
    • 34
    • 32
    • 34
    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
    Quantitative Ability (QA)
  • Arithmetic
  • Modern Maths
  • Number System
  • Algebra
  • Mensuration
  • Trigonometry
  • Geometry
  • 34-36%
    Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Data Charts
  • Data Tables
  • Bar Graphs
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Clocks & Calendars
  • Team Formation
  • 30-32%
    Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Long & Short Passages
  • Jumbled Paragraphs
  • Para-summary
  • Picking the Out Sentence
  • 32-34%

    Tips and Tricks for CAT 2025 Preparation



  • It is foremost important for MBA candidates to understand the needs of the exam through detailed analysis of the exam syllabus.
  • The candidate should work on their professional traits without underestimating the basics of MBA and its aspects.
  • Always focus on reading more and more because it will provide you with information as well as aid to your verbal capabilities and reading comprehension.
  • Practicing is the most beneficial trick for CAT preparation and you should always practice mock tests.
  • 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



    Slot 1

    Exam Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

    Reporting Time: 7:00 AM

    Last Entry Allowed: 8:15 AM

    Slot 2

    Exam Timings: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

    Reporting Time: 11:00 AM

    Last Entry Allowed: 12:15 PM

    Slot 3

    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-

    • Visit the official website of CAT

      Go to the official CAT website to start the process.

    • Navigate to the Results section

      Find the results section from the main menu.

    • Login to your candidate account

      Use your login credentials to access your account.

    • Check for result notification

      Look for the notification regarding your result.

    • View and download your scorecard

      Download your scorecard from the results section.

    • Print your scorecard

      Print a copy of your scorecard for future reference.

    • Learn your scoring

      Understand your score and how it was calculated.

    • Keep it safe

      Store your scorecard securely for future use.


    Entrance in MBA through CAT Score

    • IIM Selection Process:

      Meet IIM eligibility criteria
      The Common Admission Test (CAT)
      Shortlisted for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI)
      Written Ability Test
      Personal Interview (PA)
      Academic and work profile evaluation
      Diversity factors
      Final selection
      Offer acceptance and admission
    • Non IIM Selection Process Through CAT:

      CAT exam
      CAT score Announcement
      Shortlisting for further rounds
      Written ability test (WAT)
      Group Discussion (GD)
      Personal Interview (PI)
      Final selection
      Waitlist and admission offers
      Acceptance of Admission offer

    IIM CAT Cut off Marks 2025

    List of IIM Colleges CAT Cutoff 2025 (Expected)
    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
    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

    Reviews

    What our Students Saying!

    Being a working woman it was difficult for me to join a Regular College, so I decided to go for a Distance MBA for a flexible way to study. NEEV counselor helped me to find the best university for a Distance MBA according to my requirements. So. If you are planning to pursue any distance learning course then I highly recommend Neev Education.

    Sakshi Bakshi

    Sakshi Bakshi

    Integral University

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    Manpreet Singh

    Manpreet Singh

    Manipal University Jaipur

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    Nimit Kumar

    Manipal University Jaipur

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    Megha Dahiya

    Jamia Hamdard

    Mayank SIngh

    I'm really thankful to NEEV for suggesting me best university for Online BCA that offers the same curriculum as traditional programs with the added flexibility and convenience of online learning.

    Mayank SIngh

    Mayank SIngh

    Manipal Online

    FAQ’s of CAT Exam

    • 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.

    • “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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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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