September 13, 2025
Delhi, India
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, is your ticket to prestigious MBA and PGDM programs at IIMs and over 1,000 top B-schools across India. Great news for aspirants: the registration deadline has been extended to September 20, 2025, 5:00 PM IST, giving you extra time to apply for this life-changing opportunity! Whether you’re aiming for IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, or other leading institutes, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started.
Key Points:
- Extended registration deadline: September 20, 2025, 5:00 PM IST.
- Exam date: November 30, 2025, across 170+ cities in three sessions.
- Register at the official website: iimcat.ac.in.
Why CAT 2025 Matters
CAT is India’s premier MBA entrance exam, accepted by all 21 IIMs and numerous top business schools. A high CAT percentile (typically 90–99, depending on the IIM) is crucial for advancing to the next stages of the admission process, such as group discussions (GD), written ability tests (WAT), and personal interviews (PI). This exam tests your skills in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), making it a comprehensive evaluation of your aptitude for management studies.
Key Points:
- Gateway to MBA programs at IIMs and 1,000+ B-schools.
- Tests three core areas: VARC, QA, and DILR.
- High percentile (90–99) needed for top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta.
Extended Registration Details
Due to overwhelming demand from MBA aspirants, IIM Kozhikode has extended the CAT 2025 registration deadline from September 13 to September 20, 2025, 5:00 PM IST. Prof. P N Ram Kumar, CAT 2025 Convener, stated, “This extension will provide all interested candidates with an adequate opportunity to complete their applications.” Don’t miss this chance to apply
Key Points:
- Registration window: August 1, 2025, to September 20, 2025, 5:00 PM IST.
- Correction window opens on September 20, 2025, for updating details like photograph, signature, and test city preferences.
- Application fees: ₹2,600 for General/EWS/NC-OBC; ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
CAT 2025 is open to a wide range of candidates, ensuring accessibility for aspiring managers.
Key Points:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply.
- No age limit or restriction on the number of attempts.
How to Register for CAT 2025
The registration process is simple and can be completed online at iimcat.ac.in. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application:
Key Points:
- Visit iimcat.ac.in and click on “New Candidate Registration.”
- Create a user ID and password using your email and mobile number.
- Log in, fill in personal, academic, and work experience details.
- Select up to five preferred test cities from the dropdown menu.
- Upload required documents: Class 10/12 marksheets, bachelor’s degree/proof of higher education (if applicable), work experience certificate (if applicable), passport-size photograph, signature, and fee payment receipt.
- Pay the application fee (₹2,600 for General/EWS/NC-OBC; ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD).
- Review and submit the application, then download the confirmation.
Pro Tip: Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
CAT 2025 Exam Details
The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and will be conducted in three sessions across approximately 170 cities in India. The test duration is 120 minutes, covering VARC, QA, and DILR sections. Admit cards will be available for download from November 5, 2025.
Key Points:
- Exam date: November 30, 2025, in three shifts.
- Test cities: Candidates can select five preferred cities; allocation is subject to availability.
- Admit card download: Starts November 5, 2025.
- Exam duration: 120 minutes, with three sections (VARC, QA, DILR).
How IIMs Use CAT Scores
Each IIM has its own admission criteria, balancing CAT scores with other factors like academic records, work experience, and diversity. Older IIMs (e.g., IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) place higher weightage on CAT scores, while newer IIMs may consider additional factors like Class 10/12 marks and work experience.
Key Points:
- CAT scores are critical for shortlisting candidates for GD, WAT, and PI rounds.
- Older IIMs prioritize high CAT percentiles (90–99).
- Newer IIMs balance CAT scores with academic performance and work experience.
Tips to Ace CAT 2025
To secure a high percentile and stand out in the competitive CAT 2025 exam, strategic preparation is key.
Key Points:
- Understand the Syllabus: Focus on VARC (reading comprehension, verbal reasoning), QA (arithmetic, algebra, geometry), and DILR (data analysis, logical puzzles).
- Practice Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to improve time management and accuracy.
- Strengthen Weak Areas: Identify and work on your weaker sections through targeted practice.
- Stay Updated: Check iimcat.ac.in for updates on the correction window and admit cards.
- Stay Confident: Approach the exam with a positive mindset and thorough preparation.
