The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode on November 30, 2025, across three shifts, marks a key milestone for MBA aspirants. Today, December 17, 2025, IIM Kozhikode released the final answer keys, incorporating minimal revisions following a rigorous review of candidate objections. These keys form the foundation for score evaluation and result declaration, expected imminently. The provisional keys, released earlier, sparked 187 objections, but only one was upheld, underscoring the exam’s stringent quality controls. This update is crucial for over 3 lakh candidates vying for admissions to India’s premier B-schools like the IIMs.
Key Points:
- Exam Date and Scope: November 30, 2025; covered Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) sections across three shifts.
- Objection Window: Open from December 8 to 10, 2025; fee of ₹1,200 per objection (non-refundable).
- Official Statement: “The final answer keys will be released on December 17, and will be the basis for evaluation and preparation of CAT 2025 results, which are expected to follow subsequently.”
Answer Key Release and Revisions
The final answer keys went live on December 17, 2025, on the official website (iimcat.ac.in). This version reflects expert panel reviews of all submitted challenges. Notably, out of 187 objections spanning all sections and shifts, just one was accepted—pertaining to a single question in the QA section of Shift 1. No alterations were made to any other questions, affirming the provisional keys’ accuracy.
Key Points:
- Release Mechanism: Provisional keys released post-exam; final keys incorporate valid objections only.
- Single Accepted Change: Limited to QA (Shift 1); all others deemed meritless after expert scrutiny.
- Implications: Minimal shifts in scores expected; candidates with the upheld objection may see a slight adjustment.
Objections Breakdown: Section-Wise Insights
Objections were heaviest in QA, reflecting its perceived complexity, while DILR saw moderate scrutiny. VARC faced the fewest challenges, possibly due to its more standardized nature. The table below details the distribution:
| Section | Shift 1 Objections | Shift 2 Objections | Shift 3 Objections | Total | Accepted Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DILR | 4 | 1 | 6 | 11 | None |
| QA | 113 | 0 | 2 | 115 | 1 (Shift 1) |
| VARC | 22 | 26 | 13 | 61 | None |
| Overall | 139 | 27 | 21 | 187 | 1 |
Key Points:
- QA Dominance: 115 objections (61% of total), with Shift 1 drawing the bulk—likely due to tricky quant problems.
- Review Process: Panels of subject experts evaluated each; decisions final and non-appealable.
- Analytical Insight: Low acceptance rate (0.5%) highlights robust question vetting, but signals potential for targeted prep in QA for future cycles.
Result Timeline and Score Calculation
CAT 2025 results are anticipated “subsequently” after the final keys’ release—likely by late December 2025 or early January 2026, aligning with historical patterns (e.g., CAT 2024 results on January 21). Scores will be computed using the standard normalization formula across shifts to ensure fairness:
- Scoring Formula: +3 for correct MCQs, -1 for incorrect MCQs; +3 for TITA (non-MCQ) without negative marking.
- Percentile Basis: Results in percentile scores; no raw marks disclosed.
Key Points:
- Expected Declaration: Within 2-4 weeks; monitor iimcat.ac.in for alerts.
- Validity: Scores valid for one year for IIM admissions and other B-schools.
- Next Steps: Post-results, shortlisting for WAT/PI rounds; prepare documents like academic transcripts.
Accessing the Final Answer Keys
Candidates can download the keys directly from the official portal:
- Visit iimcat.ac.in.
- Log in using CAT 2025 application number and date of birth.
- Navigate to the “Response Sheet” or “Answer Key” tab.
- Download PDFs for all sections/shifts; compare with personal responses for self-scoring.
Key Points:
- Availability: Immediate access post-release; no separate notification needed.
- Self-Scoring Tip: Use official keys for preliminary estimates; account for the single QA revision if applicable.
- Support: Helpline (1800-102-8727) for queries; objection portal closed.
