CAT 2025 Exam
Common Admission Test for IIMs • MBA Entrance Exam • 2.5+ Lakh Candidates
CAT 2025 Overview
Key Highlights
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to various management programs. CAT is the most competitive MBA entrance exam in India, with over 2.5 lakh candidates appearing annually for around 5,000 seats across 20 IIMs and 100+ other B-schools.
CAT scores are accepted by all IIMs and over 1200 B-schools across India. The exam tests candidates on Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Success in CAT opens doors to prestigious management careers in top Indian corporations and multinational companies.
Exam Frequency
CAT is conducted once every year, usually in the month of November/December. The exam consists of 3 sections:
- • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- • Quantitative Ability
Who Can Apply?
Educational Qualification:
Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Age Limit:
No upper age limit for CAT exam.
Top IIMs Accepting CAT
IIM Ahmedabad
Rank #1
IIM Bangalore
Rank #2
IIM Calcutta
Rank #3
IIM Lucknow
Rank #4
About Common Admission Test (CAT)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most prestigious management entrance examination in India. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, CAT serves as the gateway to the premier management programs offered by IIMs and other top B-schools across the country.
With over 2.5 lakh candidates appearing annually for approximately 5,000 seats, CAT maintains its position as one of the most competitive entrance exams globally. The exam evaluates candidates across three key areas: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
CAT scores are accepted by all 20 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools including Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), SP Jain Institute of Management, MDI Gurgaon, and other premier institutions. A high CAT percentile opens doors to lucrative career opportunities in consulting, finance, marketing, and operations roles in India's top corporations.
The CAT exam pattern has evolved over the years to include innovative question types and adaptive testing elements, ensuring that only the most capable candidates secure admission to India's premier management programs.
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Note: Final year students can also apply, but must complete their degree before the admission process.
Age Limit
Minimum Age
No restriction
Maximum Age
No restriction
There is no age limit for appearing in CAT exam.
Nationality
Indian citizens and foreign nationals can apply for CAT.
CAT Salary Structure 2025
Average Package: ₹20-25 LPA
Highest packages up to ₹1+ Crore per annum
Freshers
₹15-20 LPA
Average
₹20-25 LPA
Top 10%
₹30+ LPA
Top Recruiters
- • Consulting Firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain)
- • Investment Banks (Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan)
- • Tech Companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon)
- • FMCG Companies (P&G, Nestle, Unilever)
- • E-commerce (Flipkart, Paytm)
Selection Process
Complete CAT selection process for IIM admissions
CAT Exam
Common Admission Test
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 120 minutes
Shortlisting
Based on CAT Score
IIMs shortlist candidates
Duration: Varies by IIM
Written Ability Test
WAT & GD/PI
Written test and interview
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Final Selection
Merit List
Based on overall performance
Duration: March-April
CAT Application Process 2025
Step 1: Online Registration
Visit the official CAT website and create your account using email ID and mobile number.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Enter personal details, academic qualifications, work experience, and program preferences.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Upload passport-size photograph and signature as per specifications.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Pay ₹2,300 for General category (₹1,150 for reserved categories).
Step 5: Submit & Confirm
Review all details and submit. Receive confirmation email with registration details.
Important Dates
Key dates and deadlines for CAT 2025 examination
⏳ Upcoming
📅 Exam & Results
Key Timeline
- • Registration: August-September 2025
- • Admit Card: October-November 2025
- • CAT Exam: November-December 2025
- • Results: January 2026
- • Shortlisting: January-February 2026
- • Interviews: February-March 2026
- • Final Admission: April 2026
Exam Pattern - CAT 2025
Detailed pattern for Common Admission Test
| Section | Questions | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| Quantitative Ability | 22 | 40 |
| Total | 66 | 120 |
Detailed Syllabus
Comprehensive topic-wise syllabus for CAT preparation
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension, Para-jumbles, Para-completion, Sentence Exclusion, Analogies, Critical Reasoning, Vocabulary, Grammar, etc.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Data Tables, Data Charts, Bar Diagrams, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Data Analysis, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Series, etc.
Quantitative Ability
Number System, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Modern Mathematics, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, etc.
CAT Admit Card 2025
📅 Release Date
CAT admit cards are usually released 10-15 days before the exam date on the official CAT website.
How to Download Admit Card
Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in
Click on "Login" and enter your User ID and password
Click on "Admit Card" link and download your hall ticket
Important Instructions
- • Keep multiple printouts of your admit card
- • Reach exam center at least 1 hour before reporting time
- • Carry valid photo ID proof along with admit card
- • Check exam date, time, and venue mentioned on admit card
CAT Cut-off Marks 2024
Previous Year Cut-offs
Based on CAT 2023-2024 results
| IIM | Verbal | DILR | QA | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
| IIM Bangalore | 75 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
| IIM Calcutta | 75 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
Factors Affecting Cut-off
- • Number of applicants
- • Difficulty level of exam
- • Number of seats available
- • Reservation policies
- • Previous year trends
CAT Preparation Tips 2025
Study Plan Strategy
Daily Routine
- • 8-10 hours daily study
- • 3-4 hours practice tests
- • 2 hours revision
- • Mock tests twice weekly
Section-wise Focus
- • Quantitative Ability: 40% weight
- • Verbal Ability: 30% weight
- • Data Interpretation: 30% weight
Important Topics
Quantitative Aptitude
- • Number System
- • Algebra
- • Geometry
- • Arithmetic
- • Modern Mathematics
Verbal Ability
- • Reading Comprehension
- • Para-jumbles
- • Critical Reasoning
- • Vocabulary
- • Grammar
Data Interpretation
- • Tables & Charts
- • Bar Graphs
- • Line Graphs
- • Pie Charts
- • Data Analysis
Last Minute Tips
- • Focus on accuracy over speed
- • Practice sectional mock tests
- • Work on time management
- • Stay calm and confident
- • Get adequate sleep before exam
Important Links
All CAT exam resources and information
All Important Links
Quick access to all CAT exam resources and official documents
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