The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has officially released the CAT 2025 notification, signaling the start of the admission process for MBA and PGDM programs at 21 IIMs and several top B-schools across India. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive management entrance exams in the country.
What Is CAT 2025?
CAT, or the Common Admission Test, is a national-level entrance examination conducted annually by one of the IIMs. In 2025, the responsibility is held by IIM Kozhikode. Candidates seeking admission into MBA programs at IIMs and many other prestigious institutions must appear for this exam.
Important Dates – CAT 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 27 July 2025 |
| Registration Start | 1 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 13 September 2025 |
| Admit Card Availability | 5 November to 30 November 2025 |
| Exam Date | 30 November 2025 |
| Result Announcement | First week of January 2026 (Expected) |
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
To be eligible for CAT 2025:
- General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- SC/ST/PwD Candidates: Need a minimum of 45% marks.
- Final-Year Students: Can also apply, but they must meet the eligibility criteria upon graduation.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹3,000/- |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,300/- |
The fee is payable online via credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Shifts: 3 shifts in a single day (Morning, Afternoon, Evening)
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Each section has a time limit and a mix of MCQs and non-MCQs.
How to Apply for CAT 2025
Follow these steps to complete the CAT 2025 application:
- Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details.
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, category certificate if applicable).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Participating IIMs
CAT 2025 scores will be accepted by all 21 IIMs, including:
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Indore
- IIM Udaipur
- IIM Trichy
- IIM Raipur
- IIM Kashipur
- IIM Nagpur
- IIM Ranchi
- IIM Amritsar
- IIM Bodh Gaya
- IIM Sambalpur
- IIM Sirmaur
- IIM Jammu
- IIM Visakhapatnam
- IIM Shillong
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Mumbai (new addition)
Additionally, hundreds of private institutes and universities across India also consider CAT scores for admission.
CAT 2025: Why It Matters
Scoring well in CAT 2025 can open doors to top-tier management programs in India, many of which offer excellent placement opportunities, industry exposure, and world-class faculty. With registrations opening on 1 August, now is the time to start preparing seriously.
FAQs – CAT 2025 Notification
Q1. When will CAT 2025 registration begin?
CAT 2025 registration will begin on 1 August 2025 on the official website iimcat.ac.in.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for CAT 2025?
The last date to apply online for CAT 2025 is 13 September 2025.
Q3. What is the exam date for CAT 2025?
The CAT 2025 exam will be held on 30 November 2025 in three shifts as a computer-based test.
Q4. Who is eligible for CAT 2025?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD). Final-year students can also apply.
Q5. What is the application fee for CAT 2025?
The fee is ₹3,000 for General/OBC/EWS and ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Q6. How many IIMs accept CAT 2025 scores?
CAT 2025 scores are accepted by 21 IIMs and hundreds of other top management institutes in India.
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