CAT : Unlock Your Path to IIMs and beyond

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Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most prestigious MBA entrance exam and the key to securing admission into the top IIMs and other leading B-schools, the exam is scheduled for 30th November 2025.

To appear for CAT, candidates must hold a recognized undergraduate degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories).

Registration must be completed within the official timeline, and admit cards should be downloaded in advance to confirm the exam date, time, and venue.

Exam Highlights

CAT Exam Particulars Description
Exam Name Common Admission Test
CAT Official Website www.iimcat.ac.in
CAT Conducting Body The Indian Institute of Management
Frequency Annually
CAT Registration Mode Online
CAT Exam Mode Computer-based
CAT Exam Medium English
CAT Exam Timings Slot 1: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Slot 2: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Slot 3: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
CAT Exam Fees INR 2,500 (General category)
INR 1,250 (Reserved category)
CAT Helpdesk Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in
Phone: 1-800-210-0175 (Toll Free)




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CAT Exam

CAT Exam Schedule

Here’s the timeline for CAT. All dates are subject to official confirmation by IIMs via the notification on iimcat.ac.in.

  • 📅 Registration opens: August 01, 2025 (10:00 am)
  • ⏰ Registration closes: September 13, 2025 (5:00 pm)
  • 📝 Admit card download: Nov 05 - Nov 30, 2025
  • 📝 Test date: November 30, 2025
  • 📊 Result declaration: First week of Jan 2026 (Tentative)

CAT Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).

Final-year students can apply if criteria are met before admission.

Professional degrees like CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI are eligible.

No age restriction; work experience optional but advantageous.

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CAT Syllabus

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Para Jumbles
  • Para Completion
  • Odd-One-Out
  • Para Summary

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  • Graphs & Charts
  • Arrangements
  • Sets
  • Games
  • Tournaments

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Modern Mathematics
  • Number Systems

CAT Exam Pattern

CAT will likely follow the format of recent years—three sections, fixed duration, with both MCQs and TITA-type questions.

Component Details
Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Sections VARC, DILR, QA
Total Duration 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
Total Questions Approximately 68 (varies slightly)
Question Types MCQs & TITA (Type in the Answer)
Conducting Slots Morning (8:30–10:30), Afternoon (12:30–2:30), Evening (4:30–6:30)

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CAT Marking Scheme

Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for strategized preparation and scoring effectively.

MCQs

+3 for correct
–1 for incorrect

TITA Questions

+3 for correct
No negative marks

Total Marks

Typically up to 204 points

CAT Cutoffs

Qualifying cut-offs from 2024 and tentative cut-offs for IIMs.

📊 How to Calculate CAT Percentile

Use the formula P = (R/N) × 100, where:

P = Percentile, R = Candidates below you, N = Total candidates.

1

Identify N: Total candidates appeared.

2

Find r:
 Based on scaled scores.

3

Calculate R:
 R = N - r.

4

Apply formula: P = (R/N) × 100.

5

Round: Percentile to 2 decimals.

✨ Example

N: 227,835 candidates

r: 4,000

R: 223,835

P: (223,835 / 227,835) × 100 = 98.24%

📌 Key Points

  • Percentile = % of test-takers below your score.
  • Uses scaled scores, not raw marks.
  • Higher percentile = stronger performance.

📝 CAT Registration Process

Preparing early for the application process can ensure you don’t miss any deadline or key detail.

  • Visit iimcat.ac.in, register, and fill the online application form.
  • Upload required documents (photo, signature, academic certificates, category proof if applicable).
  • Pay application fee: ₹2,500 (General/EWS/NC-OBC), ₹1,250 (SC/ST/PwD).
  • The correction window typically opens in late October for limited edits.

🏫 Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score

A stellar CAT score opens doors to premier management institutes across India.

IIMs

IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta — 99–100 percentile zone.

Other Top B-Schools

FMS Delhi (≈98.2%), MDI Gurgaon (95–97%), IITs (DMS, SJMSOM, etc. at 98–99%).

Mid-Tier & Reputed

IMT Ghaziabad, SPJIMR, XIMB, TAPMI — 85–99 percentile range.





🎯 Admission Process

Once you’ve secured a good CAT score, the admission journey involves several selection rounds.

  • Shortlisting based on CAT percentile, academic record, work experience, and diversity.
  • Next steps may include WAT (Written Ability Test), GD (Group Discussion), and PI (Personal Interview).
  • Each IIM or B-school follows its independent admission process—there is no centralized counselling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can final-year students apply?

Yes, provided they meet eligibility by admission time

Is there an age limit or attempt restriction?

No

What’s CAT score validity?

Valid for one year.

Can I edit my application form?

Yes, during the correction window.

Are there negative marks?

Only for MCQs, not for TITA.