What is CAT Exam? All Details, Purpose, Full Form

If you dream of studying at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) or other top business schools in India, the first step is knowing what is CAT exam and how it shapes your future. 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most sought-after management entrance exam in the country. Every year, lakhs of aspirants like you appear for CAT examination with the hope of securing admission into prestigious MBA and PGDM programs.

In this guide, we will talk about CAT examination in detail, including its eligibility, important dates, exam pattern, syllabus, registration, selection process, cut-offs, and more. 

CAT Full Form

The full form of CAT is Common Admission Test. It is India’s most popular management entrance exam for admission into MBA and PGDM programs at IIMs and other top B-schools.

All About CAT Exam

Find below the details of CAT exam:

ParticularsDetails
Full NameCommon Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting BodyOne of the IIMs (varies each year)
CAT Exam DateNovember 30, 2025 (Sunday)
Mode of ExamComputer-based test
Sessions3 sessions in a single day
Exam Duration120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
SectionsVerbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)Quantitative Ability (QA)
Registration WindowAugust 1, 2025 (10 AM) – September 13, 2025 (5 PM)
Admit Card DownloadNovember 5 – November 30, 2025
Result DeclarationFirst week of January 2026 (tentative)
Registration Fees₹2,600 (General/EWS/NC-OBC) 
₹1,300 (SC/ST/PwD)
Exam CentresApprox. 170 cities across India
Official Websitehttps://iimcat.ac.in

What is CAT Exam?

The Common Admission Test, widely known as CAT exam, is a national-level computer-based entrance test conducted every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). For 2025, the exam will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode under the convener Prof. P N Ram Kumar.

CAT examination evaluates your skills in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability over a duration of 120 minutes.

The exam is the primary gateway to MBA/PGP programs at 21 IIMs, which are India’s premier management institutes known globally for academic excellence, top faculty, high ROI, and outstanding placements. Beyond IIMs, CAT scores are also accepted by hundreds of other leading B-schools across India.

To be precise, if you aim to study management at the most reputed institutions in India and build a strong career in business or leadership, CAT is the exam that opens those doors.

Advantages of CAT Exam

These are the top reasons why CAT exam matters for aspirants like you:

  • Gateway to IIMs: CAT is the only entrance exam for admission into the 21 Indian Institutes of Management, the most reputed B-schools in the country.
  • Accepted by Top Non-IIMs: Prestigious institutes like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and many others also accept CAT scores.
  • Global Recognition: IIMs are consistently ranked among the top business schools in Asia and globally, making a CAT-based MBA highly valued.
  • Career Growth & Placements: IIM graduates secure high-paying jobs across consulting, finance, technology, and global firms with impressive placement records.
  • Strong Alumni Network: CAT paves the way to become part of the powerful IIM alumni network, which includes top CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders worldwide.
  • Versatility of MBA: A CAT-based MBA opens doors across industries, from management consulting to startups, government, and social enterprises.

CAT Exam Important Dates 2025

Below are the important dates of CAT examination 2025:

EventDate
CAT Registration OpensAugust 1, 2025 (Friday) – 10:00 AM
CAT Registration ClosesSeptember 13, 2025 (Saturday) – 5:00 PM
CAT Admit Card DateNovember 5, 2025 – November 30, 2025
CAT 2025 Exam DateNovember 30, 2025 (Sunday) – 3 sessions
CAT 2025 Result DeclarationFirst week of January 2026 (tentative)
CAT 2025 Score ValidityTill December 31, 2026

CAT Eligibility Criteria

Check the CAT eligibility criteria below:

CriteriaDetails
Education RequiredBachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution
Minimum Marks (General/EWS/NC-OBC)At least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA
Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PwD)At least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA
Final Year StudentsEligible to apply, but must provide a certificate from college confirming completion of degree requirements when asked
Professional DegreesCandidates with CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or FIAI are also eligible
CAT Age LimitNo age limit to appear for CAT
Score Conversion (CGPA to %)If your university doesn’t specify, CGPA will be converted by dividing it by maximum CGPA and multiplying by 100
Reservation – SC15% of seats
Reservation – ST7.5% of seats
Reservation – NC-OBC27% of seats (Non-Creamy Layer only)
Reservation – EWSUp to 10% of seats
Reservation – PwD5% of seats (as per RPwD Act, 2016)
PwD CategoriesBlindness/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, locomotor disability, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disability, learning disability, mental illness, multiple disabilities, acid attack victims, etc.
Certificate RequirementSC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD candidates must upload valid certificates during registration and show originals at interview/admission

Additional Notes:

  • Final year candidates will only get provisional admission until they submit final mark sheets and certificates.
  • IIMs may check eligibility at any stage of the process. Meeting the minimum marks does not guarantee a call.
  • Candidates must use a valid email ID and mobile number throughout the selection process.

CAT Exam Pattern

Check the latest CAT exam pattern for MBA:

FeatureDetails
Mode of ExamComputer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam DateNovember 30, 2025 (Sunday)
Number of Sessions3 sessions in a single day
Total Duration120 minutes (2 hours)
Sectional Duration40 minutes per section (fixed, no switching)
Language of ExamEnglish only
Type of QuestionsMultiple Choice Questions (MCQs) + Non-MCQs (TITA – Type in the Answer)
Marking Scheme+3 marks for each correct answer
Negative Marking-1 mark for each wrong answer (only for MCQs)
No Negative MarkingFor non-MCQ (TITA) questions
Answering RuleMust attempt questions in a fixed order; cannot go back to previous section once time ends
Calculator Allowed?Yes, an on-screen calculator will be provided

CAT Exam Syllabus

Find the overview of CAT examination syllabus:

SectionSyllabus & Topics
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)• Reading Comprehension (RC) passages
• Para jumbles (Jumbled Paragraphs)
• Sentence completion & correction
• Para Summary
• Odd sentence out
• Vocabulary in context
• Inference-based questions
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)• Data tables and charts (bar graph, line graph, pie chart)
• Caselets (data-driven problem sets)
• Data sufficiency
• Venn diagrams
• Seating arrangement
• Blood relations
• Puzzles and games-based reasoning
• Syllogisms & logical connectives
Quantitative Ability (QA)• Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Mixtures & Alligations)
• Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Progressions, Functions, Logarithms)
• Geometry & Mensuration (Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Solid Geometry)
• Number System (Divisibility, Factors, LCM & HCF, Remainders, Base System)
• Modern Math (Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory)

Must Check: CAT Study Material For Preparation

How to Apply for CAT Examination?

1. Check eligibility

You need a bachelor’s degree with the required minimum marks. Final-year students can apply with a provisional certificate later.

2. Keep things ready

  • Active email ID and mobile number (you’ll get OTPs and all updates here)
  • Scanned photo (recent, plain background) and signature
  • Category/PwD certificate (if applicable)
  • Class 10, 12, and graduation details (marks/CGPA, year)
  • Work-experience details, if any (full-time, after graduation)

3. Go to the official site

  • Open iimcat.ac.in and click Register (New Candidate Registration).
  • Create your login (OTP based)
  • Enter name, DOB, email, mobile → Generate OTP → verify → you’ll receive User ID & Password.

4. Log in

Use the received credentials and click Go to Application.

  • Fill Personal Details: Your name/DOB auto-fill from registration. Add address, emergency contact, category, and PwD details (and scribe need, if any).
  • Upload documents: Upload the photo and signature (as per size/type asked on the form). Upload valid category/PwD certificates if you’re claiming reservation.
  • Enter Academics: Fill 10th, 12th, and graduation info. If your college uses CGPA and no conversion rule exists, the form guides you on converting CGPA to percentage.
  • Add Work Experience (if any): Enter only full-time post-graduation experience (in days). Internships/part-time don’t count.

5. Choose Programmes & Interview City

Tick the IIM programmes you want and select an interview city for each (as asked on the form).

6. Pick Test Cities (5 choices)

Select five different preferred test cities in order.

7. Preview everything

Use Preview to check each detail and document. Fix errors now. After payment, most fields lock.

8. Pay the fee online

Pay the registration fee (as shown on the form). Save the transaction number.

After successful payment, submit the form. Download/print the Application Summary. You’ll also get a confirmation email/SMS.

After registrations close, a short edit window usually opens for photo, signature, and test-city preferences only. Use it if needed.

Notes:

  • Use a modern browser (latest Chrome/Firefox/Edge).
  • Keep the same photo handy for the admit card and exam day.
  • Use the official Help Desk (email/phone listed on iimcat.ac.in) for registration or payment issues.

List of IIMs for CAT Exam 2025

The following are the IIMs accepting CAT exam for MBA and other management exams:

S. No.IIMYear of EstablishmentState
1IIM Ahmedabad1961Gujarat
2IIM Calcutta1961West Bengal
3IIM Bangalore1973Karnataka
4IIM Lucknow1984Uttar Pradesh
5IIM Indore1996Madhya Pradesh
6IIM Kozhikode1996Kerala
7IIM Shillong2007Meghalaya
8IIM Raipur2010Chhattisgarh
9IIM Ranchi2010Jharkhand
10IIM Rohtak2010Haryana
11IIM Kashipur2011Uttarakhand
12IIM Tiruchirappalli2011Tamil Nadu
13IIM Udaipur2011Rajasthan
14IIM Amritsar2015Punjab
15IIM Bodh Gaya2015Bihar
16IIM Nagpur2015Maharashtra
17IIM Sambalpur2015Odisha
18IIM Sirmaur2015Himachal Pradesh
19IIM Visakhapatnam2015Andhra Pradesh
20IIM Jammu2016Jammu & Kashmir
21IIM Mumbai2023Maharashtra

CAT Selection Process

The selection process after the CAT exam is not the same for every IIM. Each IIM follows its own admission policy, but the broad stages are usually similar. 

StageWhat Happens
1. CAT ExamYou appear for the CAT test on 30 November 2025. Your score becomes the first filter for admission.
2. Shortlisting by IIMsEach IIM releases its own shortlist of candidates based on CAT scores. The cut-offs, academic requirements, and weights differ across IIMs.
3. WAT/GD/PIShortlisted candidates are called for Writing Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and/or Personal Interview (PI). Some IIMs may skip GD and only conduct WAT + PI.
4. Other Factors ConsideredApart from CAT score, IIMs also look at:Past academic performanceWork experienceGender diversityAcademic background diversity
5. Final Merit ListEach IIM prepares a weighted score combining CAT performance, WAT/GD/PI scores, academics, work experience, and diversity factors.
6. Admission OfferCandidates who make it to the merit list receive admission offers from IIMs. You can accept and join the program by paying the admission fee.

Important Notes

  • Varies by IIM: There is no single selection rule. Each IIM decides its own process, cut-offs, and weights.
  • Verification: If shortlisted, you must show all mark sheets, certificates, and valid category/PwD documents at the interview.
  • Final Year Students: Admission is provisional until you submit your final degree certificate by the deadline (December 31, 2026 for CAT 2025)

CAT Exam Reservation Policy

Admission to the IIMs through CAT follows the reservation rules of the Government of India. Seats are reserved for different categories as shown below:

CategoryPercentage of Seats Reserved
Scheduled Caste (SC)15%
Scheduled Tribe (ST)7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer)27%
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)Up to 10%
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD)5%

Key Points You Should Know:

  • The PwD category includes candidates with at least 40% disability such as blindness/low vision, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disability, learning disability, mental illness, and multiple disabilities.
  • Certificates for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD must be in the Government of India–approved format and uploaded during CAT registration. Originals will be verified at the time of interview and admission.
  • NC-OBC certificates must be issued on or after April 1, 2025, and EWS certificates must be valid for the year 2025–26.
  • Failing to provide valid certificates during admission will shift you to the General category or make you ineligible.
  • While IIMs aim to admit students in these proportions, all candidates must still meet the minimum eligibility and performance standards.

CAT Exam Centres 2025

CAT 2025 will be conducted across approximately 170 cities in India.

State/UTExam Cities
Andaman & Nicobar IslandsPort Blair
Andhra PradeshGuntur, Kakinada, Kurnool, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam
Arunachal PradeshItanagar
AssamDibrugarh, Guwahati, Silchar
BiharAurangabad, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea
ChandigarhChandigarh
ChhattisgarhBhilai, Raipur
Delhi-NCRDelhi, New Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida, Panipat, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida
GoaMadgaon, Panaji
GujaratAhmedabad, Anand, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara
HaryanaAmbala, Bahadurgarh, Hisar, Palwal, Rohtak, Sonipat
Himachal PradeshShimla, Waknaghat
Jammu & KashmirJammu, Samba, Kashmir
JharkhandBokaro, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Ranchi
KarnatakaBangalore, Belagavi (Belgaum), Dharwad, Gulbarga, Hubli, Mangalore, Mysore, Udupi
KeralaErnakulam, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Trivandrum
Madhya PradeshBhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Sagar
MaharashtraAhmednagar, Amravati, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Nashik, Pune, Raigad, Satara, Solapur, Thane, Ulhasnagar
MeghalayaShillong
ManipurImphal
MizoramAizawl
NagalandKohima
LadakhLeh
Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & DiuSilvassa
OdishaBalasore, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Rourkela
PuducherryPuducherry
PunjabBhatinda, Chandigarh, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Pathankot, Patiala, Ropar, Sangrur
RajasthanAjmer, Alwar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sikar, Udaipur
Tamil NaduChennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli
TelanganaHyderabad, Karimnagar, Warangal
TripuraAgartala
Uttar PradeshAgra, Allahabad, Barabanki, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Greater Noida, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mathura, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Noida, Varanasi
UttarakhandDehradun, Roorkee
West BengalAsansol, Bankura, Burdwan, Durgapur, Hooghly, Howrah, Kalyani, Kolkata, Siliguri

CAT 2025 Admit Card

The CAT Admit Card is your entry pass to the exam hall. Without it, you won’t be allowed to take the test.

FeatureDetails
Release DateNovember 5, 2025
Last Date to DownloadNovember 30, 2025 (Exam Day)
Where to DownloadOnly from the official website iimcat.ac.in
Details MentionedCandidate’s name, roll number, photograph, signature, exam date, session, reporting time, test city, and test centre address
Documents Needed on Exam Day– Printed Admit Card (with the same photo as uploaded)- Valid Photo ID (Aadhar/Passport/PAN/Voter ID/Driving License)

Steps to Download CAT 2025 Admit Card:

  • Visit iimcat.ac.in.
  • Click on “Login” under Registered Candidate.
  • Enter your User ID and Password.
  • Go to the “Admit Card” section.
  • Download the PDF and take multiple printouts.

Important Instructions for CAT Exam Day:

  • Carry two printouts of the admit card (in case one is misplaced).
  • Paste the same passport photo on the admit card that was uploaded during registration.
  • Arrive at the exam centre at least 90 minutes before reporting time.
  • Follow all instructions mentioned on the admit card carefully.

CAT Exam Result & Scorecard

The CAT 2025 result will be declared in the first week of January 2026 (tentative). Candidates can check their scores online and download the official scorecard.

FeatureDetails
Result DateFirst week of January 2026 (tentative)
Where to CheckOn the official website
Login Details RequiredUser ID and Password
Format of ResultOnline only (no hard copy sent by post)
Scorecard ValidityTill December 31, 2026

CAT Cut Offs

Below is the expected CAT cut-off 2025:

IIMGeneralEWSOBCSCSTPwD
IIM Ahmedabad95+80+75+70+60+70+
IIM Bangalore85+75+75+70+65+60+
IIM Calcutta75+65+65+60+55+45+
IIM Lucknow90+82+82+65+60+60+
IIM Mumbai85+75+75+70+65+55+
IIM Indore90+90+80+60+45+45+
IIM Kozhikode85+75+75+65+55+55+
IIM Shillong*
IIM Udaipur958181664242
IIM Trichy958181664242
IIM Ranchi958181664242
IIM Rohtak97+93+83+60+50+
IIM Raipur908080655545
IIM Kashipur958181664242
IIM Nagpur958181664242
IIM Bodh Gaya958181664242
IIM Sirmaur958181664242
IIM Amritsar90+90+80+55+40+40+
IIM Sambalpur90+80+75+55+40+40+
IIM Visakhapatnam80+72+72+45+30+30+
IIM Jammu958181664242
  • These are expected cut-offs for CAT 2025 based on trends and insights.
  • IIM Shillong does not have an overall cut-off; it follows sectional cut-offs, which vary each year.
  • Actual cut-offs depend on factors like exam difficulty, number of applicants, and IIM-specific admission policies.

Top 10 Colleges Accepting CAT Score (Non-IIMs)

CollegeLocationKey Programmes
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi UniversityNew DelhiMBA, Executive MBA
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)MumbaiPGDM, Global Management Programmes
Management Development Institute (MDI)GurgaonPGDM, Executive PGDM
Institute of Management Technology (IMT)GhaziabadPGDM (Full-time, Executive, Part-time)
Xavier Institute of Management (XIM University)BhubaneswarMBA (Business Management, HRM, RM, etc.)
Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT DelhiNew DelhiMBA (Full-time, Executive)
Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), IIT BombayMumbaiMBA, Executive Programs
Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM), IIT KharagpurKharagpurMBA, Executive Programs
Great Lakes Institute of ManagementChennai, GurgaonPGDM, PGPM
International Management Institute (IMI)New DelhiPGDM, Executive PGDM

Why Consider Non-IIMs?

  • Many of these institutes are ranked among the top 20 B-schools in India.
  • Offer excellent placements comparable to some IIMs.
  • Strong industry connections, global exposure, and alumni network.
  • Specialized programs (Finance, Analytics, Global Business, HR) for diverse career goals.

How to Prepare for CAT Exam?

Use these expert-curated tips for CAT preparation:

1. Understand Exam Pattern and Syllabus

  • CAT has 3 sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
  • You get 40 minutes per section with no option to switch.
  • Start by going through the detailed CAT syllabus and note your strong and weak areas.

2. Make a Study Plan

  • Dedicate at least 3–4 hours daily if you are a student, or 2–3 hours daily if you are working.
  • Split your time across all three sections.
  • Keep weekends for CAT mock tests and analysis.

3. Build Section-wise Strategy

  • VARC: Read newspapers, editorials, and practice comprehension daily.
  • DILR: Practice sets from past year CAT papers; focus on puzzles and data caselets.
  • QA: Strengthen basics in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry; practice speed calculations.

4. Practice with Mock Tests

Take full-length CAT mock tests regularly. After every mock, spend double the time analyzing mistakes. Track accuracy and speed improvements over time.

5. Use the Right Study Material

  • NCERT books (Class 9–10) for basics in Maths.
  • Join the best online CAT coaching or offline CAT classes for solid preparation.
  • Standard CAT preparation books for QA, VARC, and DILR.
  • Online practice platforms for daily quizzes and timed tests.

6. Focus on Time Management

Practice solving questions under time limits. Learn when to skip tough questions and move ahead. Build a balance between speed and accuracy.

7. Keep Revising

Maintain short notes and formulas for quick revision. Revise weekly to avoid forgetting concepts. Focus on weak areas but don’t ignore your strengths.

8. Stay Consistent & Motivated

CAT exam preparation is a 6–12 month journey, so stay regular. Track your progress in a notebook or app. Stay calm and confident; CAT rewards clarity and persistence.

FAQs About CAT Exam

Who conducts CAT exam?

CAT is conducted every year by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. In 2025, it will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode.

What is the CAT exam date in 2025?

CAT 2025 will be held on November 30, 2025 (Sunday) in three sessions.

What is the full form of CAT exam?

The full form of CAT is Common Admission Test.

Is there any age limit for CAT exam?

No, there is no age limit to appear for CAT.

How many times can I take CAT exam?

There is no restriction. You can take CAT as many times as you want every year.

What is the duration of CAT exam?

The exam is 2 hours (120 minutes). Each of the 3 sections has 40 minutes.

How many questions are there in CAT exam?

The exact number varies each year, but usually 66–70 questions are asked in total across three sections.

What type of questions come in CAT?

Both MCQs (multiple-choice questions) and non-MCQs (TITA – Type in the Answer) are asked.

Is there negative marking in CAT?

Yes. Each wrong MCQ answer deducts 1 mark. There is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions.

In which language is CAT conducted?

CAT is conducted only in English.

Can I choose my exam city for CAT?

Yes, while applying, you can select up to 5 preferred cities.

How many times is CAT conducted in a year?

CAT is conducted once every year, usually in November.

Is CAT tougher than other MBA exams?

Yes, CAT is considered the toughest MBA entrance in India because of its high competition and tricky DILR section.

What is a good score in CAT?

Generally, a score of 99 percentile+ is needed for old IIMs (A, B, C). Around 95 percentile may be enough for newer IIMs.

How is CAT percentile calculated?

Percentile is based on your performance compared to other test-takers. It reflects the percentage of candidates scoring lower than you.

How long is CAT score valid?

CAT 2025 score will be valid until December 31, 2026.

Can a final-year student apply for CAT?

Yes. Final-year bachelor’s degree students can apply. Admission will be provisional until they submit final mark sheets.

Do foreign candidates also take CAT?

Yes, but some IIMs also accept GMAT for international candidates.