The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have released the CAT 2025 notification, marking the beginning of the admission process for MBA programs across 21 IIMs and other top B-schools in India. Candidates can register for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 starting August 1, 2025, through the official website iimcat.ac.in.
Important Dates for CAT 2025
The registration window for CAT 2025 will remain open from August 1 to September 13, 2025. The exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and will be conducted in three shifts as a computer-based test. Admit cards will be available for download from November 5 to November 30, 2025, while the results are expected to be declared in the first week of January 2026.
Exam Pattern and Selection Process
CAT 2025 will assess candidates in three key sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam duration will be 2 hours, and it will be held in approximately 170 cities across India. Candidates can select up to five preferred exam centers during registration.
After clearing the CAT exam, shortlisted candidates will undergo further selection rounds, which may include Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), and Written Ability Tests (WAT). Each IIM follows its own selection criteria, so applicants must check the specific requirements of their preferred institutes.
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) to be eligible for CAT 2025. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the minimum required marks are 45%. Final-year students can also apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria upon graduation.
Increase in Application Fees
The registration fee for CAT 2025 has seen a slight increase compared to last year. SC, ST, and PwD candidates will now need to pay Rs. 1,300 (up from Rs. 1,250), while General, OBC, and EWS candidates will have to pay Rs. 3,000 (up from Rs. 2,500).
List of Participating IIMs
CAT 2025 scores are accepted by 21 IIMs, including premier institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, and newer IIMs such as IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, and IIM Visakhapatnam.
How to apply for CAT 2025?
Step 1. Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
Step 2. Register with a valid email and mobile number
Step 3. Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details
Step 4. Upload required documents (photo, signature, category certificate if applicable)
Step 5. Pay the application fee online
Step 6. Submit and download the confirmation page
With the CAT 2025 notification now available, MBA aspirants should begin their preparations and complete their registrations at the earliest. The revised fee structure and exam schedule must be carefully noted to avoid last-minute hassles.
For further updates on CAT 2025, candidates should regularly check the official website.
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