CAT 2025: Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation Tips, Registration

Conducted by one of the top IIMs every year by rotation, Common Admission Test is the largest MBA entrance exam for MBA admission in 21 IIMs and other top B-schools. So, it is the mandatory entrance exam for MBA admission 2026 in all the 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, IIFT Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi and hundreds of other top B-schools in India. Total number of candidates who registered for CAT 2024 exam was 3.29 lakhs. However, total number of candidates who appeared in CAT 2024 exam was 2.93 lakhs only. Salient Points about the CAT Exam are:

• CAT is a computer-based test conducted at more than 155 test cities and 400+ test venues
• CAT exam duration is two hours. Time allotted for three sections is 40 minutes each.
• CAT exam is divided into three sections of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension; Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability
• CAT Exam score is mandatory requirement for IIM admissions. IIMs do not consider any other exam like XAT or GMAT for two-year full-time MBA/PGP admission.

Below are the important points regarding CAT 2025 eligibility criteria:

• A candidate with minimum 50% marks in graduation is eligible
• A final year student in graduation is also eligible
• There is no age limit to apply and appear in the exam
• Note that IIMs have different eligibility criteria for MBA Admissions 

Note that IIMs have different CAT exam eligibility criteria for MBA Admissions 

Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024   

• CAT 2025 exam syllabus covers three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). While IIMs do not release a fixed syllabus, the CAT exam syllabus can be derived from CAT exam pattern.
   
• The VARC section includes Reading Comprehension (RC), Paragraph Completion, Summary Writing, and Odd Sentence questions, testing candidates on their reading speed, comprehension, and verbal reasoning. The DILR section assesses analytical and problem-solving skills through data-based caselets, logical puzzles, seating arrangements, tournaments, and graphs/charts-based interpretation.
   
• The Quantitative Ability (QA) section focuses on mathematical concepts, with questions from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, and Number Systems. Arithmetic topics such as Percentages, Ratios, Profit & Loss, and Time & Work form a significant portion of the QA section. Algebra includes Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, and Logarithms, while Geometry covers Circles, Triangles, and Mensuration. Modern Math topics like Permutation & Combination and Probability also appear in the exam. Check complete details in tables below. 

Read more about CAT Syllabus for different sections.

CAT 2025 Preparation requires a 6-9 months of preparation period. So now is the right time to focus on your CAT Preparation to do well in the CAT exam. Check tips on how to prepare for CAT 2025 exam.

• Understanding the CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus: The CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section is time-bound, with 40 minutes per section, making time management crucial. The syllabus covers key topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, modern math, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension. While IIMs do not release an official syllabus, past trends indicate the key areas to focus on.
   
• Section-wise Preparation Strategy: For VARC, candidates should develop strong reading habits, focus on comprehension, and practice summary writing and para jumbles. DILR requires regular practice with logical puzzles, graphs, seating arrangements, and data caselets. In QA, arithmetic and algebra are the most important areas, and aspirants must focus on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy through mock tests and topic-wise practice.
   
• Importance of Mock Tests and Analysis: Mock tests are the best preparation tool for CAT, helping aspirants adapt to the exam pattern, improve time management, and assess strengths and weaknesses. Leading test series providers like IMS, TIME, Career Launcher, and Cracku offer mocks with varying difficulty levels. Analyzing performance after each mock is crucial to identify mistakes and improve accuracy.
   
• Best CAT Preparation Books and Resources: Some of the most recommended books include Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude, Nishit K. Sinha’s Logical Reasoning, and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for VARC. Coaching institutes like Elites Grid, Rodha, and 2IIM also provide structured study materials for effective preparation.
   
• Month-wise CAT Preparation Strategy: Aspirants should start by building fundamentals in the first few months (January-April), move to intensive practice (May-June), and focus on mock tests and time management (July-September). The last two months should be dedicated to final revision and exam strategy. In the final weeks, candidates should avoid learning new topics and focus on light revision and mental preparation.

With a structured approach, consistent practice, and regular mock tests, aspirants can significantly improve their chances of scoring well in CAT 2025.

Toppers recommend that taking Mocks is of utmost importance as it is a very important preparation tool. If you are seriously preparing for the exam and wish to score high percentile, it is necessary to attempt more and more Mock Tests to get ready for the exam day. IMS, TIME, and Career Launcher (CL) are most popular paid mock test series. 

If you are looking for free high quality CAT Mock Tests, check MBAUniverse.com CAT Mock Tests. They are based on last 10 Years’ actual CAT papers (based on CAT 2024, CAT 2023, CAT 2022, CAT 2021 and other previous year’s CAT paper). You can take them free online after a simple registration. 

Choosing the right CAT coaching institute is an important step in your MBA preparation journey. Check key details to help you decide. 

a) Top National CAT Coaching Institutes
Top three CAT coaching institutes with national presence are TIME, IMS and Career Launcher. They offer both offline and online CAT coaching course with fees ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 75,000. TIME is known for tough Mocks. Career Launcher Mock Tests was appreciated by CAT 2024 toppers. IMS Learning has strong online courses.

b) Top Regional CAT Coaching Institutes
Many coaching institutes have strong presence in some cities or states like MBA Guru in Delhi NCR. 

c) Top Online CAT Coaching Institutes 
Cracku has emerged as a strong alternative to traditional coaching institutes like TIME and IMS. Similarly, many YouTube channels like Rodhas are also popular. 

d)  Specialized Verbal or Quantitative Coaching Institutes 

CAT Coaching Fees 
The cost of CAT coaching varies based on the mode and institute:

• Online Programs: Generally, range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000.
• Offline Programs: Typically range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 75,000. 

Selecting the Right Institute
When choosing a coaching institute, consider the following:

• Student Feedback: Look for reviews from former students who have taken CAT recently. Also check CAT Toppers interview where they reveal their coaching institutes.
• Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the teaching staff.
• Study Material: Ensure the institute provides comprehensive and up-to-date materials.
• Mock Tests and Analysis: Regular testing and performance analysis are crucial for tracking progress.

Read this article on CAT coaching for complete details. 

CAT Notification 2025 is expected to be released on Sunday, July 27, 2025. CAT Registration process is done online. You can register & apply online only on the official website iimcat.ac.in. The registration fee is Rs. 2500 for General/EWS/OBC candidates and Rs. 1250 for SC/ST/PWD candidates. CAT 2025 Registration process will open in early August 2025. Check step by step CAT registration guide. 

CAT Registration Steps & Description

• Step 1: Login – Visit the official CAT website iimcat.ac.in and create your profile.
• Step 2: Fill Registration Form – Enter the required details in the registration form and ensure successful submission to receive your User ID and Password.
• Step 3: Complete Application Form – Log in using your CAT User ID and Password, fill in personal and academic details, enter work experience (if applicable), select preferred IIMs and programs, choose five preferred exam cities, make the online payment for the CAT registration fee, and submit the form.

Over the years, the number of CAT exam registrations has seen a fluctuating trend, with a significant increase in last two years. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 led to a slight decline in registrations and appearances, but the numbers rebounded in 2022 and 2023. 

Total number of candidates who registered for CAT 2024 exam was 3.29 lakhs. However, total number of candidates who appeared in CAT 2024 exam was 2.93 lakhs only. Below is the year-wise breakdown of CAT registrations and appearances.

CAT exam 2025 will be held in 170 test cities and 400+ exam centers across the country. You can select five centers of your choice that are most convenient for you. CAT authorities will try to give you the closest available center. Last year, for CAT 2024, the number of CAT test cities were increased to 170 from 160 last year. The choice of CAT 2024 Test Cities was reduced to 5 from earlier 6 cities. Check List of CAT Exam Test Cities

CAT Exam 2025 Do’s and Don’ts are important guidelines and instructions that are issued by IIMs for candidates to ensure smooth conduct of the exam.  

Dos: Recheck Admit Card details, Print and Carry CAT Admit Card Hard Copy, Keep Specified Photo ID Ready, Locate and Visit CAT Exam Centre in advance and Ensure to Mark Attendance. 

Don’ts: Don’t carry Prohibited Articles in CAT Exam Centre, Follow Dress Code, Do Not Carry Electronic Gadgets, Don’t Apply Mehndi (Henna) on Palm Side. 

In conclusion, CAT exam date is November 30, 2025. CAT Convenor is IIM Kozhikode. CAT Exam Pattern is divided into three key areas: VARC, DILR, and QA. CAT preparation requires building a strong foundation and mastering the art of test-taking through CAT mock test. Above article is a complete guide on CAT exam dates, eligibility, registration, pattern, syllabus, preparation, coaching and a lot more. Stay focused, trust yourself, and aim for excellence in CAT exam 2025!