Updated on Jul 28, 2025
Ankita Banerjee
CAT Notification 2025 has been officially released on 27th July, 2025, on the IIMCAT official website at iimcat.ac.in. The notification has been released in PDF format. With the release of the notification CAT 2025 Registration will commence from 1st August 2025. This year, IIM Kozhikode will administer the exam.
Every year, CAT is taken by lakhs of students aiming for MBA programs at IIMs and other top B-schools in India, and staying informed about these dates will help you plan your preparation and registration smoothly. Since the CAT 2025 notification is out, take time to read it thoroughly to be clear about the process, key deadlines, and the guidelines one needs to follow to ensure a smooth application and preparation journey for CAT 2025.
Read this article to know more about the CAT 2025 notification- from the important dates and eligibility criteria to exam pattern and the top institutes accepting CAT Scores in India.
Table of Contents
CAT 2025 Notification: Important Dates
The CAT 2025 official notification was released on July 27, 2025, on the IIMCAT official website and in newspapers. After that, registrations will start from 1st August and continue till 13th September, 2025. The exam will take place on November 30, 2025. Here is a table with the important CAT 2025 dates for the candidates to keep a note of:
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
Before applying for CAT 2025, the candidates must check whether they meet the eligibility criteria decided by the conducting IIM. Candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum required percentage, and there’s no age limit to apply for CAT. Final-year students can also appear for the exam, provided they can submit the required documents at the time of admission. All the key aspects of CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria have been shared below:
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
CAT 2025 will follow the typical computer-based format, consisting of three different sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each of the three sections has a specific time limit; therefore, the candidates need to manage their time, speed, and accuracy carefully. Here is a table having the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern for candidates’ reference:
CAT Registration and Fees 2025
The CAT 2025 registration process will be conducted entirely online on their official website. Candidates basically need to create an account, fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the exam fee to complete their registration. Here’s how the candidates can apply for CAT 2025 without confusion:
- Candidates need to visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on the ‘New Registration’ option present on the homepage to create a login.
- Enter the personal details very carefully to generate the login credentials.
- Log in and fill out the CAT 2025 application form carefully.
- Upload a scanned passport-size photograph and signature as per the guidelines.
- Select the preferred test centers, courses, and IIM campuses.
- Pay the CAT application fee online and complete the registration.
The CAT 2025 Application Fee is INR 2600 for General category candidates, while it is INR 1300 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Candidates need to note that the CAT application fee is non-refundable, so it’s important to fill in all details accurately before making the payment. The form will be considered submitted only after the successful payment of the exam fee.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Scores
In India, over 1,000 management colleges, including 21 IIMs and top private B-schools, accept CAT scores for admission to their MBA and PGP programs. Here is a table that shows the CAT accepting top MBA colleges in India with their year-wise NIRF ranking:
CAT 2025 Notification FAQs
When to apply for the CAT exam 2025?
Candidates can apply for CAT 2025 starting from 1st of August 2025, right after the CAT 2025 notification is released on 27th July, 2025. The registration window will remain open till 13th September 2025.
Which IIM is conducting CAT 2025?
IIM Kozhikode is expected to conduct CAT 2025 this year. The responsibility of conducting the CAT exam rotates among the IIMs every year, and Kozhikode is expected to manage the exam process, including notification, registrations, and conducting the exam this year.
What is the date of the CAT exam in 2025?
The CAT 2025 exam is to be held on 30th November, 2025, across various test centres in India.
Is a CAT twice a year?
No, CAT is always conducted only once a year, usually in late November or early December. This year, it is most likely to be conducted on November 30, 2025.
What is the CAT exam given for?
The CAT exam is taken by candidates who want to pursue MBA or PGDM programs at IIMs and other top B-schools in India.
Is CAT tougher than IIT?
Both the CAT and IIT entrance exams, like JEE Advanced, are highly competitive, but they test different skills. CAT focuses on aptitude, reasoning, and English, while IIT exams test advanced concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths. It depends on the candidates’ strengths and what they want to pursue.
Is CAT 2025 for MBA only?
Yes, CAT 2025 is primarily for admission into MBA and other postgraduate management programs at IIMs and other B-schools in India.
What are the eligibility criteria for CAT 2025?
Candidates need to have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) to be eligible for CAT 2025. Final-year students can also apply.
What will be the mode of the CAT 2025?
CAT 2025 will be conducted in the usual computer-based test (CBT) mode at designated test centres across India.
Is the CAT 2025 Notification released?
The official CAT 2025 notification was released on 27th July, 2025, on the IIMCAT website and in leading newspapers.
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