The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most important management entrance exams in India. The exam is conducted every year by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in rotation. The CAT exam is the key to getting admission into MBA or PGDM programs at the 21 IIMs and many other top business schools in the country.
If you are planning to appear for CAT 2025, it’s very important to know the exam pattern in detail. Understanding how the exam is structured can help you plan your preparation better and improve your chances of success.
In this article, you will find all the important information about CAT 2025, including the exam format, number of questions, marking scheme, important sections, and useful preparation tips to help you get started the right way.
CAT 2025 Key Highlights
Here are the main details you need to know about CAT, including exam pattern, eligibility, and important dates at a glance:
| Particulars | Details |
| CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30th November, 2025 |
| CAT Exam Timings | Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AMSlot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PMSlot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| CAT Exam Fees | General Category Students: INR 2,500 Reserved Category Students: INR 1,250 |
| CAT Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Test Cities | 170 |
| CAT Exam Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
Why Appear for CAT 2025?
CAT is not just an entrance exam; it is the gateway to some of the best business schools and career opportunities in India. Here are several reasons why appearing for CAT 2025 can be a game-changer:
- Gateway to Top Institutes: CAT scores are accepted by the 21 IIMs and 1,200+ prestigious B-schools across India, including FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and more.
- Wide Career Opportunities: Admission into IIMs leads to excellent job offers, global exposure, and a powerful alumni network.
- Multiple Attempts Allowed: There is no upper age limit, so you can attempt the CAT multiple times.
- Highly Recognised Score: CAT is one of the most recognised exams by recruiters, making your resume stand out.
- Flexible Academic Background: Graduates from any stream (science, commerce, arts) can apply, making it inclusive.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
The details about the exam pattern for CAT 2025 are given in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of CAT Exam 2025 | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes for each section) |
| Total Number of Questions | 68 |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Question Type | Both MCQs and Type in the answer |
| Number of Answer Choices in MCQs | 4 |
| Marking Scheme | +3 marks for each correct answer-1 for each incorrect answer |
CAT 2025 Syllabus Overview
The table below provides a detailed CAT Exam Syllabus. The exam enables students to get admission into top management courses in India.
| Sections | CAT Syllabus 2025 |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Sentence Completion, Grammar, Subject-verb-agreement, Parajumbles, Idioms, Antonyms, Prepositions, Reading Comprehension, etc. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Blood Relations, Clocks and Calendars, Tables, Data Structures, Family Tree, Binary Logic, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Pie Charts, etc. |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Probability, Profit & Loss, Percentages, Ratios & Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, etc. |
CAT 2025 Preparation Tips
CAT is one of the most competitive and challenging exams in India. Hence, it is important for CAT aspirants to adopt a clear strategy to crack this exam with the highest score. The preparation should include syllabus completion, revision, practising mock tests and previous years’ questions, and time management. Students can follow the preparation tips given for CAT 2025:
- Familiarize yourself with CAT exam syllabus to understand the important points and areas.
- They should practise multiple mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Candidates should dedicate time to revising earlier studied concepts. This will help retain the knowledge.
- Practising mathematical calculations from previous years’ CAT question papers is crucial.
- Focus on reading practice, especially comprehension skills for VARC.
- DILR requires consistent practice of various question forms and previous years’ trends.
- For QA, cover advanced-level school mathematics and prioritize arithmetic and algebra.
- Lastly, candidates can opt for online platforms to learn tricks and techniques to save time and increase the accuracy level of their answers.
Conclusion
CAT 2025 is one of the top entrance exam for students who want to join top MBA and PGDM programs at IIMs and other leading business schools in India. With the right preparation, good time management, and a clear understanding of the exam pattern, you can improve your chances of getting into your dream college.
For expert tips, latest updates, and personalized admission help, you can count on KollegeApply – a trusted platform that supports you throughout your MBA journey. Start early and take smart steps toward a successful management career through CAT 2025.
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