CAT 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Registration, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, and Preparation Tips

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the premier entrance examination for admission to management programs in prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools in India. With the CAT 2025 approaching, aspiring candidates must be well-informed about various aspects of the examination. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate through the registration process, exam dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation tips.

Comprehensive Guide to Registration

Important Dates

The registration process for CAT 2025 is expected to commence in the first week of August 2025. Here are the tentative key dates:

• Registration Start Date: August 7, 2025
• Registration End Date: September 15, 2025
• Admit Card Release Date: October 25, 2025
• Exam Date: November 24, 2025
• Result Declaration: January 2026

Registration Process

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official CAT website.
2. Create an Account: Click on 'Register' and fill in the necessary details to create a user profile.
3. Fill the Application Form: Log in with your credentials, complete the application form by providing personal, academic, and work experience details.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents.
5. Payment of Fees: Pay the application fee online. The fee for general category candidates is expected to be around INR 2,200, while for SC/ST/PwD candidates, it is INR 1,100.
6. Submit the Form: Review the details and submit the application form.

CAT Exam 2025 Dates

The CAT 2025 exam is tentatively scheduled for November 24, 2025. The exam will be conducted in three sessions across multiple cities in India.

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for CAT 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.
• Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam.

CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT exam pattern typically includes three sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 34 questions
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 32 questions
3. Quantitative Ability (QA): 34 questions

CAT Exam Key Features

1. Duration: 3 hours (1 hour per section)
2. Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs (TITA – Type In The Answer)
3. Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect MCQ, and no negative marking for non-MCQs.

CAT Exam 2025 Syllabus

The CAT syllabus is vast, covering a range of topics under three main sections:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

- Reading Comprehension

- Grammar and Usage

- Vocabulary

- Para-jumbles

- Sentence Completion and Correction

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

- Data Tables

- Bar Graphs and Line Charts

- Pie Charts

- Venn Diagrams

- Logical Puzzles

- Seating Arrangements

- Syllogisms

Quantitative Ability (QA)

- Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work)

- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)

- Geometry and Mensuration

- Number Systems

- Modern Math (Probability, Permutations & Combinations)

- Trigonometry

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CAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Thoroughly understand the exam pattern and syllabus. This helps in planning your preparation effectively.

2. Create a Study Plan

Develop a realistic study plan covering all topics. Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is crucial. Solve previous years’ question papers and take regular mock tests to gauge your preparation level.

4. Focus on Weak Areas

Identify your weak areas through mock tests and work on them diligently. Seek help from mentors or join coaching classes if necessary.

5. Time Management

Learn to manage your time effectively during preparation and in the actual exam. Practice solving questions within a stipulated time to improve speed and accuracy.

6. Read Extensively

Enhance your reading skills for the VARC section by reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. This also helps in improving your vocabulary and comprehension skills.

7. Stay Healthy and Positive

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Stay positive and confident about your preparation.

Preparing for CAT 2025 requires dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. By understanding the exam's intricacies and following a disciplined approach, you can maximize your chances of success. Best of luck!