The official CAT 2025 notification has been released, and the online application process will begin on August 1, 2025. Candidates aiming for admission into the top IIMs and other reputed B-schools in India can now gear up to apply through the official website, iimcat.ac.in. This year, the exam will be conducted by IIM Calcutta, and the test date is set for November 30, 2025. The last date to register is September 13, 2025.
I’m writing about CAT 2025 because every year, lakhs of students prepare for this exam, hoping to secure a seat in top-tier management institutes like the IIMs, FMS Delhi, and SPJIMR. Many of them wait eagerly for the notification so they can start planning their schedule. As someone who has seen friends go through the entire CAT journey—from mock tests to final interviews—I know how important timely and accurate information is. Knowing the eligibility, important dates, syllabus changes (if any), and how to apply can make the process much smoother. That’s why this update matters—not just for aspirants but for parents and mentors too.
What is CAT and Why Is It Important?
CAT or the Common Admission Test is India’s most popular MBA entrance exam. It is conducted once a year for admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other B-schools across India. The exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in three main areas:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
It’s a computer-based test (CBT), and your CAT score plays a big role in getting shortlisted for Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), or Written Ability Tests (WAT) conducted by various B-schools.
CAT 2025 Important Dates
Here are the key dates you should note:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 15 July 2025 |
| Online Registration Begins | 1 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 13 September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | First or Second week of November 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30 November 2025 |
| Result Announcement | First week of January 2026 |
Who Can Apply – CAT 2025 Eligibility
To apply for CAT 2025, a candidate must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks or 45% for SC/ST/PwD
- Students in their final year of graduation can also apply
- There is no age limit
- There is no limit on the number of attempts
CAT 2025 Application Process – Step-by-Step
Here’s how you can apply once registration opens on August 1:
- Visit the official website: https://iimcat.ac.in
- Click on ‘New Candidate Registration’
- Enter your name, email ID, and mobile number to generate login credentials
- Login and fill out the full application form
- Upload necessary documents (passport photo, signature, category certificate if applicable)
- Select your preferred test cities (up to 6 options)
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and download a copy for your reference
Application Fee
- General/EWS/OBC: ₹3,000
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,300
Tips for CAT 2025 Preparation
If you’re planning to appear this year, here are some basic tips that can help:
- Start with basic concepts of Maths and English
- Practice mock tests regularly (at least 1 per week initially)
- Focus on time management—many students struggle with this during the actual exam
- Use previous year question papers to understand the trend
- Don’t ignore RC (Reading Comprehension) and DI (Data Interpretation)—they can be scoring with practice
The release of the CAT 2025 notification officially kicks off the MBA season in India. For many aspirants, this exam is the first step toward a dream career in business, management, or entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a fresher or someone with work experience, planning and preparation is the key. With the application window opening on August 1, now is the best time to start preparing seriously. Make sure you register in time and stay updated through the official site.
I’ll keep posting updates if there are any changes in syllabus, exam pattern, or cut-offs. Until then, all the best to everyone preparing for CAT 2025!
