The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s premier national-level entrance exam for MBA and management programs in prestigious institutions like the IIMs, and top private B-schools. If you’re planning to pursue an MBA in 2026, now is the time to gear up for the CAT Exam 2025.

In this blog, we cover everything you need to know: exam dates, eligibility, registration, syllabus, pattern, preparation tips, and cut-off expectations. Whether you’re targeting the IIMs or the best MBA colleges in Kolkata, this guide will help you plan your journey effectively.

CAT 2025: Important Dates (Tentative)

While the official notification is expected in July 2025, here’s the likely timeline based on previous years:

Event	Tentative Date
Notification Release	Last week of July 2025
Registration Starts	First week of August 2025
Registration Ends	Third week of September 2025
Admit Card Release	Last week of October 2025
CAT Exam Date	Sunday, November 30, 2025
Result Declaration	First week of January 2026

Keep checking the official website: https://iimcat.ac.in for updates.

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CAT Exam 2025, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
• Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of graduation are also eligible.
• Age Limit: No upper age limit for CAT.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of three sections:

Section	Duration	Number of Questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	40 minutes	~24
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	40 minutes	~20
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	40 minutes	~22
Total Duration	120 minutes	~66

Each correct answer earns 3 marks, and there’s a negative marking of -1 for wrong MCQ answers. No negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA).

CAT 2025 Syllabus Overview

While CAT doesn’t release an official syllabus, here’s a topic-wise breakdown based on previous trends:

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• Reading Comprehension Passages
• Para Jumbles
• Summary Writing
• Sentence Elimination

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• Tables, Charts, Graphs
• Venn Diagrams
• Puzzles, Arrangements
• Logical Sequences

Quantitative Aptitude

• Arithmetic (Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio)
• Algebra
• Number System
• Geometry & Mensuration
• Modern Math (Permutations, Probability)

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

If you’re serious about cracking CAT and securing MBA admission in top colleges, here are expert tips to follow:

1. Know the Pattern & Syllabus: Start with understanding each section’s weightage.
2. Make a Daily Study Plan: Dedicate 2–3 hours daily, balancing all three sections.
3. Focus on Concepts First: Strengthen basics before solving advanced questions.
4. Take Mock Tests Regularly: Simulate real exam pressure with timed mocks.
5. Analyze Mocks & Improve: Identify weak areas and work on them.
6. Use Trusted Resources: Refer to books like Arun Sharma, TIME materials, and reliable online platforms.
7. Join a Coaching Program (Optional): If you prefer structured guidance, join a coaching class (online or offline).

Top Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

Apart from the 20 IIMs, several top B-schools accept CAT scores. If you’re aiming for MBA admission in West Bengal or Eastern India, here are some of the best MBA colleges in Kolkata that accept CAT:

• Indian Institute of Management (IIM Calcutta)
• International Management Institute (IMI), Kolkata
• Army Institute of Management (AIM), Kolkata
• Globsyn Business School
• NSHM Business School, Kolkata

Always check individual college websites for their specific admission processes and CAT cut-offs.

Expected CAT 2025 Cut-Offs (General Category)

Institute Type	Expected Cut-Off (Percentile)
Top IIMs (A, B, C)	98–99+
New IIMs (Ranchi, Trichy, etc.)	90–95
Tier-1 Private B-Schools	85–95
Tier-2 Colleges	70–85

Note: Cut-offs vary based on academic profile, category, work experience, and gender diversity criteria.

Final Thoughts

The CAT Exam 2025 is your gateway to a world-class management education. With strong preparation, focused strategy, and timely registration, you can land a seat in India’s most prestigious B-schools.

Whether you’re eyeing the IIMs or the best MBA colleges in Kolkata, the time to start is now. Bookmark important dates, plan your preparation smartly, and stay consistent.