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CAT 2025

Updated On 18 Mar, 2025 10:13

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  • Overview
  • About
  • Syllabus
  • Exam Dates
  • Analysis
  • Preparation and Tips

CAT 2025 Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a national-level management entrance exam in India, serving as the gateway to MBA programs at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools.

Exam Date

Expected on the last Sunday of November 2025

Conducting Body

IIM Kozhikode (expected)

Exam Format

CAT 2025 is a computer-based test with three sections:

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Ability (QA)
Important Dates
  • Official Notification: Late July 2025
  • Registration Start: Early August 2025

Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum percentage (varies by category). Candidates should prepare thoroughly for all three sections.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Feature Details
Exam Name Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025
Full Form Common Admission Test
Conducting Body Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) (Rotated annually among the IIMs)
Exam Level National Level
Exam Frequency Once a year
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Marks Approximately 198 marks (subject to change)
Total Questions Approximately 66 questions (subject to change)
Courses Offered MBA, PGDM, and other postgraduate management programs
Exam Fees ₹2,400 for General category, ₹1,200 for Reserved categories (subject to change)
Exam Duration 2 hours (120 minutes)
Marking Scheme +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, No negative marking for TITA
Medium of Examination English
Official Website Visit CAT Website
Contact Details Available on the official CAT website

Section-wise Exam Pattern

Section Subjects/Tests Number of Questions Duration
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Parasummary, Odd One Out 24 40 minutes
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts), Logical Reasoning (Arrangements, Puzzles) 22 40 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Math 22 40 minutes

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
  • Minimum Marks Required: 50% for General & NC-OBC, 45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories.
  • Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year can apply, provided they meet eligibility criteria upon admission.
  • Age Limit: No specific age limit for CAT.

CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus

The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Below is the detailed syllabus for each.

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension
  • Passages on diverse topics (philosophy, science, literature, economics)
  • Questions testing comprehension, inference, and critical reasoning
Verbal Ability
  • Para jumbles
  • Para summaries
  • Odd one out sentences
  • Para completion

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data Interpretation
  • Tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and other data representations
  • Questions involving data analysis and interpretation
Logical Reasoning
  • Arrangements (linear, circular)
  • Puzzles
  • Sets and caselets
  • Logical connectivity
  • Games and Tournaments

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Arithmetic
  • Percentages, profit & loss, ratios, averages, time & work, time, speed, and distance
Algebra
  • Equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs
Geometry
  • Lines, angles, triangles, circles, and mensuration
Number System
  • LCM, HCF, divisibility, and remainders
Modern Mathematics
  • Permutations and combinations
  • Probability
  • Set theory

CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus

The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.

📅 CAT 2025 Key Dates

  • Exam Date: November 30, 2025
  • Notification: Expected by late July 2025
  • Registration: Expected to begin in early August 2025

🎫 Downloading the Admit Card

  • Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
  • Login using your user ID and password
  • Click on "Download Admit Card"
  • Download and print it on a clear, white A4 sheet

📝 CAT 2025 Answer Key

1️⃣ Accessing the Answer Key

  • Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
  • Login using your CAT login ID and password
  • Download and print the answer key and response sheet

2️⃣ Challenging the Answer Key

  • After the provisional answer key is released, an objection window will be opened
  • Candidates can raise objections through the online portal
  • Steps to challenge:
    • Log in to the CAT website
    • Identify the question number
    • Provide supporting evidence
    • Pay the objection fee per question
  • Important Notes:
    • Only raise objections if you are certain of an error
    • The objection fee is non-refundable unless the objection is accepted

3️⃣ Final Answer Key Steps

  • The CAT conducting body will review all objections
  • A final answer key will be released incorporating necessary corrections
  • The final key will be used to calculate CAT results

Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

📖 Understanding the Pattern

The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.

Each section tests different skills, so understanding their individual nuances is crucial.

Analyzing past CAT papers is essential to grasp the exam's structure, question types, and difficulty levels.

🎯 Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Regularly taking mock tests helps pinpoint areas of strength and weakness.

This allows for focused preparation and targeted improvement.

⏳ Time Management

CAT is a time-bound exam, so effective time management is vital.

Analyzing past papers helps understand the time required for each section and question type.

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips & Best Books

💡 CAT Preparation Tips

  • 1️⃣ Start Early: Begin preparation well in advance to ensure ample time for concept clarity and practice.
  • 2️⃣ Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time to each section.
  • 3️⃣ Focus on Fundamentals: Strengthen your basic concepts in all three sections.
  • 4️⃣ Practice Regularly: Solve numerous practice questions and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
  • 5️⃣ Analyze Mock Tests: Thoroughly analyze mock test results to identify areas for improvement.
  • 6️⃣ Improve Reading Skills: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary.
  • 7️⃣ Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs and business news.

📚 Best Books for CAT Preparation

1️⃣ Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

  • How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin

2️⃣ Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  • How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
  • A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

3️⃣ Quantitative Ability (QA)

  • How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
  • NCERT Mathematics books (Class 6-10)
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Home   > Exams   > CAT 2025

CAT 2025

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a crucial national-level management entrance exam in India, ...
Ask Us

CAT 2025 Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a national-level management entrance exam in India, serving as the gateway to MBA programs at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools.

Exam Date

Expected on the last Sunday of November 2025

Conducting Body

IIM Kozhikode (expected)

Exam Format

CAT 2025 is a computer-based test with three sections:

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Ability (QA)
Important Dates
  • Official Notification: Late July 2025
  • Registration Start: Early August 2025

Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum percentage (varies by category). Candidates should prepare thoroughly for all three sections.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Feature Details
Exam Name Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025
Full Form Common Admission Test
Conducting Body Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) (Rotated annually among the IIMs)
Exam Level National Level
Exam Frequency Once a year
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Marks Approximately 198 marks (subject to change)
Total Questions Approximately 66 questions (subject to change)
Courses Offered MBA, PGDM, and other postgraduate management programs
Exam Fees ₹2,400 for General category, ₹1,200 for Reserved categories (subject to change)
Exam Duration 2 hours (120 minutes)
Marking Scheme +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, No negative marking for TITA
Medium of Examination English
Official Website Visit CAT Website
Contact Details Available on the official CAT website

Section-wise Exam Pattern

Section Subjects/Tests Number of Questions Duration
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Parasummary, Odd One Out 24 40 minutes
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts), Logical Reasoning (Arrangements, Puzzles) 22 40 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Math 22 40 minutes

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
  • Minimum Marks Required: 50% for General & NC-OBC, 45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories.
  • Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year can apply, provided they meet eligibility criteria upon admission.
  • Age Limit: No specific age limit for CAT.

CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus

The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Below is the detailed syllabus for each.

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension
  • Passages on diverse topics (philosophy, science, literature, economics)
  • Questions testing comprehension, inference, and critical reasoning
Verbal Ability
  • Para jumbles
  • Para summaries
  • Odd one out sentences
  • Para completion

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data Interpretation
  • Tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and other data representations
  • Questions involving data analysis and interpretation
Logical Reasoning
  • Arrangements (linear, circular)
  • Puzzles
  • Sets and caselets
  • Logical connectivity
  • Games and Tournaments

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Arithmetic
  • Percentages, profit & loss, ratios, averages, time & work, time, speed, and distance
Algebra
  • Equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs
Geometry
  • Lines, angles, triangles, circles, and mensuration
Number System
  • LCM, HCF, divisibility, and remainders
Modern Mathematics
  • Permutations and combinations
  • Probability
  • Set theory

Exam Pattern details are not available.

Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

📖 Understanding the Pattern

The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.

Each section tests different skills, so understanding their individual nuances is crucial.

Analyzing past CAT papers is essential to grasp the exam's structure, question types, and difficulty levels.

🎯 Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Regularly taking mock tests helps pinpoint areas of strength and weakness.

This allows for focused preparation and targeted improvement.

⏳ Time Management

CAT is a time-bound exam, so effective time management is vital.

Analyzing past papers helps understand the time required for each section and question type.

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips & Best Books

💡 CAT Preparation Tips

  • 1️⃣ Start Early: Begin preparation well in advance to ensure ample time for concept clarity and practice.
  • 2️⃣ Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time to each section.
  • 3️⃣ Focus on Fundamentals: Strengthen your basic concepts in all three sections.
  • 4️⃣ Practice Regularly: Solve numerous practice questions and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
  • 5️⃣ Analyze Mock Tests: Thoroughly analyze mock test results to identify areas for improvement.
  • 6️⃣ Improve Reading Skills: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary.
  • 7️⃣ Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs and business news.

📚 Best Books for CAT Preparation

1️⃣ Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

  • How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin

2️⃣ Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  • How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
  • A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

3️⃣ Quantitative Ability (QA)

  • How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
  • NCERT Mathematics books (Class 6-10)

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