The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most competitive entrance exams for admission to prestigious management programs, particularly in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools across the country. If you are planning to appear for CAT 2025, it is crucial to understand the application process thoroughly to avoid any mistakes. The application process for CAT might seem overwhelming at first, but by following a structured approach, you can ensure that you submit a flawless application.
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of the CAT 2025 application process, from eligibility criteria to the final submission of your application. By the end of this guide, you will be fully equipped to apply for the exam with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
- Educational Qualification
- Age Limit
- Work Experience
- CAT 2025 Application Fees
- Step-by-Step Application Process for CAT 2025
- Step 1: Registration
- Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Step 3: Upload Documents
- Step 4: Select Test City Preferences
- Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
- Step 6: Submit the Application
- Important Documents Required for CAT 2025
- CAT 2025 Admit Card
- CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Exam Pattern
- Syllabus Highlights
- Tips for a Successful CAT 2025 Application
Key Highlights
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Exam Date | November 2025 (Tentative) |
| Application Start Date | August 2025 (Expected) |
| Last Date to Apply | September 2025 (Expected) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Sections | Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
Before you begin the application process, it is crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for CAT 2025. Below are the key criteria that determine whether you can apply:
Educational Qualification
- You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or educational institution with a minimum of 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA).
- For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories, the minimum required marks is 45%.
- Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree requirements before the commencement of the management program.
Age Limit
- There is no age limit to apply for CAT. Candidates of any age can apply for the exam.
Work Experience
- Work experience is not mandatory for eligibility; however, it can be an added advantage during the selection process, especially for the interview and personal assessment stage. While the IIMs may consider your work experience as part of the overall evaluation, it is not a compulsory criterion.
CAT 2025 Application Fees
The application fee for CAT 2025 varies based on the candidate’s category. Below is a breakdown of the fee structure:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹2,400 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,200 |
- Payment for the application fee can be made online through various modes, including credit card, debit card, and net banking.
- It is advisable to keep the payment confirmation receipt for future reference.
Step-by-Step Application Process for CAT 2025
Now that you are clear about the eligibility criteria and fees, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you complete the CAT 2025 application process smoothly:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official website: Go to iimcat.ac.in and click on the “New Candidate Registration” link.
- Create your account: You will be prompted to enter personal details such as your name, email ID, mobile number, and choose a password.
- Generate your User ID: After filling in the required details, you will receive a User ID and Password on your registered email and mobile number. Use these credentials to log in to the application portal.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Log in to the portal: Use the credentials generated in Step 1 to log in to the CAT application portal.
- Enter personal details: Fill in your name, date of birth, contact information, address, and category details.
- Provide academic and work experience details: Enter your educational qualifications, details of your undergraduate degree, and work experience if applicable. Double-check all entries to avoid mistakes.
- Choose your program preferences: Select the management programs or MBA courses you wish to apply for in different IIMs.
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Photograph: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph in JPEG format (140×160 pixels).
- Signature: Upload a scanned signature in JPEG format (60×90 pixels).
- Ensure that all documents are scanned clearly and meet the specified size and resolution requirements.
Step 4: Select Test City Preferences
- Choose your test center(s): Select up to four preferred test cities from the available list. It is recommended to choose a combination of cities in different regions to avoid any inconvenience during exam day.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
- Complete the payment: Pay the application fee using any of the available online payment methods (credit card, debit card, net banking).
- Save the receipt: After making the payment, ensure you save the payment confirmation receipt as proof of payment.
Step 6: Submit the Application
- Review your application: Go through all the details provided in the form, including personal information, academic qualifications, documents, and test city preferences.
- Submit the form: Once everything is in order, click on the submit button.
- Download confirmation: After submission, download the confirmation page for your records. It is important to save and print this confirmation for future reference.
Important Documents Required for CAT 2025
Make sure you have the following documents ready for the application process:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Scanned Photograph | To be uploaded in the application form and admit card |
| Scanned Signature | For the application form and admit card |
| Category Certificate | For SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates |
| Academic Mark Sheets | To verify educational qualifications |
| Work Experience Certificate | If applicable for candidates with work experience |
CAT 2025 Admit Card
After successfully submitting your application, the next important document you will need is the CAT 2025 Admit Card. Here are the key details regarding the admit card:
- Release Date: Expected to be released in October 2025.
- Download Process:
- Log in to your CAT account using your User ID and password.
- Click on the Download Admit Card link.
- Verify all the details (such as name, test center, etc.) on the admit card.
- Download and print the admit card. The admit card is a mandatory document that you must carry to the exam center.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Understanding the CAT 2025 exam pattern and syllabus is crucial for your preparation. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
Syllabus Highlights
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| VARC | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion |
| DILR | Tables, Graphs, Puzzles, Seating Arrangement |
| QA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System |
