IIM CAT Admit Card 2025 - Exam Date, Pattern & Eligibility
Important Dates (Tentative CAT 2025 Schedule)
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | 28 July 2025 |
| Online Registration Start | 05 August 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration | 20 September 2025 |
| **Admit Card Download** | **25 October 2025 (4 PM onwards)** |
| **CAT 2025 Exam Date** | **24 November 2025 (Sunday)** |
| Result Declaration | First week of January 2026 |
Application/Registration Fee
| CATEGORY | FEE |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC Candidates | Rs. 2600/- |
| SC / ST / PwD Candidates | Rs. 1300/- |
Note: The fee is mandatory for registration and includes application to all 21 IIMs.
Payment Mode: Online only through Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
Age Limit:
- **Minimum Age:** Not Applicable.
- **Maximum Age:** Not Applicable.
- There is no age restriction for appearing in the CAT examination.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet the following qualification requirements:
- Must possess a **Bachelor's Degree** with at least **50% marks** (or equivalent CGPA) from a recognized University.
- Candidates from **SC/ST/PwD categories** must have a minimum of **45% marks** (or equivalent CGPA).
- Final year degree students are also eligible, provided they complete their degree requirements within the stipulated deadline by the respective IIMs.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Overview
CAT 2025 will be conducted as a **Computer Based Test (CBT)** in three separate sessions. The total duration is 120 minutes (40 minutes per section).
| Section | Questions (Approx) | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| **Total Questions** | **66** | **120 Minutes** |
Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct answer. **-1 mark** for every incorrect Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ). No negative marking for TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions.
Syllabus Snapshot:
- **VARC:** Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out.
- **DILR:** Data Grid, Bar/Pie Charts, Logical Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Venn Diagrams.
- **QA:** Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System.
CAT 2025 Application & Admit Card Process
- OTR/Registration: Visit the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) and register using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate a User ID.
- Fill Application Form: Log in and accurately fill in all personal, academic, and work experience details.
- Select IIM Programs: Select your preferred IIM programs and non-IIM institutions (if applicable) within the form.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and signature strictly as per the specified dimensions and file size.
- Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable registration fee online.
- Admit Card Download: On or after the official date, log back in using your credentials to download and print the CAT Admit Card.
Key Point to Avoid Mistakes: Admit Card Check!
After downloading your **Admit Card**, you **MUST** check it immediately. Verify your Name, Date of Birth, Photograph, Signature, and especially the **Test Center details**. If any discrepancy exists, contact the CAT helpdesk immediately. **You must affix the same photo used during registration on the printed admit card.**
Some Important Links:
| **Official Information Bulletin (PDF)** | Click Here |
| **CAT 2025 Registration Link** | Click Here |
| **Admit Card Download Link** | Click Here |
| **Official Website (CAT)** | Click Here |
| **Mock Test Link** | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I download the CAT 2025 Admit Card?
The Admit Card is tentatively scheduled to be available for download from **25 October 2025** on the official CAT website. It must be downloaded and printed; hard copies will not be mailed.
Is there a sectional time limit in the CAT exam?
Yes, the CAT exam enforces strict **sectional time limits**. Each of the three sections (VARC, DILR, QA) must be completed in exactly **40 minutes**. You cannot switch between sections until the 40-minute duration for the current section is over.
Is there any negative marking for the TITA questions?
No, there is **no negative marking** for the TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions, which typically appear in all three sections. However, the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) carry a penalty of -1 mark for every incorrect response.
What is the minimum percentage required in graduation to be eligible for CAT?
A candidate must have a minimum of **50% marks** or an equivalent CGPA in their Bachelor's degree. This requirement is relaxed to **45%** for candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwD categories.
What documents must I carry to the CAT Test Center?
You must carry your **Admit Card** (with photo affixed), one original, valid **photo ID proof** (e.g., Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID), and a PwD certificate (if applicable). Only these items are permitted inside the examination hall.
If I am in the final year of my degree, can I still appear for CAT 2025?
Yes, final year Bachelor's degree students are eligible to apply. However, their admission to an IIM would be conditional upon submitting a certificate of completion of all degree requirements within the time specified by the respective Institute.