The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most coveted entrance test for aspiring managers in India. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), it acts as a gateway into various prestigious business schools. If you are looking for CAT 2025, knowing the CAT application form procedure is vital, you must know about the CAT eligibility criteria, application form date, application fee, and documents required for the CAT exam here. Additionally, many candidates opt for online coaching for CAT to enhance their preparation and improve their chances of success. The following guide summarises all the details necessary to apply without any hitch.
The Application Process for CAT 2025
Filling the CAT online application is simple, it must be filled with great attention to detail. The application process usually begins in August right after the release of the official notification by the conducting IIM in July. For registration purposes, candidates must visit the official CAT website, fill in personal and academic details, and upload the required documents. Although CAT form filling last date is usually in September, candidates should complete their registration at least two to three days to avoid last-minute issues.
Eligibility Requirements for CAT 2025
Candidates must ensure they meet the exam criteria before filling out the CAT form. The applicants should have a recognized bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (in the case of SC/ST/PwD candidates; it is 45%). If studying in the final year, he/she can apply for the exam conditionally to give proof of completion by the deadline specified. No upper limit applies when appearing for the CAT, making it inclusive for aspirants of all ages.
CAT Examination Application Fees and Payment Mechanism
The charges concerning the CAT examination application form are the key factors during registration. The fee is typically determined concerning the candidate’s category. The fees for a general or NC-OBC candidate are higher for SC/ST/PwD candidates. The payment is online using debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI. Always save the transaction receipt for future use.
Documents Needed for CAT Registration
While filling out the IIM form, the candidate must upload some documents: a passport photograph, a signature, academic certificates, category certificates (if applicable), and work experience details (if any). The uploaded documents conform to the prescribed format/size; otherwise, they may get rejected. Make sure all documents have been uploaded correctly is vital for an easy application process.
Common Mistakes to Be Avoided while Filling the CAT Form
Most candidates usually make errors while filling out the CAT application form, leading to disqualifications or corrections. Some common errors include entering wrong personal details, mismatched signatures, wrong size of the photograph, wrong academic information, etc. All candidates should check their entries thoroughly before submitting the form to prevent hustles later.
CAT Exam Form Date and Key Deadlines
The official date for the CAT exam form filling is announced in July, whereas the application form is open in August. The last date to fill out the CAT form is generally fixed in September, and no application will be entertained thereafter.
| Events | Dates (Tentative) |
|---|
| Release of CAT 2025 Notification | July 30, 2025 |
| Start of CAT 2025 Application Process | August 1, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply for CAT 2025 | September 15, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Admit Card Release | October 25, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | November 28, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Answer Key Release | December 1, 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Result Declaration | December 15, 2025 |
Admit cards are released in October or November, and the exam is scheduled at the end of November or at the beginning of December. It is therefore necessary to stay updated with these dates to help in timely registration and preparation.
Submitting the IIM Application and Process of Selection
After completing the CAT online form submission, candidates should concentrate on preparing for a high percentile. The high percentile obtained on CAT is an important gateway to getting shortlisted for admissions into the top IIMs and other prestigious B-schools. Once the exam is conducted, shortlisted candidates will go through another round of selection which would include the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). Although the IIM interview dates vary from institute to institute, they are scheduled between January and March.
Percentilers and Their Role in CAT Preparation
High percentiles define the game for top-notch students in CAT. Most percentiles share their preparation strategies, which could be valuable for aspirants. Learning from past toppers can give aspirants a great deal in terms of time management, solving questions, and the best resources for preparation. Therefore, a well-structured study plan becomes key to achieving a competitive percentile and increasing the chances of selection in the top B-schools.
Conclusion
the CAT application form is the primary way to get admission into the best management institutes in the country. Knowing about the CAT examination form dates, eligibility criteria, CAT examination form fees, and documents needed for the CAT examination will lead to an uncomplicated registration process. Preparation along with awareness of deadlines will make the whole process easier. The competition is tough, and thus, one must remain disciplined and learn from the percentilers to target the score and grab a seat in the top IIMs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I apply for CAT 2025?
Expect the announcement of the CAT application form release for 2025 around August, while the official notification will be in July. Forms for CAT online are drawn from the official website, where candidates are believed to have about a 4 to 5-week window for completion of registration. The last date for filling the forms usually falls between mid and late September. It also saves one from a potential last-minute hurry due to possible technical glitches. Candidates can download their Admit Cards either in October or November and the examination is generally conducted in the last week of November or early December.
2. Which IIM will set CAT 2025 paper?
Setting the CAT paper for 2025 could be from one of the old IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, or IIM Lucknow. The result has always been from the IIMs. However, the announcement regarding the IIM form and the conducting campus is yet to be made. While the format, structure, and level of difficulty remain more or less consistent throughout, the final confirmation should await official notifications.
3. What is the official website of CAT 2025?
In summary, the website where you will go to take part in CAT 2025 is IIM CAT. It is the only official source of information regarding CAT notifications, registration, test updates, admit cards, and results. Candidates must be cautioned about bogus websites and misleading information from unofficial channels. It further shows how to fill the CAT form 2025, eligibility criteria, and exam guidelines.
4. How to fill CAT form 2025?
Filling out the CAT application form is a simple process. Candidates must visit the official website for the completion of the registration process using their email ID and mobile number. After login credentials are issued, filling in personal details with academic history and work experience details (if applicable) should be done. Uploading all necessary documents required for the CAT exam, which includes a passport-sized photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable), is mandatory. The next step is to choose preferred test cities and to pay for CAT exam form fees through various online methods like debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI. Before final submission, candidates are advised to check all details as providing incorrect information may lead to disqualification.
5. What is the CAT portion 2025?
The CAT structure 2025 will comprise three sections which are:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – Tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension skills, and logical reasoning.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – Deals with graphs, charts, and logical puzzles.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – Includes math subjects such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Each section is time-bound and candidates must complete the same within the stipulated duration. The difficulty level increases each year and can be mastered through consistent practice and mock testing.
6. Is a CAT held twice a year?
The Common Admission Test ‘CAT’ is conducted once a year. Unlike other competitive exams with multiple attempts, CAT is held annually, usually in November or December, followed by a final admission process concerning IIM interviews for shortlisted candidates from January to March. Should a student fail to secure the desired percentile, they must wait a year for the next attempt.
7. Who is eligible for MBA entrance exam 2025?
Each candidate’s eligibility for CAT 2025 will be determined based on his or her eligibility requirements. They must have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates and PwD) from any recognized university. Final-year students are also eligible to apply if they have their degree before the commencement of the admission process. There is no upper age limit for CAT candidates, which makes it even possible for working professionals to appear. Most eligibility criteria are uniform for other MBA entrance tests such as CAT, XAT, NMAT SNAP, etc.