CAT 2025 Registration LIVE: Apply by Sep 13 – Exam Date, Syllabus, Cut-Off

The CAT 2025 registration window opened on August 1, 2025, at iimcat.ac.in. However, it will close on September 13, 2025, at 5 PM, so aspirants should not wait until the last day. Every year, more than 3 lakh candidates apply for CAT, and this number is expected to rise again in 2025.

Because the exam is highly competitive, applying early ensures that students get their preferred test city. In addition, early registration reduces the chance of last-minute errors. Therefore, aspirants should complete the process as soon as possible rather than delaying.

Key CAT 2025 Registration and Exam Dates

The official notification by IIM Kozhikode has given a detailed schedule. Therefore, students should carefully note the following dates:

*The result date is tentative, but it usually falls in the first week of January.

As we can see, the exam timeline is short. Moreover, missing the registration deadline means waiting another year. Hence, students must act quickly.

Application Fee & Documents Required

The registration process requires both payment and document upload.

• Application Fee:

  • General, OBC, EWS: ₹2,600

  • SC, ST, PwD: ₹1,300

• Documents Needed:

  • Recent passport-size photograph

  • Signature (scanned)

  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

  • Graduation mark sheet or degree certificate

  • Category/PwD certificate (if applicable)

  • Work experience proof (if applicable)

Since the application is online-only, students must upload documents in the correct format. Otherwise, the form may get rejected. Furthermore, keeping documents ready in advance saves time and avoids stress later.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The CAT exam is computer-based and has three sections. Each section carries equal weight. Students get 120 minutes in total, with 40 minutes per section.

• Question Types: Multiple Choice (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA).

• Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, -1 for wrong MCQs, and no negative marks for TITA.

The syllabus mainly covers reading comprehension, grammar, logical puzzles, data tables, graphs, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.

Because CAT tests both speed and accuracy, students should practice solving past papers under timed conditions. Moreover, regular mock tests build confidence and reduce exam-day pressure.

How to Register for CAT 2025

The process is simple but must be done carefully. Therefore, follow these steps:

1. Visit iimcat.ac.in

2. Click on “New Candidate Registration”

3. Enter name, date of birth, email, and mobile number

4. Verify details with OTP

5. Log in and complete personal, academic, and work experience details

6. Select up to 6 test cities as preferences

7. Upload documents in the required format

8. Pay the fee through debit card, credit card, or net banking

9. Download and save the confirmation page

Additionally, IIM will open a correction window after registration closes. During this time, students can change photo, signature, or test city preferences. Thus, small mistakes can be fixed easily.

Who Can Apply for CAT 2025?

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, PwD).

• Students in their final year can also apply but must provide proof of graduation later.

• There is no age limit, so working professionals are also eligible.

As a result, both fresh graduates and experienced candidates can appear for the exam. Moreover, this wide eligibility makes CAT one of the most popular MBA entrance tests.

CAT 2025 Cut-Off Expectations

Although cut-offs change every year, top IIMs usually demand a very high percentile.

Therefore, students need both strong sectional scores and an overall high percentile to get calls from top IIMs. Furthermore, other B-schools also use CAT scores for admission, which makes the exam even more valuable.

What Happens After CAT 2025 Registration?

Once the registration closes:

• Admit cards will be released on November 5, 2025.

• Students must appear for the exam on November 30, 2025, across 170+ cities.

• There will be three slots on exam day: morning, afternoon, and evening.

• Results are expected in early January 2026, followed by the selection process (WAT, PI, GD).

Because the selection process is tough, students must prepare not just for CAT but also for interviews. Moreover, good communication and current affairs knowledge will help in later rounds.

Why This News Matters for Students

The CAT exam is the gateway to 21 IIMs and more than 1,000 B-schools in India. In 2024, nearly 3.3 lakh aspirants applied, and a similar or higher number is expected this year.

Therefore, registering on time is the first step towards an MBA dream. Moreover, knowing the exam dates, syllabus, and cut-off trends helps in planning better. As a result, students can prepare in a more structured way.

In short, CAT 2025 is one of the most important exams for students who want to pursue an MBA. Since the registration window will close soon, students must apply without delay. Additionally, they should start preparing with focus because high scores will open the doors to India’s best management colleges. Therefore, applying early and preparing well will give aspirants the best chance to succeed.