The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most prestigious MBA entrance exam, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). If you aim to join top B-schools like IIMs, FMS, or SPJIMR, CAT 2025 is your essential first step. Stay ahead by knowing the CAT exam date, registration schedule, and smart preparation techniques.

CAT 2025 Exam Date & Registration Timeline

The official CAT exam date 2025 is likely to be announced by July or August. The exam is typically held on the last Sunday of November.

• CAT 2025 registration date: Expected in the first week of August 2025
• CAT exam registration date 2025: August to mid-September 2025
• CAT 2025 registration last date: Mid-September 2025 (tentative)
• CAT exam date 2025: Likely November 30, 2025

Note: Late applications are not accepted. Be sure to register before the deadline.

What Is the CAT Exam?

The CAT exam is a computer-based aptitude test designed to evaluate candidates in three core areas:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)

Conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis, CAT is accepted by over 1,000 business schools across India for their MBA/PGDM programs.

Practice Makes Perfect: CAT Papers and Mock Tests

To excel in CAT, it’s crucial to practice using actual and mock test materials. We provide access to:

• CAT question paper formats from past years
• CAT previous year papers with solutions
• CAT last year paper for download and review
• CAT mock test series designed by experts

Why Practice with CAT Papers?

• Understand the exam’s difficulty and pattern
• Develop effective time management strategies
• Improve accuracy and question-solving speed

IIM Kozhikode: The CAT 2025 Conducting Body

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has been officially entrusted with the responsibility of conducting CAT 2025. Known for its academic excellence, innovation, and strong emphasis on diversity, IIM Kozhikode plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the exam for over 3 lakh aspirants across India.

About IIM Kozhikode

• Established in 1996 as the fifth IIM in India
• Consistently ranked among the Top 5 B-Schools in the country
• Renowned for flagship programs like MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral courses
• Located in the scenic state of Kerala, with a state-of-the-art campus

IIM Kozhikode and CAT 2025

As the organizing institute, IIM Kozhikode is responsible for:

• Designing and managing the CAT 2025 exam pattern and structure
• Overseeing registration, admit card release, and test-day guidelines
• Ensuring fair and transparent conduct of the exam across all test centers
• Publishing the official CAT 2025 results and scorecards

For the latest updates, notifications, and official announcements, visit the CAT 2025 official website.

IIM Ahmedabad

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), established in 1961, is India’s most prestigious B-school and consistently ranked among the best management institutes in Asia. It has played a vital role in shaping management education in India.

About IIM Ahmedabad

• Established in 1961 as the second IIM in India
• Globally recognized for its Post Graduate Programme (PGP) and case-based pedagogy
• Ranked #1 in NIRF Management Rankings multiple times
• Located in Gujarat with a world-class heritage campus and a new campus

IIM Ahmedabad and CAT

IIM Ahmedabad has conducted the CAT exam in the past and continues to play a crucial role in standardizing the admission process for all IIMs.

• Has been the conducting body of CAT in multiple years
• Ensures academic excellence and transparency in admissions
• Adopts a highly rigorous shortlisting process for CAT aspirants

IIM Bangalore

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), founded in 1973, is one of the top management schools in India, well-known for academic excellence and research contributions.

About IIM Bangalore

• Established in 1973 as the third IIM in India
• Ranked consistently among the Top 3 B-Schools in India
• Flagship programs include PGP, Executive MBA, and doctoral studies
• Located in Karnataka with a lush green campus

IIM Bangalore and CAT

IIM Bangalore has served as the CAT conducting body and contributes to making CAT aspirant-friendly while ensuring rigor.

• Has organized CAT exam in several cycles
• Manages test-day policies and score normalization
• Implements a holistic shortlisting process based on CAT performance

IIM Calcutta

The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC), established in 1961, is India’s first IIM and is recognized as an “Institute of National Importance.” It is renowned globally for finance and quantitative research.

About IIM Calcutta

• Established in 1961 as the first IIM in India
• Globally acclaimed for excellence in finance and analytics
• Ranked among the top IIMs consistently
• Located in West Bengal with a scenic campus in Joka, Kolkata

IIM Calcutta and CAT

IIM Calcutta has been a CAT conducting body and continues to play a major role in maintaining exam standards.

• Has conducted CAT in various years with smooth execution
• Ensures fair score distribution and result publication
• Particularly renowned for finance aspirants through CAT admissions

IIM Lucknow

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML), founded in 1984, is among the top five IIMs and has mentored many of the newer IIMs. It holds a strong reputation for leadership and social impact.

About IIM Lucknow

• Established in 1984 as the fourth IIM in India
• Ranked among the Top 5 B-Schools consistently
• Known for programs in PGP, Agribusiness, and Executive MBA
• Located in Uttar Pradesh with an additional Noida campus

IIM Lucknow and CAT

IIM Lucknow has conducted CAT and actively contributes to ensuring fair admissions across IIMs.

• Conducted CAT 2017 successfully
• Oversees exam structure and question framework
• Ensures diversity and inclusion in CAT admissions

IIM Indore

The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI), founded in 1996, has quickly risen to become one of the leading B-schools in India, especially known for its innovative five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM).

About IIM Indore

• Established in 1996 as the sixth IIM in India
• Ranked among the Top 7 IIMs
• Offers flagship MBA, IPM, and Executive MBA programs
• Located in Madhya Pradesh with modern infrastructure

IIM Indore and CAT

IIM Indore has conducted CAT in the past and plays an active role in admissions.

• Conducted CAT 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic successfully
• Designed exam-day safety and guidelines for aspirants
• Ensures smooth conduct and result declaration of CAT

IIM Shillong

The Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIMS), established in 2007, is the seventh IIM in India and the only one located in the North-East. Known for its focus on sustainability, ethics, and inclusivity, IIM Shillong has earned a distinct identity among B-schools.

About IIM Shillong

• Established in 2007 as the seventh IIM in India
• Known for its emphasis on sustainability and green management
• Offers MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs
• Located in Meghalaya with a serene and eco-friendly campus

IIM Shillong and CAT

IIM Shillong participates in CAT admissions to select candidates for its programs while ensuring regional and national diversity.

• Accepts CAT scores for flagship MBA admissions
• Has contributed to making CAT more inclusive for North-East candidates
• Known for a holistic shortlisting process beyond academics

IIM Rohtak

The Indian Institute of Management Rohtak (IIMR), founded in 2009, is the first IIM in North India after IIM Lucknow. It has quickly gained reputation for academic rigor and for introducing specialized programs like the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM).

About IIM Rohtak

• Established in 2009 as the eighth IIM in India
• Among the fastest-growing IIMs with innovative courses
• Offers flagship MBA, IPM, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs
• Located in Haryana, near Delhi NCR

IIM Rohtak and CAT

IIM Rohtak admits students through CAT for its PGP program and plays a role in upholding the exam’s transparency.

• Uses CAT as the primary gateway for MBA admissions
• Encourages women’s participation in management education via CAT
• Known for increasing CAT seat intake in North India

IIM Ranchi

The Indian Institute of Management Ranchi (IIMRanchi), founded in 2009, has built a reputation for its programs in Human Resource Management and Business Analytics. It is considered one of the top new-generation IIMs.

About IIM Ranchi

• Established in 2009 as the ninth IIM in India
• Specializes in Human Resource Management (HRM) and Business Analytics
• Offers MBA, MBA-HRM, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs
• Located in Jharkhand with a centrally accessible campus

IIM Ranchi and CAT

IIM Ranchi accepts CAT scores for all its programs and ensures fair admissions for aspirants across the country.

• Uses CAT as the main selection exam for MBA and MBA-HRM
• Ensures inclusivity by shortlisting candidates from diverse backgrounds
• Actively contributes to the common CAT admission process

IIM Raipur

The Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIMRaipur), established in 2010, is one of the prominent newer IIMs. It has quickly risen in the rankings with its strong industry connect and emphasis on innovation.

About IIM Raipur

• Established in 2010 as the tenth IIM in India
• Ranked among the top emerging B-schools
• Offers flagship MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs
• Located in Chhattisgarh with a modern campus

IIM Raipur and CAT

IIM Raipur admits candidates through CAT and ensures an impartial admission process.

• Uses CAT scores for MBA shortlisting
• Ensures smooth integration with the Common Admission Process (CAP)
• Has strengthened CAT’s reach in Central India

IIM Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)

The Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy), founded in 2011, is one of the most reputed new IIMs in South India. It has established itself as a center for quality management education and research.

About IIM Trichy

• Established in 2011 as the eleventh IIM in India
• Known for its flagship PGP and Executive MBA programs
• Ranked consistently among the top 15 management institutes
• Located in Tamil Nadu with a sprawling permanent campus

IIM Trichy and CAT

IIM Trichy accepts CAT scores for MBA admissions and contributes to ensuring CAT’s credibility in Southern India.

• Uses CAT as the sole entrance exam for its MBA programs
• Part of the CAP process for shortlisting candidates
• Known for high transparency in CAT-based admissions

IIM Udaipur

The Indian Institute of Management Udaipur (IIMU), established in 2011, is one of the fastest-rising new IIMs. It is globally recognized for its focus on entrepreneurship, analytics, and international collaborations.

About IIM Udaipur

• Established in 2011 as the twelfth IIM in India
• Ranked among the Top 15 management institutes by NIRF
• Special emphasis on research, entrepreneurship, and analytics
• Located in Rajasthan with a scenic 300-acre campus

IIM Udaipur and CAT

IIM Udaipur admits students exclusively through CAT and plays a role in the Common Admission Process (CAP) for newer IIMs.

• Uses CAT for shortlisting candidates for its MBA programs
• Part of the CAP conducted for multiple new IIMs
• Known for high standards of transparency in CAT-based admissions

IIM Kashipur

The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur (IIM Kashipur), founded in 2011, has emerged as a promising B-school with strong focus on industry connect, rural immersion, and leadership development.

About IIM Kashipur

• Established in 2011 as the thirteenth IIM in India
• Known for its rural and social development initiatives
• Offers MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs
• Located in Uttarakhand, near the foothills of the Himalayas

IIM Kashipur and CAT

IIM Kashipur admits students through CAT and is part of the CAP process for new IIMs.

• CAT is the primary entrance exam for its MBA programs
• Shortlists candidates through CAP alongside other new IIMs
• Ensures inclusivity and diversity in admissions via CAT

IIM Nagpur

The Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIMN), established in 2015, is one of the newer IIMs mentored by IIM Ahmedabad. It focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills.

About IIM Nagpur

• Established in 2015 as the fourteenth IIM in India
• Mentored initially by IIM Ahmedabad
• Offers MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs
• Located in Maharashtra with a modern permanent campus

IIM Nagpur and CAT

IIM Nagpur admits students through CAT and is part of the CAP process for shortlisting.

• CAT serves as the exclusive admission test for MBA programs
• Integrated with the CAP for admission finalization
• Helps strengthen CAT’s presence in Central India

IIM Visakhapatnam

The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIMV), established in 2015, is among the fastest-developing IIMs in South India, mentored initially by IIM Bangalore.

About IIM Visakhapatnam

• Established in 2015 as the fifteenth IIM in India
• Mentored by IIM Bangalore during its early years
• Offers MBA, Executive MBA, and Ph.D. programs
• Located in Andhra Pradesh with a new world-class campus

IIM Visakhapatnam and CAT

IIM Visakhapatnam admits students via CAT and follows the CAP process to finalize admissions.

• CAT is the mandatory entrance test for MBA aspirants
• Follows CAP counseling for new IIMs
• Expands CAT’s reach across South India

IIM Bodh Gaya

The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya (IIMBG), founded in 2015, is mentored by IIM Calcutta and is among the rising IIMs with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and holistic development.

About IIM Bodh Gaya

• Established in 2015 as the sixteenth IIM in India
• Mentored initially by IIM Calcutta
• Offers MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral courses
• Located in Bihar, near the historic town of Bodh Gaya

IIM Bodh Gaya and CAT

IIM Bodh Gaya admits students solely through CAT and participates in the CAP admission process.

• Relies on CAT for its MBA admissions
• Conducts shortlisting as part of CAP
• Provides opportunities for students from Eastern India via CAT

IIM Amritsar

The Indian Institute of Management Amritsar (IIM Amritsar), established in 2015, is the 15th IIM of India and mentored by IIM Kozhikode in its initial years. It is rapidly gaining recognition for its academic standards and placement records.

About IIM Amritsar

• Established in 2015 as the 15th IIM in India
• Mentored initially by IIM Kozhikode
• Offers MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs
• Located in Punjab, in the holy city of Amritsar

IIM Amritsar and CAT

IIM Amritsar admits candidates through CAT and follows the Common Admission Process (CAP) for final selections.

• Accepts CAT scores as the sole MBA admission test
• Part of the CAP process for new IIMs
• Strengthens CAT’s presence in Northern India

IIM Sambalpur

The Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur (IIM Sambalpur), founded in 2015, is mentored by IIM Indore and is known for its strong focus on innovation and digital learning.

About IIM Sambalpur

• Established in 2015 as the 16th IIM in India
• Mentored by IIM Indore in its early years
• Known for innovative practices like flipped classroom pedagogy
• Located in Odisha with a newly developed permanent campus

IIM Sambalpur and CAT

IIM Sambalpur participates in CAT for MBA admissions and plays an important role in expanding CAT’s footprint in Eastern India.

• Relies exclusively on CAT for its MBA admissions
• Part of CAP conducted for new IIMs
• Known for transparent and inclusive CAT admissions

IIM Sirmaur

The Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur (IIMSirmaur), established in 2015, is one of the youngest IIMs and was mentored by IIM Lucknow during its formative years. It is emerging as a hub for management education in the Himalayas.

About IIM Sirmaur

• Established in 2015 as the 17th IIM in India
• Mentored initially by IIM Lucknow
• Offers MBA and doctoral programs
• Located in Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by the Himalayan ranges

IIM Sirmaur and CAT

IIM Sirmaur admits students through CAT and participates in the CAP admission process.

• CAT is the primary gateway for MBA aspirants
• Part of the CAP shortlisting system
• Expands CAT accessibility in Himachal and Northern India

IIM Jammu

The Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu), established in 2016, is the newest of the 20 IIMs. Mentored initially by IIM Lucknow, it is steadily growing into a prominent B-school in Northern India.

About IIM Jammu

• Established in 2016 as the 20th IIM in India
• Mentored initially by IIM Lucknow
• Offers MBA and Ph.D. programs
• Located in Jammu & Kashmir with a permanent campus under development

IIM Jammu and CAT

IIM Jammu admits candidates through CAT and plays a significant role in expanding CAT’s reach in the Union Territory.

• CAT is the sole test for MBA admissions
• Part of CAP with other new IIMs
• Ensures diversity and opportunity for students in the region

Benefits of Preparing Early for CAT 2025

• Better clarity on concepts and topics
• Improved performance through regular mock drills
• Balanced prep with academic and work commitments