CAT Exam Date 2025 (Nov 30): Schedule, Timings, Slots & Exam Pattern

CAT Exam Date 2025: Detailed Schedule and Timings

• Official Exam Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
• Conducting IIM: IIM Kozhikode
• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Sessions: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening
• Exam Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes

The CAT exam date 2025 is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and will be conducted in three shifts of 2 hours each. The registration process, which began on August 1 and ended on September 20, 2025, is now over. Nearly 3 lakh candidates are expected to have applied, and the official number of applicants will be announced soon by IIM Kozhikode, the conducting body this year.

The form correction window is expected to open shortly, allowing registered candidates to edit details like test city, photograph, and signature. With IIM Kozhikode hosting the exam, the difficulty level is anticipated to be moderate.

What is CAT Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programs. 

CAT is a speed-based aptitude test that evaluates candidates across three major sections

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

The difficulty level of the exam ranges from moderate to high, testing both accuracy and time management skills. Every year, over two lakh candidates appear for CAT. In CAT 2023 registrations reached a record high of 3.30 lakh, and in  CAT 2024 saw 3.29 lakh applicants. Candidates who clear the CAT exam become eligible for admission to more than 1300 MBA colleges in India in addition to the 21 IIM campuses.

CAT 2025 Exam Highlights

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India top MBA entrance exam. The table below is the key CAT 2025 highlights for quick reference

The table below represents the key events for the CAT Exam Date 2025. 

CAT Exam Date 2025: Exam Timings and Slot Details

Knowing the exact exam timings is crucial to ensure candidates reach the test centre on time. Below is the slot-wise schedule for CAT 2025.

Important Points to Remember:

• Candidates must reach the exam centre well before the reporting time to complete verification formalities.
• The last entry allowed is strictly enforced, so late arrivals will not be permitted.
• Each slot is 2 hours long, and the exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
• Always keep your admit card and valid ID proof ready before entering the exam hall.

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for CAT 2025 candidates must ensure they meet the CAT Eligibility criteria set by IIM Kozhikode. Meeting these criteria is mandatory to appear for the exam.

CAT Exam 2025 Registration Date and Process

With over 2.5 lakh applicants appearing each year CAT remains one of the most competitive management entrance exams in India. Early registration helps candidates secure their preferred test session and exam center and plan their preparation efficiently for the CAT Exam Date 2025 (30th November 2025).

How to Register for CAT 2025

Step 1: Visit the official website

Step 2: Click on New Registration

Step 3: Enter your personal details such as Name, Date of Birth, and Contact information

Step 4: Create an account by setting up your ID and password

Step 5: Fill in the application form with your academic and professional details

Step 6: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scanned signature

Step 7: Select your preferred test city and IIM for admission consideration

Step 8: Pay the application fee to submit your form successfully

Step 9: Keep a copy of the confirmation page and payment receipt for future reference

CAT Exam Date 2025: Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The CAT Exam Date 2025 helps you plan your preparation around the exam pattern and syllabus. Here is a detailed breakdown of sections, questions, and the marking scheme.

Key Points

• Negative Marking: -1 for incorrect MCQ. Non-MCQs have no negative marking.
• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Time Management: Each section is timed separately candidate cannot switch sections freely.

Syllabus Highlights

• VARC: Reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, grammar, vocabulary, para jumbles.
• DILR: Tables, charts, puzzles, logical sequences, caselets.
• QA: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, probability, permutation and combination.

CAT Exam Date 2025: Preparation Tips and Strategy

Since CAT is a speed-based test, preparation should align with the exam date, 30th November 2025.

Preparation Tips

• Start with section-wise basics before moving to advanced problems.
• Solve daily mocks and previous year papers to improve speed and accuracy.
• Focus on time management, aiming for 40–50% accuracy in the first mocks and improving gradually.
• Revise formulas, shortcuts, and key concepts regularly.

Suggested Strategy

• VARC: Daily reading and comprehension practice.
• DILR: Solve 2–3 sets of puzzles or tables daily.
• QA: Practice arithmetic and algebra regularly.