Preparing for India's most competitive MBA entrance test begins with timely CAT registration. Every year, thousands of aspirants complete their CAT registration to secure admission to top IIMs and B-schools. It's crucial to understand the process, from eligibility to document submission, to avoid errors. With the CAT exam date expected around the end of November 2025, early preparation gives you an edge. Staying updated on the official CAT exam date and related deadlines helps in planning your strategy effectively. From the moment the registration window opens, every decision you make should align with your preparation timeline.

CAT registration 2025 notification on screen

CAT Registration 2025 Release Date

The official process for CAT registration 2025 is expected to begin with a formal announcement by IIM Kozhikode on July 30, 2025 (tentative). This announcement marks the beginning of the national-level entrance cycle for admission to the IIMs and other top B-schools. The notification generally appears in major newspapers and on the official website, confirming the CAT exam date, application window, eligibility, and exam structure.

As soon as the announcement is made, aspirants can begin preparing their documents and plan their application timeline accordingly. It's crucial to stay updated during this phase to ensure you don’t miss any key milestone.

CAT Official PDF Download

The detailed notification will be published in a downloadable CAT registration 2025 PDF on the official website — iimcat.ac.in. This PDF serves as the master guide for all candidates, listing crucial components like:

Eligibility criteria
Reservation policies
List of participating institutes
Exam fee structure
Complete schedule
Guidelines for filling the online application form
The officially declared CAT exam date

Candidates are advised to download and save this PDF as a reference throughout their preparation and application process. It’s also helpful to print a copy for offline review.

CAT Exam Date 2025 & Timeline

The CAT exam date for 2025 is tentatively set for Sunday, November 30, 2025. This is in line with the exam's traditional schedule of being held on the last Sunday of November. The exam is likely to be conducted in three slots (morning, afternoon, evening), and slot timings will be confirmed in the admit card.

Understanding the timeline helps you structure your preparation, build a realistic study calendar, and align your revision strategy. There is no official change in pattern or schedule announced yet, but it’s advisable to monitor the official website closely for any updates or announcements related to changes in the exam structure, slot allocation, or city list.

Read: How to Crack CAT in 6 Months: Ultimate CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy

CAT Registration Start & End Dates

The CAT registration window will tentatively open on August 2, 2025, and remain live until September 21, 2025. These dates offer a window of approximately 7 weeks for all candidates to complete the online application process.

Key tips for this period:

Avoid waiting until the last few days to register. Servers often face high traffic and technical issues near the deadline.
Keep all required documents ready in advance — academic records, photograph, signature, category certificates (if applicable), etc.
Cross-check details before final submission to avoid issues during the correction window.

The confirmation page generated post-submission should be downloaded and saved safely — it may be needed during admission interviews or document verification.

Reference: CAT Form Filling 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Apply for CAT 2025

Step-by-Step Process:

Visit iimcat.ac.in
Click “New Registration”
Create user ID and password
Enter academic & personal details
Upload photo, signature & certificates
Pay the application fee
Download and save the confirmation page

Tip: How to Get Into IIM Ahmedabad: Selection Criteria & CAT Cutoff

CAT Application Correction

Correction window: September 25–28, 2025 (tentative)
Changes allowed:

Photo & signature
Test city preference
Category (with valid proof)

Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025

Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Final-year students are eligible
No upper age limit

Learn More: MBA in HR Salary in India 2025 – Career Guide

CAT Syllabus PDF & Pattern

The structure of the CAT exam is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude across three key domains. Understanding the syllabus in detail is crucial for strategic preparation after completing your CAT registration.

Key Sections:

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension):
- This section tests reading comprehension, grammar, sentence completion, and para jumbles.
- Expect 4–5 long RC passages and a mix of verbal logic questions.
- Focus on reading speed, vocabulary, and inference skills.
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning):
- Questions are often presented in sets involving bar graphs, pie charts, tables, puzzles, or seating arrangements.
- Logical reasoning problems include condition-based scenarios, grouping, sequencing, and binary logic.
- Accuracy and time management are key here.
QA (Quantitative Aptitude):
- This section includes arithmetic, algebra, number systems, geometry, and modern math.
- Most questions are based on Class 10–12 concepts but require higher-order thinking.
- Concept clarity and shortcuts can significantly improve your performance.

The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in a computer-based format. Each section will be timed (40 minutes per section), with a total duration of 120 minutes. The official CAT exam date will determine your timeline to finish learning and revise this syllabus. You can download the syllabus PDF from iimcat.ac.in or coaching portals for a comprehensive topic list.

Explore More: Top MBA Colleges for Business Analytics in India 2025 – Fees, Placements & CAT Admission Guide

Admit Card Download Guide

Admit card available from November 10, 2025

To download:

Log in at iimcat.ac.in
Go to “Download Admit Card”
Print and verify all details

CAT 2025 Dates Summary

Event	Date (Expected)
CAT Registration Opens	August 2, 2025
Last Date to Apply	September 21, 2025
Correction Window	September 25–28, 2025
Admit Card Release	November 10, 2025
CAT Exam Date	November 30, 2025

CAT Registration 2025 vs Past Years

The format stays largely consistent, but changes to expect:

More test cities
Improved correction window
Slight adjustments in dates

Context: IIM Ahmedabad's Global Ranking & Salary Insights

6-Month Preparation Plan

If you're starting now, six months is sufficient to crack the exam with focus and consistency. Your plan should align with the time remaining after CAT registration closes and lead up to the final mock test week before the CAT exam date.

Month-Wise Breakdown:

Months 1–3: Foundation Building
- Strengthen basic concepts in QA, especially arithmetic and algebra.
- Develop a daily reading habit to boost VARC performance.
- Practice DILR sets regularly using sectional topic tests.
- Solve level-wise questions to move from easy to medium difficulty.
Month 4: Intermediate Practice
- Start solving full-length sectional tests and analyze mistakes.
- Work on improving speed and accuracy with time-bound practice.
- Identify weak topics and revise them twice a week.
Months 5–6: Final Sprint
- Take 2–3 full-length mock tests per week under actual test conditions.
- Evaluate your mock test scores and work on recurring errors.
- Finalize your test-day strategy: slot timing, question selection, and stress control.

Consistency and a structured revision routine can significantly improve your score. Remember, mock test analysis is just as important as taking the test.

Conclusion

The journey to a top MBA college begins with timely and accurate CAT registration. Keeping track of every update related to the CAT exam date ensures you never miss a crucial deadline. Start your preparation early to make the most of the available time. Complete the CAT registration process well before the portal closes. Stay focused, stay informed, and aim for success on the upcoming CAT exam date.