IIM CAT 2025 Notification Released: Exam Dates, Registration Details, and Key Insights for Aspiring MBAs

Why This Is Trending

The release of the CAT 2025 notification by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode on July 27, 2025, has ignited a wave of excitement and anticipation among MBA aspirants across India. This annual announcement marks a pivotal moment for over 3 lakh candidates vying for a seat in the prestigious IIMs and other top-tier business schools. Social media platforms, particularly X, are buzzing with posts from coaching institutes, aspirants, and education influencers, amplifying the urgency of the registration window opening on August 1, 2025. The notification’s timing, combined with the rising competition for MBA admissions, has fueled its trending status on Google, with search interest spiking as candidates scramble for details on exam dates, eligibility, and preparation strategies.

Summary: The CAT 2025 notification sparks excitement as IIM Kozhikode sets the exam for Nov 30. Curious about registration and fees? Read on!

IIM CAT 2025 Notification Released: Exam Dates, Registration Details, and Key Insights for Aspiring MBAs

Image Source: x. IIM CAT 2025 Notification Released.

Recent Developments

On July 27, 2025, IIM Kozhikode officially released the CAT 2025 notification, confirming that the Common Admission Test (CAT) will be held on November 30, 2025, in a computer-based format across three sessions. The registration window opens on August 1, 2025, and closes on September 13, 2025, giving candidates just six weeks to complete their applications online at iimcat.ac.in. The announcement, published in major newspapers and shared widely on platforms like X, has set the stage for one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance exams.

This year’s exam will be conducted in 170+ test cities across India, offering candidates the flexibility to choose up to five preferred cities. The registration fee remains a focal point: ₹2,600 for general category candidates and ₹1,300 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, payable via online methods like credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI. Admit cards will be available for download from November 5 to November 30, 2025, with results expected in the first week of January 2026. These updates have heightened anticipation, as aspirants gear up for a rigorous preparation phase.

Background & Biography

The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted annually by the IIMs, is India’s premier entrance exam for postgraduate management programs, including MBAs and fellow/doctorate courses at the 21 IIMs and over 100 other B-schools nationwide. Established in 1950, the IIMs are globally recognized for producing business leaders who drive India’s economy. IIM Kozhikode, the organizing institute for CAT 2025, is renowned for its academic excellence and innovative management programs. Under the leadership of Prof. Ram Kumar P.N., the CAT 2025 convenor, the institute aims to ensure a seamless and fair testing process.

Last year, CAT 2024 saw a record-breaking 3.29 lakh registrations, with 2.82 lakh candidates appearing for the exam. The competitive nature of the test, coupled with its high stakes, makes the CAT notification a critical milestone for aspirants dreaming of a transformative career in management. For many, securing a high percentile is not just about academics—it’s about achieving financial stability, professional growth, and personal pride.

Social Media Reaction

The announcement has sparked a frenzy on X, with hashtags like #CAT2025 and #IIMCAT trending as aspirants and coaching institutes share updates. Posts from accounts like @TimesNowCareers and @careers360 highlight the exam date and registration timeline, urging candidates to act swiftly. One X user, a 24-year-old engineering graduate from Delhi, shared, “CAT 2025 is my shot at IIM Ahmedabad. The grind starts now!” Meanwhile, coaching institutes are posting preparation tips and mock test schedules, amplifying the buzz. However, some users expressed concerns about the short registration window, with one writing, “Six weeks to apply? That’s intense!” These reactions reflect the mix of excitement and pressure surrounding the exam.

Public Sentiment

The public’s response to the CAT 2025 notification is a blend of ambition and anxiety. For many aspirants, particularly those from small towns or underrepresented communities, the exam represents a gateway to elite institutions and high-paying careers. Stories of past toppers, like the 14 candidates who scored a perfect 100 percentile in CAT 2024, inspire hope but also underscore the fierce competition. On X, a female aspirant from Chennai shared, “As a first-generation graduate, CAT is my chance to change my family’s future.” Yet, the high registration fees and intense preparation demands have drawn criticism from some, who argue that the process favors urban, well-resourced candidates. Despite these challenges, the overarching sentiment is one of determination, with candidates rallying to conquer the VARC, DILR, and QA sections.

What Experts Are Saying

Education experts and CAT coaches emphasize the importance of strategic preparation. Arun Sharma, a renowned CAT preparation author, advises, “Break down the syllabus into manageable sections and focus on past papers to understand question patterns.” Analysts note that CAT 2024 was slightly easier than previous years, raising expectations of a higher cutoff for 2025. IMS India, a leading coaching institute, predicts that top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta will require 98+ percentiles for admission, with sectional cutoffs between 85–95 percentiles. They recommend prioritizing Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), as it often determines overall performance due to its variability. Experts also urge candidates to leverage mock tests and stay updated via iimcat.ac.in for last-minute changes.

Key Details of CAT 2025

Exam Date: November 30, 2025, in three sessions (computer-based test).
Registration Period: August 1 to September 13, 2025, via iimcat.ac.in.
Fees: ₹2,600 (General), ₹1,300 (SC/ST/PwD).
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or final-year students.
Admit Card: Downloadable from November 5 to November 30, 2025.
Result Date: Expected first week of January 2026.
Test Centers: Approximately 170 cities, with candidates selecting five preferred locations.

The application process requires uploading documents like Class 10/12 mark sheets, graduation certificates, work experience proof (if applicable), and category certificates for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Final-year students must submit an institutional certificate. Payment must be completed online during registration to avoid disqualification.

Emotional Stakes for Aspirants

For many, CAT is more than an exam—it’s a life-changing opportunity. Take Ravi Kumar, a 26-year-old from Patna, who left his job to prepare full-time for CAT 2025. “My family has sacrificed so much for my education. A seat at an IIM would mean everything,” he shared in a recent interview. Similarly, Priya Sharma, a single mother from Mumbai, sees CAT as her path to financial independence: “I want to set an example for my daughter.” These stories highlight the emotional weight of the exam, where success can redefine futures but failure carries the sting of delayed dreams. The CAT 2025 notification has thus become a beacon of hope and a call to action for thousands.

Preparation Tips for Success

To excel in CAT 2025, experts recommend a disciplined approach:

Analyze Past Papers: Understand question types and difficulty trends.
Focus on Weak Areas: Strengthen DILR and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), as these sections often challenge candidates.
Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to build speed and accuracy.
Time Management: Allocate 40 minutes per section during practice to mirror the exam’s 120-minute format.
Stay Updated: Regularly check iimcat.ac.in for notifications and mock test links.

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FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

1. When is the CAT 2025 exam date?

The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, in three sessions.

2. How can I register for CAT 2025?

Register online at iimcat.ac.in from August 1 to September 13, 2025. Upload required documents and pay the fee online.

3. What is the registration fee for CAT 2025?

The fee is ₹2,600 for general category candidates and ₹1,300 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, payable via online methods.

4. Who is eligible for CAT 2025?

Candidates need a bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or must be in their final year. Professional degrees like CA/CS/ICWA are also eligible.

5. When will CAT 2025 results be announced?

Results are expected in the first week of January 2026, downloadable from iimcat.ac.in.

6. How many test centers are available for CAT 2025?

The exam will be conducted in 170+ cities, with candidates selecting up to five preferred cities.

7. What documents are required for CAT 2025 registration?

You need Class 10/12 mark sheets, graduation certificates, work experience proof (if applicable), a photo ID, photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable).

8. How competitive is CAT 2025?

With over 3 lakh candidates expected to register, CAT 2025 is highly competitive. Top IIMs require 98+ percentiles for admission.

Closing: What’s Next for CAT 2025 Aspirants

The CAT 2025 notification has set the stage for a high-stakes journey for MBA aspirants. With registration opening on August 1, 2025, and the exam looming on November 30, 2025, candidates must act swiftly to secure their spot. Public interest remains sky-high, fueled by dreams of joining elite institutions like IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore. Keep an eye on iimcat.ac.in for updates, and start your preparation now to stand out in this competitive race. What’s your next step—mock tests or syllabus review? The clock is ticking!