The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a key entrance exam for MBA aspirants aiming to join top business schools like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other prestigious colleges in India. The registration for CAT 2025 is now open and will close on September 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM. This article provides all the essential details, including the direct link to apply, step-by-step instructions, and important information to ensure a smooth registration process.
Important Dates for CAT 2025
- Registration Start Date: August 1, 2025
- Registration Last Date: September 13, 2025 (5:00 PM)
- Form Correction Window: Expected in late September 2025 (likely September 23–30)
- Admit Card Release: November 5, 2025
- Exam Date: November 30, 2025
The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode in a computer-based test format across 170 cities in India in three sessions.
CAT 2025 Registration Fees
- General, OBC, EWS Candidates: ₹2,600
- SC, ST, PwD Candidates: ₹1,300
The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI. Make sure to complete the payment before the deadline to confirm your registration.
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
To apply for CAT 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) from a recognized university. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the minimum is 45% marks.
- Candidates with professional degrees like CA, CS, or ICWA are also eligible.
- Final-year students can apply, provided they submit proof of degree completion during admission.
- There is no age limit or limit on the number of attempts.
Documents Required for Registration
Prepare these documents before starting the registration process:
- Passport-size photograph (recent, not older than 6 months, dimensions: 35mm x 45mm, file size: up to 80KB, in JPG/JPEG format).
- Scanned signature (dimensions: 1000mm x 35mm, file size: up to 80KB, in JPG/JPEG format).
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or marksheet (or higher education, if applicable).
- Work experience certificate (if applicable, only full-time experience after graduation counts, calculated up to July 31, 2025).
- Caste/EWS/PwD certificate (if applicable).
Use a document scanner for clear uploads, as mobile-scanned images may not meet quality requirements.
Steps to Apply for CAT 2025
Follow these simple steps to complete your CAT 2025 registration on the official website, iimcat.ac.in:
Step 1: Create an Account
- Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on “New Candidate Registration”.
- Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
- Complete the CAPTCHA and click “Generate OTP”.
- Verify the OTP sent to your email and phone to receive your User ID and Password.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Log in using your User ID and Password under “Registered Candidate Login”.
- Fill in the following sections of the form:
- Personal Details: Name, date of birth, gender, nationality, etc.
- Academic Details: Class 10, 12, and graduation marks (convert CGPA to percentage as per your university’s guidelines).
- Work Experience: Enter full-time work details (if any) up to July 31, 2025. Mention any breaks in employment.
- Programmes: Select preferred IIMs and MBA programmes (you can choose “Select All” for all IIM programmes).
- Test Cities: Choose up to 6 test cities in order of preference.
- Upload the required documents (photo, signature, and certificates).
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
- Review all details carefully before proceeding to payment.
- Select your payment method (credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI).
- Complete the payment and save the confirmation receipt.
Step 4: Submit and Save
- Click “Save and Submit” to finalize your application.
- Download the confirmation page and take a printout for future reference.
Note: Double-check all details, as only limited changes (photo, signature, or test city) can be made during the correction window in late September.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Apply Early: Avoid last-minute technical issues by registering well before September 13, 2025.
- Use a Desktop/Laptop: The registration process is smoother on a computer than on a mobile device.
- Check Document Specifications: Ensure your photo and signature meet the size and format requirements.
- Save Progress: You can save and exit the form to complete it later, but don’t forget to submit before the deadline.
- Keep Credentials Safe: Store your User ID and Password securely for future logins (e.g., to download the admit card).
What Happens After Registration?
- A correction window will open in late September 2025 (tentatively September 23–30) for editing photo, signature, or test city preferences. Other details like name, date of birth, or academic records cannot be changed.
- The CAT 2025 admit card will be available for download from November 5, 2025, on the official website using your login credentials.
- The exam will be held on November 30, 2025, in three slots:
- Slot 1: 8:30 AM–10:30 AM
- Slot 2: 12:30 PM–2:30 PM
- Slot 3: 4:30 PM–6:30 PM
Why CAT 2025 is Important
CAT is one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance exams, accepted by 21 IIMs and over 1,300 other B-schools. Over 3.5 lakh candidates are expected to apply this year, making early registration and thorough preparation crucial for success.
For the latest updates, visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in. Don’t miss the deadline—apply now and take the first step toward your MBA dream!