IIM Kozhikode Releases CAT 2025 Notification: Registration Opens August 1

The path to India’s premier management programs is officially open. The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) released the much-anticipated CAT 2025 notification on July 27, 2025. This national-level Common Admission Test serves as the critical gateway for admission to MBA, PGDM, and other management courses across all 21 IIMs and over 1,000 top B-schools nationwide. Aspiring candidates can register online starting August 1, 2025, with the deadline tentatively set for September 13, 2025. The CAT 2025 exam itself is scheduled for November 30, 2025, conducted in three shifts across India.

CAT 2025 Exam Overview

The computer-based CAT exam rigorously assesses candidates across three core sections within a strict 2-hour timeframe:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Evaluates language skills and critical understanding.
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Tests analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Quantitative Ability (QA): Measures numerical and mathematical proficiency.
  The test typically features around 66 questions. Negative marking applies only to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Admit cards will be available for download around October 25, 2025, via the official portal iimcat.ac.in. Results are expected by late December 2025 or early January 2026.

Critical Dates for CAT 2025

Prospective test-takers must mark these essential deadlines:

• Notification Release: July 27, 2025
• Registration Opens: August 1, 2025
• Registration Closes: September 13, 2025 (Tentative)
• Admit Card Availability: October 25, 2025
• Exam Date: November 30, 2025
• Answer Key Release: First week of December 2025
• Result Declaration: Late December 2025 / January 2026

Registration Process Simplified

Registration for CAT 2025 is exclusively online:

1. Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click “New Registration” and provide basic details (Name, Mobile, Email) to generate login credentials.
3. Log in using the received User ID and Password.
4. Fill the detailed application form with academic, work experience (if any), and program preferences.
5. Select preferred test cities.
6. Upload scanned documents: photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
7. Pay the application fee online: ₹2,600 (General/OBC/EWS) or ₹1,300 (SC/ST/PwD).
8. Submit the form and download/save the confirmation page and payment receipt.
   IIM Kozhikode advises candidates to complete registration well before the deadline. A brief correction window may open post-registration closure for minor edits.

Strategic Preparation Tips

Success in CAT demands more than just knowledge; it requires smart strategy:

• Master the Syllabus & Pattern: Thoroughly understand section-wise weightage, question types (MCQs vs. Non-MCQs), and time allocation per section based on previous years’ papers.
• Prioritize Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length, simulated mock exams under timed conditions. Analyze performance meticulously to identify weak areas and improve speed and accuracy.
• Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Build strong fundamentals in quantitative concepts, logical reasoning frameworks, and grammar rules. Avoid rote learning.
• Time Management is Key: Practice dividing the strict 40 minutes per section effectively. Develop shortcuts for lengthy calculations.
• Maintain Consistency & Well-being: Dedicate daily study hours, take short breaks, and prioritize mental and physical health to sustain focus.

Securing a top percentile in CAT 2025 hinges on disciplined preparation, strategic time management, and unwavering self-belief. Register before September 13, leverage authentic resources like the official IIM CAT website, integrate consistent mock tests into your routine, and approach the November 30 exam with confidence. Your journey to an IIM begins now – start strong.

Must Know

What is the official website for CAT 2025 registration?

The sole official website for CAT 2025 registration, fee payment, admit card download, and accessing notifications is iimcat.ac.in. IIM Kozhikode, the conducting body for 2025, will host all critical updates and candidate communications here. Beware of unofficial portals and always verify information through this authenticated source.

What is the application fee for CAT 2025?

The CAT 2025 application fee is ₹2,600 for candidates belonging to General, OBC, and EWS categories. For candidates from SC, ST, and PwD categories, the fee is reduced to ₹1,300. Payment must be made online using credit/debit cards or net banking during the registration process on iimcat.ac.in.

Can I choose my CAT exam city?

Yes, candidates can select their preferred exam cities during the CAT 2025 registration process. The application form allows listing multiple city choices in order of preference. IIM Kozhikode endeavors to allot one of the preferred cities based on availability and capacity. The exact test center details will be specified on the admit card released in October.

Is work experience mandatory for CAT 2025?

No, work experience is not mandatory to appear for CAT 2025 or apply to IIMs. Fresh graduates and final-year undergraduate students are fully eligible to take the exam. While some IIMs may assign nominal weightage to work experience during their individual selection processes post-CAT, it is not a criterion for registering or taking the test itself.

How should I prepare for the CAT DILR section?

Excelling in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section requires consistent practice with diverse puzzle types (seating, arrangements, sequencing) and data sets (charts, graphs, tables). Focus on developing quick interpretation skills and identifying logical patterns. Solve previous years’ CAT papers and dedicated DILR practice sets daily. Time management is crucial; aim for accuracy without getting stuck on single puzzles.

When will CAT 2025 admit cards be released?

The CAT 2025 admit cards are scheduled for release around October 25, 2025. Candidates who successfully complete their registration will be able to download their hall tickets from the official website iimcat.ac.in using their login credentials. The admit card will contain essential details like exam date, shift, time, and allocated test center address.