CAT 2025: Admit Card (Released), Exam Date, Preparation, Previous Year Papers, Syllabus, Mock Test and IIMCAT Cutoff

Ans. No, the CAT exam is conducted only once a year, which is typically held on the last Sunday of November, with 3 computer-based test slots in a single day.

The CAT is conducted by one of 21 IIMs on a rotational basis.

The CAT 2025 is being conducted by IIM Kozhikode on 30 November 2025 in 3 slots.

Ans. The CAT does not have a limit on the number of attempts. The candidates can appear for the CAT exam as many times as they wish, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

This allows the candidates to retake the exam to improve their marks and increase their chances of getting admission into top Business Schools.

Ans. A 7.5 CGPA is moderate, which is not an excellent score for the top IIMs, which will require a very strong CAT score.

While 7.5 CGPA meets the minimum eligibility for most IIMs, which requires 50-60%. For the older BLACKI IIMs, a CGPA of 8 or above is required, which is more competitive.

Ans. The newer and baby IIMs like IIM Sirmaur, IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, and IIM Sambalpur are generally considered easier to get into compared to older ones, as they require lower cutoffs around 90-92 percentile and smaller applicant pools.

Ans. A 70 raw score in the CAT exam generally translates to around the 80–85 percentile. While it is not sufficient for top IIMs, this score may get you into the private B-schools, and other reputed institutes like TAPMI, BIMTECH, or NIRMA University.

Ans. Maharashtra is the only state with two IIMs, which are located in Mumbai and Nagpur.

• IIM Mumbai: The IIM Mumbai, formally known as NITIE – National Institute of Industrial Engineering it was established in 1963, and in August 2023, it became IIM Mumbai.
• IIM Nagpur: The IIM Nagpur was established in 2015 (as one of the new-generation IIMs), located in MIHAN Campus, Nagpur, Maharashtra. IIM Ahmedabad was the mentor of IIM Nagpur.

Ans. The CAT 2025 Notification confirms that the CAT exam pattern will “largely remain the same”.

As the CAT Exam will have 3 Sections with a total of 68 questions in 2 hours (120 minutes), with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section.

• VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension): 24 questions
• DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning): 22 questions
• QA (Quantitative Aptitude): 22 questions

The questions will be a mix of MCQs + Type-in Answers / non-MCQ questions; negative marking for MCQs (wrong answers), no negative marking for non-MCQ.

Ans. You will have 40 minutes per section: ARC, DILR, and QA. You cannot switch between sections once a section’s time is up. The sections follow a fixed order (VARC → DILR → QA).

Ans. As per the experts and toppers, giving 35-45 mocks is a strong target along with a thorough analysis.

• For the beginners, it is suggested that they take around 8-10 mock tests to familiarise themselves with the exam pattern and the timings of the section.
• For the candidates with intermediate preparation level, they are supposed to take around 15-25 mock tests to improve their speed and accuracy.
• Taking 30-40 mock tests, as when the exam time is near, can help in simulating the exam conditions, refining the strategy, reducing errors, and managing the time.

The Mock test analysis is as important as taking the mock tests, as the Mock test analysis helps in identifying the mistakes, weak areas, and accuracy drops.

Ans. As per the previous years' CAT exams and experts' recommendations, the QA section is expecetd to have 22 questions divided across multiple topics like:

• Arithmetic: 8-10 questions
• Algebra: 7-8 questions
• Geometry & Mensuration: 3-4 questions
• Modern Mathematics: 1-2 questions
• Number System: 1-2 questions

Frequently asked topics are:

• Arithmetic and Algebra have the highest weightage, around 70-75% of the total QA section.
• Geometry and Mensuration are considered moderately challenging, with the weight at around 15-20%.
• Modern Mathematics and Number Systems will have the weightage of 10-15%

Ans. As the CAT exam will have a total of 68 questions divided into 3 sections: VARC with 24 questions, DILR and QA with 22 questions each.

To maximize your chances of scoring above the 99th percentile, you should attempt a total of 40-46 questions across all sections and section-wise:

• In the VARC section, out of 24 questions, you should aim for 14-16 questions and target 12-14 correct attempts by focusing on the accuracy and prioritizing RC passages.
• In the DILR section, you should focus on attempting 10-12 questions with a target of 8-10 correct answers.
• In QA target 16-18 questions with around 14-16 correct attempts.

Ans. As per previous years' trends, the frequently asked topics in the CAT exam are:

• Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, Algebra, Logarithms, Quadratic Equations, Geometry & Mensuration, and Sequences & Series are being frequently tested.
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Puzzle-based Reasoning (Games & Tournaments, Seating Arrangements, and Venn Diagrams).
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Reading Comprehension on passages related to sociocultural issues, environmental studies, and human behavior. Verbal Reasoning question from critical reasoning, para-summary, and sentence correction

Ans. As per the Previous years' trends of the CAT exam

• In Data Interpretation, there has been more focus on caselets, which require candidates to interpret data from short paragraphs.
• Logical Reasoning: In this section, the frequency of puzzles has risen, with topics like Games & Tournaments and Coin Picking were more frequent.

Ans. The candidate should study for 2–4 hours daily, if they start early, increasing to 5-6 hours if less than 3 months are remaining.

The experts recommend taking 20-30 full-length mock tests along with the post-mock analysis.

Ans. Yes, preparing for the CAT exam while working or pursuing your graduation is feasible by adopting effective time management strategies and maintaining a disciplined approach.

• Consistency: Regular, focused study sessions can provide better results than lengthy study sessions.
• Adaptability: Prepare your study plan to fit your unique schedule and commitments.
• Resourcefulness: Use the available resources like online materials, coaching sessions, and study material.

Ans. As per the past years’ CAT papers, the CAT 2023 was among the most challenging exams in recent history. In CAT 2023, candidates saw difficult and tricky questions in the Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) sections.

Many candidates expressed their issues about the increased difficulty level of CAT 2023

“Every slot was tough by a massive margin compared to anything that was seen in CAT” -Reddit

And as per Arun Sharma a renowned CAT expert,

"The questions in the Quantitative section in CAT 2023 exam paper were the toughest in last 5 years!"

Ans. Coaching is not necessary for CAT preparation, many aspirants have cracked the CAT exam through self study. The decision between coaching and self study depends on your personal preference learning style and resources.

The Coaching provides a structured guidance and can commit to a fixed schedule.

But if you are self-discipled and can managed your study plan effectively.

Benefits of Coaching

• Systematic Learning: Coaching centers offer a systematic study schedule, assuring complete coverage of the subject matter.
• Personalized Guidance: Exposure to veteran teachers who can address queries and provide personalized strategies for tackling the CAT exam.
• Periodic Evaluations: Mock tests and evaluation of performance enable proper identification of strengths and weaknesses.
• Peer Learning: Interaction with fellow candidates can bring in encouragement and group learning.

Disadvantages of Coaching

• Cost: Coaching courses can be costly, which may not be possible for every candidate.
• Fixed Schedule: Timings of the classes may clash with your own calendar, causing inconvenience.
• Uniform Approach: The uniform solution may not suit every learning style.

Ans. As per the CAT 2025 registration, around 3,42,600 candidates have registered as of Sept 20, 2025 closing time.

Following the 4-year pattern, around 2.9–3.1 lakh candidates are likely to actually appear for the exam on November 30, 2025.

Ans. As per the previous years’ cutoff, the CAT cutoff of IIM Ranchi 2025 is expecetd to be:

• For the general category, the candidates should target around 95+ percentile overall, and around 75+ in each section.
• The Reserved category candidates will have teh lowest CAT cutoff to ensure the ensures inclusivity and accessibility.
• The EWS and OBC candidates require around 81 percentile overall with sectional cutoffs in the low-50s (52–55).
• The SC category candidates require an overall cutoff of 66 percentile and 45 percentile in each section.
• The ST and DAP category candidates will have the lowest cutoff of 42 percentile and VRC & DILR at 25 percentile, QA at 30 percentile.

Ans. The CAT cutoff 2025 for IIM Ahmedabad shows a rise in the benchmark required for shortlisting the candidates across all categories.

• For the General and EWS categories, the minimum eligibility is 95 percentile overall with at least 85 percentile in each section (VARC, DILR, QA), reflecting that the candidates must perform well in each section also.
• For NC-OBC candidates, the requirement is slightly less at 90 overall and 80 sectional percentiles.
• While for SC category candidates the cutoff has further dropped to 85 overall and 75 sectionals.
• The ST category will have the lowest cutoff among the reserved candidates with 75 overall and 65 sectional percentiles, ensuring inclusivity.
• Similarly, PwD candidates will have the varied cutoffs depending on their sub-category, with most aligning to SC levels (85/75) and ST-PwD aligning to ST levels (75/65).

Ans. No, 70 marks in CAT is considered a moderate score. Scoring 70 marks in CAT will provide you around 70-80+ percentile, with this marks range you can expect the admission into reputable Tier-2 and Tier-3 B-schools in India also in "Baby IIMs", if you are from reserved category and your overall profile is good.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting 70 Percentile in CAT

Ans. Yes, you have a good chance of getting into IIM at 97 percentile, but not into top IIMs you can get the mid-tier and new IIMs (baby IIMs).

Top IIMs with 97 Percentile

Ans. A score of 82 marks in CAT is considered moderate, as this score will place you between 80-85 percentile. With this score you may provide opportunities to secure a seat to Tier-2 and Tier 3 B-Schools also Baby IIMs.

Top MBA colleges Accepting 80-85 Percentile in CAT

Ans. A score of 30 in CAT translates to percentile between 70-75 percentile. This means that you have performed better than around 70-75% of the test takers.

This marks range will provide you with the opportunities for admission to Tier-3 B-schools. However, for admission into top-tier institutes like the older IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta), a higher percentile is typically required.

Ans. The best IIMs for CAT scores depends on the arious factors like individual preferences, career goals, and specific program offerings such as:

• IIM Ahmedabad (IIM-A): The IIMA requires the CAT cutoff Approximately 99–100 percentile and minimum 80 sectional percentile, providing high placement packages and a rigorous Post-Graduate Programme (PGP) with a strong focus on case-based learning.
• IIM Bangalore (IIM-B): This IIM requires the CAT cutoff of 99 percentile, with around 80 sectional percentile, offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
• IIM Calcutta (IIM-C): The IIM -C will require the CAT cutoff approximately 99 percentile, and 80 sectional percentile, offering a rigorous curriculum with a focus on developing leadership skills.

Ans. Choosing IIM Lucknow and IIM Kozhiode depends on the multiple factors like rankings, fees, placements, campus life, and personal preferences.

Ans. The highest package offered at IIMs in 2025 has set a new bechmark among the IIMS

• IIM Calcutta grabbed the spotlight with an international package of around ₹1.45 crore per annum, making it the highest reported figure this year.
• For Domestic placements, IIM Ahmedabad led the pack with a ₹1.10 crore package offered in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector.
• While IIM Calcutta’s highest domestic offer touched about ₹91.45 lakh.
• Other premier institutes like IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow also offered in the range of ₹75–90 lakh.

Overall, the older IIMs (A,B,C,L) maintained strong placements, with an average salaries around ₹32–35 lakh per annum.

Ans. After clearing the CAT exam and securing the admission to a top IIM can provide some of the highest MBA salaries in India.

• For the class 2025, top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Calcutta, and Bangalore reported average salaries ranging from ₹30 to ₹35 lakh per annum from consulting, finance, and tech.
• IIM Ahmedabad had the highest domestic package of around 1.10 crore.
• IIM Calcutta provided the highest international package of nearly ₹1.45 crore, the top offer of the year.
• The average salary at IIM Ahmedabad stood at 34.6 LPA, indicating that many students earned well above ₹30 LPA.