CAT Admission 2025: Eligibility, Registration, Exam Dates & Selection Process

Overview: The CAT exam 2025 will be successfully conducted on 30 November 2025 by IIM Kozhikode, and the CAT admission process 2025 will begin soon once the CAT results are announced. Read on to know the CAT selection process here!

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• The CAT selection process 2025 includes group discussion, which is followed by a personal interview round.
• After the CAT exam results are announced, the candidates are shortlisted based on their scores and percentile.

In this blog, you will learn about the CAT admission process, from the entrance exam to the final admission to IIMs and other top business schools.

CAT 2025 Admission: Step-by-Step Selection Process

As mentioned in the overview, the CAT selection process is also different for all B-schools after the CAT entrance exam. Each B-school accepting scores releases its own CAT scores or percentile cut-off for CAT admission criteria​ 2025 into their MBA program.

However, the following are the three most common CAT admission or selection processes after appearing for the CAT entrance exam in IIMs:

• Releasing CAT Results and shortlisting based on CAT cut-offs
• Personal Interview
• Group Discussion & WAT(not that common in IIMs)
• Final admission of candidates

CAT 2024 Slot 1,2 and 3 Detailed Analysis

Performance on the Common Admission Test CAT is a crucial component of the admissions process. 

At various phases of the CAT 2025 admission process, IIMs may further select and rank applications using additional factors such as the applicant's prior academic performance, relevant work experience, gender and academic diversity, and other equivalent inputs. 

The methodologies, academic cutoffs, and weights assigned to the evaluation indicators may vary between IIMs. 

For further information, visit the CAT admission criteria​ 2025 policies of each IIM on their individual websites.

Check | CAT Exam Centre List

CAT 2025 Admission Dates

Let’s start understanding the step-by-step process for CAT admission process into IIMs and other top B-schools. 

Check the CAT entrance exam tentative dates. 

CAT Exam Events	Tentative Dates
CAT Exam Registration Start Date	August 2025 (Tentative)
CAT Exam Registration Last Date	September 2025 (Tentative)
CAT Exam  Admit Card Download Date	November 2025 (Tentative)
CAT Exam Date 2025	November 30, 2025
CAT Exam Answer Key Challenge	To be Notified
CAT Exam Result announcement	December 2025

Find Out | How Many Students Appear for CAT Every Year

CAT Percentile Predictor 2024 [Check your Score Here]

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CAT Selection Process 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps that are followed during the CAT exam selection process:

1. Releasing CAT Results and Shortlisting Based on CAT Cut-ffs

Once the CAT results are out, the IIMs and other B-schools release their cut-offs to offer provisional offers and admission to the candidates. All the candidates are shortlisted for further CAT 2025 admission, which is a personal interview round.

2. Personal Interview

The shortlisted candidates are allocated interview dates and then tested on their general knowledge, business world knowledge, communication skills, and overall personality.

3. Group Discussion & WAT

This stage is optional, depending upon the differences in the CAT admission process. Many IIMs need to conduct this round. However, some top b-schools, like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, JBIMS Mumbai, and IMI Delhi, conduct the GD round.

4. Final CAT 2025 Admission & Weightage

After the successful conduction of GD, PI and WAT, the candidates' final admission offer is given to them once they have cleared all the rounds. There are multiple criteria with their respective weightages which are essential for the final CAT admission 2025, viz.,

Parameters	Weightage
CAT Exam	25
WAT	10
PI	30
Class 10 & 12	15
Graduation	10
Work Experience	10

Read More | What to Carry on CAT Exam Day

Join Now: CAT Online Coaching 2025

CAT 2025 Admission Fees

The CAT admission fees for 2025 are categorized based on the applicant's category:

• General/Unreserved Category: ₹2,400
• SC/ST/PwD Category: ₹1,200

This fee is non-refundable and must be paid during the registration process via online payment methods.

Documents Required for CAT Admission Process 2025

The final CAT selection process requires you to carry important documents with you, like

• CAT Scorecard
• Call letter for IIM or other b-school interview
• Marksheet of grades X and XII
• Marksheet of Graduation
• Category certificate (if any)
• Work Experience certificate (if any)

Check | CAT Exam Slot Timings

CAT Admission 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The following are the basic CAT eligibility criteria to appear for the entrance exam:

• The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from a university or other accredited educational institution with at least 50% aggregate {CGPA; 45% for candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories}. 
• Candidates taking the last year of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree and awaiting results are also eligible to apply.

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CAT Admission Process for IIMs vs Non-IIMs

Here are the key differences in the CAT admission process for IIMs and Non IIMs

Feature	IIMs	Non-IIMs Accepting CAT
Entrance Exam	CAT is the primary mandatory exam.	Primarily CAT, but some also accept XAT, GMAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, etc.
Application Process	Candidates apply to individual IIMs after the CAT exam. Some newer IIMs use a Common Admission Process (CAP).	Candidates apply separately to each non-IIM institute through their respective websites.
Shortlisting Criteria	Based on CAT percentile (varies by IIM, generally higher), academic record, work experience, and diversity factors.	Based on entrance exam scores (CAT percentile is a major factor), academic record, and may include work experience. Cutoffs vary widely.
Selection Rounds	Typically involve Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) after shortlisting. Some older IIMs might also include Group Discussion (GD).	May include GD, WAT, and/or PI depending on the institution. Some might use Group Exercises instead of GD.
Weightage in Final Selection	CAT score, WAT/GD/PI performance, academic scores (10th, 12th, Graduation), work experience, and diversity (academic & gender) are considered with varying weights.	Entrance exam score, performance in selection rounds (GD/WAT/PI), and academic records are usually key factors. Weightage varies.
Diversity Consideration	Significant emphasis on academic and gender diversity with specific weightage in the composite score.	May consider diversity, but the weightage and criteria are institution-specific.
Common Process	Some newer IIMs participate in CAP for a common WAT-PI round.	No common admission process; each institute has its own schedule and criteria for subsequent rounds.

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CAT Admission: Reservation Policy for Students

The government has set aside a specific number of seats in educational institutions, including those accepting CAT scores like IIMs and other business schools, for students belonging to certain categories. This is known as a reservation.

Government Norms & Reserved Seats:

Following the Government of India guidelines, seats are reserved for the following categories:

• SC (Scheduled Castes): 15% of the seats are typically reserved.
• ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5% of the seats are usually reserved.
• OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer): 27% of the seats are generally reserved for candidates belonging to the non-creamy layer.
• PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5% of the seats are reserved for candidates with benchmark disabilities (at least 40% disability).

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Document Requirements for Reserved Categories:

If you are applying under a reserved category, you will need to provide a valid certificate issued by the appropriate government authority. Here are the common requirements:

Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL): This certificate should clearly mention your caste/tribe, state that it belongs to the SC/ST/OBC-NCL category as per the Government of India's list, and specify your district and state of residence. 

The certificate should be in the prescribed format and issued by a competent authority (e.g., Tehsildar, District Magistrate). For OBC-NCL, the certificate should also state that you belong to the non-creamy layer and should ideally be recent (as specified in the CAT notification).

PwD Certificate: Candidates applying under the PwD category need to submit a disability certificate issued by a duly constituted and authorized Medical Board as per the guidelines of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. 

The certificate should clearly state the nature and extent of the disability (not less than 40%). Sometimes, a specific format might be prescribed in the CAT notification.

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CAT Admission for Non-Engineers 

Can non-engineers apply for the CAT exam? Well, Yes! Non-engineers, including commerce, arts, and science graduates, have excellent opportunities for CAT admission and success in top B-schools.

IIMs actively promote academic diversity, recognizing the value of varied perspectives in management education. Many IIMs award extra points during shortlisting and final selection to candidates from non-engineering backgrounds to ensure a balanced classroom.

Profile-based selection in IIMs considers factors beyond just the CAT score. Academic performance in graduation, 10th, and 12th grades, work experience (if any), and diversity (academic and gender) are crucial components.

Non-engineers often benefit from the academic diversity component, potentially compensating for a slightly lower CAT percentile compared to engineers. Each IIM has its own weightage for these factors, so understanding individual IIM admission criteria is essential.

Key Advice for non-engineers

• Focus on building a strong foundation in quantitative aptitude, as this is often perceived as a challenging area. 
• Practice consistently and understand the underlying concepts rather than just memorizing formulas. Leverage your strengths in verbal ability and logical reasoning. 
• Take mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy across all sections. 
• Highlight your unique academic background and any relevant experiences in your application and during the Personal Interview to showcase the diverse perspectives you bring. 

Impact of Academic Background in CAT Admission 

Your academic record in 10th, 12th, and graduation plays a significant role in CAT admission, particularly for IIMs. While the CAT score is a primary filter, these past scores contribute to the composite score used for shortlisting candidates for further rounds (WAT, GD, PI) and the final selection.

Weightage in IIM Shortlisting

Each IIM assigns varying weights to academic performance. Some IIMs give substantial weightage to 10th and 12th marks to ensure a baseline academic aptitude. 

• Graduation marks reflect your performance in higher education. 
• Generally, a consistent and strong academic record increases your chances of getting a shortlist, even with a moderate CAT score. 
• However, a stellar CAT score can sometimes compensate for a less impressive academic history.

Check Now: How to Prepare for CAT in 5 months?

Normalization Techniques

While individual board and university grading systems differ, IIMs often use normalization techniques to bring scores to a common scale. This involves statistical methods to adjust for variations in marking rigor across different institutions. 

The exact normalization process varies between IIMs but aims to create a level playing field when comparing candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. While the specifics are complex and usually not publicly detailed, the underlying principle is to account for these differences in evaluation. Therefore, focusing on performing well in your respective academic environment remains crucial.

CAT Admission for International/NRI Candidates 

If you're an international or NRI (Non-Resident Indian) student wanting to join an IIM or other top Indian business school, here's the basic idea:

Eligibility: Generally, you need a bachelor's degree with a certain percentage of marks (like other candidates). Some IIMs might have specific rules about the type of degree or recognition.

Admission via GMAT: Good news! Some IIMs allow international/NRI candidates to apply using their GMAT scores instead of CAT. This makes it easier if you've already taken the GMAT. However, not all IIMs accept GMAT, so check each school's website.

Different Application Route: You usually won't apply through the regular CAT process. Instead, IIMs that accept GMAT have a separate application route specifically for international/NRI candidates. You'll need to visit their individual websites to find the application forms and deadlines. These might be different from the regular CAT schedule.

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CAT Admission vs Other MBA Entrance Exams 

Here are the key differences between CAT admission and other MBA entrance exam:

Feature	CAT (Common Admission Test)	XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)	NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)	SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) 1	MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
Focus	Strong on Quantitative Ability (QA) & Logical Reasoning (LRDI).	Emphasis on Decision Making (DM) & Verbal and Logical Ability (V&LA), includes General Knowledge (GK) & Essay Writing.	Speed-based test with focus on Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.	Speed-based test with sections on General English, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency.	Tests Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment. 2
Difficulty Level (Generally)	Considered one of the tougher exams.	Often perceived as slightly tougher than CAT due to DM & Essay.	Generally considered moderate. No negative marking. Multiple attempts allowed.	Generally considered easier to moderate, shorter duration. Multiple attempts allowed.	Generally considered easier to moderate. Multiple attempts & no negative marking in some attempts.
Unique Aspects	Primarily for IIMs and top-tier B-schools.	Decision Making section, Essay Writing, General Knowledge.	Adaptive testing window, no negative marking, multiple attempts.	Shorter duration, General Awareness section.	Multiple attempts per year, no negative marking in some sessions.
Suits Students Who	Have strong quantitative and analytical skills, aiming for top IIMs and similar institutes.	Are strong in verbal ability, logical reasoning, decision-making, and aware of current affairs, targeting XLRI, XIMB, etc.	Excel under timed conditions, aiming for NMIMS and other accepting colleges, value multiple attempts.	Are quick thinkers, aiming for Symbiosis institutes, value multiple attempts.	Seek flexibility with multiple attempts, targeting a wider range of B-schools.
Acceptance Across Colleges	Widely accepted by IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and many other top B-schools (1200+).	Primarily accepted by XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, and other reputable institutes (150+).	Primarily for NMIMS and its campuses, also accepted by ISB (for AMPBA), SPJIMR (for GMP), and others (30+).	Mandatory for Symbiosis International University (SIU) constituent institutes (16+).	Accepted by a large number of B-schools across India (600+), but generally not the top-tier IIMs.

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CAT Admission Tips for Repeating Candidates 

Here are the key tips for repeating candidates:

If you're taking CAT again, you've already got some experience! Learn from your last try.

• Common Mistakes: Maybe you focused too much on one subject, didn't practice enough mocks, or got stressed during the exam. Think honestly about what went wrong. Don't repeat those mistakes!
• Use Your Time Wisely: This gap year is your chance to get better. Did you have low grades in school? Try to get some work experience or do a course to show you're growing. A better profile can help, especially in IIM selections.
• Smart Study Plan: Don't just redo the same things. Find your weak areas and work on them. Take lots of mock tests, but more importantly, analyze your mistakes. Try new study methods if the old ones didn't work. Stay consistent and don't lose motivation. Remember why you want to do this!

Key takeaway: Learn from the past, improve your overall application, and study smarter, not just harder. You've got this!

CAT Admission for Engineers 

Engineers have strong skills in math and logic, which help in the CAT exam. But don’t just depend on your engineering background.

Focus on Strengths and Weaknesses: Your problem-solving skills are an asset, but make sure to improve your verbal ability and reading comprehension with consistent practice.

Beyond Academics: IIMs and top B-schools want well-rounded applicants. Include your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and work experience in your application to show you have more than just academic skills.

Stand Out:Many engineers apply, so highlight different aspects of your profile to be unique.

Strategic Preparation: Prepare specifically for the CAT exam format. Take regular mock tests to track your progress and improve in areas where you struggle. Time management and accuracy are key to a good score.

CAT Admission for Female Candidates

IIMs and other top business schools actively encourage female candidates to apply for CAT. This is driven by gender diversity initiatives aimed at creating more balanced and inclusive classrooms, which are considered beneficial for learning and future workplace environments.

Several IIMs and other institutes implement specific measures to support female candidates. Some may offer relaxed cutoffs or assign diversity points during the shortlisting process to increase the representation of women in their programs. 

These are not outright quotas but a way to level the playing field and acknowledge the existing gender imbalance in management education. The exact criteria and weightage vary between institutes, so checking individual admission policies is crucial.

Beyond admissions, various organisations and sometimes the B-schools offer support programs for women in management. These might include mentorship programs, networking events, and workshops focused on leadership development and career advancement. 

Female candidates should research these opportunities to gain additional support during their MBA journey and beyond. By actively applying and leveraging these initiatives, female candidates can significantly contribute to and benefit from the MBA experience.

What Happens After Getting Selected?

After getting selected in the CAT exam, you've cleared the first hurdle towards an MBA at a top business school in India, primarily the IIMs. Here's a breakdown of what typically happens next:

1. CAT Scorecard: You'll receive your CAT scorecard, usually online, containing your overall and sectional percentile scores. This score is crucial for the next stage.

2. Institute Shortlisting: Each IIM and other B-schools accepting CAT scores will release its individual cutoff percentiles. If your score meets their criteria, you might be shortlisted for the next rounds. Shortlisting criteria can also include your academic record, work experience, and diversity factors.

3. Written Ability Test (WAT) and/or Group Discussion (GD): Shortlisted candidates are called for WAT and/or GD. In WAT, you'll need to write an essay on a given topic. GD involves discussing a topic with other candidates to assess your communication and leadership skills. Some IIMs are moving away from GD.

4. Personal Interview (PI): This is a crucial round where a panel assesses your personality, communication skills, general awareness, career goals, and fit for the program. You'll be asked about your background, academics, work experience (if any), and why you want to pursue an MBA.

5. Final Selection and Merit List: After WAT/GD/PI, each institute prepares a final merit list. This list considers your CAT score, performance in WAT/GD/PI, academic background, work experience, and diversity factors, with varying weights assigned by each institute.

6. Offer Letter: If you make it to the final merit list, you'll receive an admission offer from the institute. This will include details about the program, fees, and the deadline to accept the offer.

7. Acceptance and Enrollment: To secure your seat, you'll need to accept the offer within the stipulated time and pay the admission fee. Further instructions regarding enrollment and joining the program will follow.

CAT Admission for Candidates with Backlogs 

Can you get into a good MBA college with those failures still there? Probably not right away. Most top schools want you to have passed all your degree subjects before you actually join the MBA program.

What usually happens?

• They might say "okay, we'll give you a spot if you pass those failed subjects before our classes start." This is like a "maybe" admission.
• If you don't pass them in time, they might say "sorry, you can't join."

What you need to do:

• Focus on doing well in CAT.
• Most importantly, also focus on passing all your failed subjects. You'll likely need to show proof that you've cleared them before you can really start your MBA.

Think of it this way: CAT is like getting a ticket to the interview. But to actually get the job (the MBA seat), you need to have finished school (your degree) properly!

Common Mistakes in CAT Admission Process 

Here are the mistakes in the CAT admission process:

One common mistake is incomplete form filling, where candidates miss the important details or don't fill in all required sections. 

Another is a mismatch in document details, like names or dates not matching across application forms and submitted documents.

Ignoring category or reservation guidelines can also lead to issues, especially if the correct category isn't selected or the necessary certificates aren't provided. 

Finally, many candidates make the mistake of not preparing for the subsequent stages, like Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), or Group Discussion (GD) after the CAT result is out. 

These stages are essential for final selection, and neglecting them can reduce your chances of admission despite a good CAT score. Paying close attention to all instructions and preparing thoroughly for each step is key to a smooth admission process.

CAT Admission Counselling Process 2025

Here are the steps for CAT 2025 admission counselling process 2025: 

CAT Counselling Stages 2025	Description
Registration for CAT Counselling 2025 date	Registration is the initial step after the CAT admission 2025 results are announced.
Application Form Completion	Applicants must complete the application form, providing all required information such as name, address, and educational background.
College Selection	After submitting the CAT application, applicants select the colleges or institutions they want to apply to.
Payment of CAT Counselling 2025 Expenses	Candidates must pay the counselling costs according to the instructions.
Document Verification	Candidates must provide all required documentation for verification to ensure transparency and fairness in the CAT 2025 admission process.
Seat Allotment	After document verification, candidates will be allotted a seat in one of the participating institutes based on merit.
Admission Procedures at Assigned Institute	Candidates must arrive at their assigned institute and complete the admission procedures.

Conclusion

CAT admission criteria​ 2025 is a pivotal milestone for shaping your future. It is the gateway to top-tier institutions in India, offering a pathway to a prosperous career. Effective CAT exam preparation strategies can enhance your chances of success.

Also Read | CAT Previous Year Question Papers

Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus, engaging in mock tests, and dedicating ample time to practice are crucial steps in achieving your goals. With a proactive approach and focused effort, attaining CAT 2025 admission through the CAT exam 2025 dates becomes a realistic ambition.

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