CAT Registration 2025: Expected Date, Check How to fill Application Form [Step-by-Step Process]

Overview: The CAT registration 2025 will start in August 2025 (tentatively). The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on 30th November 2025 by IIM Kozhikode. Read on to get the complete information about the CAT 2025 registration process here!

• The Common Admission Test 2025 is one of the toughest MBA entrance exams, and it opens entry to the most prestigious management institutes, including IIMs.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2025 by SuperGrads

• The CAT exam 2025 notification will be released in July 2025 (tentatively). Candidates must fill out the CAT 2025 application form to register for CAT 2025.
• The CAT Exam admit cards will be available in November 2025.

Stay tuned to know about the CAT 2025 registration link details, CAT exam registration process, exam fees, eligibility criteria, and the CAT 2025 registration last date.

CAT 2025 Registration Dates & Deadline

The CAT entrance exam and CAT exam registration details for 2025 are listed below:

CAT Registration 2025 Particulars	CAT Exam 2025 Registration Date
CAT Registration Starting Date	August, 2025 (Tentative)
CAT 2025 Registration Last Date	September, 2025 (Tentative)
Admit Card Release Date	1st week of November 2025 (Tentative)
CAT 2025 Registration Fees	INR 1250 (Reserved categories) INR 2500 (Other categories)
CAT 2025 Exam Date	November 30, 2025
CAT Exam 2025 Registration Date & CAT Notification Official Website	iimcat.ac.in

How To Fill Out CAT 2025 Registration Form?

How to apply for CAT exam 2025? Once the IIM CAT registration 2025 date is out, the next step is to fill out the CAT exam form, which will be completed on the official website. Here are the steps to follow to register for the CAT exam online.

You must complete the form carefully before the CAT 2025 registration last date.

Step 1- CAT 2025 Registration and OTP Verification

• Share your primary details, such as name, date of birth, email address, and phone number, to generate a unique ID and corresponding password for the website. 
• For the first CAT exam registration 2025 step, you will need an email address and phone number to be successfully verified through an OTP. 
• Subsequently, all official communication about the CAT exam 2025 will be carried out on this number and by email only. 
• Once logged in, you can complete the CAT registration form details in the next step.

Check | CAT 2025 Slot Timings

Access to CAT 2025 Registration link below:

Start Your CAT Registration 2025 here - Direct Link

Step 2 - Access the Form & Fill Details 

Log in using the credentials you receive on your registered email address and via SMS on your phone after completing the CAT registration 2025. The CAT application form 2025 is divided into six sections, namely,

• Personal Details 
• Academics 
• Work Experience 
• Programs 
• Test City 
• Payment 

Note* Each contains mandatory sections that must be fulfilled. Once you have entered your basic CAT application form 2025 details, you can upload your signature, photograph, and category certificates. 

Refer to | CAT Preparation Books 2025

Step 3 - Instructions for CAT Application Form Photo Size & Signature 

The CAT application form photo size must be within 1200 pixels x 1200 pixels. Additionally, the scanned image of your signature must lie within 80mm X 35mm. 

These documents must not exceed 80KB and must be in .jpg or .jpeg format. The image should be clear and not less than 150px/inch. as required during CAT registration 2025.

In the Academic details, you'll be required to share a document that certifies each level of qualification: 

• SSC/10th/Equivalent Details 
• HSC/12th/Equivalent/Diploma Course Details 
• Bachelor's Degree Details 
• Master's Degree Details 
• Other Professional Degree Details 

All the CGPAs and marks obtained at all these levels will need to be converted into percentages based on the formulas adopted by these institutions. 

Ensure you know it and make the accurate equivalence so that you won't be disqualified even after clearing the exam. 

Note: The original mark sheets will be required during the interview. Obtain them in advance to avoid anxiety at the next exam stage. 

Check Here | CAT Previous Year Papers

Important Documents to Carry for CAT Exam

Step 4 - Enter your Work Experience

Only full-time work experience will be counted. Please enter the number of days calculated up to 31 July 2025, as per the CAT registration 2025 guidelines.

• In case of work breaks, mention it under "Break in Experience (In days)". 
• Now, select your program from all the options mentioned. 
• You can click 'Select All' to include all the various programs across IIMs here. Make your 'Interview City' selections for each of your choices before clicking on 'Save & Next'. 
• Now you're close to completion. The application form will ask for your picks for the city where you want to take the test. 
• You can make up to 6 selections without repeating any of the cities. 
• Finally, you're close to the end. You can pay using a Debit or Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. 

Check Now |  CAT Previous Year Cut-offs

Step 5 - CAT Exam 2025 Registration Fee Payment

The CAT registration fees, as they apply to various categories of students, are different. You will be required to pay one of the two:

• INR 1250 (SC/ST and PwD)
• INR 2500 (Other categories)

Step 6: CAT Registration Fees 2025: Mode of Payment

Here are the different modes of payment that you can choose to pay CAT exam fees:

Payment Mode	Transaction Charges
Credit Card	1.20% of the transaction amount (minimum Rs 5)
Credit Card (American Express)	2.85% of the transaction amount (minimum Rs 5)
Debit Card (Master/Visa)	0.75% of the transaction amount for amounts up to Rs 2000 (minimum Rs 5) 0.90% of the transaction amount for amounts above Rs 2000
Net Banking	Rs 20 per transaction
Other Payment Methods	PayU, BillDesk, and Paytm

Note* Preview the information you entered before paying the CAT exam fees and confirm your CAT 2025 registration form by making the payment.  

Step 7 - Final Submission 

All your CAT exam details have been filled out at this stage, and the CAT registration form is now complete

• You will receive a confirmation email of completing the successful CAT application form 2025. 
• Sign up by filling out the CAT application form 2025 as soon as the process begins.
• Click on the CAT 2025 registration link to download for future reference. 

Know More | Subjects to be Covered in CAT 2025

CAT Exam Registration 2025: Eligibility Criteria 

Now that you have learnt about the CAT registration date, you must know the basic requirements for the CAT exam, which are as follows: 

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (with 5% relaxation for SC/ ST/ PwD). 
• You can apply during your final year of UG. In this case, you must submit a certificate from your college or university stating you meet the desired requirements. 
• There is no age limit for the 2025 CAT exam. 
• If you’re a candidate without work experience, you need not worry! Lack of work experience does not lead to disqualification.
• However, this may play a role during selection and impact your ability to join the IIM. 
• You will also be eligible if you’ve completed a professional degree like CS, CA or ICWA.

Note*: Interested in getting all the details regarding eligibility? Explore the CAT eligibility criteria for various IIMs in detail here.

CAT Registration for Reserved Categories

If you belong to a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD), you are eligible for certain relaxations during the CAT registration and admission process. 

It's important to understand these guidelines and provide the correct documentation to avail these benefits.

Relaxation in Eligibility for Reserved Categories

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).

Join Now: CAT Online Coaching 2025

The Important Documents: Your Category Certificate

You need to show a special paper that proves you belong to your category. This is called a category certificate.

The CAT website usually has the exact forms (formats) that these certificates should be in. Try to get your certificate in that same format!

Make sure the name on your certificate is exactly the same as the name you use when you register for CAT.

Check | CAT Exam Top Colleges 2025

Why are these documents are so important?

If you don't upload the right certificate, or if it's not clear, they might not give you the benefits you're eligible for. So, take your time and make sure everything is correct when you register! Keep a copy of all the papers you upload.

Category	What Certificate You Need	Who Should Give It To You	Important Things to Remember
SC/ST	Caste/Tribe Certificate	Government official (like Tehsildar, District Magistrate)	Make sure your caste/tribe is on the government list.
OBC-NCL	Caste Certificate saying you belong to the "Non-Creamy Layer"	Government official (same as above)	Must say "Non-Creamy Layer." Should be recent (usually within the last year).
EWS	Income and Asset Certificate	Designated government authority	Shows your family's income and assets are below a certain limit. Should be valid.
PwD	Disability Certificate	Medical board authorized by the government	Clearly states the type and how much disability you have (at least 40%).

Check Now: How to Crack CAT exam in 2025?

CAT Registration 2025 for International Candidates

For the 2025 CAT exam (expected in November 2025), here's what international candidates need to know:

Who Qualifies as an International Candidate?

International candidates include:

• Foreign Nationals: Citizens of countries other than India.
• NRIs (Non-Resident Indians): Indian citizens residing outside India.
• PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin): Individuals of Indian origin holding passports of other countries.

Is there any Separate or Same Process for CAT exam Registration?

Generally, international candidates, including NRIs and PIOs, follow the same online registration process as Indian candidates through the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). You will need to create an account, fill in personal and academic details, upload documents, and pay the registration fee.

Check: CAT Cut Off for Various IIMs

Required Documents for Foreign Applicants

While the basic documents are similar to Indian candidates, you might need a few additional items:

• Valid Passport: As proof of identity and nationality.
• Visa (if applicable): Depending on your country of origin and the regulations in place at the time of admission.
• Equivalent Degree Certificate: If your bachelor's degree is from a foreign university, you might need to provide an equivalence certificate from a recognized Indian authority.
• Scanned copies of mark sheets and degree certificate.

Check Now: CAT exam is for what purpose? Get Details Here!

Test Centres Available for International Candidates

CAT is primarily conducted in test centres across India. In the past, there have been no specific international test centres for the CAT exam. You would likely need to travel to India to take the test. 

However, some IIMs and other Indian B-schools also accept GMAT scores for international applicants. If you are unable to travel to India, applying through the GMAT route to those specific institutes might be an option.

 Check the individual IIM and B-school websites for their specific admission criteria for international students.

Check Now: How to prepare for CAT exam at Home 2025?

What Currency/Payment Methods Are Accepted for CAT Registration?

The CAT registration fee is usually mentioned in Indian Rupees (INR). International candidates will have to pay this fee online using methods like:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc., are usually accepted.
• Net Banking: If you have an Indian bank account.
• Other online payment gateways as provided on the CAT website.

You will need to check with your bank about any international transaction charges that might apply. The fee for the general category is typically around INR 2,500, and it's INR 1,250 for reserved categories (if applicable to you based on your PIO/NRI status – confirm the specifics on the CAT website).

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

Technical Issues Faced During CAT Registration & Solutions 

Registering for CAT online at iimcat.ac.in can sometimes hit a snag. Here are common issues and how to troubleshoot:

Issue	Problem Description	Solution
Login Problems	Wrong username/password.	Double-check your username and password. Use the "Forgot Password" option to reset it.
Form Issues	Missing mandatory information, incorrect data formats.	Read all instructions carefully. Ensure all required fields are filled accurately and in the specified format. Match info to your documents.
Upload Fails	Pictures or documents are too big or in the wrong type.	Ensure files are within the specified size limit (in KB) and in the correct format (JPG/JPEG for images, PDF for documents). Try again later if the website is busy.
Payment Problems	Money not going through, no payment confirmation.	Check your bank account for any issues. Wait for a reasonable amount of time for confirmation. If it fails, try again later or use a different payment method.
Website Slow or Not Working	The site is taking a long time to load or is inaccessible.	Be patient and try accessing the website during off-peak hours (early morning or late at night). Check your internet connection. Refresh the page.
No OTP or Email	You didn't receive the One-Time Password (OTP) or the registration confirmation email.	Check your spam or junk folder. Verify that you entered your mobile number and email address correctly. Try requesting the OTP again. If the issue persists, contact the CAT Helpdesk.
Need Help? Contacting CAT	You require assistance with a technical issue.	Website: Look for a "Helpdesk" or "Contact Us" link on iimcat.ac.in.<br>Email: Find the official support email address in the CAT information bulletin.<br>Phone: Check if a helpline number is provided in the official notification.
Information for Helpdesk	What to provide when contacting support.	Have your Registration ID (if you have one), a detailed description of the error, and a screenshot of the problem ready.
Using the Right Tools	Ensuring compatibility for a smoother experience.	Browser: Use the latest versions of recommended browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Avoid older versions.<br>Files: Only upload images in JPG/JPEG format and documents in PDF format. Ensure files are not too large.

Check now: CAT Preparation in 3 Months Tips & Tricks

CAT Registration Trends Over the Years

Here's a look at CAT registration trends from 2018 to 2024:

Year	Registered Candidates (Approx.)	Appeared Candidates (Approx.)	% Change in Registrations (YoY)	Notable Trends in Demographics & Competition
2018	2,41,000	2,09,405	+4.3%	Steady increase in female participation observed.
2019	2,44,169	2,09,926	+1.2%	Continued rise in female candidates. Majority still from engineering background but increasing diversity.
2020	2,27,835	1,90,144	-6.60%	Slight dip likely due to the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties.
2021	2,29,969	1,91,660	+0.9%	Recovery in application numbers post the first wave of the pandemic.
2022	2,55,501	2,22,184	+11%	Significant jump in registrations, indicating renewed interest in MBA.
2023	3,30,000	2,88,000	+28.6%	Highest registration numbers in recent history, signifying a substantial increase in competition.
2024	3,29,000	2,93,000	-0.30%	Marginal decrease from the record high of 2023, but still a very high number indicating strong competition. Increase in female candidates to 1.07 Lakh out of 2.93 Lakh appeared.

CAT Registration Trends in Gender, Stream, and Category: A Detailed Analysis

• Gender: There's a noticeable upward trend in the number of female candidates registering and appearing for CAT over the years, though males still constitute the majority. IIMs' gender diversity initiatives likely contribute to this.
• Stream: While a significant portion of applicants are traditionally engineers, there's a gradual increase in candidates from commerce, arts, and science backgrounds, reflecting the growing awareness of MBA benefits across disciplines and IIMs' focus on academic diversity.
• Category: The proportion of candidates across different reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD) generally aligns with the reservation policies. Awareness and access to information regarding these reservations have remained relatively consistent.

Increasing Competition Insights:

The overall trend, especially the significant surge in 2023, indicates intensifying competition for MBA seats in top B-schools.

With a consistently high number of aspirants and a limited number of seats, securing a good percentile requires rigorous preparation and a strategic approach. The slight dip in 2024 doesn't negate the overall high competitive landscape.

Why More Aspirants Prefer CAT Each Year?

• CAT scores are the primary criteria for admission to the prestigious IIMs and numerous other top-ranked management institutes in India.
• An MBA from a top B-school is seen as a pathway to better job opportunities, higher salary packages, and faster career progression in the corporate world.
• Preparing for CAT and pursuing an MBA enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills, which are highly valued by employers.
• A desire for financial stability and upward mobility drives many graduates and working professionals towards management education.

Expert Advice: How to Stay Updated During CAT Registration Window 

Staying informed throughout the CAT registration window is important to avoid missing deadlines, understand new guidelines, and ensure a smooth application process. 

The official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, is your primary and most reliable source of information. You must check it regularly, ideally daily or at least every other day, for announcements, FAQs, essential dates, clarifications, and any changes to the registration process.

In addition to the official website, you can rely on reputable national newspapers (especially education supplements) and official email alerts from the CAT conducting body. 

During registration, ensure you provide a valid and frequently checked email address, as all critical communications will be sent to that address. 

To receive direct updates, look for options to subscribe to email alerts or newsletters on the official CAT website. This ensures you get timely notifications about important events and changes. If available, follow the official social media handles of IIMs or the conducting body for quick updates.

Errors to Avoid During CAT Exam 2025 Registration Process

Here are the points you should keep in mind while filling out the CAT exam 2025 application form:

Errors to Avoid in CAT Application Process	Details
Email and Mobile Number	You should have a functional mobile number and email ID for easy communication.
Test City Selection	Please choose your CAT exam centre city very carefully. Once the exam centre is allotted, no changes are allowed.
Exam Center Preference	Selecting your city as the first CAT exam centre and ensuring easy access on exam day is advised.
IIM Selection	Choose IIMs carefully, as you will only be eligible for WAT-PI at the selected IIMs.
IIM Interview Cities	Select interview cities for IIMs carefully, considering only two options are available for each IIM.
Academic Scores	Enter accurate academic scores for classes 10, 12, and Graduation. If applicable, include PG or professional degree information.
Work Experience	Enter work experience details accurately, as they will be reviewed to shortlist students for WAT-PI.
Certificates	Upload valid caste/PwD/Scribe certificates. Fake certificates can lead to being barred from the exam.
Fee Payment	Ensure successful fee payment and receipt of an email acknowledgement. Incomplete payments will prevent form submission and admit card issuance.

CAT Slot Timings 2025

Following the CAT registration 2025 process, the entrance exam 2025 is likely to be conducted in the following CAT exam time slots

• Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
• Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
• Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

As a preference of the candidates, they can opt for any of the three available slots.

Read: Complete Details on CAT 2025 Syllabus

Can We Edit CAT 2025 Application Form After Submission?

Yes, but once the CAT registration 2025 is submitted, changes are limited. A brief "CAT Form Correction Window" might be offered for specific corrections.

Not all fields may be editable. Check the official CAT guidelines for details. If mistakes are spotted after this window, contact the CAT helpdesk.

Check: SuperGrads CAT Toppers Interview

Download the List of Documents to Carry on the CAT Exam Day

How to Edit CAT Exam Application Form 2025?

How can I edit the CAT registration form after submission? The authorities will provide the correction window for the CAT Application form 2025 as per the CAT official schedule. 

Students are given a CAT 2025 registration link details form correction window to fix a limited number of errors made while filling in the form. The areas where corrections can be made are as follows. 

Please make use of this period if you wish to edit the following: 

• Photo of candidate 
• Signature of candidate 
• Test City preferences 

The 3-day period allotted for this task cannot be used to edit anything else. This is why filling out the form carefully and with utmost attention is essential! 

Click Here | Boost your CAT Preparation with Super Grads Coaching

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Conclusion

Fill out the CAT application form 2025 to register for the CAT exam 2025. Choose your CAT exam centre very wisely, as no change will be provided after the release of the CAT exam admit card.

Also, read the complete information provided in the CAT exam notification 2025 to ensure accurate CAT 2025 registration link details and avoid errors.

Also Read | SuperGrads CAT Toppers List