Know all about CAT 2025 – Registration, Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Preparation Strategy

More than 3 lakhs students are appear for CAT every year. Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most sought-after entrance exam for MBA aspirants, providing a path to prestigious IIMs and top business schools in India. Therefore CAT aspirants must know all important aspects of CAT 2025 including registration and eligibility to preparation strategies and coaching recommendations. Additionally, this article will also highlight whether one should opt for online or offline coaching for thier CAT 2025 preparation.

CAT 2025 Registration Process

CAT 2025 registration process is expected to start in the moth of August 2025. Candidates must know the CAT registration process in detail.

Steps to Register for CAT 2025

1. Visit the CAT Official Website: In order to apply for CAT one needs to visit the official website first.
2. Create Your Account: Now using your email ID and phone number you have to create your account. Here you have to feed in your personal details and the your would get your CAT ID and password.
3. Fill the CAT Application Form 2025: The next stage is filling the CAT application form. Provide the correct academic qualifications, professional qualifications including your work experience or professional degrees like CA or CS (if applicable). Now, from the drop down you have to select six cities based on your preference for your CAT exam.
4. Upload all Relevant Documents:

• Recent passport-size photograph (check pixel details for clarity).
• Scanned copy of the candidate’s signature.
• Category certificates (if applicable).
• PWD certificates (if applicable).

1. Pay the CAT Application Fee: The application fee for CAT for the General Category is INR 2,400 whereas for the SC/ST/PwD Candidates is INR 1,200

1. Submit the CAT Application Form: Once you pay the application fee, review your CAT exam form and submit it.

Important Dates for CAT 2025

Knowing the important dates for CAT 2025 is critical for effective preparation and planning. Below is the tentative schedule of CAT 2025.

CAT Eligibility 2025

According to the CAT eligibility criteria, candidates with a bachelor’s degree with atleast 50% marks are eligible to apply for the exam. Know the CAT exam eligibility details here:

1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Candidates who are in the final-year ocan also apply but they need tp submit the original marksheet once they get it.
2. CAT Exam Age Eligibility: There is no age limit for CAT. Therefore graduates of any age can apply for CAT 2025.
3. Work Experience: Although work experience is not mandatory for CAT 2025 but having work experience will be an additional point for your profile.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

CAT aspirants must have a deep understanding of the exam pattern. CAT exam have a total of three sections – VARC, DILR and QA. The number of questions for each section along with the time has been tabulated below:

CAT Exam Pattern 2025

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern Key Points

• Duration: The total exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours), with 40 minutes for each section.
• Sectional Time Limit: Candidates cannot switch between sections.
• CAT Marking Scheme:

•       +3 for correct answers
•       -1 for incorrect answers (MCQs only)
•       No negative marking for non-MCQs (TITA questions)

CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy

• Understand the CAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Analyse the key topics in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Focus on high-weightage areas like reading comprehension, common LRDI sets, and arithmetic in QA to maximize your scores and percentiles.
• Create a Structured CAT Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan allocating specific time for each section daily. Dedicate a few extra hours to your weaker areas while maintaining regular revision of your strengths. Additionally make sure you include time for revisiting past topics and keep a check on your progress.
• Take Mock Tests: CAT mock tests will give you a real-time exam experience. So take mock tests to improve your focus. This will be helpful for both, accuracy and time management.
• Analyze Mock Test Results Thoroughly: Post-mock test analysis is very important for understanding your mistakes and improving performance. Identify your mistakes, recognize topics that require more attention and time, and finally make a plan accordingly.
• Focus on Time Management: Learn to efficiently allocate time for each question type during the exam. Prioritize solving simpler questions first and then move to complex ones. Avoid wasting your time on a single problem.
• Strengthen Core Concepts: Have a good command on quant topics like algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. For VARC, enhance your reading comprehension by practicing from diverse sources online. Improve your logical reasoning skills by solving puzzles and interpreting data sets regularly. Take help from the previous year question papers.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Join CAT preparation groups and forums to interact with fellow aspirants. Peer-to-peer discussions can provide fresh perspectives, strategies, and solutions, making your CAT preparation stronger.
• Stay consistent and don’t take stress: Consistency is important for CAT preparation. Follow your CAT schedule and keep taking short breaks to recharge. Avoid taking stress and burdening yourself with more material.
• Stay Updated with CAT Official Notifications: Keep an eye on updates from the CAT authorities. Be thorough and ready to adapt your preparation if there are changes in the CAT exam pattern or syllabus to ensure no surprises on test day.

Online vs. Offline Coaching: Which is Better?

The choice between online and offline coaching depends on individual preferences, resources, and constraints. Here’s a comparative analysis that will help you make an informed choice whether you should opt for online coaching or go for an offline coaching institute.

Advantages of CAT Online Coaching

1. Easy accessibility – You can conveniently take classes from your home which will save your time time and energy.
2. Experienced Faculty: Since there is no geographical barriers, online coaching can hire experienced faculties from any part of the country.
3. Affordability: Online coaching is more affordable as there is no infrastructural cost involved.

Advantages of Offline Coaching

1. Fixed Schedule: Classroom sessions has a fixed schedule, this helps students in being disciplined.
2. Personal Interaction: You can get immediate feedback and clarity for all your queries because of the face-to-face interactions with faculty.
3. More networking: Through offline coaching, you build personal connections with your fellow students it creates a competitive spirit and acts like a motivation.

Ultimately, the decision between online and offline coaching depends on your personal preferences, location, and availability.

Conclusion

CAT 2025 is a gateway for the aspirants to achieve their dream of joining a prestegious B-school. With focused preparation, strategic planning, and the right guidance one can definitely ace the CAT exam 2025.