If you're aiming for top IIMs or elite B-Schools like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, or IIT Bombay, the Common Admission Test (CAT 2025) is your gateway. Conducted by the IIMs, CAT is one of the toughest and most prestigious MBA entrance exams in India. But with the right strategy and tools, you can crack it with confidence.
In this blog, KollegeApply brings you a complete roadmap to ace CAT 2025 — from syllabus breakdown and prep tips to the best colleges and tools to support your journey.
Important Dates for CAT 2025 (Tentative)
CAT 2025 registration will likely begin in August 2025. The exam is expected to be held in late November 2025, and results will be out by early January 2026.
Stay up to date with KollegeApply’s live exam calendar to avoid missing important notifications, application deadlines, or admit card releases.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
CAT 2025 will have three sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – Focuses on reading passages, para jumbles, summary-type questions.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – Includes caselets, puzzles, bar graphs, tables, and Venn diagrams.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and more.
The total duration will be 120 minutes, with 40 minutes for each section. The exam will include both MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA). Negative marking applies only to MCQs.
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CAT 2025 Syllabus – Section-Wise Overview
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Reading Comprehension passages from diverse topics
Para jumbles, summary questions, odd-sentence-out
Daily reading practice is key — newspapers, editorials, and online journals help build speed and comprehension.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Practice data caselets, logical puzzles, and chart-based questions.
Improve selection skills — not all sets need to be attempted. Accuracy over volume matters.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Focus first on Arithmetic, as it's the most tested topic.
Then move to Algebra, Number Systems, Geometry, and Mensuration.
Revise formulas and practice application-based questions daily.
How to Start Your CAT 2025 Preparation
Start Early: Begin at least 10–12 months before the exam for solid preparation.
Make a Study Schedule: Allocate 2–3 hours daily for study; increase this as the exam approaches.
Take Mock Tests: Start mock tests early to assess strengths and weaknesses. Take one full-length mock every 2 weeks initially.
Analyze Your Mocks: Spend as much time analyzing mock results as taking them. Know your weak areas.
Join Online Communities: Platforms like Pagalguy, Reddit, or KollegeApply’s webinar groups offer peer discussions, doubts, and free tips.
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Best Resources for CAT 2025
Books: Arun Sharma series for all sections, Nishit K. Sinha for DILR and VARC.
Websites & Apps: KollegeApply for exam updates, CAT college predictor, and strategy blogs.
Free Tools: Try KollegeApply’s college predictor to estimate which IIMs and top B-Schools you can target based on your mock scores.
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Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Scores
CAT is accepted by all IIMs, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, and more. Other top institutes include FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IITs (for MBA), IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI, and FORE School of Management.
Different colleges have different cut-offs, but the IIMs generally require a 95–99+ percentile for the general category.
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How KollegeApply Supports CAT Aspirants
Get live exam updates, registration links, and last dates via our Exam Tracker
Use our CAT College Predictor tool based on your mock or actual score
Join expert webinars featuring IIM alumni and CAT toppers
Explore college profiles with verified details about placements, fees, and eligibility
Everything you need — all in one place.
Final Tips to Crack CAT 2025
Be consistent — regular practice beats last-minute effort
Prioritize accuracy — negative marking can be brutal
Keep revising fundamentals
Don't ignore your weaker section — balance is key
Maintain your mental health — take breaks and avoid burnout
Start Your CAT Journey with KollegeApply
At KollegeApply, we’re more than just a platform — we’re your partner in your MBA journey. From exam guidance to college selection, we help you at every step.
