If you plan to appear for CAT 2025, completing the application form correctly and on time is the first crucial step. With the official notification expected in July 2025 and the exam likely to be held on November 23, 2025, staying informed and prepared is essential.
In this blog, you’ll get:
- The expected schedule for CAT 2025
- A step-by-step guide to filling out the application form
- Key tips and FAQs to avoid common mistakes
- And how Tarkashastra can help you ace the CAT with confidence
Let’s dive right in and understand how to stay ahead of the competition by seamlessly managing your CAT 2025 application process.
CAT 2025 Overview
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based entrance exam conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is the most prestigious MBA entrance exam in India, serving as a gateway to not just the 21 IIMs but also to over 1,200+ B-schools, including FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, SPJIMR, and many others.
Who Will Conduct CAT 2025?
The responsibility of conducting CAT rotates among the IIMs every year. Based on the rotation pattern, CAT 2025 is expected to be performed by IIM Kozhikode.
Exam Pattern at a Glance
CAT tests candidates across three sections, each with a 40-minute time limit:
| Section | Duration | Key Skills Tested |
| VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 40 mins | English grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary |
| DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 40 mins | Charts, puzzles, data sets, sequencing |
| QA – Quantitative Aptitude | 40 mins | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems |
Total Duration: 120 minutes
Note: You cannot switch between sections once the timer for a section ends.
Who is Eligible for CAT 2025?
To apply for CAT 2025, you must meet the following essential eligibility criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year students can also apply
- There is no age limit
How Popular is CAT?
Each year, CAT sees a rise in applicants. Here’s the trend:
| Year | Total Applicants | Candidates Appeared |
| 2024 | 3.29 lakh | 2.93 lakh |
| 2023 | 3.23 lakh | 2.88 lakh |
| 2022 | 2.55+ lakh | 2.22+ lakh |
CAT 2025 is expected to cross 3.5 lakh applicants, so the competition will be tougher than ever.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fill CAT Application Form 2025
Filling out the CAT 2025 application form is a straightforward yet sensitive process. A slight mistake can lead to application rejection or incorrect data being sent to B-schools.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you register without stress.
Step 1: Register on the Official Website
- Visit iimcat.ac.in once the application window opens
- Click on ‘New Candidate Registration’
- Fill in your:
- Name (as per Class 10 mark sheet)
- Date of Birth
- Mobile number (valid & active)
- Email ID (avoid using college email)
- Complete CAPTCHA and submit
- You’ll receive a User ID and Password on your registered email & phone
Step 2: Fill out the CAT 2025 Application Form
After login, complete the application form in the following sections:
| Section | What to Fill |
| Personal Details | Name, DOB, Gender, Category, PwD status |
| Academic Info | Marks from 10th, 12th, Graduation, Post-grad (if any) |
| Work Experience | Only full-time experience (till July 31, 2025) |
| Programmes | Choose IIMs and courses you want to apply to |
| Test Cities | Select up to 6 preferred cities in order |
Note: You cannot change your test cities once the form is submitted.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
| Document | Format & Size Requirements |
| Passport-size photo | .jpg/.jpeg |
| Signature | .jpg/.jpeg |
| Caste/EWS/PwD Certificate | PDF format, as per official templates |
Make sure the photo & signature are recent and clearly visible.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / NC-OBC | ₹2500 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1250 |
- Payment via Net banking / UPI / Debit/Credit card
- Save payment receipt for future reference
Step 5: Final Submission and Confirmation
- Preview your filled form carefully
- Make edits if needed before final submission
- Click Submit
- Download the filled application form as a PDF for your records
Tarkashastra Tip: Complete the form at least a week before the deadline. Consult an expert or your mentor if you’re unsure about category certificates or academic entries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Form Filling
Even though the CAT application process is digital and streamlined, thousands of aspirants make avoidable mistakes yearly that either delay their registration or lead to rejection.
Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them.
1. Entering Incorrect Academic Details
- Don’t round off your marks. Enter percentages precisely as per your mark sheets.
- Mention the correct grading system (CGPA vs. Percentage).
- If you’re in the final year, tick the appropriate status.
Double-check your marks, especially in the 12th and graduation sections.
2. Wrong Category or PwD Selection
- Many candidates accidentally select the wrong category or miss uploading valid certificates.
- If you’re applying under SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD, ensure:
- The certificate is in the prescribed format (available on iimcat.ac.in)
- It is signed and stamped by a competent authority
Mismatch in documents can also lead to disqualification at the IIMs’ selection stage.
3. Blurry or Invalid Image Uploads
- Ensure your passport-size photo is clear, recent, and with a light background.
- The signature should not be in all caps or overwritten.
| Document | Common Errors |
| Photo | Selfies, casual photos, blurry |
| Signature | Scanned in poor light, in capitals |
| Certificates | Cropped or partially scanned |
Follow the dimension and size guidelines strictly.
4. Selecting Exam Cities Without Planning
- Don’t randomly pick 6 cities—choose based on accessibility and travel logistics.
- Exam city preferences cannot be changed after submission.
5. Ignoring the Preview Before Final Submission
- Always review your form in detail before clicking ‘Submit.’
- Check the spelling of your name, DOB, email ID, contact details, and category
CAT does not allow major corrections after the deadline. Take your time—accuracy > speed.
Pro Tip: Create a checklist of all required details & documents before you start filling out the form. This saves time and prevents errors.
Tips for a Smooth CAT 2025 Registration Experience
While the CAT application process is conducted entirely online, a hassle-free experience depends on how well-prepared you are. Here are some practical tips to make your CAT 2025 registration smooth and error-free.
1. Use a Laptop or Desktop
- Always use a desktop or laptop instead of a mobile phone for form-filling.
- Mobile browsers may not support all features of the CAT portal.
2. Keep All Documents Ready in Advance
Prepare a digital folder with the following:
| Document | Format | Naming Tip |
| Passport-size photo | .jpg/.jpeg | YourName_Photo.jpeg |
| Signature | .jpg/.jpeg | YourName_Sign.jpeg |
| Caste/EWS/PwD certificate | YourName_Certificate.pdf |
Have backups of each document in Google Drive or Dropbox, just in case.
3. Fill During Non-Peak Hours
- Avoid logging in during the last few days or peak hours (evenings).
- Morning to early afternoon on weekdays is often the most stable time.
4. Double-Check Everything Before Submission
- Preview every section carefully.
- Ensure details like email ID, category, and academic scores are accurate.
5. Save Confirmation and Payment Receipts
- Once submitted, download and save the filled form PDF and fee payment receipt.
- These may be required during the exam, interviews, or document verification.
Print 1–2 hard copies and keep digital backups.
6. Use a Reliable Internet Connection
- Use a stable broadband or Wi-Fi network while filling out and submitting the form.
- Avoid using public networks or hotspots.
Tarkashastra Pro Tip: We recommend filling out a mock form on paper first. It gives you a clear idea of what info you’ll need and helps avoid silly mistakes.
Why Choose Tarkashastra for Your CAT 2025 Prep?
Cracking CAT isn’t just about solving questions—it’s about having the right strategy, mentorship, and consistency throughout your preparation journey. At Tarkashastra, we don’t just coach—we guide you like a mentor, helping you unlock your full potential.
Here’s why thousands of serious MBA aspirants trust us:
Expert-Led, Student-Focused Training
- Sessions conducted by experienced mentors who have cracked CAT themselves
- Personalized guidance to suit your academic background and preparation level
Comprehensive Study Material
- Topic-wise theory solved examples, and level-wise practice sets
- Based on the latest CAT pattern and question trends
Live & Recorded Sessions
- Attend live sessions or watch recordings as per your schedule
- Perfect for working professionals and college students
Mock Tests with AI-Based Analytics
| Feature | What Do You Get? |
| Full-Length Mocks | CAT-level simulations with real-time scoring |
| Sectional Tests | Targeted practice in VARC, DILR, and QA |
| Performance Reports | AI-driven insights on accuracy, time, strengths & weaknesses |
1:1 Mentorship & Strategy Planning
- Regular 1-on-1 doubt-solving and test analysis
- Personalized exam-day strategy based on your strengths
Free Webinars & Form-Filling Help
- Get timely updates on CAT 2025
- Dedicated support for registration, exam strategy, and profile-building
Ready to start your journey? Visit www.tarkashastra.co.in and take the first step toward your dream B-school.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead by Planning Your CAT 2025 Application Smartly
Applying for CAT 2025 is the first step toward your MBA dream and it requires accuracy, planning, and attention to detail.
Let’s recap the key milestones:
| Activity | Tentative Timeline |
| Notification Release | July 2025 |
| Application Window | August – Mid-September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | October 2025 |
| Exam Date | November 23, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | January 2026 |
By applying early, preparing smartly, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll give yourself the edge most aspirants miss out on.
And remember—you don’t have to do this alone.
At Tarkashastra, we offer everything from expert mentorship and strategic mocks to last-minute prep and application guidance, helping you confidently walk into your exam centre.
Your MBA journey starts now.
- Don’t wait for the notification.
- Don’t wait for “perfect timing.”
- Start preparing. Start applying. Start winning—with Tarkashastra.
Want expert help with CAT 2025 form-filling or prep? Visit www.tarkashastra.co.in or message us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is CAT, and Who Conducts the Exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based MBA entrance exam conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It tests candidates on Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).
In 2025, the exam is expected to be conducted by IIM Kozhikode, based on the rotation cycle among IIMs.
2. When Will the CAT 2025 Application Form Be Available?
The CAT 2025 application form is expected to be released in the first week of August 2025, following the official notification in July 2025.
3. What Are the Important Dates for the CAT 2025 Application?
The CAT 2025 application process is expected to follow a familiar timeline based on previous years. The official CAT 2025 notification will likely be released in July 2025, after which the application window will open in the first week of August. Aspirants will have until mid-September 2025 to complete and submit their forms.
After the application window closes, the admit card will be released in October 2025, and the exam is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 2025. The CAT 2025 results are expected to be declared in early January 2026.
4. What If I Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you will not be allowed to apply. No late applications are accepted. Sometimes, IIMs extend the deadline by 2–3 days, but this is not guaranteed.
5. What Is the Process to Apply for CAT 2025?
Here’s a simplified step-by-step process:
- Register at iimcat.ac.in with your email and mobile number.
- Fill out the application form with details about your personal, academic, and work experience.
- Select up to 6 preferred exam cities.
- Upload documents: Photo, signature, and category/PwD certificates (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and download the confirmation page.
6. Is the CAT Form Different for Different IIMs?
No. There is a single application form for CAT, which covers all participating IIMs and programs. You can select multiple IIMs during the form-filling process.
7. How Long Does It Take to Fill Out the CAT Application Form?
Completing the form takes 30–45 minutes if you have all the documents ready. Doing it in one go on a desktop or laptop for best results is advised.
8. What Documents Are Required for the CAT 2025 Application?
To complete your CAT 2025 application successfully, you’ll need a few essential documents in digital format. These include a recent passport-size photograph with a transparent background, a scanned copy of your signature, and—if applicable—your category, EWS, or PwD certificate. All certificates must follow the official format provided on the CAT website.
While you’re not required to upload mark sheets for your academic qualifications, ensure you have them on hand to accurately enter your 10th, 12th, and graduation details. If you’re in your final year of graduation, you must indicate that correctly in the application form.
9. Can I Change My Exam Centre After Submitting the Form?
No. Once submitted, your exam city preferences cannot be changed. Choose wisely at the time of filling out the form.
10. How Can I Register for CAT 2025?
To register:
- Go to iimcat.ac.in
- Click on “New Candidate Registration”
- Fill in your name, DOB, mobile number, and email ID
- After verification, you’ll receive a User ID and Password
- Use these to log in and complete the application
11. What Is the Application Fee for CAT 2025?
The application fee for CAT 2025 is ₹2500 for candidates belonging to the General and NC-OBC categories and ₹1250 for candidates from SC, ST, or PwD categories. This fee must be paid online only, using credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
It’s essential to ensure that the transaction is completed successfully. Once paid, keep a copy of the payment receipt or confirmation for future reference, especially during admit card download and exam day verification.
12. Can I Edit My CAT Application After Submission?
Yes, a limited correction window is typically provided after registration closes. You can edit:
- Uploaded photo or signature
- Test city preferences (sometimes)
You cannot edit your name, date of birth, category, email ID, or academic scores after submission. So, review everything carefully before submitting.
