CAT 2025 - Exam Dates, Registrations, Eligibility, Syllabus & more.
The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and will likely be administered by IIM Kozhikode. The notification is expected to roll out in the first week of August, with registration starting early August and ending in September 2025.
The exam will be held in various cities across India and has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
The CAT is a computer-based MBA entrance exam conducted annually for admission to top MBA institutions, including 21 IIMs, several IITs, close to 25 Non IIMs and over 1200 B-schools in India.
The exam carries 198 marks and lasts for 2 hours, featuring about 66 questions across the three sections. Tarkashastra offers a comprehensive CAT preparation program to help candidates achieve their best results.
| Exam | Registration Starts | Registration Ends | Exam Date | Registration Fee | Section Considered | What Tarkashastra Provides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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CAT 2025 |
August 1st week
Apply Here |
September Last Week |
30th Nov 2025 |
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What is the CAT Exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most challenging national-level management entrance examination, furnishing aspirants with the opportunity to MBA programs at prestigious institutions like IIMs and other top B-schools.
As the country’s most significant MBA entrance test, the CAT is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. IIM Lucknow administered CAT 2023, and IIM Kozhikode will likely be the conducting body for CAT 2025.
This computer-based test for 2025 is scheduled for November 30th (last Sunday of November) & will be taking place in multiple cities across India.
If you are a B-school aspirant aiming for CAT 2025, now is the time to ramp up your preparation with Tarkashastra’s comprehensive CAT learning program.
CAT 2025 Exam Fees
To successfully submit the CAT 2025 form, the candidates must pay the CAT exam fees via an online payment gateway using UPI, credit or debit card, or internet banking.
Below are the CAT 2025 registration fees for various categories:
- Rs 1250*: SC/ST/PwD category
- Rs 2500*: General/EWS/NC-OBC category
*Fees have been taken from the CAT 2024 notification, and this amount might change this year after the release of the CAT 2025 notification.
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CAT Exam Age Limit
The exam is open to fresh graduates and working professionals. Accepted by over 1200 B-schools across India for full-time MBA, executive MBA, and online professional courses, many working professionals take the CAT to pursue these programs.
CAT 2025 Important Dates
The key dates and timelines for CAT 2025, including the CAT registration date, the final deadline for CAT 2025 applications, the scheduled CAT exam date, and the anticipated CAT result date are as follows:
| CAT Exam Events | CAT Exam Date 2024 |
|---|---|
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CAT 2025 notification date
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Last week of July 2025
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Beginning of CAT 2025 registration
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1st August, 2025
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CAT 2025 registration last date
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13 September, 2025
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CAT 2025 exam date
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30 November, 2025
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CAT 2025 result date
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Mid December 2025
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CAT 2025 Registration Process
Based on previous trends, we anticipate the IIMs will conduct CAT 2025 registration from the first week of August to the third week of September. Registration will be online, and candidates must complete the CAT 2025 application form on the official CAT website.
How to fill the CAT 2025 application form?
Documents required for CAT Application
- The applicant must have mark sheets related to the 10th and 12th
- Graduation mark sheets and certificates
- Applicant’s Aadhar card
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Certificate of Disability: If the applicant is disabled
- Applicant’s bank account details
- Address Proof etc
CAT 2025 Application Form Correction
CAT 2025 applicants should carefully complete the form to avoid errors. However, in case of a mistake, the authorities provide a three-day CAT form correction window, enabling candidates to amend specific details in the submitted form.
Outlined below are the details that can and cannot be corrected.
- Personal details (Date of Birth, email address, mobile number, etc.) entered during registration cannot be edited. If an error occurs in these details, candidates must re-register using a new email ID.
- Application form details such as Academics, Work Experience, etc., entered during registration cannot be modified. Candidates will need to re-register with a new email ID if an error is found in these details.
- Other non-editable details
- Candidate’s Name
- Date of Birth
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- State
- Editable information in CAT 2024 form:
- Photo of candidate
- Signature of candidate
- Test City preferences
CAT 2024: Complete Registration Process Explained
Eligibility Criteria for the CAT exam
The eligibility criteria for CAT 2025 are as follows:
- Personal details (Date of Birth, email address, mobile number, etc.) entered during registration cannot be edited. If an error occurs in these details, candidates must re-register using a new email ID.
- Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories).
- Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate or an equivalent CGPA (Aspirants holding professional degrees such as CA/CS/ICWA are eligible for CAT 2025, provided they meet the minimum required percentage.% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories).
- No upper age limit is specified, allowing working professionals to apply for CAT 2025.
- While work experience is advantageous for IIM admission, it is not mandatory for CAT application.
CAT Exam Pattern
Please review the latest CAT exam pattern below:
| CAT Exam Information | CAT Paper Pattern |
|---|---|
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CAT 2024 exam sections
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Time Duration of CAT section-wise |
40 minutes per section (Total 120 minutes)
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Total number of questions
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66 |
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Total marks
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198 |
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Language of question paper
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English |
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Type of questions
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MCQs and Non-MCQs
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CAT 2025 Marking Scheme
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*The CAT exam 2025 will be conducted online. Candidates are expected to have basic computer usage knowledge.
Syllabus of CAT
The CAT syllabus includes subjects, chapters, and important topics from all three exam sections. Knowing the CAT 2025 syllabus is the first step to top scores. However, IIMs never officially release the CAT syllabus, as the exam tests analytical, logical reasoning, and critical thinking skills, not specific topics. The syllabus is determined from previous years’ question papers and trends.
The table below lists essential topics for the 3 sections of the CAT 2025 syllabus.
| CAT Exam Sections | CAT 2025 Syllabus (Important Topics) |
|---|---|
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Verbal Ability |
Reading Comprehension, Para Summary, Para Jumble, Out of Context Statements, Para Completion |
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Quantitative Aptitude |
Simple Equations/ Linear Equations, Ratio, Proportion and Variation, Percentage, Profit and Loss, SICI, Average, Mixture and Alligation, Time and Work, Time Speed Distance, Numbers, Geometry, Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry, Surds and Indices, Quadratic and Higher Order Equations, Special Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithm, Algebraic Formula and Operations, Sequence and Series, Permutation and Combination, Probability |
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Logical Reasoning
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Linear Arrangement, Circular Arrangement, Binary Logic, Sequencing, Matching and Distribution, Venn Diagram/Set Theory, Selection / Logical Conditions & Grouping, Cubes and Dices, Rectangular & Square / Complex Arrangement |
List of IIMs accepting CAT scores
| List of IIMs | CAT 2024 Cutoff (Expected) | IIM NIRF Rank 2023 | IIM NIRF Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IIM Ahmedabad CAT cut off |
99-100 |
1 |
83.20 |
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IIM Bangalore
|
99-100 |
2 |
80.89 |
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IIM Calcutta
|
99 |
4 |
75.53 |
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IIM Lucknow
|
97+ |
6 |
74.11 |
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IIM Indore
|
97+ |
8 |
71.95 |
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IIM Kozhikode
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97 to 98 |
3 |
76.48 |
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IIM Amritsar
|
95+ |
51 |
51.30 |
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IIM Nagpur
|
95+ |
43 |
53.41 |
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IIM Sambalpur
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95+ |
58 |
50.90 |
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IIM Trichy
|
94 |
22 |
60.83 |
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IIM Raipur
|
94 |
11 |
66.18 |
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IIM Ranchi
|
94 |
24 |
59.99 |
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IIM Kashipur
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94 |
19 |
61.07 |
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IIM Vizag
|
92 |
29 |
57.57 |
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IIM Udaipur
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92 |
16 |
68.78 |
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IIM Bodhgaya
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92 |
53 |
51.28 |
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IIM Shillong
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90 |
26 |
59.12 |
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IIM Sirmaur
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95 |
98 |
43.26 |
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IIM Rohtak
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95 |
12 |
65.88 |
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IIM Mumbai
|
97 |
7 |
68.84 |
List of IITs accepting CAT scores
| List of IITs | CAT 2024 Cutoff (Expected) |
|---|---|
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SJMSOM, IIT Bombay
|
99+ Percentile
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DMS, IIT DELHI
|
98+ Percentile
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Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras
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95+ Percentile
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IIT Kanpur
|
95 Percentile
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IIT Roorkee
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94.6 Percentile
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VGSOM, IIT Kharagpur
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90 Percentile
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IIT-ISM Dhanbad
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80 Percentile
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Top Non IIM colleges that accept CAT scores
- Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
- SPJIMR, Mumbai
- FMS, Delhi
- IMI, Delhi
- NITIE, Mumbai
- TISS, Mumbai
Other Top B-Schools Expected CAT 2025 Cutoff
| List of CAT Colleges | CAT 2025 Cutoff (Expected) |
|---|---|
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FMS
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98.20 Percentile
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BITSOM |
94 Percentile
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Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) Chennai
|
90+ Percentile
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Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad
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90+ Percentile
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MDI Gurgaon
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95+ Percentile
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SPJIMR
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95+ Percentile
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XIMB
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90+ Percentile
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TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) Manipal
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85+ Percentile
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CAT 2025 Preparation: Tips and Strategies
MBA aspirants aiming for IIMs can start CAT preparation now, with 5 months until the 2025 exam. Creating a study plan and following preparation strategies will help candidates ace the test.
CAT 2025 Preparation Tips
Explore these CAT preparation tips and strategies to achieve a 95+ percentile in the CAT 2025 exam:
- Break down the syllabus and focus on weaker areas.
- Aim to attend as many CAT mock tests as possible to enhance accuracy and speed.
- Utilize the CAT mock tests to identify the sections that require the most attention.
- Thoroughly cover all topics in the CAT syllabus by analyzing previous years’ question papers.
- Learn & apply shortcuts to solve questions efficiently, avoiding lengthy calculations.
- Dedicate 3 to 4 hours daily to CAT exam preparation without interruption.
CAT 2025 Study Plan
How do I start preparing for CAT 2025?
If you are starting your CAT preparation now, watch our recent videos related to CAT Exam Study Plan on YouTube (give link of YT channel here)
Refer to this CAT exam preparation 12 months timeline to effectively prepare for the IIM CAT 2025 exam. It can help candidates develop a structured study plan.
- January – May 2025: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the CAT 2025 MBA exam syllabus, including LR, VARC, and QA, over the first four months and complete QA by the fifth month.
- June – August 2025: Finalize VA and LR in the initial two months and dedicate the final month to the DI section of CAT 2025.
- September – October 2025: Review the CAT exam syllabus and practice CAT 2025 sample papers.
- October – November 2025: In the final month, revisit all CAT 2025 concepts. Take CAT 2025 mock tests daily, evaluate your performance, and address weak areas.
CAT 2025 Topic-Wise Weightage
| CAT Exam 2024 Sections | CAT 2023 topic-wise weightage | CAT 2022 topic-wise weightage | CAT 2021 topic-wise weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
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Reading Comprehension- 16
(4+4+4+4) Para Summary-2 Odd Sentence- 2 Para Completion- 2 Para Jumbles- 2 |
Reading Comprehension- 16 (4+4+4+4)
Para jumbles- 3 Para Summary- 3 Para completion- 2 |
Reading Comprehension- 16 (4+4+4+4) Para jumbles- 3 Para Summary-3 Para jumbles (Odd sentence out)- 2 |
|
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
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College Elections (LR)- 5 Visa Applications (LR) Time & Sequence set)- 5 12 Houses (LR-DI) Rectangular diagram (3*2)- 5 Restaurant→ Rating (Mean, Median, Mode)- 5 |
Token- 5 University Team- 5 15 girls get together- 5 Metro lines- 5 |
Smoothies- DI- 4 Bar Graph- 4 Arrangement - Researchers, Publishing- 6 Arrangement - Friends, Strangers, Acquaintances- 6 |
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Quantitative Aptitude
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Number System- 1, Algebra- 8 Arithmetic- 9 Modern Math- 1 Geometry & Mensuration- 3 |
Number System- 1,
Algebra- 8
Arithmetic- 8
Modern Math- 2
Geometry & Mensuration- 3 |
Number System- 2,
Algebra- 5
Arithmetic- 11
Modern Math- 1
Geometry & Mensuration- 3 |
Best Books for CAT 2025 Preparation (section-wise)
Selecting the best books for CAT preparation can be confusing for many aspirants. Below is a list of the best books for CAT 2025 exam preparation:
| CAT 2024 Subjects | CAT 2024 Preparation Books |
|---|---|
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
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How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT - Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
Word Power Made Easy - Norman Lewis |
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
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How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Arun Sharma Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT - Nishit Sinha Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT - Pearson |
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Quantitative Aptitude
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How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude - Arun Sharma Quantitative Aptitude for CAT - Nishit K Sinha Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT - Sarvesh Verma |
CAT Question Papers
Candidates preparing for the CAT 2025 exam should familiarize themselves with the syllabus, even though no official version exists. They can understand it using resources like free CAT mock tests, sample papers, and previous CAT question papers.
CAT 2025 BeginnerTests
Before starting CAT 2025 preparation, take 1-2 CAT 2025 mocks to assess your standing. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, then draft a CAT preparation strategy.
After completing the CAT 2025 Syllabus, attempt daily CAT 2025 mock tests. If you need to catch up in any section based on your mock analysis, improve that area promptly.
We at Tarkashastra provide a comprehensive CAT preparation program with daily mock tests, personalized study plans, and expert guidance to help you achieve your target score. 1 to 1 Mock Analysis is highly revered by our students.
Join us now!
CAT 2025 Score Vs Percentile (Expected)
- The CAT percentile is critical in screening candidates for the first round of IIM admissions, i.e., the written ability test and personal interview (WAT-PI).
- The CAT score forms the basis of the CAT percentile calculation..
After the release of the CAT 2025 response sheet and answer keys, you can evaluate your CAT score and calculate the CAT percentile.
Sectional & Overall Cut Off 2025, Check Previous Year Cut Off
Click the link to gain in-depth knowledge on sectional and overall cutoff scores for 2024 and the previous year’s CAT cutoffs.
CAT 2025 - FAQs
1. What are the sections in the CAT exam?
The CAT exam comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
2. What is the duration of the CAT exam?
The duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes (2 hours).
3. What is the registration fee for CAT 2025?
The registration fee for CAT 2025 has yet to be specified in the provided document. Please refer to the official CAT website for the details of the most current fee.
4. Is there an age limit for the CAT exam?
The CAT exam has no upper age limit. However, candidates should be at least 20 years old to appear for the CAT Exam. Candidates of any age (above 20 years) can appear for CAT 2025, provided they meet the educational qualification criteria.
5. Can I correct mistakes in my CAT 2024 application form?
CAT 2025 applicants can correct mistakes in their application form during the correction window.
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