What is CAT Exam?
The CAT (Common Admission Test) exam is for admission into postgraduate management programs like the MBA at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other top business schools in India. It tests candidates on their skills in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning, which are essential for management roles. A high score in the CAT is often the first step in securing a spot in a prestigious business school and can lead to better career opportunities.
This year, about 2.95 lakh candidates have applied for the exam. Read all about CAT exam 2025 below including admit card, mock test, syllabus, pattern, preparation, question paper PDFs.
The exam is a national level exam and its score is accepted by top B-schools other than the IIMs, such as FMS, MDI, IIFT, SPJIMR, GIM, BIMTECH, IIT-DoMs among others. According to Shiksha, over 1300 MBA colleges in India accept CAT scores for MBA admission.
This year, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is being conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode. The IIMs conduct the CAT on a rotational basis, and this year it is IIM Kozhikode's turn.
- Conducting Body: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode
- Rotation: The CAT is conducted annually by a different IIM on a rotational basis
- Exam Date: November 30, 2025