The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) released admit cards for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 on November 12, 2025, enabling over 2.95 lakh registered candidates to download them from the official portal iimcat.ac.in. The computer-based exam, a gateway to premier MBA and doctoral programmes, is set for November 30, 2025, across approximately 170 test cities, with exact centre details—including venue name, address, and reporting time—clearly printed on each admit card. Alongside the release, a comprehensive mock test with sample questions went live on the same website to help candidates familiarise themselves with the exam interface, navigation, and time management under simulated conditions.

Candidates must follow a simple three-step process to access their admit cards: visit iimcat.ac.in, click on “Registered Candidate Login” or the prominent “Admit Card” link, and enter their unique CAT application ID and password to download the PDF. The IIMs have mandated that a printed copy of the admit card, along with an original government-issued photo ID (such as Aadhaar, PAN, or passport), be presented at the test centre—digital versions on phones will not be accepted. Any mismatch in details or failure to produce these documents will result in denial of entry, a rule strictly enforced to maintain exam integrity.

This year’s CAT, conducted under the leadership of IIM Calcutta, will follow the standard three-section format: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The 120-minute test comprises 66 questions in total, with sectional time limits of 40 minutes each. Scores are scaled to account for variations in difficulty across multiple slots, and percentiles determine shortlisting for interviews at 21 IIMs and over 1,200 non-IIM institutions, including MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and SPJIMR Mumbai.

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The mock test, now available, mirrors the actual exam environment, including on-screen calculators, question flagging, and review options. It serves as a critical tool for aspirants to identify weak areas, refine strategies, and reduce anxiety. The IIMs have advised candidates to attempt the mock in one sitting to simulate real pressure, especially for first-timers from non-engineering backgrounds who form a growing share of the applicant pool.

Results are expected in the first week of January 2026, with scorecards accessible via login and SMS alerts. Validity extends until December 31, 2026, allowing deferred admissions or re-applications. The official notification warns of severe consequences for fraud—concealment of information or process violations will lead to immediate disqualification and a lifetime ban, with retrospective effect if detected later. Test centres may be changed or cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, a clause activated in past cycles during natural disasters or security concerns.

As India’s most competitive management entrance, CAT 2025 not only tests academic rigour but also mental resilience and strategic thinking—qualities top B-schools seek in future leaders. With applications rising annually and cutoffs often exceeding the 99th percentile for older IIMs, the next three weeks will see intense preparation, last-minute revisions, and a collective national focus on one of the country’s defining academic battlegrounds.

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