September 19, 2025

In a much-needed relief for thousands of MBA aspirants across India, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode), the convenor for this year’s Common Admission Test (CAT), has extended the registration deadline for CAT 2025 to September 20, 2025. Originally set to close on September 13, the one-week extension comes amid high demand and technical glitches reported by applicants, ensuring more candidates can vie for seats in the prestigious 21 IIMs and over 1,200 other B-schools accepting CAT scores.

The CAT, a national-level management aptitude test, serves as the gateway to elite postgraduate programs like MBA and PGDM. With the exam scheduled for November 30, 2025, in three two-hour shifts across 170+ cities, the extension provides a final window for eligible candidates to complete their applications. “Candidates who are still to apply must not miss the new deadline as CAT 2025 registration date will not be extended again,” officials from IIM Kozhikode emphasized in an update on the official website.

Key Dates and Registration Process

The registration window opened on August 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM, following the official notification released on July 27. Aspiring students can apply exclusively through the CAT portal at iimcat.ac.in. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing the process before the cutoff:

1. Create an Account: Visit iimcat.ac.in and click on the “Register” button under New Candidate Registration. Provide your name, email, date of birth, nationality, mobile number, and a password. Complete the CAPTCHA and verify via OTP sent to your registered mobile.
2. Fill the Application Form: Log in using your CAT ID and password. Enter personal details, academic qualifications (including Class 10, 12, and graduation marks), work experience, and category (if applicable). Reserved category candidates must upload valid certificates during this stage to avoid rejection.
3. Upload Documents: Submit a recent passport-size photograph (in JPG format, 50-150 KB) and a scanned signature (JPG, 10-200 KB). Ensure all details match your official records, as no changes will be allowed post-submission.
4. Select Preferences: Choose up to six test cities and preferred IIMs or programs. Review the form thoroughly for accuracy.
5. Pay the Fee: The application fee is INR 2,500 for General/NC-OBC candidates and INR 1,250 for SC/ST/PwD categories. Payment can be made online via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. Upon successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email and SMS with your CAT ID.

The process is fully online, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Admit cards will be available for download from November 5 to November 30, 2025, using the same login credentials. Results are expected in the first week of January 2026, with scores valid for one year.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview

CAT 2025 will be a computer-based test lasting 120 minutes, divided into three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The total of 68 questions emphasizes speed and accuracy, with no negative marking for non-MCQs. The syllabus remains consistent with previous years, focusing on:

• VARC: Reading comprehension, para-jumbles, summary writing, and verbal reasoning.
• DILR: Caselets, graphs, puzzles, and logical sets.
• QA: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math.

Preparation typically requires 6-9 months, with mock tests and previous papers available on the official site. IIM Kozhikode anticipates a moderate difficulty level this year.

Eligibility and Why It Matters

To qualify, candidates need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD). Final-year students are also eligible. While academic scores are crucial for top IIMs like Ahmedabad and Bangalore, a holistic profile—including work experience and extracurriculars—boosts chances at other institutes.

With over 3 lakh candidates expected, CAT 2025 is fiercer than ever, offering life-changing opportunities in management careers. As the clock ticks toward tomorrow’s deadline, experts urge applicants to act swiftly: “Build a strong profile alongside your prep—it’s the edge that counts,” advises a career counselor from IMS India.

For queries, contact CAT helpdesk at 1800-103-8703 or email info@iimcat.ac.in. Stay tuned for admit card alerts and preparation tips. Your MBA journey starts here – don’t let it slip away.

  CAT 2025, IIM