CAT 2025: Key Details and Preparation Strategies for Aspiring Management Students

The Common Admission Test (CAT) for 2025 is set for November 20, with significant emphasis on logical reasoning and comprehension. Conducted in around 170 cities, the exam will maintain its existing format, focusing on critical reasoning and analytical skills. Professor Ram Kumar PN from IIM Kozhikode shares insights on preparation strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding concepts over rote learning. Additionally, candidates are advised to start interview preparations immediately after the exam, as personal interviews and written tests play a crucial role in the selection process. For more details on the exam and preparation tips, read the full article.

By Ambika Singh Nov 29, 2025, 15:28 IST

Overview of IIM Kozhikode CAT 2025

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is scheduled for November 20, 2025. This exam is crucial for individuals seeking admission into management programs, making CAT preparation a significant focus each year. This year's examination will be conducted in approximately 170 cities nationwide and will feature three distinct sessions. Notably, the format for CAT 2025 will remain consistent with previous years, but candidates must enhance their skills in logical reasoning, comprehension, and conceptual understanding.

Conducting CAT 2025: Exam Structure

For non-PwD candidates, the CAT will last for 2 hours, divided into three sections, each allotted 40 minutes. The sections are as follows:

1. VARC - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

2. DILR - Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

3. QA - Quantitative Ability

Importantly, candidates will not be able to switch sections until they have completed the current one. PwD candidates will receive an additional 40 minutes.

Insights from the CAT 2025 Convener

Professor Ram Kumar PN from IIM Kozhikode, who is overseeing CAT 2025, emphasized that there will be no significant changes to the exam's structure compared to previous years. The exam aims to evaluate students' critical reasoning, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities across all sections. He advised students to focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization, to cultivate mature logic, and to enhance their comprehension skills.

Preparing for Post-CAT Interviews

Professor Ram Kumar recommends that candidates start preparing for interviews immediately after completing the CAT, regardless of their scores. The interview process includes:

Personal Interview (PI)

Written Ability Test (WAT)

These components are crucial, accounting for 30-50% of the final selection criteria. In the WAT, evaluators will pay close attention to writing style, clarity of thought, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively within a limited timeframe.

Purpose of the CAT Examination

The CAT is essential for admissions into PG, PhD, and Fellow Programs at all IIMs and numerous prestigious MBA institutions across the country. A comprehensive list of participating institutions can be found on the official CAT website.