The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, scheduled for November 30 , features significant structural changes impacting MBA admissions to top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). IIM Kozhikode will conduct this year’s exam. IIMs now use stricter shortlisting rules, balancing CAT scores with academic performance, work experience, and diversity factors.
Candidates must first qualify the CAT exam for IIM admission. The CAT question paper comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The exam will have 66 to 68 questions. It runs in three slots: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
CAT Exam Structure Undergoes Changes
The CAT exam pattern changed significantly in 2020. This shift occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting students and working professionals nationwide. Before 2020, the exam lasted three hours with 100 questions. IIMs then increased exam slots from two to three and introduced mandatory section-wise timings.
The total exam duration reduced from 180 minutes to 120 minutes. This change requires test-takers to manage time efficiently within each 40-minute section. The question count also decreased from 100 to 76 in 2020, further dropping to 66 in 2021. For CAT 2025, the number of questions is expected to be between 66 and 68.
A lower question count increases the weight of each correct answer, making precision critical. While the overall marking scheme of +3 for correct MCQs and -1 for incorrect MCQs (no negative for non-MCQs) remains constant, the reduced question pool intensifies competition. The consistency in the marking scheme since 2020 provides a predictable scoring environment for candidates.
CAT Exam Evolution (2020-2025)
| Year | Duration | Total Qs | Section Split (approx.) | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before 2020 | 3 hours | 100 | VARC – 34, QA – 34, DILR – 32 | +3 for correct MCQ, -1 for incorrect MCQ. No negative for non-MCQs. |
| 2020 | 120 minutes (40 min/section) | 76 | VARC 26, DILR 24, QA 26 | Same |
| 2021 | 120 minutes | 66 | VARC 24, DILR 20, QA 22 | Same |
| 2022 | 120 minutes | 66 | VARC 24, DILR 20, QA 22 | Same |
| 2023 | 120 minutes | 66 | VARC 24, DILR 20, QA 22 | Same |
| 2024 | 120 minutes | 68 | DILR count slightly increased | Same |
| 2025 | 120 minutes | 66 to 68 | Similar to 2024 | Same |
IIM Admission Criteria Shift
Gaining an MBA seat in a top IIM has become more competitive. IIMs now evaluate candidates beyond just CAT scores. Institutes strive for a balanced cohort, emphasizing academic performance, work experience, and gender diversity. This holistic approach aims to create a diverse and well-rounded student body, enriching the learning environment.
Several IIMs, including IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, introduced CAT sectional cut-offs. This means a high overall percentile no longer guarantees shortlisting if a candidate fails to meet the minimum percentile in any single section. This makes competition tough even for candidates achieving a 95-99 percentile overall, demanding consistent performance across all test areas.
According to NIRF Rankings 2025, top management institutes include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIT Delhi, and IIM Lucknow. IIM Calcutta and IIM Indore also rank in the top 10, reflecting their highly sought-after MBA programs and rigorous selection processes.
Top IIMs Adjust Selection Weightage
The selection process for IIMs involves various stages, typically including a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI), alongside CAT scores and academic records. The weightage assigned to these components varies by institute and has evolved over time, reflecting each IIM’s specific priorities for candidate profiles.
| IIM | 2020 Final Selection Weightage | 2025 Final Selection Weightage | Key Changes (2020 vs. 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | CAT 25%; PI 50%; WAT 10%; Academics 15% | CAT 25%; PI 50%; WAT 10%; Academic Rating (AR) 15% | Sectional CAT cut-off raised from 70% to 85%. Overall CAT cut-off increased from 80% to 95%. Shortlisting became stricter, impacting more candidates despite stable final weightages. |
| IIM Bangalore | CAT 25%; PI 30%; WAT 10%; Class 10 (10%); Class 12 (5%); Work 10%; Diversity 2% | CAT 25%; PI 40%; WAT 10%; Class 10 (5%); Class 12 (5%); Bachelor’s degree (5%); Work Experience 10% | PI weightage increased from 30% to 40%. Bachelor’s degree score added with 5% weightage. Class 10 weightage reduced from 10% to 5%. Diversity weightage dropped from the final selection criteria in 2025. |
| IIM Kozhikode | CAT 44%; PI 44%; Resume, Academic & Work Experience 12%; WAT Dropped | CAT 35%; PI 35%; WAT 20%; Resume Score 10% | WAT reintroduced with 20% weightage. CAT and PI weightage reduced from 44% to 35% each. Resume score included as a distinct component, emphasizing past achievements. |
| IIM Lucknow | CAT 30%; PI 40%; WAT 10%; Class 12 (5%); Graduation (5%); Diversity 5%; Work Experience 5% | CAT 30%; PI 40%; WAT 10%; Academic Performance 10%; Diversity 5%; Work Experience 5% | No major change in individual component weightage. Academic performance now combines Class 12 and Graduation for a 10% weight, streamlining academic evaluation. |
The evolving CAT exam format and dynamic IIM admission policies underscore a shift towards comprehensive candidate evaluation. Success in 2025 requires not only a high CAT score but also strong academic records, relevant work experience, and an understanding of each IIM’s specific selection priorities. Prospective MBA students must prepare strategically, focusing on both exam performance and overall profile building.