The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) will conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT 2025) on November 30 . This national-level MBA entrance examination sees 2.95 lakh eligible candidates appear across 170 cities. Strict security measures, including mobile jammers deployed in select locations, are in place to ensure a fair testing environment.
CAT 2025 serves as the gateway for admission to postgraduate management programs, primarily the Master of Business Administration (MBA). These programs are offered by the 21 prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and numerous other top-tier business schools nationwide. High stakes necessitate stringent exam protocols.
CAT 2025 Exam Schedule and Duration
The CAT 2025 examination is structured into three distinct slots on November 30. Each slot runs for two hours. Candidates must manage time effectively across the sections.
- Slot 1: Commences at 8:30 am and concludes at 10:30 am.
- Slot 2: Begins at 12:30 pm and ends at 2:30 pm.
- Slot 3: Runs from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwD) receive an additional 40 minutes per slot. Their total exam time is two hours and forty minutes.
Essential Security and Candidate Instructions
IIM Kozhikode, as the conducting body, has mandated strict guidelines to maintain the integrity of CAT 2025. These measures aim to prevent malpractice and ensure equitable conditions for all participants.
A valid CAT admit card is mandatory for entry. Candidates downloaded it from iimcat.ac.in. Admit card and identity proof verification occurs at the exam centre.
Mobile jammers prevent unauthorized electronic communication within examination halls. Further restrictions on personal items apply:
- All electronic devices, including mobile phones and Bluetooth devices, are prohibited.
- Calculators and watches (including smartwatches) are not allowed.
- Ornaments and metallic items are also banned inside the testing venue.
Candidates should wear simple, casual attire. This minimizes security checks and ensures focus.
CAT 2025 Examination Structure
The CAT 2025 question paper is composed of 68 multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice questions. Questions distribute across three sections, each evaluating specific aptitudes for management studies.
| Section Name | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Evaluates reading speed, comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Assesses the ability to analyze complex data sets and solve logical puzzles. |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Tests proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern mathematics. |
Beyond the Exam: The IIM Admission Process
Achieving a high percentile in CAT 2025 is a critical initial step toward securing a seat in an IIM or a top B-school. However, admission is a multi-stage process, not solely dependent on the exam score.
Each Indian Institute of Management follows unique selection criteria. They assign different weightage to various components of an applicant’s profile. These typically include:
- Academic performance (scores from 10th, 12th grade, and undergraduate degree)
- Relevant work experience (for applicants with prior professional experience)
- CAT 2025 scores
- Performance in the Personal Interview (PI) round, often preceded by a Written Ability Test (WAT).
Recent developments at IIM Jammu illustrate this flexibility. The institute adjusted its CAT 2025 cut-offs downwards for its upcoming admission cycle. Concurrently, it increased the weightage given to the CAT score in its overall selection process to 42%. This shift projects an expansion in batch size, potentially accommodating up to 300 students for the next academic year.