CAT 2025 Results: Expected Dates & Release Trends

IIM Kozhikode, the organizing body for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, has announced that results for Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other management programs are tentatively expected in early January 2026 . This official notification from IIM Kozhikode sets the primary timeline for candidates. However, an analysis of historical exam trends suggests an earlier release for the CAT 2025 results, potentially in December 2025 . Approximately 2.58 lakh candidates participated in the computer-based exam held on November 30, 2025 .

CAT 2025 Result Date: Official vs. Trend-Based Expectations

The discrepancy in result timelines stems from the official communication from IIM Kozhikode, which states an expected release in the first week of January 2026 . This contrasts with patterns observed in previous CAT examinations.

One strong indicator for an earlier release is the gap between the final answer key and result declaration. Historically, CAT results have been announced two days after the final answer key release. The CAT 2025 final answer key was released on December 17, 2025 . Based on this trend, candidates could anticipate results by December 19, 2025 . Additionally, previous results have often been declared around 8 PM on the release day.

Another consistent trend shows a 24 to 25-day interval between the CAT examination and its result declaration. With the CAT 2025 exam conducted on November 30, 2025 , this pattern would place the result announcement between December 24 and 26, 2025 . This further reinforces the possibility of a December release, despite the official January 2026 forecast.

CAT 2025 Examination Details

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode managed the CAT 2025 examination. The test took place in a computer-based format across several shifts on November 30, 2025 . The examination serves as a crucial entrance test for candidates seeking admission to MBA and various other postgraduate management programs offered by IIMs and other participating institutions.

A total of 2.58 lakh candidates appeared for the examination. Following the test, subject experts noted that the CAT 2025 Slot 3 exam was generally considered more difficult than both Slot 1 and Slot 2. The release of the final answer key followed a review process. Out of 187 objections raised by candidates across four sections of the exam, the exam authorities accepted only one objection before finalizing the answer key.

Accessing Your CAT 2025 Scorecard

Candidates who participated in the CAT 2025 entrance test will be able to download their individual CAT 2025 scorecards. The scorecard will be made available exclusively through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in . Candidates will need their login credentials to access and download their results once declared.

Historical CAT Result Release Patterns (2021-2025)

Understanding past trends provides context for the current CAT 2025 result expectations. The table below outlines the exam dates, answer key release dates, and final result dates for the last four CAT cycles, alongside the expected dates for CAT 2025: