CAT 2025 Timelines – Important Dates, Syllabus Schedule & Deadlines

The Common Admission Test August to September exam cycle includes multiple key stages such as registration, admit card download, exam conduction, and result declaration. Staying updated with the latest Common Admission Test schedule assures you never miss an important milestone in your preparation and application journey.

Historically, the Common Admission Test (CAT) has maintained a consistent annual timeline, making it easier for aspirants to anticipate important milestones. The official notification is generally released in July, followed by the commencement of registration in August. The examination itself is consistently held on the last Sunday of November. Results are typically declared in December, and the subsequent admission processes by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) begin in January of the following year. For instance, in CAT 2024, the official notification was released on July 28, 2024. Registration began on August 1, 2024, and concluded on September 13, 2024. The admit cards were made available on November 5, 2024, and the exam was conducted on November 24, 2024. The provisional answer key for CAT 2024 was released on December 3, 2024, with the result declared on December 19, 2024. This consistent schedule offers a predictable framework for aspirants. By reviewing past schedules, aspirants can set realistic preparation goals and stay ahead in their CAT journey.

Among the many dates in the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 schedule, a few stand out as absolutely critical to a candidate’s success. The application submission deadline, set for September 13, 2025, is the first and most vital checkpoint; missing this will directly lead to disqualification from the current examination cycle. Following this, the admit card download window, beginning November 5, 2025, is paramount, as candidates must possess this document to appear for the exam. The exam day itself, November 30, 2025, is undeniably the most significant event, requiring aspirants to be fully prepared and present. Post-examination, the release of the provisional answer key in early December 2025 allows candidates to review their performance and raise objections, while the final result declaration between December 19 and 21, 2025, marks the culmination of the test-taking phase. Subsequently, the IIM shortlisting process, commencing in January 2026, and the subsequent interview rounds from March to April 2026, are pivotal for securing a seat in desired management programs. Missing these deadlines may result in disqualification or missed opportunities for admission. By staying alert to these high-impact deadlines, aspirants can avoid last-minute stress and ensure they remain on track for every stage of the CAT process.

Once the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 concludes on November 30, 2025, the post-exam process begins with the release of the provisional answer key. This key, expected in the first week of December 2025, usually around December 2-3, is accompanied by candidates' individual response sheets, allowing them to cross-verify their answers. Aspirants are then provided a specific window in early December 2025 to raise objections against any discrepancies found in the provisional answer key. A nominal fee is typically charged for each objection raised. These objections are meticulously reviewed by the examination authority, IIM Kozhikode, before the final answer key and results are published. For multi-slot examinations like CAT, a normalization process is applied to ensure fairness and equity across all sessions, accounting for variations in difficulty levels. The final results for CAT 2025 are slated for declaration between December 19 and 21, 2025. Following the result announcement, successful candidates are shortlisted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other participating business schools. The IIM shortlisting for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds is expected to commence in January 2026, with interviews generally held from March to April 2026. Final admissions are typically completed by May 2026. This structured post-exam process ensures transparency, fairness, and a smooth transition from test-taking to admission.