CAT 2025 for Engineers: Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Prep Tips

CAT 2025 for Engineers: Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Prep Tips

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CAT Admit Card Date:05 Nov' 25 - 30 Nov' 25

Malvika ChawlaUpdated on 30 Aug 2025, 03:40 PM IST

CAT 2025 will be held on November 30, 2025, by IIM Kozhikode. Common Admission Test (CAT) is a popular MBA entrance exam taken by lakhs of engineers every year. In CAT 2024 alone, out of 3.29 lakh student registrations, the majority of the candidates were from the Engineering background, out of which 14 students were in the 100 percentile category (13 - Male and 1- Female), as per the official data. CAT 2025 registrations will start on August 1, and will end on September 13. Students interested in doing MBA after B.Tech can register for CAT exam 2025 on the IIM CAT official website, iimcat.ac.in. Know all about CAT 2025 in this article.

This Story also Contains

  1. CAT 2025 for MBA After B.Tech: Exam Overview
  2. CAT 2025 MBA Entrance for Engineers
  3. CAT Exam 2025: Why Engineers Prefer MBA After BTech?
  4. CAT 2025 Exam Dates & Events
  5. CAT 2025: Eligibility Criteria
  6. CAT 2025 Registration Process
  7. CAT 2025 Admit Card
  8. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  9. CAT 2025 Syllabus: Important Topics To Cover
  10. CAT Exam 2025: Topics with Repeated Questions
  11. CAT 2025 For Engineers: Top MBA Colleges With Cut Off
  12. How Many Students Actually Get IIM Interview Calls? A Data-Driven Look at CAT 2025 Shortlisting
  13. CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy for Engineers
  14. Bonus: CAT 2025 Prep Hacks & Resources That Every Engineer Must Know!
CAT 2025 for Engineers: Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Prep Tips
CAT 2025 for Engineers: Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Prep Tips

CAT 2025 for MBA After B.Tech: Exam Overview

Let us look at the following CAT 2025 exam highlights, which mention some of the important details regarding the same.

CAT 2025 Exam Particulars

CAT 2025 Details

CAT Full Form

Common Admission Test (CAT)

CAT 2025 Conducting IIM

IIM Kozhikode

CAT 2025 Exam Level

National

CAT 2025 Exam Frequency

Once a year

CAT 2025 Exam Date

November 30, 2025

CAT Exam Fees 2025

  • General, OBC, EWS: Rs 2,600

  • SC, ST, PwD: Rs. 1,50

CAT 2025 Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

CAT 2025 Exam Sections

VARC, DILR, QA

Number of CAT Test Cities

170

Total Number of CAT Questions

66 or 68

CAT 2025 Exam Duration

120 minutes (40 minutes per section)

CAT Exam Website

iimcat.ac.in

CAT Exam Helpdesk No.

1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free)

CAT 2025 MBA Entrance for Engineers

The majority of applicants for the CAT exam 2025 come from engineering backgrounds, continuing a long-standing trend. Engineers have traditionally dominated the list of top scorers and the applicant pool, and CAT 2025 is no different. More than 65–70% of CAT applicants are in the engineering stream, with many coming from IITs, NITs, and prestigious state engineering colleges, according to media reports and data from prior years. In 2024, out of 3.29 lakh applicants, 14 candidates were 100 percentilers and were from the engineering background.

Ever since this trend has started, there is a notion that engineers naturally excel in CAT, particularly in sections like Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) sections.

The CAT exam's format takes advantage of engineering students' strong points. They have a big advantage in QA and DILR because of their academic background in mathematics and logical reasoning. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), on the other hand, is frequently difficult, so many engineers prepare for CAT 2025 by concentrating on this area.

CAT Exam 2025: Why Engineers Prefer MBA After BTech?

Over the past few years, a noticeable trend has emerged — the majority of CAT aspirants and MBA students now come from engineering backgrounds. But why do so many engineers pursue an MBA after BTech? The answer lies in career growth, role diversity, and long-term aspirations.

Technical jobs have often become repetitive or limiting in terms of career progression. In contrast, an MBA opens doors to high-paying and dynamic roles in consulting, product management, finance, and marketing. Moreover, engineers are believed to have a natural advantage in the CAT exam 2025 due to their strong quantitative and logical reasoning skills.

After earning their engineering degree, many students choose an MBA for the following reasons:

  • Higher compensation packages, especially from top B-schools

  • Access to entrepreneurship support via MBA incubators

  • A balanced skill set that merges business acumen with technical expertise

  • Faster promotions and leadership opportunities

  • Broader career options beyond core technical roles

After speaking with numerous engineering graduates about their decision, one thing is clear: an MBA is more than just a degree. It’s a strategic step towards long-term success, career flexibility, and bigger opportunities in today’s competitive world.

CAT 2025 Exam Dates & Events

Take a look at the following CAT 2025 important dates, which will help the candidates stay updated and avoid missing out on any deadlines.

CAT Exam 2025 Dates

Dates

CAT Registration 2025 Start Date

August 1, 2025 (10 AM)

CAT Registration Last Date 2025

September 13, 2025 (5 PM)

CAT Form Correction Window

September 20, 2025 (Tentative)

CAT Admit Card 2025 Release Date

November 5, 2025, to November 30, 2025

CAT 2025 Exam Date

November 30, 2025

CAT 2025: Eligibility Criteria

MBA after B.Tech candidates who wish to apply for the CAT 2025 exam must go through the following eligibility criteria to find out if they are eligible for the exam.

  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) and PwD categories).

  • Those in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or who have completed their degree and are awaiting their results can also apply. Although they will need to fit in the eligibility criteria after qualifying for the CAT 2025 exam.

  • Finally, IIMs may verify the eligibility at various stages of the selection process, the details of which are provided at the official IIM website.

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Note: The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate would be calculated based on the practice followed by the respective universities/institutions.

CAT 2025 Registration Process

CAT 2025 registration commenced from August 1, 2025 (10 AM) and will conclude on September 13, 2025. During this time period, all interested candidates will be able to register and fill out the CAT application forms.

Take a look at the following steps which candidates will be required to follow to register for the CAT 2025 exam:

  • Go to the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.

  • Next, you will need to click on ‘New Candidate Registration’ and fill in basic details such as: Name of the candidate (as per 10th marksheet), Date of birth, Email ID and phone number. Following that, you will receive an email with your user ID and password.

  • Now, using your user ID and password, you will need to log in and start filling in the CAT 2025 application form with details like personal, academic and professional.

  • In the following step, you will have to upload scanned documents of: passport-size photo, scanned signature, category certificate and PwD certificate (if applicable).

  • Once you have filled in all the details, you will now have to pay the CAT exam fees using online payment methods like UPI, net banking, or card.

  • Finally, review all the information that you have filled in and submit the form. Make sure you download and save the confirmation page or application summary for your reference.

CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Download Now

CAT Registration Fees 2025

Here are the CAT 2025 exam fees that need to be paid, which have been slightly increased this year:

CAT 2025 Registration fees for SC, ST and PwD candidates

Rs. 1,300

CAT 2025 registration fees for all other categories

Rs. 2,600

CAT 2025 Admit Card

Once the CAT 2025 registrations are over, the CAT 2025 admit card will be released on November 5, 2025, and will be available until November 30, 2025, the day of the exam. You will be able to view your CAT exam admit card by visiting the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. You will need to click on ‘Registered Candidate Login’, where you will need to log in using your User ID and password. Finally, you will be able to download your CAT 2025 admit card.

Once you download the CAT exam admit card, you must look for the following information, whether it is correct or not:

  • Your name, DOB and candidate category

  • Roll number & registration ID

  • Photograph and signature

  • Exam date, slot, reporting time

  • Test centre name and full address

  • Important exam-day instructions and do’s/don’ts

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CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Following is the tentative CAT exam pattern, which a candidate can expect for the upcoming CAT 2025 exam.

CAT Section

Total number of Questions

Total Marks

CAT VARC

24 Questions

72 Marks

CAT DILR

22 Questions

66 Marks

CAT Quantitative Aptitude

22 Questions

66 Marks

CAT 2025 Syllabus: Important Topics To Cover

IIMs does not formally release the CAT exam syllabus, but it is based on past years' papers. CAT syllabus has important topics from three sections - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). Out of all these sessions, there are several important topics covered in the CAT exam every year.

Let us look at some of the important CAT topics 202, which are commonly covered and will be helpful for all the candidates:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Ability (QA)

Para Jumbles

Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts

Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)

Para Summary / Paragraph Completion

Games & Tournaments


Arithmetic (Ratio, Percentage, Time-Speed-Distance, SI/CI)

Reading Comprehension passages

Logical Puzzles (Arrangements, Venn Diagrams, Binary Logic)

Averages, Mixtures & Alligations

Odd Sentence Out


Caselets and Data Sufficiency

Modern Math (P&C, Probability, Set Theory, Logs)

CAT Exam 2025: Topics with Repeated Questions

When you are studying for the CAT exam 2025, you will notice that some topics — arithmetic and TITA (Type in the Answer) — usually have questions that are repeated in a similar pattern every year. Let us look at the following CAT sections which have been similar/repeated in the CAT exam.

CAT Exam Repeated Questions in Quantitative Aptitude

  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratios, Proportions, Time-Speed-Distance.

  • Algebra: Quadratic Equations and Sequences.

  • Geometry & Mensuration: Emphasis on triangles, circles and coordinate geometry.

  • Number Systems: Divisibility and Prime Numbers

CAT Repeated Questions in Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  • Data Interpretation: Bar Graphs, Tables and Pie Charts

  • Logical Reasoning: Seating arrangement and tournament-based puzzles

  • Venn Diagrams & Set Theory

CAT Repeated Questions from Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

  • Reading Comprehension (RC)

  • Para Jumbles

  • Sentence Completion & Error Spotting

CAT 2025 For Engineers: Top MBA Colleges With Cut Off

In the past, engineering graduates have dominated CAT results in terms of top percentiles and participation. Engineers who excel in logical reasoning and quantitative ability (QA) are frequently at an advantage when applying to prestigious MBA programs in India.

Here is the list of top MBA colleges accepting CAT scores with their cutoff, which are most commonly chosen by engineers for pursuing an MBA degree.

Name of top MBA College

b

IIM Ahmedabad

99.5+

IIM Bangalore

99–99.5 percentile

IIM Calcutta

99.7+ percentile

IIM Lucknow

98.5–99 percentile

IIM Kozhikode

97.5–98.5 percentile

(higher for General Engg Male)

FMS Delhi

98.5–99 percentile

SPJIMR Mumbai

85+ percentile (profile call), 95+ (CAT call)

IIT Bombay – SJMSOM

97–98 percentile

IIT Delhi – DMS

96–97 percentile

IIM Trichy

94-95 percentile

IIM Amritsar

90+ percentile

IIM Jammu

Around 91 percentile

IIM Raipur

94-96 percentile

IIM Kashipur

94 or above percentile

How Many Students Actually Get IIM Interview Calls? A Data-Driven Look at CAT 2025 Shortlisting

Take a look at the following data, which lists the number of students who actually got IIM interview calls based on CAT scores for admission to some of the top IIMs in India.

Name of MBA College

Category

General

EWS

NC-OBC

SC

ST

PWD

IIM Ahmedabad

Shortlisted

887

30

312

174

102

56

% of Form Filled

0.34

0.21

0.68

0.82

1.82

5.13

IIM Bangalore

Shortlisted

739

155

471

299

148

83

% of Form Filled

0.42

1.11

1.02

1.41

2.63

7.64

IIM Calcutta

Shortlisted

931

62

417

430

230

-

% of Form Filled

0.53

0.44

0.90

2.00

4.02

-

IIM Lucknow

Shortlisted

1268

312

910

792

396

236

% of Form Filled

0.72

2.20

1.95

3.69

7.06

21.76


IIM kozhikode

Shortlisted

1850

400

1200

750

360

140

% of Form Filled

1.15

2.97

2.74

3.84

7.09

14.01

IIM Indore

2024-26

1827

216

1377

863

491

335

% of Form Filled

1.08

1.56

3.07

4.22

9.20

32.21

% of Eligible

18.76

41.14

44.62

40.27

51.36

100.00

IIM Mumbai

Shortlisted (Non-PWD)

861

53

510

258

51

4

% of Form Filled

52.09

31.93

68.46

64.18

61.45

57.14

Shortlisted (PWD)

5

0

1

0

0

0

% of Form Filled

27.78

NA

25.00

0.00

NA

NA

IIM Shillong

2024-26

14280 (Others)

823

1381

543

-

200

IIM Ranchi

Shortlisted

9191

2285

6272

3459

1725

-

% of Form Filled

5.68

16.59

14.16

17.48

33.28

-

IIM Raipur

Shortlisted

9191

2285

6272

3459

1725

444

% of Form Filled

5.13

16.08

13.17

15.72

29.92

41.26

IIM Trichy

Shortlisted

5986

1856

4466

2137

845

245

% of Form Filled

4.12

14.30

10.83

11.93

18.84

27.40

IIM Udaipur

Shortlisted

9191

2286

6272

3459

1725

444

% of Form Filled

5.57

16.54

14.13

17.29

33.76

45.63

IIM Rohtak

Shortlisted

2354

384

1873

1382

306

39

% of Form Filled

54.37

96.48

96.85

97.26

95.92

73.58

IIM Bodh Gaya

Shortlisted

11029

2379

6322

3306

1552

394

% of Form Filled

7.12

17.55

14.67

17.32

32.50

43.01

IIM Sirmaur

Non-PWD

5847

1764

4051

2175

524

-

% of Form Filled

5.13

20.51

13.31

15.61

14.52

-

PWD

133

8

19

7

1

-

% of Form Filled

27.71

22.86

15.97

17.07

20.00

-

CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy for Engineers

Many engineers choose to appear for CAT exam due to their strong aptitude in problem-solving and numbers. With a structured approach, engineers can turn their technical edge into a CAT advantage. Here are some of the tips which can help you prepare a strategy as an engineer for the upcoming CAT 2025 exam.

  • Engineers naturally perform better in Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Logical Reasoning (DILR). Make sure you focus on accuracy and speed in these sections to maximise your score.

  • Make sure you practice all three sections daily.

QA: Start with Arithmetic, then Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Math.

DILR: Begin with simple sets, then move to medium and high-difficulty puzzles.

VARC: Read editorials daily (The Hindu, Aeon, NYT) and solve 2 RCs + 5 VA questions.

  • Read daily for 30-45 minutes to improve vocabulary and comprehension.

  • Start with 1 mock test/week to increase to 2-3 per week closer to the exam.

  • Use the 60-second rule: if you can’t solve a question in 60 seconds, skip.

  • Apply logical reasoning, approximation techniques, and elimination methods. Avoid over-engineering — CAT is about smart attempts, not solving everything.

  • In the end, make sure you have a weekly plan prepared.

Bonus: CAT 2025 Prep Hacks & Resources That Every Engineer Must Know!

Engineers can crack CAT 2025 with the right mix of strategy and resources. Focus on daily RC practice for VARC, solve 2–3 DILR sets regularly, and build speed in QA using shortcuts.

Students can refer to Arun Sharma books, 2IIM, CATKing mocks, IMS Learning, Career Launcher, and various YouTube explainer videos for CAT 2025 preparation. Smart revision and mock test analysis are key to maximising your percentile.

Free CAT 2025 Preparation Resources

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Ability (QA)

English Usage or Grammar

Tables

Number Systems

Vocabulary-based (Synonyms/Antonyms)

Caselets

Profit and Loss

Fill in the blanks

Line Charts

HCF and LCM

Sentence Correction

Bar Graphs

Time, Speed & Distance

Jumbled Paragraph

Reading Comprehension

Percentage

Meaning-Usage Match

Pie Chart

Ratio and Proportion

Summary Questions

Calendars

Average

Verbal Reasoning

Number and Letter Series

Quadratic Equations

Facts-Inferences-Judgements

Clock

Compound Interest

Close Passages

Venn Diagrams

Sequences and Series

Analogies or Reverse Analogies

Seating Arrangements

Inequality

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which IIM is conducting CAT 2025?
A:

IIM Kozhikode will be conducting the CAT 2025 exam.

Q: When to register for CAT 2025?
A:

The registration for the CAT 2025 exam will begin on August 1, 2025. The last date for CAT 2025 registration is September 13, 2025.

Q: Is there counselling for CAT 2025?
A:

Yes, there is a counselling process for CAT 2025, but it is not a single, centralised process like entrance exams. Instead, each participating IIM and other business schools conduct their selection process based on the candidate’s CAT scores. 

Q: What is the CAT exam date 2025?
A:

CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on November 30, 2025.

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Questions related to CAT

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Hey! With a NEET score of 344 in the ST category, it is highly unlikely to get admission in any government BDS college in Delhi through the All India Quota. The cutoff for government BDS seats in Delhi usually falls around 400–450 for ST category, so your score is below that range.

You can consider private dental colleges, state quota seats in other states, or reattempt NEET next year to improve your chances.

Hello dear candidate,

YES, with NEET score 344in the ST category you have high chances of getting admission in a BDS College in J&K through JKBOPEE counselling.

check the seat availability and next participate in JKBOPEE Counselling with all the necessary documents.

Thank you.


Hey! With an All India Rank (AIR) of 302,821 in NEET and belonging to the BCE category, it is highly unlikely to get a BDS seat in Telangana under the state quota, as the closing ranks for BCE are usually below 50,000. You may consider applying to private colleges under management quota or explore BDS seats in other states, but the chances remain very limited with this rank.

At KIMS Amalapuram, the internship stipend for MBBS students is generally reported to be around 20,000 per month, though some students have mentioned that in certain years no stipend was provided at all, which means it can vary depending on the policies in place at the time of your internship. To get the most accurate and updated information, it is always best to confirm directly with the college administration or recent interns, but on average, you can expect a stipend in the range of 18,000-20,000 per month during the compulsory rotating internship.

Hello Aspirant,

Since your payment status shows "S" , it means your payment is successful. The "payment unsuccessful" message on the form is likely a temporary system error or a delay in updating.

Do not make another payment.

Making a second payment could cause a double debit, which is difficult to get a refund for. You should:

  1. Wait 24-48 hours for the status to update automatically.

  2. Download and save a copy of your form and a screenshot of the "S" payment status as proof.

  3. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has been debited.

  4. If the issue is not fixed after 48 hours, contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately with your transaction details.