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

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

    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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    UPES MBA Admissions 2026

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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 College Predictor
    Use CAT 2025 College Predictor to check your chances for IIM and top MBA calls based on CAT percentile, profile, work experience and cut-off trends.
    Use 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

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to CAT ?

    FMS Udaipur admission for 2026 is not open. The MBA 2026 admission will likely commence in May 2026. You can keep checking the official website of FMS.

    Hi admission to the courses offered at CUSAT is based on the CUSAT CAT results, relative performnace of the students and the number of applications for each course. Please check CUSAT CAT cutoff 2025 to know in detail about the cutoff score for Electrical and Electronic branch in previous years.

    Yes, it is possible. If you have received a PI call from IIM Sambalpur with a 75 percentile in CAT, you have a chance to convert the call. However, the final selection will depend on multiple factors such as your personal interview performance, academic record, and overall profile.

    All the