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CAT Registration 2025 (Over)- Link, How to Apply, Last Date and Document Guidelines @iimcat.ac.in

Updated on December 9, 2025

The CAT 2025 registration process has concluded, with the official window closing on September 20, 2025, after an extension from the initial deadline of September 13, 2025. The application period began on August 1, 2025, following the notification release on July 28, 2025, and included a correction window from September 25 to 28, 2025. All applications were submitted online via iimcat.ac.in, where candidates created accounts, filled personal and academic details, selected test cities, uploaded scanned documents (photograph, signature, category certificates), and paid the fee online. 

Eligibility required a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD), or equivalent professional qualifications like CA/CS/ICWA; final-year students were allowed provisionally. Registration numbers reached approximately 2.95 lakh in 2025, down from 3.29 lakh in 2024, reflecting a slight dip in participation. Candidates should now focus on preparation for the November 29, 2026 exam date, while regularly checking iimcat.ac.in for updates on results, cutoffs, and admissions.

Table of Contents

CAT Application Process Latest Updates

  • MBA Admission Criteria - January 18, 2026 - IIT Kanpur released complete guide for MBA admission 2026-28, including CAT score requirements, eligibility, and application steps.
  • Exam Updates - December 27, 2025 - Updates released on CAT 2026 eligibility, fees, exam dates, and registration details as per official notifications.
  • Syllabus and Dates - December 18, 2025 - Detailed information published on CAT 2026 eligibility criteria, registration details, and important dates.
  • Exam Details - December 10, 2025 - CAT 2026 registration process, eligibility, fees, and exam date of November 29, 2026 announced.
  • Registration Guide - November 17, 2025 - Guidelines issued for CAT 2026 online registration, including dates, fees, required documents, and application steps.
  • Preparation and Registration - November 8, 2025 - Details provided on CAT 2026 registration process, eligibility, and key preparation tips for applicants.
  • Registration Details - September 11, 2025 - Notification on CAT 2026 registration dates, eligibility criteria, form fees, and deadline for completion.

More Info About CAT

The Common Admission Test (CAT) serves as a gateway for MBA aspirants, and accessing reliable information is crucial for effective preparation. Aspiring candidates can start by visiting the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in, which provides comprehensive details on the exam structure, updates, and announcements. This platform, managed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), ensures that users receive accurate and timely information directly from the source. Additionally, the site offers resources like previous year question papers and sample tests, helping students gain deeper insights into the test format.

Beyond the official portal, several educational websites offer valuable supplementary information about CAT. Platforms such as Shiksha.com and CollegeDunia provide in-depth articles on exam patterns, eligibility criteria, and preparation tips, drawing from official notifications. For instance, Shiksha.com features updates on results, cutoffs, and selection processes, making it easier to understand the broader admission landscape. Moreover, these sites often include expert analyses and student forums, which facilitate discussions and clarifications on various CAT-related queries.

To stay informed about the latest developments, candidates should regularly check notifications from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and IIMs through their respective portals. Subscribing to email alerts or following official social media handles can provide real-time updates on important changes. Furthermore, resources like IMS India and Hitbullseye offer detailed guides and cheat sheets, enhancing one's knowledge base. By leveraging these verified sources, aspirants can gather all necessary information to navigate the CAT process confidently.

For those seeking even more specialized info, exploring official PDFs and advertisements from IIMs, such as the CAT 2025 advertisement available on iimidr.ac.in, can provide foundational knowledge applicable to upcoming cycles. However, always cross-reference with the most recent updates on iimcat.ac.in to avoid outdated details. Therefore, combining these resources ensures a well-rounded understanding of CAT, empowering candidates to make informed decisions throughout their preparation journey.

CAT Registration 2025- Important Dates (Over)

The registration process for CAT 2025 has concluded, marking the end of a crucial phase for aspiring MBA candidates. This period allowed eligible students to apply online through the official IIM website. Officials released the notification in late July 2025, setting the stage for applications. Registration opened shortly after, giving applicants a defined window to submit their details. Now that all deadlines have passed, candidates who registered can focus on subsequent steps, but the application phase remains closed.

Key dates for CAT 2025 registration began with the official announcement on July 28, 2025, as per the IIM notification. Applications started on August 1, 2025, providing ample time for submissions. The initial closing date was September 13, 2025, but authorities extended it to September 20, 2025, to accommodate more applicants. Additionally, a correction window followed from September 25 to September 28, 2025, allowing minor edits to submitted forms. These timelines ensured a structured process, though all have now expired.

To summarise the timeline clearly, the following table outlines the important dates for CAT 2025 registration. This information comes from official sources like iimcat.ac.in. Each event is built on the previous one, creating a logical sequence for applicants.

Event

Date

Notification Release

July 28, 2025

Registration Start

August 1, 2025

Registration End (Initial)

September 13, 2025

Registration End (Extended)

September 20, 2025

Application Correction Window

September 25 to 28, 2025

With these dates now in the past, the registration for CAT 2025 stands fully completed. Applicants who met the deadlines secured their spots for the exam cycle. However, late submissions were not accepted after the extended period. This structured schedule, including the extension, helped maximise participation before closure.

CAT Registration 2025- Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aspiring to register for CAT 2025 must meet specific academic qualifications to ensure their applications are valid. The primary requirement involves holding a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification approved by the Ministry of Education. This degree should span at least three years, and applicants need to have secured a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. However, those in the final year of their bachelor's program can also apply, provided they complete all requirements before the specified deadline set by the IIMs. Furthermore, professional degrees such as CA, CS, or ICWA qualify as equivalents, broadening the pool of eligible candidates.

Reservation policies play a crucial role in adjusting eligibility thresholds for certain categories, promoting inclusivity in the registration process. For instance, candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories require only 45% marks or an equivalent CGPA in their qualifying degree. This adjustment ensures fair access to the Common Admission Test. Additionally, there is no upper age limit for registration, allowing professionals and mature students to participate without restrictions. Moreover, equivalent qualifications from international institutions must be verified through an association of Indian universities to confirm eligibility.

Eligibility also extends to specific documentation and verification steps during the registration phase to maintain transparency. Applicants must provide accurate details of their academic records, and any discrepancies could lead to disqualification. Therefore, understanding these criteria helps candidates prepare their applications effectively. As per official guidelines from iimcat.ac.in, meeting these standards is essential for successful registration and subsequent admission processes at IIMs and other participating institutions.

Category

Minimum Qualification

Required Marks/CGPA

General/NC-OBC/EWS

Bachelor's Degree (3+ years)

50% or equivalent

SC/ST/PwD

Bachelor's Degree (3+ years)

45% or equivalent

Final Year Students

Completing Degree Requirements

Provisional Eligibility

Professional Qualifications

CA/CS/ICWA or Equivalent

Applicable Marks as Above

CAT Registration 2025- How to Apply

Candidates began the CAT 2025 registration process by visiting the official website at iimcat.ac.in. They needed to click on the registration link to create a new user account using a valid email address and mobile number. Once registered, applicants received login credentials via email or SMS, which allowed them to access the application form. This initial step ensured secure and personalised access to the portal. Furthermore, verifying the contact details immediately helped avoid any issues during subsequent communications from the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

After logging in, applicants filled out the CAT 2025 application form with personal, academic, and work experience details. They selected preferred test cities from the available options and indicated category details for reservation purposes. Additionally, uploading scanned copies of required documents, such as photographs, signatures, and category certificates, formed a crucial part of this stage. The form required accurate information to prevent rejection, and candidates could save drafts to review before final submission. Therefore, double-checking all entries maintained the integrity of the application.

Upon completing the form, candidates proceeded to the payment section to pay the application fee online using credit cards, debit cards, or net banking. The system generated a confirmation page after successful payment, which applicants downloaded for their records. Moreover, a form correction window allowed minor edits post-submission, as per official guidelines. This final verification step confirmed the application's status. As a result, following these structured steps led to a successful CAT 2025 registration.

CAT Registration Trend: Previous Year’s Statistics

CAT registration numbers have shown notable fluctuations over the past few years, reflecting changing trends in MBA aspirations among candidates. According to data from official sources like iimcat.ac.in, the Common Admission Test consistently attracts a large pool of applicants, with figures typically ranging between 2.3 lakh and 3.3 lakh annually. This variation highlights the exam's enduring popularity, even as external factors influence participation rates. Furthermore, these statistics provide valuable insights for prospective test-takers aiming to gauge competition levels.

In 2025, registrations dropped to 2.95 lakh, marking a 10-12% decline compared to the previous year, as reported by IIM Kozhikode. This decrease resulted in 2.58 lakh candidates actually appearing for the exam, achieving an attendance rate of 87.46%. However, the 2024 cycle saw higher engagement with 3.29 lakh registrations and 2.93 lakh appearances, yielding an 89% attendance percentage. Additionally, these numbers underscore a shift, possibly due to economic factors or alternative career paths affecting applicant decisions.

Looking further back, the 2023 edition recorded approximately 3.28 lakh registrations, maintaining a steady upward trend from earlier years like 2022, which had around 2.55 lakh applicants. Moreover, data from 2021 and 2020 hovered in the 2.3 lakh range, indicating a post-pandemic recovery in interest. Therefore, analyzing these year-wise trends reveals patterns of growth and occasional dips, helping students understand the evolving landscape of CAT registrations.

Overall, CAT registration statistics demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, with peaks in 2024 contrasting the slight downturn in 2025. Sources such as Careers360 and MBAUniverse confirm these figures, emphasising the importance of monitoring official notifications for accurate data. Consequently, aspiring candidates can use this historical context to prepare strategically for future cycles.

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CAT Registration 2025 (Over)- Link, How to Apply, Last Date and Document Guidelines @iimcat.ac.in