The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is being administered today, November 30, 2025, by IIM Kozhikode across test centers in 170 cities throughout India. Approximately 2.95 lakh candidates are expected to appear for this national-level MBA entrance examination. The exam is being conducted in three slots. Candidates must adhere to strict guidelines and instructions to ensure a smooth and fair testing process.

Key Instructions and Guidelines

• Admit Card and ID Proof: Candidates must carry a printed copy of their CAT 2025 admit card and a valid, original photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification include an Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driver's License. The admit card should not be signed in advance; it must be signed in the presence of the invigilator. Affix a recent passport-size photograph to the admit card, which should be the same as the one used during the application process. Candidates are required to drop the CAT admit card at the designated drop box after the exam.
• Reporting Time: Candidates must arrive at the test center at least 90 minutes before the commencement of their assigned slot. This allows time for completing pre-exam formalities such as document verification and photograph pasting. The last entry to the exam hall is typically 15 minutes before the start time.
• Dress Code: Candidates should wear simple and comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing items with metal, thick-soled shoes, heavy jackets, or excessive jewelry. Clothes with large buttons or pockets are also not permitted. Footwear with thick soles is not allowed inside the examination hall.
• Prohibited Items: Electronic devices such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, and calculators are strictly prohibited. Other banned items include metallic accessories, wallets, bags, and personal stationery. There are no storage facilities available at the test center for these items.
• Exam Hall Conduct: Candidates must comply with biometric and frisking procedures. They must also sign an attendance sheet at the registration desk. Candidates must agree to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before starting the test, which prohibits sharing any exam-related information. Candidates should only use the mouse to answer; using the keyboard may lock the system.
• Rough Work: Candidates will be provided with a writing pad and pen for rough work. They must write their name and application number on the pad and return it after the exam.
• PwD Candidates: Candidates with disabilities (PwD) must carry all necessary documents, including a medical certificate, a valid Disability Certificate, and a Scribe Affidavit if availing a scribe facility.

Slot Timings

The CAT 2025 exam is being conducted in three slots:

• Slot 1: 8:30 am to 10:30 am
• Slot 2: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
• Slot 3: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Candidates must report to the test center well in advance of their assigned slot to complete the necessary formalities.

Exam Structure

The CAT 2025 exam is a 120-minute test divided into three sections:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes. Some questions are multiple-choice (MCQ), while others are non-MCQ.

Post-Exam

After the test, candidates must drop their admit card, pen, and scribble pad in the designated box. The CAT 2025 score is a crucial criterion for admission to postgraduate management programs at the IIMs and other participating institutions across India.