CAT 2025 Exam Timings, Slots, Reporting Time, Key Instructions

The CAT 2025 examination is being conducted today across multiple test centres in India under the supervision of IIM Kozhikode. Nearly 2.95 lakh candidates are appearing for the national-level MBA entrance test held in 3 shifts across 350 centres in 170 cities. Candidates must strictly follow the CAT 2025 exam timings, reporting time, and last entry rules mentioned on the admit card.

CAT 2025 Slot-Wise Exam Timings and Reporting Schedule

The CAT 2025 exam is being conducted in 3 separate slots to accommodate the large number of applicants. Each slot carries a strict reporting window and a clearly defined last entry time. Late entry after the closing time is not permitted under any circumstances. Before checking the detailed timing table, candidates must note that biometric verification, document checks, and seating procedures take significant time at the test centre. Reaching early remains crucial to avoid last-minute entry issues. Below is the official CAT 2025 slot-wise exam timing schedule:

Candidates are advised to reach the test centre at least 90 minutes before the exam time to complete entry formalities smoothly.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Scoring Framework

The CAT 2025 question paper follows the standard 3-section structure used in recent years. The test evaluates analytical ability, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and quantitative aptitude. Each correct answer carries 3 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response in multiple-choice questions. The score obtained in CAT is accepted by over 1300 MBA colleges across India, including all Indian Institutes of Management. Historically, the IIM cut-off range remains between 95 to 100 percentile, making precision and sectional balance critical.

CAT 2025 Answer Key and Response Sheet Date

After the completion of all 3 slots, the provisional CAT 2025 Answer Key and response sheet are expected to be released by 5 December 2025. Candidates will be allowed to raise objections within the specified challenge window by paying a prescribed fee per question. The final CAT 2025 result will be prepared after reviewing all valid objections submitted by candidates. Scorecards will reflect section-wise scaled scores and overall percentile.

Expected CAT 2025 Difficulty Level by Section

Since IIM Kozhikode is conducting CAT this year, the overall difficulty level is expected to remain moderate, based on previous exam trends under the same convening institute.

• VARC is expected to remain moderately tough with inference-based questions
• DILR is likely to be easy to moderate with balanced set difficulty
• Quantitative Aptitude is expected to be moderate with calculation-intensive problems

Section-wise performance will remain decisive in meeting the high cut-off benchmarks of top management institutes.

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