The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is now only days away, with the exam scheduled for November 30 across nearly one hundred and seventy cities. This year’s test is being overseen by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, which has already released the admit cards on the official website. Candidates who have not downloaded the document yet can log in at iimcat.ac.in using their registered user ID and password. The registration process began on August 1 and closed on September 13, keeping the annual schedule aligned with previous years. With the exam nearing, the focus has now shifted to the paper pattern, mock test interface, and the final leg of preparation.
Two-Hour CAT Pattern to Continue This Year
CAT 2025 will follow the two-hour test structure, which has remained consistent for the past few editions. The paper is divided into three sections, each carrying an equal time limit of forty minutes for non-PwD candidates:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Sectional movement will remain restricted. This means candidates can move to the next section only after the allotted time ends. They will not be able to revisit completed sections. PwD candidates will receive an additional forty minutes, extending the total duration to two hours and forty minutes.
Mock Test Link Activated on the Official Website
IIM Kozhikode has activated the official mock test to help candidates familiarise themselves with the exam interface, question navigation, and timer visibility. Separate mock test links have been provided for general, PwD, and visually impaired candidates. The mock paper includes selected questions from previous years, designed to give candidates a sense of the difficulty level and flow of the exam. However, the organising institute has clearly stated that the mock test should not be taken as an indicator of the total number or type of questions, as the actual pattern is not disclosed in advance. While the mock interface allows early submission of a section, the real exam will not permit early submission or switching before the full forty minutes.
Key Preparation Tips Ahead of the Exam
With less than two weeks remaining, candidates are refining their performance across all three sections. Faculty members and previous toppers recommend the following last-minute strategies:
- Focus on accuracy over attempts in the final stretch.
- Revise commonly tested concepts in VARC, DILR, and QA rather than starting new chapters.
- Practise full-length mocks in the same two-hour window to build stamina.
- Avoid experimental strategies on the exam day and stick to a tested approach.
- Strengthen reading speed, especially for lengthy RC passages.
Experts note that CAT often demands calm thinking under pressure. A balanced strategy with disciplined time management helps improve performance across all three sections.
Final Reminder for Candidates
With the admit card already out and the mock test link live, the exam-day preparations have intensified. IIM Kozhikode is expected to issue additional guidelines closer to the exam date. Candidates must keep checking the official website for updates and ensure they are familiar with the test centre rules, admit card instructions, and permitted items. The CAT 2025 results are likely to be announced in the first week of January 2026, followed by the counselling and admission process for IIMs and other participating institutions. Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey
