Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025: A White Paper Analysis

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management aptitude test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other postgraduate courses. CAT 2023 saw a record high of 3.30 lakh applications. Candidates who clear the CAT exam are eligible for admission to over 1300 MBA colleges in India, including the IIMs. This white paper aims to provide a detailed analysis of the courses offered through CAT, top colleges accepting CAT scores, seat availability, reservation policies, and popular specializations for

CAT 2025: A White Paper Analysis for MBA Aspirants

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the primary gateway to India's leading MBA institutions, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and numerous other top-tier business schools. This white paper provides a comprehensive analysis of key parameters related to CAT 2025, offering insights to help prospective students navigate the MBA admissions landscape.

1. Top Colleges Accepting the Exam

CAT scores are accepted by over 1300 B-schools across India. The most sought-after institutions include:

• The 21 Indian Institutes

Reservations in CAT 2025

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) adhere to the reservation policies established by the Government of India for admissions to their MBA/PGP programs. These policies aim to ensure equitable opportunities for candidates from various underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.

1. Reservation Categories and Percentage of Seats Reserved

IIMs reserve seats for the following categories:

• Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
• Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
• Other Backward Classes (OBC) - Non-Creamy Layer

CAT 2025: Special Provisions and Relaxations for Reserved Categories

1. Overview of Special Provisions

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all candidates, particularly those from reserved categories, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD). These special provisions align with the Government of India's reservation policies, promoting social inclusion and diversity within the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other prestigious management institutions. The key categories benefiting from these provisions include:

• Scheduled Castes (SC) : 15% seat reservation.

CAT 2025: A White Paper Analysis for Foreign Students

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam in India for admission to MBA and equivalent programs offered by top management institutes, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). While primarily intended for Indian students, foreign nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are also eligible to apply. This white paper provides a detailed analysis of the specific requirements and processes relevant to foreign students seeking admission through CAT 2025.

1. Eligibility Criteria for Foreign

1. Key Takeaways for Aspirants:
2. Eligibility: A bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories) is required. Final year students are also eligible. No age limit applies.
3. Registration: Online registration from August 1 to September 13, 2025. Application fee: ₹1300 for SC/ST/PwD and ₹2600 for others.
4. Exam Date: November 30, 2025, in three slots.
5. Admit Card:

CAT 2025: Exam Schedule Analysis

This white paper provides a detailed overview of the CAT (Common Admission Test) 2025 exam schedule, including key dates, exam slots, and how to stay updated. It is crucial for aspirants to be well-informed about the timeline to avoid missing deadlines and to prepare effectively.

1. Key Dates

Staying updated on the important dates for CAT 2025 is critical for all aspirants. Here’s a projected timeline based on previous years' trends:

• Registration Start Date: August 1, 2025 (Tentative)