CAT 2025 Registrations: Dates, Process, Last Day, and Fees

Introduction 

The CAT 2025 (Common Admission Test) is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, serving as the primary gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading B-schools across the country. Thousands of MBA aspirants appear for this exam every year, making early and accurate registration a crucial first step toward securing your dream seat.

The CAT 2025 Registrations will officially open on August 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM on the CAT registration site – iimcat.ac.in. Candidates must complete their application process before the CAT registration last day, September 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM, as no late submissions will be entertained.

This year, IIM Kozhikode is the organizing institute for CAT 2025 and has released the official CAT 2025 notification detailing the schedule, eligibility criteria, registration process, and fee structure. With the clock already ticking, aspirants should start gathering the necessary information and documents to avoid last-minute rushes or errors in the form.

In this blog , we will cover :

• Important Dates for CAT 2025

• Eligibility criteria you need to meet before applying

• List of documents required for smooth registration

• Application fee details for different categories

• Step-by-step process to fill out the CAT registration form correctly

• Key points to keep in mind to avoid form rejection

If you are aiming for an MBA from an IIM or other reputed B-schools accepting CAT scores, understanding the registration process and deadlines is the first milestone in your preparation journey. Missing the registration window could cost you an entire year, so mark your calendar and get ready to complete the process well before the last date.

CAT 2025 Registration site

All applications must be submitted online only at the official CAT registration site – iimcat.ac.in. No offline mode is available.

Documents required For CAT 2025 registration 

Before starting your application, keep these documents ready:

• 10th & 12th marksheets

• Bachelor’s degree/diploma certificate (and higher education if applicable)

• Work experience certificate (if applicable)

• Passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months, white background)

• Scanned signature

How to register for CAT 2025 

Registering for CAT 2025 is the first official step toward your MBA dream, and doing it correctly can save you from unnecessary stress later. The process involves creating a candidate login on the official website iimcat.ac.in, filling in accurate personal and academic details, uploading required documents in the prescribed format, selecting your preferred test cities, and paying the application fee. While the steps are straightforward, attention to detail is key to ensuring your form is accepted without errors or delays.

Follow these steps to complete your CAT registration form:

1. Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in

2. Click on ‘New Candidate Registration’

3. Enter personal details like name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and nationality

4. Verify your mobile number with an OTP to generate login credentials

5. Login using the User ID and Password to access the full form

Filling the CAT 2025 registration form 

The form is divided into six main sections:

1. Personal Information – Name, date of birth, category, contact details

2. Academic History – Details of 10th, 12th, graduation, and any additional qualifications

3. Work Experience – Fill if applicable

4. Programmes – Select IIMs and courses you’re applying for

5. Test Cities – Choose up to 6 exam cities in order of preference

6. Payment – Pay the fees online through card, net banking, or UPI

Important: Ensure all entries are correct and documents are clearly uploaded. Incorrect or incomplete forms may lead to rejection.

CAT 2025 Application fees 

Before you submit your CAT 2025 form, it’s important to know the exact application fee you need to pay based on your category, along with the accepted payment methods

·  The fee is non-refundable and is the same irrespective of the number of IIMs selected.

·  Your form will be considered submitted only after the payment is successful.

Tips for CAT application registration 

• Use a desktop/laptop for the application, not a phone

• Keep all documents ready in advance (photo, signature, certificates)

• Recheck every section before final submission

• Stick to the official deadlines to avoid disqualification

Final Thoughts on the CAT 2025 Registration Process

If you are planning to appear for the CAT 2025 exam on November 30, 2025, completing your application on time is not just a formality—it’s the first crucial step toward your MBA journey. The CAT registration window opened on August 1, 2025, and closes on September 13, 2025, giving you a little over a month to prepare and submit your form.

When filling out the CAT 2025 application form, double-check every detail—from your personal information and academic records to your exam city preferences—to avoid mistakes that could lead to rejection or complications later. Ensure your application fee is paid successfully and keep a copy of the payment receipt for reference. Also, carefully select your IIM program and city preferences, as these choices can significantly impact your shortlisting opportunities.

Since CAT is a highly competitive exam, even small errors in the registration phase can cause unnecessary stress later on. Being proactive and submitting your application well before the last date ensures you have time to correct any issues if they arise.

Lastly, keep a regular check on the official website,iimcat.ac.in, for any official announcements, changes in dates, or additional instructions from the conducting authority, IIM Kozhikode. Staying informed will give you a smooth start to your CAT 2025 preparation and keep you ahead of the curve.