CAT 2025 to Be Held on 30 November in Three Slots
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, the gateway to IIMs and top B-Schools, is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025. The exam will be conducted in three distinct slots: Morning (8:30 AM), Afternoon (12:30 PM), and Evening (4:30 PM). With the exam date fast approaching, aspirants must finalize their preparation, especially by aligning their mock test practice with their allotted slot time. Understand the 2-hour paper pattern, sectional limits, and the crucial dos and don'ts for the exam day to maximize your performance and secure a high percentile.
The most anticipated day for MBA aspirants, the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, is just around the corner. Scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025, the examination will be conducted by one of the premier Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in a computer-based test (CBT) format across three distinct time slots. This multi-session format necessitates a critical focus on time management and slot-specific preparation strategies.
The three slots are precisely timed:
- Slot 1 (Morning): 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Slot 2 (Afternoon): 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Slot 3 (Evening): 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
It is mandatory for all candidates to check their individual Admit Cards for the specific slot, exact reporting time, and test centre address. Given the exam is just days away, a smart, focused strategy based on the final pattern and slot timings is the key to converting months of hard work into a stellar percentile.
CAT 2025 Exam Structure and Key Timelines
The CAT 2025 paper maintains its rigorous, two-hour, three-section structure, testing candidates on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Adhering to the sectional time limit is perhaps the most critical challenge.
- Fixed Sectional Time Limits (Mandatory):
- The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes (2 hours).
- The time is strictly divided into three sections, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates cannot move to the next section until the 40-minute duration for the current section is complete.
- The order of sections is fixed and sequential:
- Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Question Distribution and Marking Scheme:
- The total number of questions is expected to be between 66 and 68 (as per recent trends, typically 66 or 68).
- The questions are a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
- Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct answer. -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ (Negative marking does not apply to TITA questions).
- The total score is typically 198 or 204 marks.
- Normalization Process:
- Since the exam is held in three different slots, IIMs employ a Normalization Process to ensure fairness across all sessions. This statistical adjustment accounts for potential differences in the difficulty levels of the three question papers.
- A candidate's raw score is converted into a Scaled Score, which is then used to calculate the final percentile. Aspirants must focus on performance, as normalization ensures that relative rank within their slot is maintained.
Last-Minute Strategy: Slot-Specific Preparation
The final week leading up to CAT 2025 should focus entirely on consolidating knowledge and optimizing test-taking strategy, particularly aligning one's body clock with the assigned exam slot.
- Alignment of Body Clock with Exam Slot:
- It is crucial to take full-length mock tests exclusively during the hours of your assigned slot (8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, or 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM). This helps in conditioning your mind and body to be at peak alertness during the actual examination time.
- Diet and Sleep: For the next week, adjust your sleep cycle to ensure you are fully awake and mentally sharp at the start of your specific slot. Practice eating a light breakfast/lunch at the time you would on November 30th to avoid sluggishness.
- Final Revision Focus:
- VARC: Focus on reading difficult non-fiction articles and quickly solving Para Jumbles (PJ) and Para Summary (PS) questions. Do not start reading new material.
- DILR: The section is puzzle-based. Practice solving past CAT puzzles (2017-2024) to get accustomed to the logic and complexity. Focus on selecting the right sets to attempt within the 40-minute limit.
- QA: Concentrate on high-weightage topics like Arithmetic (Percentages, P&L, Ratio) and Algebra. Revisit your personalized formula sheets and error logs instead of learning new concepts.
- Mock Test Analysis:
- Take one final full mock test early this week, then shift focus entirely to sectional tests and analysis.
- Analyze every mistake in your final mocks. The last few days should be about accuracy and confidence, not speed. Minimize the risk of negative marking, especially in MCQs.
Exam Day Checklist and Important Protocols
A smooth exam day requires meticulous planning beyond just academics. Candidates must adhere strictly to the IIM’s protocols to avoid last-minute panic or disqualification.
- Essentials to Carry (Mandatory):
- A printed copy of the CAT 2025 Admit Card (Downloaded from the official website).
- A valid, original photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
- Two recent passport-size photographs (The same as uploaded during the registration process).
- A transparent water bottle (optional).
- Key Reporting Instructions:
- Arrive at the centre well before the Reporting Time mentioned on the Admit Card. Gates close typically 15 minutes prior to the exam start time, and latecomers will be denied entry.
- Security procedures, including mandatory frisking, document verification, and photo capture, will take significant time.
- Candidates will be provided with a rough pad and pens at the desk. No personal stationary is allowed inside the lab.
- Test-Taking Mindset:
- Maintain a calm and composed mindset. The sectional time limit of 40 minutes is the most crucial constraint.
- Attempt questions using a two-pass strategy: first, solve the easy, high-confidence questions; second, return to the medium-difficulty questions. Learn to skip the time-consuming questions quickly.
Conclusion
The CAT 2025 exam on November 30th marks the culmination of months of effort. With the three time slots finalized, aspirants are urged to finalize their exam day plan, focusing particularly on aligning their practice schedule with their assigned slot. Success in the CAT is a function of both preparation and strategy executed under pressure. Utilize this final week for targeted revision, thorough mock analysis, and maintaining a robust physical and mental state.
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