IIMs have issued the CAT 2025 admit card, and candidates can download it by logging into their accounts

The highly anticipated CAT 2025 Admit Card is now available for download on the official portal, iimcat.ac.in, starting November 12. With the exam scheduled for November 30, 2025, this is the final countdown for MBA aspirants. Download your hall ticket immediately using your login credentials, verify all details, and start planning your exam day logistics. This essential guide covers the step-by-step download process, crucial last-minute preparation tips, and mandatory exam-day instructions to help you ace the most competitive management test.

The wait is finally over for hundreds of thousands of MBA aspirants across the country. IIM Kozhikode, the coordinating IIM for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, has activated the download link for the mandatory admit card (hall ticket) on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. The download window is live from November 12, 2025, and will remain open until the examination day, November 30, 2025.

​The admit card is a non-negotiable requirement for entry into the test centre and confirms the candidate's exam slot (Morning, Afternoon, or Evening), test city, and exact centre address. Given that the CAT 2025 exam is scheduled to be held in three shifts on November 30, 2025, it is vital for candidates to access and verify their details immediately. Any discrepancy must be reported to the CAT helpdesk without delay. This article provides a comprehensive guide to downloading your admit card and navigating the critical final two weeks of preparation.

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 Immediate Action: Downloading and Verifying Your CAT 2025 Hall Ticket

​Securing a printout of the admit card is the most important administrative task for every candidate right now. The process is simple, but verification of the details is paramount.

• ​Step-by-Step Download Process:
  • ​Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the official CAT 2025 website: iimcat.ac.in.
  • ​Candidate Login: Click on the 'Registered Candidate Login' link, typically found prominently on the homepage.
  • ​Enter Credentials: Use your registered User ID and Password (the same details used during application) to log in.
  • ​Access the Admit Card: Locate and click the dedicated 'Admit Card' tab on your candidate dashboard.
  • ​Download and Print: View the document, download the PDF file, and print at least two clear, non-smudged copies (colour printouts are generally preferred for clarity).
• ​Mandatory Verification Checklist:
  • ​Personal Information: Check your Name, Photograph, Signature, and CAT 2025 Registration Number for accuracy.
  • ​Exam Details: Scrutinize the assigned Exam Date (Nov 30), Test Slot (Shift 1/2/3), and the Reporting Time. Note that reporting time is typically 90 minutes before the test start.
  • ​Test Centre: Verify the complete Name and Address of the Test Centre. Candidates are advised to locate the centre on a map and plan the travel route a day in advance.
  • ​COVID-19 Instructions: Read all essential instructions, especially those related to safety and social distancing protocols.

​ The Final Countdown: Last-Minute Prep Strategies

​With less than three weeks remaining until the exam, aspirants must shift from learning new concepts to refining their test-taking skills and ensuring mental readiness. This phase is about consolidation, not innovation.

• ​Focused Mock Test Strategy:
  • ​Simulate Real Conditions: Continue taking one full-length mock test every 1-2 days, strictly adhering to the 120-minute, three-section structure. Crucially, take the mock test in your assigned slot timing (e.g., if you have the 4:30 PM slot, take your mock at that time) to acclimatize your body clock.
  • ​High-Quality Analysis: Dedicate more time to analysing the mock test than taking it. Identify questions you skipped correctly, questions you answered correctly but slowly, and questions you attempted but got wrong. This analysis helps in perfecting question selection strategy.
  • ​Sectional Practice: Use sectional tests only to address critical weak spots (e.g., a specific type of Data Interpretation set or geometry questions in QA) but keep the focus primarily on full mocks.
• ​Systematic Revision and Consolidation:
  • ​Formula Review: Concentrate on revising your self-made formula sheets and short notes for Quantitative Ability (QA). Mental calculations and quick recall of theorems save precious seconds.
  • ​VARC Stamina: Maintain reading speed by practicing at least 2-3 Reading Comprehension (RC) passages daily from diverse topics (philosophy, economy, science) to boost comprehension and stamina.
  • ​DILR Logic: Review and practice various types of Logical Reasoning (LR) puzzles and Data Interpretation (DI) charts/graphs from previous CAT papers to reinforce underlying logic and common patterns. Avoid attempting entirely new topics in this final phase.

​ Exam Day Essentials: Documents and Security Guidelines

​Preparation goes beyond the syllabus; it includes meticulous planning for the day of the exam. Strict adherence to NTA/IIM guidelines is mandatory to ensure hassle-free entry.

• ​Mandatory Documents to Carry (Originals Only):
  • ​Printed CAT 2025 Admit Card: Carry at least two printouts, preferably a colour copy. Do not sign the admit card beforehand; the signature must be done in the presence of the invigilator.
  • ​Valid Photo ID Proof: Carry the Original (non-expired) of any one document: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence. The name on the ID must exactly match the name on the admit card.
  • ​Passport-Size Photograph: Carry one or two recent passport-size photographs (matching the one uploaded on the application) for the attendance sheet.
• ​Strictly Prohibited Items (Leave at Home): 
  • ​Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, electronic gadgets, or earphones.
  • ​Accessories: Jewellery (especially metal or bulky items), belts with large buckles, caps, or sunglasses.
  • ​Footwear and Clothing: Closed footwear (shoes/boots) and garments with large buttons or multiple pockets are generally restricted. Wear simple slippers/sandals and light, comfortable, pocket-free clothing.
• ​Reporting and Time Management:
  • ​Reporting Time: Plan to arrive at the centre 90 minutes before your scheduled slot time for verification and security checks.
  • ​Gate Closure: Be aware that the entry gates will close 15 minutes prior to the exam commencement time. Latecomers will be denied entry.

​Conclusion

​The release of the CAT 2025 admit card marks the final and most intense stage of the preparation journey. Download your hall ticket instantly from iimcat.ac.in and confirm every detail, especially your exam centre and time slot. Use the remaining days for laser-focused revision, mock analysis, and mental conditioning. A calm, strategic mind, coupled with meticulous planning for the exam day (adhering strictly to all document and dress code guidelines), will be the ultimate determinant of success in the CAT 2025 examination on November 30.

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