IIM Kozhikode's CAT 2025 exam Today on 30 November; stay updated for further process

The CAT 2025 exam, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, is scheduled for today, November 30, 2025. This essential guide covers the final exam-day checklist and crucial dos and don'ts to ensure a smooth testing experience. For aspirants, we outline the immediate next steps, including the Answer Key release (Dec 3), the expected Result date (Jan 2026), and the subsequent IIM selection process. Stay updated on the post-CAT roadmap to transition successfully from the exam hall to your dream MBA admission.

The gateway to India's prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and numerous other top B-schools. Administered this year by IIM Kozhikode, the high-stakes exam is being held across multiple shifts nationwide. After months of rigorous preparation, the focus must now completely shift to executing a flawless exam-day strategy and meticulously following all official guidelines. A calm, focused mindset combined with absolute adherence to the rules is the secret to converting preparation into performance. Candidates should ensure they have their essential documents ready, are fully aware of the prohibited items, and have charted their path to the test centre. Beyond the exam, aspirants must also be prepared for the critical stages that follow, from the expected release of the official Answer Key on December 3, 2025, to the declaration of the Result in the first week of January 2026. This comprehensive guide provides a definitive last-minute checklist and a clear post-exam roadmap for every CAT 2025 aspirant.

​Secure Your Spot: The Essential Exam Day Checklist

​A smooth entry into the test centre is paramount. Any last-minute scramble or issue with documentation can severely impact a candidate's focus. IIM Kozhikode has established strict protocols to ensure the integrity of the examination. Candidates are advised to prepare all necessary items well in advance to avoid panic.

• ​Mandatory Documents & Essentials:
  • ​CAT 2025 Admit Card: Carry a clear printout (preferably on A4 size paper) of the downloaded admit card. Candidates must affix the same passport-size photograph on the admit card as the one uploaded during the online application process.
  • ​Original Photo ID Proof: A valid, original, and non-expired government-issued photo identity proof is compulsory. Acceptable IDs include an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License. A photocopy is generally not accepted.
  • ​Simple Ballpoint Pen: While a pen and scribble pad are provided inside the hall, some centres may ask candidates to carry a simple transparent ballpoint pen for signing the attendance sheet.
  • ​Transparent Water Bottle: Due to health advisories, candidates are usually permitted to carry a transparent water bottle.
• ​Strict Prohibited Items (Do NOT Carry):
  • ​Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, digital watches, calculators, electronic gadgets, or any communication device.
  • ​Accessories: Wallets, goggles, metallic jewellery, belts, caps, or any object that could potentially conceal a device.
  • ​Footwear & Clothing: Footwear with thick soles and garments with large buttons are strictly not permitted as they could be used to hide electronic items.
• ​Exam Day Logistics: 
  • ​Pre-Visit the Centre: If possible, visit your allotted test centre location one day before the exam to confirm the travel route and estimated time.
  • ​Arrive Early: The reporting time is specified on the admit card. Candidates must reach the centre well before the gate-closing time. Late entry will lead to outright disqualification.

​Navigating the Test: Smart Strategy & Focus

​The CAT 2025 exam is a test of smart decision-making as much as it is a test of knowledge. The format typically includes three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes, and candidates cannot switch between sections.

• ​Last-Minute Mindset & Attempt Strategy: 
  • ​Prioritize Calm: The last few hours should be about stabilizing your mind, not introducing new concepts. Trust your preparation and maintain a calm, positive attitude.
  • ​Skip Strategically: The CAT rewards smart choices, not stubbornness. Be comfortable skipping questions or entire Data Interpretation (DI) or Logical Reasoning (LR) sets that seem overly time-consuming or complex. Accuracy over total attempts is the key to a high percentile.
  • ​Time Management: Utilize the on-screen timer wisely. In each section, a quick initial scan (a few minutes) can help you identify the easiest questions/sets to attempt first. Tackle those to build momentum and secure marks before moving to moderate or difficult ones.
  • ​Review and Mark: Utilize the 'Mark for Review' feature for questions you wish to revisit, but ensure you manage your time to allow for a second look. Remember the marking scheme is typically +3 for a correct Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) and -1 for an incorrect one, but Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions usually have no negative marking.
• ​In-Hall Protocol: 
  • ​Use the Mouse Only: The CAT is a Computer Based Test (CBT). Candidates are instructed to use only the mouse for navigation and answering. Using the keyboard might lock the system.
  • ​Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Before the test begins, candidates must agree to a mandatory NDA, which prohibits sharing any details or content of the exam in any format.
  • ​Scribble Pad: The provided scribble pad and pen must be returned after the exam. Do not attempt to take them out of the test hall.

​The Road Ahead: Post-Exam Timeline and Next Steps

​Once the exam is over, the focus shifts to the subsequent stages of the IIM selection process. Staying informed about the release dates for the Answer Key, result, and the start of the shortlisting process is crucial.

• ​Key Post-CAT Milestones: 
  • ​Unofficial Exam Analysis (Nov 30): Shortly after each slot concludes today, expert faculty from major coaching institutes will release a detailed slot-wise analysis. These analyses provide the first look at the paper's overall difficulty, question pattern changes, and expected good attempts for different percentiles. Aspirants are advised to check these to get a preliminary assessment of their performance.
  • ​Official Answer Key & Response Sheet (Tentative: December 3, 2025): IIM Kozhikode is expected to release the official Candidate Response Sheet and Answer Key on the CAT website within a few days of the exam. This is a critical window for candidates to calculate their raw score and raise any objections to incorrect questions or keys.
  • ​Result Declaration (Expected: First Week of January 2026): The CAT 2025 scorecards will be released online. The final percentile based on the score will determine eligibility for the next admission stage.
• ​IIM Selection Process (Post-Result):
  • ​Shortlisting: Based on the CAT percentile and pre-determined sectional and overall cut-offs set by each IIM, candidates will be shortlisted for the second phase of the admission process. The cut-offs for the top IIMs typically hover around the 98+ percentile for the General category.
  • ​Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI): The shortlisted candidates will be called for the WAT and PI rounds. This stage is a major factor in the final selection, testing a candidate's communication skills, general awareness, and personality. Some IIMs may also incorporate a Group Discussion (GD) round.

​In conclusion, for those taking the CAT 2025 today, your primary task is execution—adhere strictly to the guidelines, manage your time intelligently, and protect your focus. The exam is the culmination of your efforts, and a calm performance will yield the best results. For those looking ahead, the release of the Answer Key on December 3, 2025, and the subsequent Result in January 2026 are the next major milestones. Begin preparing for the WAT and PI rounds immediately after the exam, as these will be the final determinants of your IIM dream.

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