CAT Exam 2025 Timeline: One Test, One Opportunity
Every year, thousands of MBA aspirants across India prepare for the CAT exam 2025, one of the most difficult entrance tests for business schools in the country. The CAT 2025 exam date is certainly significant because this exam is conducted only once a year, and is the only admission opportunity to the IIMs and several MBA programs.
As students do keyword searches related to the CAT 2025 exam date, CAT registration 2025, and how many times CAT is conducted in a year, often they are looking for definitive information to properly plan. This blog should answer any of those questions, and allow them to prepare appropriately for CAT exam 2025.
How Many Times Is the CAT Exam Conducted in a Year?
CAT exam is conducted only once a year. Usually, in November. There is no chance to take the CAT exam again in the same year, thus CAT exam 2025 is a single opportunity for each aspirant candidate.
In comparison, you'll realize that the CAT exam is different from other entrance tests like CUET or JEE, where you can appear several times throughout the year. So, when answering how many CAT exam conducted in a year, or how many CAT exams in a year.
The CAT exam takes place only once each year, making it a critical opportunity for aspirants.
No re-exams, no second chances within the same year.
This means that only one opportunity is given for each year and it is important to make it count! The examination is held in several sessions on one day, most commonly a Sunday in the final week of November. These session examinations are held to accommodate an overwhelming number of candidates, but every student gets to sit for just one session.
Holding the exam annually makes the CAT exam high-stakes. Whether you're aiming for IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, or other top B-schools, missing the registration window or the exam day could set your plans back by a full year.
Expected Timeline for CAT 2025
Half of the battle is to plan ahead. Based on past trends, these are the anticipated developments for CAT 2025.
CAT 2025 Exam Date & Important DeadlinesAs per previous years’ patterns, the CAT exam date 2025 is most likely scheduled for the last Sunday of November 2025.
Below are key dates:
- CAT notification 2025: July 2025
- CAT registration date 2025: First week of August
- CAT form 2025 last date: Mid-September 2025
- CAT correction window: End of September
- CAT admit card: Mid to late October
- CAT 2025 exam date: Last week of November 2025
Candidates must keep an eye on the CAT exam 2025 registration date and ensure they don’t miss important deadlines such as the CAT form date 2025 or the CAT exam last date 2025.
Date of the CAT 2025 Exam: End of November 2025
Candidates will need to watch the CAT exam 2025 registration date so that they do not miss crucial deadline information, such as the CAT form date 2025, or the CAT exam last date 2025.
Who conducts CAT Exams?
The CAT exam is conducted by a different IIM each year. In 2023, the IIM that was used to run the exam was IIM Lucknow. This also means that the CAT exam 2025 could be administered by IIM Ahmedabad, or IIM Kozhikode. The IIM that is appointed to that year publishes the CAT notification 2025, oversees the CAT registration process and runs the complete examination process.
Structure of the CAT Exam
An exam conducted once a year, CAT examines you in three areas that test your logic, comprehension and number sense:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Each section is equally weighted and time-bound. What adds to the complexity is the mix of MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA questions), negative markings for wrong answers, and strict sectional time limits.
This structure not only checks what you know but how you think under pressure.
What Occurs If You Miss CAT in a Year?
If you do not sit for the CAT for whatever reason - missed registration for the exam, wrong application, personal situation - then you have to wait until the next year. CAT is not like CUET or JEE - it does not offer two attempts in a year.
So you have to be very strict with your timing - from booking the slot, revising concepts and doing mock tests.
Why Serious Preparation for CAT 2025 Starts Now
With only one shot at success each year, the CAT exam becomes less of an option and more of a milestone. Every decision, from choosing the right books to enrolling in a mock test series, counts. You will have to devote at least 6 to 9 months dedicated preparation, covering all three sections and practice developing speed, accuracy, and confidence; even top-end students can underperform if they underestimate the exam itself or rely too much on last-minute prep.
The key takeaway?
You cannot afford to treat CAT like any other exam — it demands consistency, clarity, and a winning mindset.
Recap: CAT 2025 Highlights You Must Remember
- Conducted: Once every year
- Conducting Body: The exam is administered on a rotational basis by one of the premier Indian Institutes of Management.
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Sessions: The examination is expected to be held in three sessions on a single day — morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Frequency of Attempt: Only one attempt per year per candidate
- Tentative Exam Date: Last Sunday of November 2025
- Result Announcement: Last week of December 2025
FAQs
Q1. How many times CAT exam is conducted in a year? Only once. The question of how many times CAT exam in a year, or when is CAT exam 2025; please note that CAT exam is an annual event in November.
Q2. When is CAT exam held? The CAT exam 2025 date is expected in the last week of November, usually on a Sunday.
Q3. What is the CAT form 2025 last date? As per trends, the CAT 2025 form date deadline is in mid-September.
Q4. Who conducts CAT exam? A top IIM conducts the CAT entrance exam 2025 each year.
Q5. How long is the CAT score valid?
CAT scores are valid for one year only.
