The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is set to undergo significant changes that will impact thousands of MBA aspirants across India. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have announced that the prestigious management entrance examination will be conducted in three shifts instead of the traditional two, marking a major shift in the examination pattern for the upcoming academic year.
Revised Examination Schedule and Shift Timings
According to the latest notification, CAT 2025 will be held on November 30, 2025, with three distinct examination shifts. The first shift will commence at 8:30 AM, followed by the second shift at 12:30 PM, and the concluding third shift at 4:30 PM. This structural change aims to accommodate more candidates while maintaining proper social distancing protocols and ensuring better management of examination centers.
The registration process for CAT 2025 is scheduled to begin in August 2025 and will continue until September 2025. Aspiring candidates can complete their application through the official CAT website once the registration window opens. The examination authorities have emphasized that candidates must carefully select their preferred shift timing during the registration process, though final allotment will remain subject to availability and administrative considerations.
Enhanced Exam Centre Guidelines and Document Requirements
In addition to the shift timing changes, CAT 2025 introduces stricter examination centre guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the testing process. Candidates must report to their designated examination centres at least two hours before their scheduled shift timing. This early reporting requirement is crucial for completing the mandatory verification procedures without delays.
The document verification process requires candidates to present two essential documents: their CAT 2025 admit card and a valid government-issued photo identification proof. Acceptable ID documents include Aadhar card, passport, driving license, PAN card, or voter ID card. The name on the photo ID must exactly match the name printed on the admission ticket to avoid any entry restrictions.
Examination authorities have implemented specific protocols regarding electronic devices and personal belongings. Mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, and any other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. Candidates will be provided with storage facilities at the examination centre to securely deposit their personal belongings before entering the testing area.
Preparation Strategy and Important Considerations
With the introduction of three examination shifts, CAT aspirants need to adapt their preparation strategies accordingly. The examination pattern itself remains consistent with previous years, focusing on evaluating candidates' aptitude in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. However, the extended examination schedule across three shifts necessitates mental preparation for different time slots.
Prospective candidates should begin their preparation early, focusing on time management skills and developing flexibility in their approach. Mock tests simulating different shift timings can help candidates adapt to performing optimally regardless of their allocated session. The examination conducting body has assured that the difficulty level across all three shifts will be standardized to maintain fairness in the evaluation process.
CAT 2025 serves as the gateway to prestigious IIMs and numerous other top business schools across India. The changes implemented for the 2025 examination cycle reflect the continuous efforts to improve the examination process while accommodating the growing number of MBA aspirants. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official CAT website for updates and detailed guidelines as the examination date approaches.
