IIM Entrance Exam CAT: 2025 Guide For You

November is the month that has now become synonymous with the most prestigious entrance exam of the country, the Common Admission Test or CAT. The exam is conducted throughout India in over 150 cities. However, where did it all begin? The applicants for admission to IIMs faced several inconveniences back in the 1970s, as they had to appear for each of the then top three management institutes (IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta) separately. A Directors’ committee of the three institutes then meticulously planned the possibility of conducting a common entrance examination for the convenience of the applicants. And it was almost about 47 years ago, on 2nd January, 1977, the first CAT exam was conducted in nearly 14 cities in the country. In 2023, a record 3.29 lakhs candidates applied for the exam.

At this point, you stand at a crossroads, considering how to get into these prestigious schools. These IIM entrance exams are more than just knowledge assessments; they provide doors to an enlightening educational journey that can redefine your future. The CAT 2025 registration dates are already out. If you wish to pursue an MBA or a BBA, the IIM admission examinations are your path to a top-notch management education. This blog will cover everything you need to know about the various IIM entrance tests, their syllabi, and what to expect.

Understanding IIM Entrance Exams

The purpose of the IIM entrance tests is to evaluate your analytical abilities, aptitude, and general preparedness for a demanding management programme. Below is a breakdown of the main admission examinations you should be aware of.

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  Common Admission Test (CAT): The most popularly recognised IIM admission exam for MBA schools is the Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted once a year. It is the starting point for MBA programmes at the country’s most prestigious institutions, such as IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, and other esteemed IIMs.

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  Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT): The IPMAT, or IIM Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test, is essential if you want to pursue an integrated course. This test is only for the IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak five-year integrated BBA+MBA programme.

Also Read: CAT vs GMAT: Which Entrance Exam Opens More Doors for MBA Aspirants?

IIM Eligibility Criteria 2025

The eligibility criteria for the IIM MBA programme are identical to those of the CAT, meaning that candidates must have earned at least 50% of their graduation marks. Admission to the IIMs is available to those who meet the CAT requirements. They must, however, fulfil a few additional prerequisites before being chosen. Check out the following IIM qualifying requirements:

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  The fundamental requirements for admission to IIMs are graduation with at least 50% of total credits or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA categories).
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  Applicants awaiting their results or in their last year of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification exam may also apply.
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  To be selected for an IIM interview, candidates must meet the requirements for the IIM qualifying cutoff.
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  For candidates to be eligible for an interview call and to participate in WAT/GD-PI, they need to meet the minimum IIM call cut-off.

Overview of CAT 2025 Exam

The CAT Exam 2025 registration start dates are out. The CAT is an IIM MBA entrance exam required for admission to the 20 IIMs, one of the best business schools. The CAT exam is conducted every year. There are 66 questions in total, with 198 marks. It is divided into three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). The CAT exam’s projected cut-off is adjusted yearly based on prior results. The entire cost of applying for the CAT exam is Rs. 1,300 for PwD and SC/ST applicants and Rs. 2,600 for other applicants.

IIM Entrance Exam CAT Important Dates

Before you begin the preparation, ensure you are aware of all the key dates, from registration to admit card downloads and the exam date.

A Detailed Look at the Specific IIM Entrance Exams

Various IIMs rely on the CAT as their sole entrance exam. For better clarification, we have provided specific details of the two top IIMs. 

IIM Bangalore Entrance Exam:

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  Admission to IIM Bangalore is exclusively determined by CAT exam results.
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  There is no separate IIM Bangalore entrance exam.
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  The institute provides PG, PhD, certificate, and MBA programmes in addition to the Executive MBA programme.
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  Applicants to IIM Bangalore must take entrance tests at the college or national level depending on their chosen subject.
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  A valid CAT exam score is required for admission to the flagship IIM Bangalore MBA programme.
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  A Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT) round follow. Seek guidance to ace IIM interviews.

IIM Ahmedabad Entrance Exam:

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  Admission to IIM Ahmedabad in 2025 is mostly determined via the entrance test.
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  There is no separate entrance exam for IIM Ahmedabad.
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  This school is well-known for its flagship PGP (also known as MBA) programme, a two-year, full-time, residential programme that admits students with a valid CAT score.
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  The previous year’s CAT percentile for IIM Ahmedabad was as high as 99.6, indicating the difficulty of admission.
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  The PGP admission cycle for IIM-A begins with CAT registrations each year.
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  IIM-A provides further postgraduate and doctoral programmes in management in addition to PGP.
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  Based on results from entrance tests, candidates are shortlisted for these programmes.
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  The next step in the shortlisting process usually consists of a Personal Interview (PI) round.

IIM Entrance Exam Syllabus

There are 3 different sections in the IIM entrance exam (CAT): Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

List of Top 10 IIM Colleges in India

There are a total of 21 IIMs in India.Check out the top 10 list of IIM colleges in India below in the table.

Tips for Cracking the IIM Entrance Exams

Your preparation is incomplete without mastering the tricks to appear in the exam. Here are some valuable tips to crack the IIM entrance exam:

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  Recognise the Exam Pattern: Become acquainted with the sections, scoring system, and time allotted for every segment of the exam.
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  Establish Robust Foundations: Since quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation are the main areas tested, concentrate on developing a strong foundation in these areas.
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  Practise Regularly: To increase your speed and accuracy, set aside a substantial amount of time to work through practice questions from past exams and mock exams.
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  Time Management: Acquire the skill of efficient time management for the exam. To guarantee that you finish the paper on time, set out precise time intervals for each section and adhere to them.
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  Identify Weaknesses and Strengths: Evaluate your performance in practice exams to determine your areas of strength and weakness. While preserving your strengths, invest more time in strengthening your areas of weakness.
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  Keep Up: Since current events, general knowledge, and business news are frequently covered in exams, stay updated on these subjects.
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  Work on Reading Comprehension: To increase your reading comprehension and comprehension of lengthy, complicated materials, practise reading comprehension regularly.
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  Seek Guidance: To receive professional advice and individualised study programmes, think about enrolling in coaching classes or online courses.
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  Remain Calm and Confident: Throughout the exam, have a good outlook and remain composed. Your performance might be greatly impacted by your level of confidence in your talents.
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  Revise Regularly: Don’t forget to revise the concepts and formulas regularly to ensure they stay fresh in your mind until the exam day.

Best Books for IIM Entrance Exam Preparation

We have compiled here, for you, a list of some of the best books that you can refer to for preparing for the IIM Entrance exam:

Conclusion

You are at a turning point in your academic career as you begin the process of applying to the esteemed Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). There’s no denying the attraction of these prestigious schools, places where leaders are developed and dreams come true. The route to securing your seat in these revered hallways is becoming clearer with the announcement of the CAT 2025 registration dates.

The path ahead is not without difficulties; it is lined with difficult entrance exams that are extremely competitive and mark important turning points in your pursuit of greatness. However, these IIM Entrance Exams are more than just tests of knowledge; they are doors to a rewarding educational journey that could completely change your destiny.