Archive · 9 Nov 2025
CAT 2025 Exam: Key Tips to Avoid Common Errors
The big CAT test for business school is happening on November 30, 2025.
The IIMs, who organize the test, want to help you do your best.
Before the test, make sure your admit card has all your information correct, like your name and photo.
If anything is wrong, tell the CAT helpdesk right away.
It's also a good idea to visit the test center early so you know how to get there and what to expect.
When the test starts, read all the instructions carefully.
The test is split into parts, and each part has its own time limit, so manage your time well.
Try not to spend too much time on one hard question.
It's better to focus on answering questions accurately.
If you feel nervous during the test, take a deep breath.
You don't have to answer every question to get a good score.
Just focus on the ones you are sure about.
Don't guess randomly on questions where you can lose points for being wrong.
Verify all details on the CAT 2025 admit card for accuracy; contact the CAT helpdesk for any errors.
Visiting the test centre in advance can reduce exam-day anxiety and familiarize candidates with the location.
Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying phones and calculators into the examination hall.
Manage time effectively within the sectional time limits and prioritize accuracy over attempting every question.
Avoid blind guessing on multiple-choice questions due to negative marking; focus on answering confidently.
- Who
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- What
- Providing guidance on avoiding common errors for the CAT 2025 exam.
- When
- Exam on November 30, 2025; Admit card released November 12, 2025.
- Where
- Nationwide (implied by CAT exam context).
- Why
- To help candidates avoid mistakes that could lead to disqualification or lower scores on the entrance exam.
Candidate Strategy
Exam Administration
Admit Card Verification
Candidate Strategy
Candidates must thoroughly check their admit card for any errors in details like name, photograph, and center location, and report them to the CAT helpdesk to avoid disqualification.
Exam Administration
The CAT helpdesk is available to address discrepancies found on admit cards, with prompt reporting by candidates being crucial to prevent potential disqualification.
Test Center Familiarization
Candidate Strategy
Candidates are advised to visit their test center in advance to understand the route and entry procedures, thereby reducing exam-day stress.
Exam Administration
Visiting the test center early helps candidates acclimate to the environment, ensuring a smoother entry process and minimizing anxiety on the day of the exam.
Answer Management
Candidate Strategy
Candidates should recheck their selected answers before moving between sections and meticulously verify numerical entries in non-MCQ questions.
Exam Administration
While careful review is encouraged, candidates should avoid excessive second-guessing, trusting their initial preparation and intuition during the exam.
Guessing Strategy
Candidate Strategy
Blind guessing on multiple-choice questions (MCQs) should be avoided due to negative marking; candidates should prioritize accuracy over attempting every question.
Exam Administration
A balanced approach that focuses on accuracy for questions answered confidently is recommended, as attempting every question is not necessary to achieve a high percentile.
- Exam Date
- November 30, 2025
- Registration Deadline
- September 20, 2025
- Admit Card Release Date
- November 12, 2025
- Admit Card Download Period
- November 12 to November 30, 2025
- Result Declaration
- First week of January 2026 (Tentative)
- Number of Eligible Candidates
- 2.95 lakh
- Prohibited Items
- Phones and calculators