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The CAT 2025 exam is expected to take place on November 30, 2025, organized by IIM Kozhikode in online mode across 155 cities. Its scores will be accepted by 21 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools across India for admission into postgraduate management programs. The official notification is likely to be released on the IIMCAT website (iimcat.ac.in) by the end of July 2025, with registration starting in the first week of August 2025. The notification will provide key details, including the exam date, registration schedule, admit card release, and result announcement, enabling candidates to plan their preparations and complete all exam-related steps on time.

Exam Illustration

Overview of the Last 3 Years

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most sought-after management entrance exams in India, opening doors to premier business schools such as the IIMs and other prestigious institutions. Over the past three years, the journey of CAT aspirants has evolved with unique timelines, crucial milestones, and key updates. This article dives deep into the CAT exam journey, tracing its timeline from the exam date to the release of results. Additionally, it highlights pivotal moments supported by CATKing Educare's resources, including videos and insights.

CAT Exam Journey: Key Milestones

1. Exam Date

The CAT exam is traditionally held on the last Sunday of November. Over the years, the schedule has remained consistent, helping students plan their preparation effectively.

Timeline:

  • 2022: November 27 (Sunday)
  • 2023: November 26 (Sunday)
  • 2024: November 24 (Sunday)

2. Response Sheet Release

The CAT Response Sheet, containing a record of the candidate’s answers and the questions asked, is released approximately 8-10 days after the exam. This enables aspirants to estimate their scores using answer keys.

Timeline:

  • 2022: December 1
  • 2023: December 5
  • 2024: December 3

3. Answer Key Release and Objection Window

The official answer key is released alongside the response sheet, allowing candidates to cross-check their responses. A short objection window (usually 3-4 days) is provided for candidates to raise queries about incorrect answer keys.

4. Final Results Announcement

CAT results are declared in the first week of January, marking the culmination of the CAT journey. The result includes:

  • Overall and sectional percentiles.
  • Scaled scores, adjusted for normalization.

Timeline:

  • 2022: December 21, 2022
  • 2023: December 21, 2023
  • 2024: December 19, 2024

CAT Result Release Date - Past Year Trends 

CAT Exam Year CAT Exam Date CAT Result Date Gap Between Exam Date and Result Date
CAT 2024 November 24, 2024 December 19, 2024 25 days
CAT 2023 November 26, 2023 December 21, 2023 25 days
CAT 2022 November 27, 2022 December 21, 2022 24 days
CAT 2021 November 28, 2021 January 3, 2022 36 days
CAT 2020 November 29, 2020 January 2, 2021 34 days
CAT 2019 November 24, 2019 January 4, 2020 41 days
CAT 2018 November 25, 2018 January 5, 2019 41 days
CAT 2017 November 26, 2017 January 8, 2018 43 days
CAT 2016 December 4, 2016 January 9, 2017 36 days
 

 

Insights from the Last 3 Years

The CAT exam has consistently tested the resilience and preparation of aspirants. With changing patterns and rising competition, understanding trends and using the right resources are critical. CATKing Educare has been a trusted partner in this journey, empowering students with actionable insights, expert mentorship, and innovative tools.