Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
If you're planning to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, filing the application form correctly is your first step towards entering top B-schools like IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, and more. However, many students make avoidable mistakes during the application process that could impact their chances.
To ensure a smooth experience, here are the most important things to consider before filling out the CAT 2025 form, brought to you by CATKing Educare, your trusted MBA preparation partner.
1. Check CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria Thoroughly
Before starting the registration, it’s essential to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the IIMs:
- Educational Qualification: You must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or equivalent CGPA.
- Final Year Students: If you’re in the final year of your graduation (or awaiting results), you’re also eligible to apply.
- No Age Limit: CAT has no upper age limit.
- Professional Degrees: Candidates with CA/CS/ICWA qualifications can also apply.
Tip: Check your university's grading system and calculate your percentage correctly based on the formula used.
CAT 2025 Aspirants! CATKing’s New Batch Starts This Monday — Book Your Seat!
2. Know the Important CAT 2025 Dates
Being aware of the timeline avoids last-minute stress. Though the exact dates will be released in the official notification, here’s a tentative schedule:
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | 1st August 2025 |
| Last Date to Register | 13th September 2025 |
| Download Admit Card | 5th November 2025 |
| CAT Exam Date | 30th November 2025 |
Keep checking the official website (www.iimcat.ac.in) and CATKing Educare for real-time updates.
Also Read: CAT 2025: Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation Tips, Registration
3. Keep Required Documents Ready
A common mistake is starting the form without having necessary documents on hand. Ensure you have:
- Scanned passport-size photograph (JPEG, 30KB–200KB)
- Scanned signature (JPEG, 30KB–200KB)
- Class X, XII, and graduation mark sheets
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Valid government ID proof
- Work experience details, if any
Tip: Save scanned documents in recommended formats and sizes beforehand to avoid errors during upload.
4. Choose Exam Cities Wisely
While filling the form, you can choose up to 6 exam cities in order of preference. Try to:
- Select nearest locations for easy travel
- Avoid cities where political unrest or natural disruptions are common
- Pick cities with better infrastructure and connectivity
Remember, once submitted, exam center choices cannot be changed unless correction window is announced.
5. Understand the Category and Reservation Policies
CAT follows the Government of India reservation policy:
- SC – 15%
- ST – 7.5%
- OBC-NCL – 27%
- EWS – 10%
- PwD – 5%
If you're applying under a reserved category:
- Ensure your certificate is valid as per government rules
- Make sure your OBC-NCL certificate is updated (usually within a year)
- PwD candidates must get a
Tip: Incorrect or invalid certificates may lead to disqualification during shortlisting or admission rounds.
6. Provide Accurate Academic Details
Many candidates face issues due to discrepancies in academic records.
- Mention correct board/university names
- Use actual percentage/CGPA (do not round off unless instructed)
- For CGPA, convert as per your institute’s rules. If no formula exists, mention “NA” and be prepared to justify later.
Accuracy here ensures smoother verification during interviews.
7. Have a Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
Your email ID and mobile number are the primary channels for:
- OTP verification
- Registration confirmation
- Admit card and result updates
- Interview communication
Avoid using temporary email addresses or numbers that may change.
Tip: Keep a dedicated email ID for MBA applications. Also, whitelist @iimcat.ac.in to prevent emails going to spam.
8. Know the Application Fee and Payment Method
The CAT 2025 application fee (subject to change) is:
- ₹2600 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL
- ₹1300 for SC/ST/PwD
Payment must be made online only using:
- Debit/Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Keep a screenshot or printout of your payment receipt.
9. Review and Cross-Check Before Submitting
Before hitting “Submit,” review every section carefully:
- Check spellings in your name, DOB, email
- Ensure the photo and signature are clearly visible
- Verify your category and exam city preferences
There’s a form correction window later, but only limited fields (like photo/signature or test city) can be edited.
Tip: Download the completed form as PDF and keep a copy safely stored.
10. Don’t Wait Till the Last Day
A very common mistake is delaying till the last moment.
- Servers crash or slow down near the deadline.
- Payment failures increase due to load.
- You may miss the deadline completely.
File your form at least a week before the deadline to avoid last-minute panic.
Final Thoughts
Filing the CAT 2025 application form is the foundation of your MBA journey. A small mistake can cost you your entire year, so it’s important to stay informed and prepared. From checking eligibility and gathering documents to double-checking details before submission — every step counts.
At CATKing, we guide thousands of aspirants through this journey every year. Make sure to follow our youtube channel for updates, tips, and expert strategies to crack CAT 2025.
You can also explore CATKing courses to support your preparation.
FAQs – Filing the CAT 2025 Form
Q1. Can I edit the CAT form after submission?
Yes, but only during the official correction window, and only for limited fields.
Q2. What if I made a mistake in my name or date of birth?
You’ll need to contact CAT authorities or rectify it during document verification at later stages.
Q3. Is work experience mandatory for CAT?
No. Freshers can also apply and have equal chances of getting into top B-schools.
Q4. Can I fill the form via mobile?
It is recommended to use a desktop/laptop for better visibility and functionality.
Comments are disabled for now