CAT 2025 Kicks Off: Slot 1 Analysis and Key Details Released

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 commenced today, organized by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, with approximately 2.95 lakh candidates participating across three slots. The first session began at 08:30 and concluded at 10:30. Initial feedback from Slot 1 indicates a moderate overall difficulty level, with a notable emphasis on Reading Comprehension in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section and a significant focus on Arithmetic within the Quantitative Aptitude segment.

The second slot is set to begin at 12:30 following a two-hour intermission, while the third slot will commence at 16:30. This year’s CAT examination is being conducted at over 350 test centres across 170 cities in India. As the premier MBA entrance examination in the country, CAT scores are accepted by more than 1,600 business schools nationwide. The cut-off scores for IIMs and other top MBA institutions typically range from the 95 to 100 percentile, prompting candidates to strive for high accuracy and strong sectional performance.

Exam Timings and Essential Information

Candidates are advised to adhere closely to the reporting times listed on their CAT 2025 admit cards. Below are the slot-wise timings for the examination:

– **Slot 1:** 08:30 to 10:30 (Reporting Time: 07:00, Last Entry Allowed: 08:15)
– **Slot 2:** 12:30 to 14:30 (Reporting Time: 11:00, Last Entry Allowed: 12:15)
– **Slot 3:** 16:30 to 18:30 (Reporting Time: 15:00, Last Entry Allowed: 16:15)

Following the examination, the CAT 2025 response sheet and answer key are scheduled for release on December 5. Candidates will be able to assess their performance and estimate their percentiles using these resources. An objection window will also be available for those wishing to contest any discrepancies in the answer key. The final results will be determined by IIM Kozhikode after reviewing any objections raised.

Slot 1 Difficulty Analysis

The difficulty level of the exam has been rated as marginally lower than last year, with many participants finding the experience manageable. The overall assessment of Slot 1’s sections is as follows:

– **VARC:** Easy, with most questions sourced from Reading Comprehension
– **DILR:** Easy to moderate
– **Quantitative Aptitude:** Moderate in difficulty, with a pronounced emphasis on Arithmetic, making it time-consuming for candidates

Candidates appearing for the CAT today are required to bring specific items, including two copies of their CAT 2025 admit card with a photo affixed, a valid photo ID (such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence), a PwD or Scribe certificate if applicable, relevant medical documents if necessary, and either a blue or black ballpoint pen.

The event highlights the significant interest in the CAT examination and its role in shaping the future of thousands of aspiring MBA students across India.