CAT 2025 Registration Deadline Extended: Candidates Can Apply Until September 20 at iimcat.ac.in

In a development that comes as a relief for many management aspirants, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has officially extended the registration deadline for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025. The new deadline to submit applications via the official portal http://iimcat.ac.in is now 5:00 PM IST on September 20, 2025. This gives candidates an additional week beyond the earlier cut‐off date of September 13.

 

 

What Has Changed: Key Dates & Timelines

Here’s a summary of important dates relevant to CAT 2025, including the revised schedule:

 

Event Date / Time

 

Registration Opens August 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM IST

Original Registration Deadline September 13, 2025, 5:00 PM IST

Extended Registration Deadline September 20, 2025, 5:00 PM IST

Admit Card Download Begins November 5, 2025

CAT 2025 Exam Date November 30, 2025

Result Declaration First week of January 2026 (tentative)

 

 

 

Why the Extension?

While IIM Kozhikode has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for the extension, it follows a common trend in major competitive exams where extra time is granted to accommodate candidates who might be facing technical issues, delays in gathering required documents, or awareness gaps. The extension gives nervous aspirants additional days to complete registration, especially those who may have missed the original deadline.

 

 

Who Can Apply? Eligibility & Fee Details

To be eligible for CAT 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:

 

1) A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university. For general category candidates, a minimum of 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) is required. For SC / ST / PwD categories, minimum threshold is 45%.

 

2) Final‐year students awaiting results are also eligible.

 

 

Regarding the registration fee:

1. ₹2,600 for General, EWS, and NC‐OBC candidates
2. ₹1,300 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates

 

The fee is non‐refundable once paid.

 

 

How to Apply: Step by Step

Here is a breakdown of the registration process for CAT 2025:

 

1. Visit the official CAT website at http://iimcat.ac.in

 

2. Click on “New Candidate Registration” to create an account, entering your name, date of birth, email, mobile number etc., and verifying via OTP.

 

3. Log in and fill out the application form, including academic history, programmes applying for, and preferred test cities.

 

4. Upload all required documents in the prescribed format: passport-size photograph, scanned signature, Class 10 & 12 mark sheets, graduation certificate (or provisional), category / PwD certificates if applicable.

 

5. Select preferred test cities (up to five) from the drop‐down list.

 

6. Pay the application fee online via net banking / credit or debit card. Double check all entries before submission as major changes are not permitted later.

 

 

 

Important Notes & Reminders

1) The admit card for CAT 2025 will be available for download starting November 5, 2025. Without a printed admit card, candidates will not be allowed to enter the test centre.

 

2) The exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, and will be conducted in computer-based mode in three shifts across approximately 170 cities in India. 

 

3) Results are expected in January 2026. The exact date is tentative.

 

 

 

What Aspirants Should Do Now

1) Don’t wait until the last minute. With the extended deadline, there might be traffic and technical glitches as many candidates rush to apply. Complete your application well before September 20, 2025.

 

2) Ensure all documents are ready and valid — incorrect or low-quality photos/signatures, missing category certificates, or mismatched details can lead to rejection.

 

3) Review every detail carefully before submission — once form is submitted and fee paid, major corrections are usually not allowed. Minor edits may be possible in limited correction windows (if declared).

 

Also Read: Design Your Future: NID DAT 2026 Application Window Now Open – Apply Today

 

Conclusion

The extension of the CAT 2025 registration deadline to September 20, 2025, 5:00 PM IST offers a crucial lifeline to aspirants who missed earlier deadlines or need a bit more time to finalise their applications. By sticking to the official portal iimcat.ac.in, following the steps carefully, and double-checking documentation, candidates can ensure smooth submission. With the exam date fixed for November 30, 2025, this extension gives students some breathing space to complete registrations and then switch focus to preparation.