IIM CAT 2025 Admit Card Delayed: New Release Date, Exam Schedule, and Key Updates Announced

Thousands of management aspirants across India faced disappointment on November 5, 2025, when the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, the conducting body for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, failed to release the admit cards as per the earlier schedule. Over 2.95 lakh registered candidates had been eagerly waiting to download their hall tickets from the official CAT website, only to find no updates throughout the day. However, the authorities have now clarified the situation and announced a revised release schedule along with important details regarding the exam day, mock tests, and enhanced security measures.

Why the Delay?

The CAT 2025 admit card was originally expected to be released on November 5, but due to administrative reasons, the rollout was delayed. IIM Kozhikode issued a media release on November 4, informing candidates that the admit cards for all eligible applicants had been generated and would be available for download starting November 12, 2025.

This communication helped calm speculation among aspirants, many of whom had spent hours refreshing the official portal on November 5, awaiting the hall ticket link.

Revised Schedule: Key Dates and Details

According to the official update from IIM Kozhikode, candidates can now access and download their admit cards from the CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) between November 12 and November 30, 2025. The exam date remains unchanged—it will be conducted on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in three sessions across nearly 170 cities in India.

Here’s a summary of the important dates and details:

How to Download the IIM CAT 2025 Admit Card

Once the admit cards are live on November 12, candidates will need to follow these steps to download them successfully:

1. Visit the official website – iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on the “Registered Candidate Login” button available on the homepage.
3. Enter the CAT application user ID and password created during registration.
4. Once logged in, click on the “Admit Card” tab visible on the dashboard.
5. Carefully verify your personal details, including name, photograph, signature, exam slot, and centre address.
6. Download the admit card and take at least two colour printouts on A4-sized paper.

Candidates are strictly advised to carry the printed admit card along with a valid photo ID proof (such as Aadhaar card, passport, or driving licence) to the examination centre. No hard copies will be sent by post or courier, so digital or incomplete copies will not be accepted at the venue.

Exam Day Guidelines Remain Unchanged

Despite the delay in releasing the admit cards, the CAT 2025 exam schedule and structure remain unchanged. The prestigious entrance test will be conducted in three sessions—morning, afternoon, and evening—across approximately 170 cities nationwide.

The IIMs have clarified that while they reserve the right to alter test dates or timings under special circumstances, no changes have been made to the November 30 exam date so far.

Candidates are encouraged to carefully check their assigned exam slot and venue details once they download their admit cards and plan their travel arrangements accordingly.

Enhanced Security and Fairness Measures

To ensure transparency and fairness in the examination process, IIM Kozhikode has introduced enhanced security measures for CAT 2025. Mobile jammers will be deployed at selected test centres to prevent the use of mobile phones and electronic gadgets during the exam.

These measures aim to maintain the integrity and credibility of the country’s most competitive management entrance examination, which serves as a gateway to India’s premier B-schools including the IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and others.

Mock Test Release Postponed

In addition to the admit card delay, the CAT 2025 mock test—which helps candidates familiarise themselves with the test pattern and user interface—will also now be available from November 12, 2025, on the official website.

The mock test is an essential preparation tool that simulates the actual exam experience. Candidates can use it to get comfortable with question navigation, on-screen calculators, marking options, and section time limits before the real test day.

What Candidates Should Keep in Mind

With the new timeline in place, candidates are advised to stay updated through the official CAT website and avoid relying on unofficial sources or social media rumours. Here are a few key reminders:

• Check your login credentials in advance to ensure you can access your dashboard smoothly when the admit card is released.
• Verify all details printed on the admit card immediately after downloading it. Any discrepancy should be reported to IIM Kozhikode’s helpdesk.
• Print multiple copies of the admit card in colour for safety.
• Carry a valid photo ID along with the admit card on the exam day.
• Avoid bringing restricted items such as mobile phones, calculators, watches, or stationery into the exam hall.
• Reach the centre early to avoid last-minute rush, keeping in mind the security checks.

While the delay in releasing the IIM CAT 2025 admit cards initially caused anxiety among lakhs of aspirants, the situation has now been clarified. With November 12 set as the new date for downloading hall tickets, candidates have a clear timeline to prepare. The exam will still take place on November 30, maintaining the original schedule, and new security measures like mobile jammers ensure a fair testing environment.