Which IIM is Likely to Conduct CAT 2025?

Aarushi Jain

Updated On: July 11, 2025 01:54 PM

Which IIM is likely to conduct the CAT 2025 is among the most frequently asked questions these day, as MBA aspirants gear up to take the exam in November. Based on rotation history and past years' trends, it is highly likely that IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT 2025 exam. 
which-iim-is-likely-to-conduct-cat-2025

Which IIM is likely to conduct CAT 2025 exam? It is a common and most frequently asked query among MBA aspirants, as the CAT exam is organised every year by one of the IIMs in India in rotation. Based on the rotation history and analysing the trends over the past years, it is highly expected that IIM Kozhikode will be conducting the CAT exam in 2025.

You might find that every IIM has its distinct style, not just in how they run the exam, but also in how tough they set the questions. This can catch you off guard if you are not well-versed in your preparations. While TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) handles all the technical side of things in the exam, most likely, IIM Kozhikode will be deciding what kind of questions will appear and their difficulty level in the CAT 2025 exam. Let us now understand in detail which IIM is likely to conduct the CAT exam this year!

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Which IIM is Likely to Conduct CAT 2025?

Which IIM will Conduct CAT 2025 Based on Rotation History?

The responsibility of conducting the CAT exam has always been in rotation among the top IIMs in India . The table below highlights different IIMs that have conducted the CAT exam over the past 10 years:

Year

Conducting IIM

2015

IIM Ahmedabad

2016

IIM Bangalore

2017

IIM Lucknow

2018

IIM Calcutta

2019

IIM Kozhikode

2020

IIM Indore

2021

IIM Ahmedabad

2022

IIM Bangalore

2023

IIM Lucknow

2024

IIM Calcutta

2025

IIM Kozhikode*

(*Prediction based on rotation logic)


People Also Ask

Ques: Why is IIM Kozhikode most likely to conduct the CAT 2025 exam?

Ans: Following the rotation history and pattern, IIM Kozhikode seems to be the next in line to conduct the exam this year. It last conducted the CAT exam in 2019, and the sequence suggests a repeat in 2025 also.

Ques: When will the official confirmation come?

Ans: The official announcement will come via the CAT 2025 Notification , which will be released in July or August 2025. Keep an eye on the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) for updates.


What Impact Will the Conducting IIM Have on CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Difficulty?

When you sit down for your CAT 2025 exam, you might wonder: Who decides just how tough your exam will be? While TCS provides the technical backbone in terms of handling the online platform, interface, and basic exam timings, the real flavour of your CAT experience in terms of CAT 2025 exam pattern, question paper and difficulty levels of each section will come from the IIM in charge.

Each IIM brings its own academic style and priorities to the table, and this shapes what you can experience on the CAT 2025 exam day. Here’s how that might play out for you:

  • Sectional Difficulty: The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) sections can feel quite different from year to year. The IIM running the show often puts its stamp on how challenging these areas are.
  • Question Types: You might notice a shift in the kinds of questions you face. Some years, logic-based puzzles dominate; other years, there’s a heavier focus on quant or calculations.
  • Surprises: Don’t be surprised if you encounter new formats or twists in the questions. The conducting IIM loves to keep the test takers on their toes!

A Look at Previous Years

  • IIM Ahmedabad (2021): Quant was a big focus, and the DILR sets tested your logical thinking.
  • IIM Kozhikode (2019): VARC passages were long and tricky, with challenging DILR to keep you busy.
  • IIM Indore (2020): VARC felt manageable, and Quantitative Ability was filled with number-based questions.

People Also Ask

Ques: What’s the role of TCS in conducting the CAT exam?

TCS makes sure everything runs smoothly online, same look, same time limits, and a consistent structure for everyone. But when it comes to the CAT question paper , exam pattern, how tough it is, and what kind of questions you will face, that’s all up to the IIM conducting the CAT exam.


Expected CAT 2025 Difficulty Level Based on IIM Kozhikode Trends

If IIM Kozhikode is likely to conduct the CAT 2025, here's what to expect based on the CAT 2019 question paper, which was also set by IIM Kozhikode:

Section

Expected Difficulty

Notes

VARC

High

Long RCs, confusing para summaries

DILR

High

Four sets, all tough to moderate

QA

Moderate

A mix of arithmetic and geometry

As we can see from the above table, the DILR section in CAT 2019 had four sets to tackle, but for most test-takers, at least two of those were quite tough to solve. The VARC section was not easy either, and the reading comprehension passages were tricky. Overall, there were not many easy and direct questions to boost your score.

Pro Tip

  • To do your best in CAT 2025 preparation and on exam day, focus a bit more on reading comprehension and logical puzzles.
  • It is a good idea to work on building up your reading stamina, so you can handle long texts without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Also, make sure to practice with a wide variety of DILR question sets, which will help you feel more confident and ready for whatever comes your way on exam day

CAT Difficulty Level Comparison Based on Different Conducting IIMs

Year

Conducting IIM

Overall Difficulty

Remark

2017

IIM Lucknow

Moderate

Balanced paper

2018

IIM Calcutta

Tough

Tough VARC

2019

IIM Kozhikode

Tough

DILR and VARC are difficult

2020

IIM Indore

Moderate

QA more manageable

2021

IIM Ahmedabad

Moderate to Tough

Logical DILR, tricky VARC

2022

IIM Bangalore

Tough

QA and DILR are difficult

2023

IIM Lucknow

Moderate

Slightly easier than 2022

2024

IIM Calcutta

Moderate

The question paper was moderate to high in difficulty level

2025

IIM Kozhikode*

Tough (expected)

Tough DILR, tricky RCs (expected)

Related Read:

IIM CAT Exam Difficulty Level Analysis

Is CAT Exam Tough?

How to Strategically Prepare for CAT 2025?

If IIM Kozhikode is likely to conduct the CAT 2025 exam, here are some strategic tips which will help you to ace your exam:

  • Reading Comprehension: Get carried away with passages from all types of sources and practice as much as possible.
  • Logical Reasoning : Challenge yourself with different types of puzzles to sharpen your brain.
  • Data Interpretation: Practice making sense of charts, graphs, and tables so you can spot patterns quickly.
  • Timing is Everything: Try out 40-minute practice tests for each section. This will help you get used to working under pressure and managing your time like a pro.
  • Be Ready for the Unexpected: The exam might throw you a curveball, especially in the DILR section or with new question patterns. Staying flexible and open-minded will help you adapt on the spot.
  • Mix Up Your Practice: Don’t stick to just one type of question; try a variety to keep your skills sharp.
  • Read Widely: Make reading editorials and journals part of your daily routine to boost your comprehension and speed.
  • Don’t Just Follow Trends: While last year’s questions can be helpful, don’t rely on them too much. The exam could change, so prepare for surprises.

Related Reads:

CAT 2025 DILR Practice Questions with Answers

How to Prepare for CAT DILR 2025?

CAT 2025 VARC Practice Questions with Answers

How to Prepare for CAT VARC 2025?

CAT 2025 Quant Practice Questions with Answers

How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability (QA) 2025?

Is CAT 2025 Going to be Moderate or Tough?

Looking back at previous years, if IIM Kozhikode is the host for CAT 2025, you might want to brace yourself for a paper that puts your thinking skills to the test, especially in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension sections. Quantitative Ability, on the other hand, is likely to be a bit more balanced and approachable.

To be ahead in the game, you must join a test series that mimics different levels of difficulty of the CAT exam and additionally also practice with CAT previous year question papers and CAT sample papers to crack the CAT 2025 exam in first attempt . Also, keep an eye out for official CAT announcements, especially around July and August. This will give you the latest info about the exam and help you fine-tune your strategy.

Also Read:

Why You Should Give CAT 2025 Exam?

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips for Working Professionals

CAT 2025 Preparation from May

How to Start CAT Preparation 2025 from Scratch

How Many Questions to Attempt in CAT for 99 Percentile?

How Much Time is Required to Prepare for CAT 2025?

In summary, IIM Kozhikode is likely to conduct the CAT 2025 exam. The exam is expected to be somewhere in the middle when it comes to the difficulty level. By keeping an eye on how the exam has changed over the years, you can get a sense of what might be coming your way. This way, you will not be caught off guard on the big day. The key is to start your practice early, stay focused, and keep adjusting your study plan as you go.

If you have any doubts regarding the CAT preparation process, you can ask questions in our Q&A zone . Besides this, those who are interested in admission into any top B-Schools in India can fill out our Common Application Form . Stay tuned with us for more articles related to CAT 2025!

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FAQs

What happens after the CAT exam is conducted?

Post-exam, candidates receive their CAT results by January. Shortlisted candidates are then called by IIMs for WAT (Written Ability Test), GD (Group Discussion), or PI (Personal Interview). The selection process also considers academic records, work experience, and diversity criteria alongside the CAT score.

Can non-engineers perform well in CAT, especially in tough QA years?

Absolutely. Many non-engineering toppers score 99+ percentile by focusing on basics and practicing regularly. QA success isn't limited to math-heavy backgrounds—strong fundamentals, mock tests, and a balanced prep strategy can help anyone succeed, even in a QA-heavy paper.

How do I choose the best CAT coaching based on the conducting IIM?

It’s smart to pick coaching that adapts strategies based on the conducting IIM's pattern. Institutes that offer flexible modules in VARC and DILR, depending on past paper trends (e.g., Kozhikode’s tough RCs), will better prepare you for exam-day surprises.

Is there any advantage in applying early for CAT registration?

While early registration doesn’t impact selection or exam chances, it helps avoid last-minute glitches, server issues, or missing deadlines. Early applicants also get more time to prepare using the official mock test, which is released closer to the exam date on the CAT website.

Can the CAT exam be taken more than once in a year?

No, the CAT exam is conducted only once every year, usually in late November. Candidates must plan their preparation accordingly, as there is no second attempt within the same year. Missing the exam means waiting an entire year for the next opportunity.

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