The wait is over for candidates who appeared in CAT 2025 – the CAT 2025 Answer Key and candidate response sheets have been published by IIM-K on 4 December 2025.
With this release, thousands of aspirants can download the slot-wise answer key PDFs, match their responses, estimate their raw scores, and start strategizing for the next stage, whether it is waiting for the final results or filing objections in case discrepancies are found.
Whether you target IIMs or top MBA institutions, this is your first real chance to evaluate performance. If you had appeared in CAT 2025 (Exam held on 30 November 2025), then this answer key release is a critical milestone.
Overview Table – CAT 2025 Answer Key
| Component | Details 2025 |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test – CAT 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30 November 2025 |
| Answer Key Status | Provisional Answer Key Released |
| Answer Key Release Date | 04 December 2025 |
| Response Sheet Availability | Released along with provisional answer key |
| Objection Window | 08 December 2025 (12:00 PM) – 10 December 2025 (11:55 PM) |
| Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
What’s in the CAT 2025 Answer Key & Response Sheet?
When you download the answer key, you’ll get:
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Slot-wise question paper with correct answers (official key)
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Your personal response sheet showing answers you marked during exam
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Information about marking scheme (for calculating raw scores)
This gives you a direct way of cross-checking your answers and estimating your probable raw score and percentile before any official result is declared.
Candidates can use this key to find errors, and if any question or answer looks wrong, you have an opportunity to file objections-so that the paper is re-evaluated.
How to Download CAT 2025 Answer Key
Here’s the correct way for downloading your answer key and response sheet:
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Go to the official portal of CAT – iimcat.ac.in.
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Click on “Candidate Login / Login” tab.
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Please enter your User ID (CAT ID)/Application ID and Password.
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After logging in, search for the link to “Answer Key / Response Sheet 2025” .
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Choose your exam slot (Slot 1 / 2 / 3) — answer key is slot-wise.
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Download the Answer Key PDF and Response Sheet PDF.
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Save both the files and take printouts if needed.
Important Tip: Download as soon as the link is up because, shortly after release, the portal tends to slow down due to huge server traffic. Also, save a backup on phone or cloud for safekeeping.
Why CAT 2025 Answer Key Release Matters for You
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Immediate Performance Estimation : You can quickly calculate approximate score and percentile even before final results.
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Transparency & Fairness : Official answer key + personal responses ensure fairness — you can verify every answer.
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Option to Challenge Errors : Contingent upon finding any discrepancies, you have the option to challenge errors. Objections, if any, will be re-evaluated prior to final key.
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Time for Strategy : You can plan your strategy regarding applying to IIMs, other MBA colleges, or backup options.
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Relief from Anxiety : Uncertainty is over, and the candidates get clarity regarding performance and future steps.
CAT 2025 Answer Key – Objection Window & Fee Details
After releasing the CAT 2025 Answer Key, IIM Kozhikode has provided an official objection window to the candidates who want to challenge any answer they believe is incorrect. This is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and equity prior to declaring the final answer key and result.
Objection Window Schedule :
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Starts: 08 December 2025 (12:00 PM)
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Closes: 10 December 2025 (11:55 PM)
Under any circumstances, late submissions will not be accepted.
Objection Fee (Per Question) :
A non-refundable fee of ₹ 1,500 per question is required to be paid by candidates for raising a challenge through online payment (credit card/debit card/net banking/UPI).
Fee refund shall be made only if the objection is found valid and accepted by the expert panel.
Required Details to Submit an Objection
While filing the objection, the candidate has to provide:
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Question number / ID
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Answer claimed incorrect
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Correct answer with explanation
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Supporting document / proof (PDF / URL / textbook reference)
Tip: Objections that lack scholarly or legitimate basis are usually dismissed.
Important Rules for Objection Submission
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You can object more than once, but each one will be counted separately.
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Once submitted, editing or deletion of the objection is not allowed.
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Objections filed only through the official portal will be considered; objections received through email or offline will not be considered.
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The decision of the exam authority after review will be final and binding.
Next After Objection Window
Once the review panel has evaluated all objections:
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A Final Answer Key will be released
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Results and percentile scores of CAT 2025 will be calculated and published based on the final key.
Things to Keep in Mind – Before Downloading & Using Answer Key
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Download only through official portal, i.e., iimcat.ac.in. Avoid using unofficial websites or third-party PDFs. Otherwise you risk using wrong/mismatch keys.
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Use slot-wise answer key – wrong slot may give incorrect score estimate.
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Check the responses carefully, as a small mistake-like marking the same option twice-might drastically change your score.
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Objection window is time-bound, that is, from 8 to 10 Dec; late submissions won’t be accepted.
Important Dates For CAT 2025 Answer Key Schedule
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30 November 2025 |
| Provisional Answer Key & Response Sheet Released |
04 December 2025 |
| Objection Window Opens | 08 December 2025 at 12:00 PM (noon) |
| Objection Window Closes | 10 December 2025 at 11:55 PM |
| Final Answer Key & Result Declaration | To be announced |
Keep checking the official CAT portal for updates – dates can shift slightly depending on administrative decisions.
Important Links – CAT 2025 Official Portal & Downloads
| Purpose / Description | Link / Portal |
|---|---|
| Official CAT 2025 Portal (IIM CAT) | iimcat.ac.in |
| Provisional Answer Key & Response Sheet |
Candidate Login → “Answer Key / Response Sheet” tab on Portal |
| Objection Submission Window | Available under “Objection Management” after login (Dec 8–10) |
| Official Notification | “News / Updates” section on CAT portal homepage |
| Letest News | jobsrecruitment.co.in |
FAQs – CAT 2025 Answer Key Release
Q1. On which date was CAT 2025 Answer Key released?
IIM Kozhikode has published the provisional answer key and response sheet for CAT 2025 on 4 December 2025.
Q2. How can I download the answer key and response sheet?
Access the official portal: iimcat.ac.in, log in using the CAT ID and password, go to the “Answer Key / Response Sheet” tab, select the slot, and download the PDFs.
Q3. If I find the wrong answer, can I raise objections?
Yes, IIM has provided an objection window from 8 December 2025 (12:00 PM) to 10 December 2025 (11:55 PM). Objections may be raised through the portal under “Objection Management”.
Q4 Does the answer key guarantee final scores?
Not exactly. The provisional key is an estimate. The final result and percentile will be based on normalized scores after considering objections and final evaluation.
Q5. What should be done right after downloading the key?
Cross-check all your responses, calculate an estimated score, save backup copies of your answers, both PDF and print; if you find any errors, file objection within the window.
Conclusion
The CAT 2025 Answer Key is a major checkpoint for all aspirants who appeared in the exam on 30 November 2025. In fact, it brings clarity, transparency, and the ability to self-evaluate performance against official standards. By downloading your answer key and response sheet, you get the first opportunity to estimate your raw score, plan next steps, whether that is waiting for the result, filing objections, or preparing for interviews.
If you appeared in CAT 2025 – don’t wait. Go to the official portal, download answer key & response sheet, and check carefully. After which, take informed decisions. This can be a turning point in your MBA journey.