The CAT examination is a very difficult and competitive exam. Students may not be able to clear the CAT examination on their first time or may not be happy with their allotted seat. This article highlights some of the benefits and drawbacks for students who choose to retake the CAT examination. Going through the positives and negatives can help students make a better and well-informed decision.
CAT 2025 Important Dates
Provided below is an overview of some of the expected dates for the CAT 2025 examination. It is very important for students to keep up with the important dates of the CAT exam. Keeping up with these dates ensures students are updated on all key events and deadlines about examination.
As of now, several of the key dates for the CAT exam have not yet been revealed. Listed below are some of the tentative dates for the CAT 2025 exam:
Event | Dates (tentative) |
CAT 2025 Notification Out | 30th July 2025 |
CAT 2025 Registration Date | 1st week of August - 3rd week of September 2025 |
CAT Form Correction | Last Week of September 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Release | First Week November 2025 |
CAT Exam Date | 30th November 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Release | First Week of December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Results | December 2025 |
Is it Common to Retake the CAT Examination?
Yes, it is a very common practice for students to retake the CAT examination. As the exam is very difficult with limited seats, not everyone can get into the colleges they aspire for. If a student is unhappy with their seat or performance on the CAT exam and they are still certain about pursuing an MBA degree in India, retaking the CAT exam is a very logical choice to make. Lakhs of students give the CAT exam, many of whom are not satisfied with their allotted seat and retake the exam.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Retaking CAT
There are several positives and negatives of retaking the CAT examination. Students should weigh the overall positives and negatives, and make a well-informed decision as to which path they want to take. While there are several positives of retaking the CAT exam, there can be some negatives that can weigh heavy for students giving the exam a second time.
Positives of Retaking CAT
The benefits of retaking the CAT examination are as follows:
- Experience: Students who properly prepared for the CAT exam the first time will be properly experienced in giving the exam. These students will have a lot of valuable experience in preparing for the topic. Having experience also ensures these students do not have to struggle as much when preparing for the CAT exam.
- Better Opportunities: It is highly likely that if a student is retaking the CAT examination, they are going to score a lot better. Having experience giving the CAT exam twice along with scoring higher can ensure students get into some of the best business schools and IIMs easier. In turn, these can ensure students have better opportunities for well-paying jobs.
Negatives of Retaking CAT
Provided below are the negatives of retaking the CAT examination:
- Exhaustion: An exam like the CAT exam is very competitive and difficult. Retaking the exam means students will have to go through the whole 6 to 10 month process of preparing for the exam as well as the counseling process. For some, going through this process again can be very tiring and mentally exhausting.
- Money: While students may be well-prepared for the CAT exam, students will be required to spend money on preparing for the exam. This includes books, coaching and travel during the counselling process. This can be a significant investment for students to make.
- Loss of Opportunity: Some students may lose out on their current seats for an MBA degree if they choose to retake the exam. Students may also be required to balance out a job along with their studies as well. This can lead to stress for students preparing for the CAT exam the second time around.
