The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, responsible for CAT 2025, has released the CAT 2025 Response Sheet and Provisional Answer Key on December 4, 2025 on its official website. It is a significant moment for more than two lakh candidates who took the test on November 30 2025, and were eagerly waiting for the provisional answer key. They will now have the opportunity to check their responses, estimate their scores, and file complaints in case of discrepancies.
Education experts, specialists in the field of education, have been emphasizing that the CAT response sheet should not only be considered as a predictor of the score but also as a tool for learning. By going through their errors, the candidates can recognise their weak points, which, in particular, is very helpful for those who intend to take the CAT again or appear for other MBA entrance exams.
CAT 2025 Answer Key Important Dates
Event
Date
CAT 2025 Exam
November 30, 2025
Release of Response Sheet & Provisional Answer Key
December 4, 2025
Opening of Objection Filing Window
December 8, 2025 (12 PM)
Closing of Objection Filing Window
December 10. 2025 (11:55 PM)
Final Answer Key Release
December 15, 2025 (Tentative)
CAT 2025 Result Declaration
December 20-22, 2025 (Tentative)
Importance of CAT Answer Key and Response Sheet
Transparency: The release is the means through which fairness is maintained because candidates are allowed to verify their answers.
Score Estimation: Candidates can find their tentative scores with the help of the given official marking scheme (+3 for a correct MCQ, -1 for an incorrect MCQ, and no penalty for a non-MCQ).
Objection Window: The candidates who find an incorrect answer in the provisional answer key may raise their voices during the given time period.
How to Download the CAT 2025 Response Sheet
Candidates can access their response sheet and answer key by following these steps:
Step 1- Visit the official website : Simply open any web browser and copy the address CAT 2025 in the address bar and press Enter. The page that gets opened will be the official portal for CAT 2025.
Step 2- Click on the ‘Login’ tab: On the main page, find and click the login option that will help the candidates reach the dashboard.
Step 3- Enter credentials: Make sure to provide the User ID and Password of CAT 2025 in such a way that the access is secured.
Step 4- Navigate to ‘Candidate Response’: After logging in, they can check the exam details by opening the page or section named Candidate Response.
Step 5- Download and save: Response sheet and answer key can be downloaded by clicking on the links available there, then students can save them for score calculation and later use.
What does the CAT 2025 Answer Key look like?
The CAT 2025 answer key, which will be released by the IIM Kozhikode, will consist of the option marked by the students and the correct answer to that question. It can be used to get an idea about the performance of the candidate in the exam and also to raise objections against any question.
CAT 2025 Objection Filing Process
Candidates dissatisfied with any answer can raise objections:
Step 1- Identify the Question ID: Referring to the response sheet, locate the precise Question ID along with the selected answer. For accuracy, either take a screenshot or copy the details.
Step 2- Submit the Objection: After logging into the official CAT portal, go to the objection section where the students can explain their point of view in a clear manner. Support the argument by referring to official concepts or sources.
Step 3- Pay the Fee: Candidates will be required to make a payment for each question. Make sure to have a transaction confirmation ID. The amount will be returned if the objection is accepted.
Step 4- Await the Decision: Candidates can see the progress of the objection on the portal. The expert panel takes time to review and then publishes the final answer key on a later date.
CAT 2025 Marking Scheme
Candidates need to be aware of the CAT 2025 marking scheme to accurately calculate their probable scores and compare their answers with the provisional answer key. Therefore, below is the brief breakdown of the CAT 2025 marking scheme:
