Mon Dec 01 08:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information provided:

Headline: Tricity Students Among Nearly 3 Lakh Nationwide to Take CAT 2025, Face Shift in Exam Format

Chandigarh, India – November 27, 2024 – Nearly 6,500 aspiring management professionals in the tricity area (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula) joined over 295,000 candidates across India in taking the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 this past Sunday. The exam, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, is a critical gateway for admission to India’s prestigious management institutes, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

This year’s CAT presented a notable change for test-takers: a higher proportion of non-Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) compared to previous years. Students reported the change could impact accuracy levels. The exam evaluates candidates’ skills in Mathematics, English, and Reasoning Ability.

“Verbal section went smoothly for me. I could attempt everything there. But Math and DI turned out tougher than I had expected,” said Himanshi Sharma, a PEC Chandigarh student.

Nishant Rathour, a Panjab University student echoed a similar sentiment, adding “The DI section was particularly tricky, though overall I’m happy with how performed.”

In the northern region, IIM Sirmaur and IIM Amritsar remain popular choices among CAT-accepting colleges. Panjab University’s University Business School (UBS) is also highly sought after, with an expected cut-off around the 85th percentile this year.

The CAT 2025 comes amidst a broader evolution in management education, spurred by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Several IIMs are now offering five-year integrated programs, allowing students to enter management studies directly after completing Class 12, as well as undergraduate degrees in emerging fields like AI and Data, Economics, and Development. IIM Sirmaur offers a Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) and IIM Amritsar has the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM).

CAT 2025 results are expected to be released by the end of December. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to the next stage of the admissions process, which includes essay writing and personal interviews.

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