CAT 2025 exam analysis is out for first slot. Overall, the question paper was moderate. Read below CAT 2025 analysis by T.I.M.E. for Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3.
CAT 2025 difficulty level
CAT 2025 Exam Analysis by T.I.M.E. – Today is the day of Common Admission Test or CAT. The exam is being conducted at across India for admission to IIMs and other top MBA colleges India. Shiksha will be sharing below CAT 2025 analysis for Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3. The CAT 2025 question paper review for Slot 1 is out. According to T.I.M.E, the exam was moderately difficult. Check below section wise analysis and expected CAT cut off 2025.
Latest:CAT 2025 answer key soon @iimcat.ac.in - live updates
- CAT 2025 slot 1 answer key PDF question paper analysis
- CAT 2025 slot 2 answer key PDF question paper analysis
- CAT 2025 slot 3 answer key PDF question paper analysis
- CAT 2025 analysis and expected cut offs by CATKing
- CAT 2025 response sheet and answer key PDF download
- CAT 2025 question paper PDF download slot 1, 2 and 3
- CAT 2025 Exam Analysis: Sectional Break Up
- CAT 2025 analysis: VARC
- CAT 2025 analysis: DILR
- CAT 2025 analysis: Quantitative Aptitude
CAT 2025 Exam Analysis: Sectional Break Up
Check below the sectional break up of CAT 2025 question paper.
| Section |
Number of Questions |
Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|
| VARC |
24 |
40 Minutes |
| DILR |
22 |
40 Minutes |
| QA |
22 |
40 Minutes |
| Total |
68 |
120 Minutes |
Commonly asked questions
CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.
In CAT exam, each candidate gets 120 minutes to solve the paper. There are three sections in CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. For each section 40 minutes are allotted as sectional time limit. For PwD candidates, the sectional time limit is 53.20 minutes per section. Candidates have to complete each section within the given time limit. Since the CAT is an online mode exam, the test screen will move from first section to the next section automatically as soon as the time limit gets over. Thus candidates have to be mindful of the on-screen timer and pre-decide the number of questions to solve in each section. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of CAT has 24 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section has 22 questions and Quantitative Aptitude section has 22 questions. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions in CAT so candidates can devise a strategy to use 40 minutes per section as per their strength and weakness.
Difficulty level in CAT exam is not specific to any of the three slots. The difficulty level across slots may vary every year. Know how the CAT scores are normalised: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/understanding-cat-normalization-process-blogId-9386.
CAT question papers are released within a week of the exam in the form of a PDF as a response sheet and answer key. Response sheet hosts CAT exam questions and answers.
CAT 2025 analysis: VARC
VARC section of CAT 2025 had maximum questions from RC. The Verbal Ability questions were moderate. There were 2 parasummary questions, 2 parjumbles, 2 odd sentence, 2 paracompletion.
| Sr No. |
RC Passages |
Number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Income Inequality & Economic Growth |
4 |
| 2 |
Electronic Music |
4 |
| 3 |
Law & Mental Health |
4 |
| 4 |
Noise & Social Order |
4 |
Also read:
CAT 2025 analysis: DILR
DILR questions of CAT 2025 were as usual in sets. The Spider + bar set was easy, but others were slightly tricky and 2 sets were tough.
| Set |
Area |
Topic |
Number of questions. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DI |
Spider + Bar |
4 |
| 2 |
LR |
Seating Arrangement |
4 |
| 3 |
LR |
Quant-Based Reasoning (Train tickets) |
5 |
| 4 |
LR |
Quant-Based Reasoning (Feet tapping) |
4 |
| 5 |
LR |
Distribution Puzzle plus rank arrangement (Employee rating) |
5 |
Commonly asked questions
In CAT 2025, the following changes were seen:
- The fee amount increased from INR 2,500 to INR 2,600 for General category candidates and from INR 1,250 to INR 1300 for Reserved category candidates.
- In DILR section, number of questions increased from 20 to 22.
- Total marks of CAT DILR section increased from 60 to 66.
- Total marks of CAT exam increased from 198 to 204.
- Candidates can select five cities instead of six.
Candidates should practice CAT mock test during the day. Once, CAT admit card is released, they should practice CAT mocks at the same time as their exam slot. This will help them align their mind and body to 2 hours of rigorous test so that they can utilize their time in the CAT exam well. For example, CAT exam starts are early as 8:30 am. So, those who are not used to studying early morning will face difficulty in performing optimally if they get morning slot.
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CAT 2025 analysis: Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2025 was dominated by Algebra and Arithmetic, as usual.
| Topics |
No. of Questions |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Number System |
3 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Algebra |
6 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
8 |
Moderate |
| Modern Math |
1 |
Easy |
| Geometry & Mensuration |
4 |
Moderate |
Read More:
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- CAT normalisation process 2025
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Securing a seat in Techno India University MBA department requires a valid score in management entrance tests. You can submit results from exams like CAT, MAT, or CMAT. State-level entrance tests like JEMAT or TNJEE are also fully accepted here. The admission cell reviews your overall profile. Do no
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, candidates can get admission in IIM Indore without CAT for two programmes: Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) and Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP). Admission into IPM is based on the IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test), followed by a Written Abilit
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, candidates can get admission in CGC University, Mohali without taking CAT based on valid score in CGCUET which is conducted by the university if they also fulfill the eligibility criteria.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes. CUSAT has two main campuses offering B.Tech: the main campus in Kochi (School of Engineering) and the Kuttanad campus (CUCEK). The main campus cutoffs are significantly tighter than those for CUCEK.
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 6 days ago
No, CAT is not compulsory to get admission in MBA at SVNIT Surat. The college considers a valid score in entrance exams such as: CAT/GMAT/GRE/XAT/CMAT/MAT for admission into MBA. Other than this, the institute also conducts its own exam for MBA admissions.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, CAT is one of the compulsory exams to be eligible for MBA course at Assam Institute of Management. The institute offers admission to MBA programme based on score of national-level entrance exam (CAT/CMAT/MAT/XAT/ATMA). CAT exam being one of it becomes essential to take admission in the same col
a
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 6 days ago
Christ Delhi NCR does accepts CAT scores for admission in MBA programme. However, aspirants with MAT, CMAT, ATMA or any other Management entrance exam scores can also get admission. Selected candidates also need to pass GDPI, written assessment and micro-presentation rounds.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 6 days ago
No, CAT is not compulsory to get admission in MBA at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. Applicanta are given admission based on their performance in CMAT entrance exam. It is followed by personal interview to get shortlisted.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can get admission to the MBA programme at Manipal University Jaipur, but not through direct admission without meeting the admission criteria.
For the regular MBA, you generally need:
A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.
A valid CAT/MAT/CMAT/XAT/GMAT score.
Selection is based on your aca
C
Beginner-Level 3
Answered a week ago
As a current student at DBS Global University, I can say that yes, the university accepts a valid CAT score for MBA admissions. If you meet the eligibility criteria, then you can apply through your CAT score, and you do not have to take the universities entrance exam. The best thing about DBS, is t
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Beginner-Level 5
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