CAT Exam Analysis 2025 (Available): Check Slot 1, 2 & 3 Paper Difficulty Level

Updated on Nov 30, 2025 19:54 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CAT 2025 analysis for Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3 has been shared here. The CAT exam analysis 2025 includes n-depth discussion of difficulty level of the sections, weightage of the topics, test pattern, changes if any, number of good attempts and sectional CAT cut offs. Overall, all three slots of CAT 2025 can be considered easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level. CAT 2025 exam was conducted in 170 cities today. Read CAT analysis 2025 below.

Table of contents

CAT 2025 Exam Analysis
CAT 2025 Analysis Section Wise
CAT Score vs Percentile 2025
CAT 2024 Exam Analysis
CAT Exam Analysis 2023
Previous Years' CAT Paper Analysis
FAQs on CAT Exam Analysis

CAT 2025 Exam Analysis

Check below key highlights of CAT 2025 exam:

CAT 2025 question paper was easy to moderate
There was no change in the number of questions or marking scheme
VARC section had 24 questions
DILR section had 22 questions
Quantitative Aptitude section had 22 questions
Dominant topics were Arithmetic and Algebra
VARC had 12-14 RC based questions

Check below sectional break up of CAT 2025 question paper (slot 1):

CAT 2025 slot 1 sections	Number of questions	Questions	Difficulty level
VARC	24	4 passages with 4 questions 2 parasummary 2 parajumble 2 paracompletion 2 odd one out	Moderate
DILR	22	2 sets of 5 questions 3 sets of 4 questions	Moderate to Difficult
Quantitative Aptitude	22	Algebra - 8 Arithmetic - 7 Geometry - 2 Number System - 4 to 5 Modern Maths -1	Moderate
Total	68	90	Moderate

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CAT 2025 Analysis Section Wise

CAT 2025 analysis has been shared below, slot wise. But first check overall number of good attempts.

CAT 2025 sections	Number of good attempts	Ideal score attempt
VARC	14-16	40
DILR	10-11	32
Quantitative Aptitude	10	35
Total	36	90

CAT slot 1 Analysis 2025: VARC

The VARC section had 4 RC passages. Parajumbles reappeared after a gap of one year. The RC passages were of 400-450 words. The passages pertained to Income Inequality, Electronic Music, Mental Insanity and Complex System. Parasummary questions were based on Zombie Cells, Inspiration. Paracompletion questions pertained to Silver, Guitar Making and Odd One Out questions were based on Bayeux Tap, Legalized Assisted

CAT slot 1 Analysis 2025: DILR

The DILR section of CAT 2025 slot 1, had sets on Candlestick - Ticket, Circular Arrangement, Radar Graph - Import Export, Taps and AR Based Arrangement. The DILR questions were tough

CAT slot 1 Analysis 2025: Quantitative Aptitude

Questions on Factors, Digits Based, Set Based, Log, Linear Equations, Functions, Inequality, Time Speed Distance, T&W, Simple Interest Compound Interest, Percentage-1, Ratio, PLD-1 Mixture, Maxima/Minima, P&C, Circle, Polygon, Coordinate Geometry, were asked in this section.

CAT slot 2 Analysis 2025: VARC

The VARC section had 4 RC passages with 4 questions each. Topics of passages were blind fish, importance of place in literature, use of language in AI and human being and ecology. There were para jumble, para summary, para completion and odd one out questions in VA. One or two RC passages came across as tough rest were easy and doable.

CAT slot 2 Analysis 2025: DILR

The DILR section of CAT 2025 slot 2, had sets on Point Graph (Sustainability Index), Bar Graph (Set Theory), Hoops and Balls (Arrangement Based), Training Based (Ordering & Scheduling) and Pollution Index (AQI Based). The questions can be considered moderate.

CAT slot 2 Analysis 2025: Quantitative Aptitude

In Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2025 Slot 2, the questions were based on Digit, Reminder, Divisors, Log, Linear Equations, Functions, Sequence & Series, Maxima/Minim, Quadratic Equation, TSD, T&W, SI CI, PLD, Mixture, Averages, Ratio, Circle/Tangent sndPolygon. This section was moderate to tough.

CAT slot 3 Analysis 2025: VARC

The VARC section of CAT 2025 slot 3 too had 4 RC passages with 4 questions each. Topics of passages were Artificial Intelligence (Ethics), Tribal Artists, Dams, Forest Officials. Parajumbles, paras ummary, odd one out and para completion questions were easy.

CAT slot 3 Analysis 2025: DILR

The DILR section of CAT 2025 slot 3, had sets on Export Import Trade Based(P,X,C Row ), Currency, Travel (4 Countries), Step Graph, Table Based (6 Friends - Calls in a Math), AR Circular Arrangement (Game Passing the Back). The questions were moderate.

CAT slot 3 Analysis 2025: Quantitative Aptitude

In Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2025 Slot 3, questions were based on Number system, Log, Function, Maxima-Minima, Exponent, Time speed distance, T&W, Ratio, PLD, Averages, Pipes & Cisterns, Set Theory, Triangle, Trapezium.

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Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper?

There is no difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper in terms of structure and patten. The sectional break up, marking scheme and time limit are the same in all slots. However, due to unique sets of questions in each slot leads to difference in difficulty levels. There is usually a slight difference in the CAT question papers of different slots. Sometimes, topic wise weightage of the questions also vary. To negate advantage or disadantage to candidates due to difference in difficulty level of slots, CAT scores are normalised for result preparation.

Q: What was the key change in CAT question paper 2024?

The key change in CAT question paper 2024 was increase in number of questions in DLIR section. Till 2023, the DILR section used to have 20 questions. In 2024, it had 22 questions. The time limit for it was the same and no other section had less questions. Which means, in CAT 2024, candidates had to attempt 68 questions instead of 66 to solve in the same time (120 minutes). DILR sectional time limit was 40 minutes as in previous years. There was no other change in CAT 2024, the difficulty level was same as previous years.

CAT Score vs Percentile 2025

Aspirants know that MBA admission through CAT is based on percentile and not score. Which means their performance should not only be optimum but should also be better than others. This table will help you analyse CAT 2025 marks vs percentile.

Percentile	VARC Score	DILR Score	QA Score	Overall
99.9	51	46	48	122
99.5	44	39	40	103
99	40	34	33	90
98	34	31	30	81
95	30	26	25	70
90	23	19	18	53
85	19	15	16	45
80	17	13	14	40
75	15	11	12	34

Also Read:

CAT 2024 Exam Analysis

Check below key highlights of CAT 2024:

CAT 2024 question paper was moderate. Question paper of CAT second session was the toughest.
VARC section was dominated by Reading Comprehension questions.
Quantitative Aptitude section had maximum questions from Arithmetic and Algebra
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions were in sets and of moderate difficulty level.

CAT 2024 Analysis: Sectional Break Up

Sectional composition of CAT 2024 was different from CAT 2023. There were 2 extra questions. The total marks of CAT 2024 was 204. However, the question type was same as previous years. Check below sectional break up of the CAT 2024 question paper:

CAT section	Number of Questions	Total Marks
VARC	24	72
DILR	20 22	60 66
Quantitative Aptitude	22	66
Total	66 68	198 204

Also Read:

CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key PDF

CAT 2024 question paper PDF download slot 1,2,3

CAT 2024 Slot 2 Answer Key PDF question paper analysis

CAT 2024 Slot 1 answer key PDF question paper analysis

CAT 2024 Slot 3 answer key PDF question paper analysis

CAT 2024 analysis by CATKing

CAT 2024 analysis by Career Launcher and T.I.M.E

CAT 2024 analysis by IMS

CAT 2024 student reactions and reviews

Commonly asked questions

Q: Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?

There is no pattern to which CAT question paper can be the toughest. The CAT question paper of every slot has unique questions. The examination body strives to maintain the same difficulty level of the paper across all slots but it may happen that a question can be more difficult from another. It is seen that, to keep the uniqueness of the question paper intact, the examination authority also changes the topic wise weightage a little bit across the exam slots. In most of the previous years, it is seen that the morning slot of the CAT exam is tougher than the rest two. However, candidates must not worry about the difficulty level of the slots as, the scores of all the candidates are normalised on a common scale to root out the possibility of advantage or disadvantage to any student due to difference in difficulty level. To know how the CAT scores are normalised, read this article: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/understanding-cat-normalization-process-blogId-9386.

Q: What is the difference between qualifying CAT cut off and final CAT cut off?

Qualifying CAT cut off percentiles of an IIM is the minimum percentile (sectional as well as overall) required by candidates to be eligible for the Written Ability Test (What) and Personal Interview PI round. These are only eligibility score and not the score for selection. The final CAT cut off percentiles are the scores on the basis of which a candidate is actually selected for the What-PI round. The qualifying CAT cut offs are released publically before the CAT exam and result as a part of selection criteria for the MBA/PGP batch of that year. The qualifying cut offs for CAT are release category wise - General, NC/OBC. General-EWS, SC/ST, PwD. The qualifying cut offs percentiles of General category candidate is higher than then rest. The final CAT cut offs are not released publically. The cut offs are estimate on the basis of candidate's selection for What-PI. The final CAT cut offs for General category candidate is also higher than then rest.

CAT Exam Analysis 2023

CAT 2023 question paper and difficulty level was same as CAT 2022 for all slots. Slot 3 of CAT 2023 was tougher than slot 1 and 2. In all three slots, QA section was tougher than VARC and DILR. IIM Lucknow prepared a tough CAT question paper compared to rest of IIMs. Given exam's difficulty level, a overall 98 to 99 raw score should convert 99%ile. Check CAT 2023 highlights

CAT sections

Number of questions

Break up

Difficulty level

VARC

4 passages having 4 questions each, 2 parajumble qestions, 2 parasummary questions, 2 paracompletion questions and 2 odd one out questions

Moderate

DILR

4 sets of 5 questions each

Moderate to difficult

Quantitative Aptitude

7 Algebra questions,7 Arithmetic questions, 3 Geometry questions, 4 Number System questions, 1 Modern Maths questions

Difficult

Also Read:

Commonly asked questions

Q: From where can I download CAT question papers?

CAT question papers are released within a week of the exam in the form of a PDF as a response sheet and answer key. Candidates who have appeared for the test are able to access the CAT question paper and answer key. The question paper of every slot is released on the same day along with candidate response sheet and official answer to all question. If any candidate needs previous year CAT question papers for preparation purpose, then they can download them from Shiksha website. We have hosted last five years' CAT question papers for aspirants to download and practice. These official CAT question papers are available for download free. You can download the CAT question paper PDFs at this link: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam-question-papers Candidates must check and practice the latest CAT question paper to know the latest exam pattern and difficulty level.

Q: What are the important topics of CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked?

CAT lays a lot of emphasis on analytical skills so the questions are asked mostly from those topics which require deep learning and practice. The three sections of CAT question paper are designed in such a way that candidates have to use their ability of minute observation and fast calculation. Shared below are the section wise main topics from which questions are asked in CAT. Verbal Ability: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences

Reading Comprehension: Questions based on passages, Para meaning, Order of sentences
Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Data Sufficiency
Logical Reasoning: Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Sets and Caselets, Family Tree, Assumptions
Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra Number System Modern Math, Arithmetic, Mensuration

The difficulty level of CAT questions is usually moderate to high. Only a few questions are easy and quick to solve. To crack the CAT exam, one needs to pay attention to the abovementioned topics.

Previous Years' CAT Paper Analysis

CAT exam has been on the tougher side over the years. The pattern has changed multiple times but not the difficulty level. Given below are the links for detailed CAT analyses of past few years for candidates to read and understand the past trends of CAT exam:

Check Cut offs of top MBA entrance exams and predict calls from IIMs and other Top MBA Colleges. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and eligibility of all MBA Colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict IIM & Non IIM Calls

Commonly asked questions

Q: What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?

CAT exam is a national level MBA entrance exam conducted by the IIM. Every year, over 2.3 lakh candidates apply for it. Since the last two years, the competition has increased further with oveer 3 lakh candidates applying for the exam.

The CAT score is accepted by the Iims and all top MBA colleges in India. To select the best candidates from over 3 lakh test takers there is a need for stringent criteria. That's why, the CAT exam is tougher than other MBA entrance exams. Even though the syllabus of CAT is same as that of other MBA entrance exams, the question paper set by the IIM faculty always has tough questions. Moreover, CAT has sectional time limit for each section which is not there in any other exam except XAT. Having a time limit for each section adds pressure on candidates to complete solving adequate number of questions in a section within the time limit. If a student is weak in a particular subject, they can't use the time as per their need. CAT's Reading Comprehension passages are long and dense unlike other MBA exams. This is one more reason why most candidates feel CAT is tougher than any other MBA entrance exam.

Q: What is the sectional time limit in CAT?

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.

FAQs on CAT Exam Analysis

Check below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to CAT exam analysis:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Which MBA colleges are available with 80 percentile in CAT?

There are quite a few MBA colleges who accept CAT score of 80 percentile and above for admission. The admission process for these colleges include group discussion and Personal Interview . Fore School of Management Goa Institute of Management International Management Institute, Delhi Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal Indian Institute of Management, Visakhapatnam Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli Praxis Business School, Kolkata Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management development & Research, Bangalore Shiva Institute of Management Studies, Ghaziabad Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research TA Pai Management Institute Trinity College for Management and Technology, Ghaziabad Click on this link for more: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/colleges-accepting-cat-scores-range-80-to-90-percentile-blogId-11981.

Q: Which MBA colleges are available with 70 percentile in CAT?

A good number of private MBA colleges accept CAT score of 70 percentile in CAT. We have listed some of the colleges in which admission is possible with 70 percentile. Amity University AIMS Institutes (AIMS), Bangalore Amrita School of Business - Bangalore Acharya Bangalore B-School Asian Business School (ABS), Noida Amrita School of Business, Kochi Bengal Institute of Business Studies (BIBS), Kolkata Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Christ Institute of Management, Pune Doon Business School (DBS), Dehradun Eastern Institute For Integrated Learning In Management, Kolkata FOSTIIMA Business School, Delhi International Institute of Business Studies, Noida International School of Business and Media (ISB&M) Bangalore JK Lakshmipat University-Institute of Management, Jaipur National University (JNU), Jaipur JRE Group of Institutions (JRE), Greater Noida Lotus Business School, Pune Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar MATS University, Raipur IIKM Business School, Calicut IILM Institute for Higher Education, Delhi For full list, click here: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/colleges-accepting-cat-scores-range-70-to-80-percentile-blogId-11956.

Q: Which MBA colleges are available with 60 percentile in CAT?

There are a number of private MBA colleges that accept CAT score of 60+ percentile for admission. We have listed some of the colleges below: AIMS Institutes (AIMS), Bangalore Amrita School of Business - Bangalore Acharya Bangalore B-School Asian Business School (ABS), Noida Amrita School of Business, Kochi Bengal Institute of Business Studies (BIBS), Kolkata Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Christ Institute of Management, Pune Doon Business School (DBS), Dehradun Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management, Kolkata FOSTIIMA Business School, Delhi International Institute of Business Studies, Noida International School of Business and Media (ISB&M) Bangalore International School of Business & Media, Kolkata IIKM Business School, Calicut IILM Institute for Higher Education, Delhi For full list, click here: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/colleges-accepting-cat-scores-range-60-to-70-percentile-blogId-11984.

Explore subject-wise topics asked in CAT

Select your preferred subject

Quant

VARC

DILR

Sets Triangle Statistics Probability Number System Permutations and Combinations Algebra Mensuration Binomial Theorem Straight Lines Relations and Functions Sequences and Series Conic Sections Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry Types of Triangles Pythagoras Theorem Isosceles Triangle Equilateral Triangle Algebraic expressions Algebraic identities Linear Algebra Algebraic Equations Basic of Algebra Algebra questions Sets Triangle Statistics Probability Number System Permutations and Combinations Algebra Mensuration Binomial Theorem Straight Lines Relations and Functions Sequences and Series Conic Sections Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry Types of Triangles Pythagoras Theorem Isosceles Triangle Equilateral Triangle Algebraic expressions Algebraic identities Linear Algebra Algebraic Equations Basic of Algebra Algebra questions Personal Interview (PI)Group Discussion (GD)Reading Comprehension Pronouns with Exercises Parajumbles with Exercises Prepositions with Exercises Subject-Verb Agreement Types of Clauses Examples of Articles Phrases Modifiers Parts of Speech Errors in Tenses Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning Venn Diagrams Percentages Number Systems Approximation & Conversion Techniques

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Student Forum

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Is CAT compulsory for admissions to MBA course at Techno India University?

Answered Yesterday

No, CAT scores are not compulosry for admissions to MBA course at Techno India University. Because the university considers scores from other entrance exams too, likewise, CAT/ MAT/ XAT/ CMAT/ GMAT/ JEMAT/ TNJEE scores. Thus, you can get enrolement with CAT scores. However, it is not compulsory.

Chanchal Gaurav

Contributor-Level 10

How many candidates scored 99.99 percentile in CAT 2025?

Answered 2 days ago

In CAT 2025, 26 candidates scored 99.99 percentile. 14 are from engineering background and 12 are from non engineering background. And among them 4 are female candidates.

Anya B

Contributor-Level 6

How many candidates scored 100 percentile in CAT 2025?

Answered 2 days ago

In CAT 2025, the number of 100 percentilers was 12. Maximum toppers were from Delhi (3). IIM Kozhikode had released the state wise toppers data along with CAT 2025 result on December 24, 2025.

Anyam Kalra

Contributor-Level 6

What was the number of test takers in CAT 2025?

Answered 2 days ago

A total of 2.58 Lacs candidates appeared for CAT 2025. Check below gender wise break up.

Category	Number of registrations	Number of test takers
Female	1.10 lakh	0.97 lakh
Male	1.85 lakh	1.61 lakh
Transgender	9	9

Vipra Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 10

How many female candidates scored 100 percentile in CAT 2025?

Answered 2 days ago

In CAT 2025, two female candidates have scored 100 percentile in CAT 2025. Number of 99.99 percentile scorer females in 4 and the number of 99.98 percentile scorer females in 5.

Esha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

What is the reservation policy for CAT and MAT candidates at GIBS?

Answered 13 hours ago

At GIBS Bangalore, the admission process for CAT and MAT candidates is kept simple and transparent.

GIBS follows a general merit-based admission approach. This means selections are mainly based on:

Entrance exam scores (CAT/MAT)
Academic background
Personal interaction and overall profile

There is no rig

Ahmedbasha

Contributor-Level 8

Are there any scholarships based on CAT percentile for MBA in Amity University Jaipur?

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, there is a 10% scholarship for those who have scored 80 percentile and above in the CAT exam. Scholarship based on CAT is offered based on document verification once you join the program. There are limited scholarship seats which are offered on first-cum-first-serve basis. This scholarship is v

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

What is the cutoff for Shiv Nadar University Chennai?

Answered 2 days ago

In 2024, the CAT cutoff percentile for the Shiv Nadar University Chennai was 60 for the students belonging to the General AI quota. The is the overall sectional cutoff. More details are below:

Section	2024
Overall	60
Quants	40
VA-RC	40
DI-LR	40

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

How much CAT percentile is needed for Goa Institute of Management GIM Goa?

Answered 2 days ago

Students can check the past year Goa Institute of Management GIM Goa PGDM in Healthcare Management - GIM Goa Cutoffs (GN-All India) from the table below:

Exam	2023	2024
CAT (percentile)	88	88
XAT (percentile)	85	85

With these cut off details, students can decide the kind of preparation they will have to do.

Aishwarya Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 10

What is the FIIB CAT Cutoff 2025?

Answered 4 days ago

FIIB CAT Cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MBA/PGDM courses. According to the FIIB PGDM Cutoff 2025, students belonging to the General category under the All India quota needed to secure at least 60 percentile for admission at FIIB. The institute also accepts other MBA entrance exams, l

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

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