CAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Latest): Marking Scheme, Sections, Exam Duration, Total Marks

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.

Q: How to improve English for cracking CAT exam?

To improve English, CAT candidates must start with grammar. They should use Wren and Martin book to understand and practice basic grammar rules. Apart from that, they must consult Word Power Made Easy for vocabulary. Reading Comprehension is an important aspect of CAT, so one should start reading English books, novels and magazines much in advance to develop comprehension. There are some recommended books for improving English comprehension, aspirants must read those.

Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?

CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems. However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.

Q: What is the sectional weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT?

The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is the third and the last section of the question paper. It has 22 questions and the total marks is 66. This section of the CAT exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. Most of the questions out of 22 are asked from these two topics. There are about 7-9 Algebra questions and 7-9 Arithmetic questions (the exact number varied for all three slots). Apart from these two topics, there are questions from Mensuration Modern Math and Number System in the Quantitative Aptitude section CAT. Some of the important sub topics in this section include: Arithmetic topics: Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations Averages, Percentages, Mean Median Mode, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance Algebra topics: Basics Algebraic Formulae, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minimal, Higher Degree Equations, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The smallest Value in a Maximum Function Number System topics: Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, the highest Common Factor and the lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Fermat's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson's Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition/Subtraction/ Multiplication in different bases Geometry Topics: Lines and Angles, Triangles Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry Modern Math topics: Sequence and Series Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability.

Q: What is the sectional weightage of VARC in CAT?

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of the CAT exam has 24 questions. This section has the maximum weightage. 24 questions carry 72 marks. The major part of this section is dominated by Reading Comprehension. It covers about 14-16 questions through 4-5 passages. Rest of the questions are asked from Verbal Ability like Para jumbles, Para summary and Para completion. Every Reading Comprehension passage of the CAT carries about four to five questions. There are usually 3-4 para jumble questions, 3-4 para summary questions and 2-3 para completion questions. Lately it has been seen the CAT does not have word meaning or grammar-based questions. CAT VARC is a high weightage section of high difficulty level. High difficulty level, because the CAT Reading Comprehension passages are long, dense and inference based. To read and understand the passages in a short time poses a challenge to a large number of candidates. So, it is very important to develop reading habit if you want to score high in CAT.

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 CAT exam duration? Can I change my exam slot?

The CAT exam is held for 2 hours. There are three slots of CAT exam. Every slot will have 40 minutes of sectional time limit. Which means candidates will have to finish solving each of the three sections of CAT question paper within 40 minutes. Candidates must take care of saving their answers at every step as the moment 40 minutes will get over, the screen will automatically move to the next section. PwD candidates will get 53 minutes for each section. The exam slot allotted by the exam authorities cannot be changed. There is no provision to apply for the same. Candidates will have to appear for the exam in the allotted slot only. CAT exam timings: Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, reporting time: 7:00 AM, Last entry allowed: 8:15 AM Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, reporting time: 11:00 AM, Last entry allowed: 12:15 PM Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, reporting time: 3:00 PM, Last entry allowed: 4:15 PM.

Q: What's new in CAT exam?

In CAT 2025, the following changes were seen: The fee amount is 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 the DILR section, number of questions increased from 20 to 22. The total marks of CAT DILR section increased from 60 to 66. The total marks of CAT exam increased from 198 to 204. Candidates can select five cities instead of six.

Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?

Yes, CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have adequate time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of the candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.

13.4K Students Q&A

Admit Card - 5 Nov '25 - 30 Nov '25

Updated on Sep 23, 2025 11:09 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CAT exam pattern 2025 has been prescribed by IIM Kozhikode, the exam convening institute for this year. CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in online mode and the duration will be 120 minutes. The CAT question paper 2025 will be divided into three sections - VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude, having sectional time limit of 40 minutes each.

In CAT 2024, the total number of questions were 68, it is expected that CAT 2025 exam will also have the same number of questions. CAT exam has some unique features that aspirants must be aware of to be able to navigate the test form better. Read below details of CAT 2025 exam pattern, including sectional breakup, difficulty level, time limit, marking scheme, etc.

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1 Oct 2025: CAT Exam Exam Exam 2

Table of content

What is CAT Exam Pattern 2025?
CAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Overall and Sectional Time Limit
CAT Marking Scheme 2025
Changes in CAT Question Paper Pattern Over The Years
Difference Between CAT Exam Pattern and Other MBA Entrance Exams?
CAT Sections and Important Topics
FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern

What is CAT Exam Pattern 2025?

CAT is a time bound exam, so it is very important to understand how to navigate the question paper to the maximise scoring. There are three sections in the CAT question paper:

CAT VARC section has 24 questions and weightage of 72 marks
CAT DILR section has 22 questions and weightage of 66 marks
CAT Quantitative Aptitude section has 22 questions and weightage of 66 marks

CAT Pattern 2025: Key Highlights

The total marks of CAT exam will be 204. You can check below some key points of the expected CAT 2025 paper pattern and marking scheme:

CAT Paper Pattern 2025
Mode of CAT exam	Computer Based Test
Duration of exam	120 minutes 40 minutes per section
CAT exam slots	Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Number of questions	66 68
CAT total marks	198 204
Language of question paper	English
Number of answer choices	4
Question Type	MCQ and non-MCQ

Key Changes in CAT Pattern

In the previous exam session, the following changes were seen in the CAT exam pattern:

Number of DILR questions were increased from 20 to 22
Marks of DILR section was increased from 60 to 66
Total marks of CAT exam was increased from 198 to 204

Commonly asked questions

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

Q: What is the CAT exam duration? Can I change my exam slot?

Q: What's new in CAT exam?

CAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Overall and Sectional Time Limit

CAT exam has sectional time-limit. Which means that candidates have to attempt the test in pre-defined order and in the given time duration. They are not be allowed to choose any section to start with or switch from one section to another. They have to solve the CAT question paper chronologically. The chronology of the sections is:

Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude

CAT Exam Time Duration

Aspirants have to complete every section in 40 minutes. After the stipulated 40 minutes are over, the test screen will automatically move to the next section. No changes, corrections or submissions will be allowed after that. Section-wise number of CAT questions and time limit are summarized in the table below:

CAT Exam Sections	No. of Questions	Time limit	Time limit for PwD students
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	40 minutes	53 minutes and 20 seconds
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20 22	40 minutes	53 minutes and 20 seconds
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	40 minutes	53 minutes and 20 seconds
Total	66	120 minutes	160 minutes

Important Points About CAT Test Process

Use of onscreen calculator will be allowed for computation during the CAT 2025 exam.
An onscreen clock will help candidates to keep a check on time during the exam.
The screen will move to next section as soon as 40 minutes are over. Once the window moves to next section, candidates will not be allowed to go back.
If not sure of an answer, and wish to revisit it, candidates can mark it as 'save for later' but they will have to ensure they revisit the question within the time limit of the same section.
Candidates must read the instructions mentioned on the first page of the test form on how to save answer, etc. to avoid mistake.
To be best prepared for the online test process of CAT 2025, candidates must take the official CAT mock test and check the offiical test guide.
Sheets of paper will be provided for rough work, which will have to be submitted before leaving the exam hall.
Candidates will not be allowed to start the test before time. They will be allowed to login only after the invigilator's announcement.
Candidates must remain seated at their designated seats throughout the exam. If found sitting anywhere else, he/she will be disqualified.
They should aim to complete every section 5-10 minutes before time so that they can go back to questions saved for review.
The CAT test form will close as soon as the time gets over. Candidates however will have to remain seated until the exit process is started.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?

Q: Will CAT exam 2025 also be conducted in three shifts?

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

CAT Marking Scheme 2025

CAT has negative marking so candidates must tread the path carefully. They must make correct judgement while attempting the questions. Check below key points related to CAT marking scheme 2025:

Total marks of CAT 2025 will be 204
There will be 68 questions
It is not mandatory to attempt all the questions
There will be no deduction of marks for unanswered questions
Some questions will be of non-MCQ format (type in the answer)
There will be no negative marking for non-MCQ questions

CAT Section-wise Marking Scheme

The following table summarises CAT marking scheme of every section. Candidates must try to attempt 2/3rd of the total questions in every section for a decent overall score.

CAT Sections	Number of Questions	Marks Per Question	CAT Negative Marking (Only MCQ)
VARC	24	3	-1
DILR	22	3	-1
Quantitative Aptitude	22	3	-1

Also Read: CAT preparation plan 2025: Tips and Tricks

CAT Test Pattern 2025: How to Mark Answers in Test Form?

Candidates have to take the test on a computer system. Access to the test form will be given through candidate login. As per the process, every candidate will alloted a particular seat and a computer system. They will have to login to access the test form. For every CAT question, four options will be given to choose the correct answer. Candidates will have to mark their answer options with the help of a computer mouse. Keyboard will have to be used only for entering answer for TITA 'questions. As per the CAT test form, candidates will have to select the correct answer and click on one of the following options to move to next question:

- Save and Next
- Clear Response
- Mark for Review and Next

Key Points to Note About Marking Answers in CAT exam:

Candidates must note that once they have submitted a question (save and next) they cannot go back to edit it.
Incase, they are not sure of the answer, they should exercise 'mark for review and next' option.
At the same time, they need to ensure they go back to the questions marked for review before the time limit for that section gets over.
If they haven't saved their final answer to any question, it will be reported as unanswered and 0 mark will be awarded.
So, it is critical to understand the process to mark answers and ensure that you have clicked on the right button.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?

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

Q: How to improve English for cracking CAT exam?

Changes in CAT Question Paper Pattern Over The Years

Until 2019, the CAT was a 3-hour exam, held in 2 shifts. From 2020 onwards, it is being conducted for 2 hours in three shifts. The number of questions have also been reduced from 100 to 66 over the last seven years. Given below is a table indicating changes in CAT exam pattern since 2014:

CAT Year	Number of Questions	CAT Exam Time Duration	CAT Sections
2024	66 68	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2023	66	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2022	66	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2021	66	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2020	76	120 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2019	100	180 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2018	100	180 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2017	100	180 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2016	100	180 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2015	100	180 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC
2014	100	170 minutes	QA & DI, LR & VARC
2013	60	140 minutes	QA & DI, LR & VARC
2012	60	140 minutes	QA & DI, LR & VARC
2011	60	140 minutes	QA & DI, LR & VARC
2010	60	150 minutes	QA, DILR, VARC

The IIM has tried to modify CAT in such a way that it becomes more non-engineering student friendly. The CAT has been traditionally been considered to be more tilted towards candidates from engineering background. But over the years, the IIMs have strived to increased academic and gender diversity in MBA classrooms.

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the difference between CAT and XAT syllabus?

Q: What are the benefits of solving CAT question papers?

Q: What is the sectional weightage of DILR in CAT?

Difference Between CAT Exam Pattern and Other MBA Entrance Exams?

The exam patterns of all MBA entrance exams are similar but have some peculiarities. If you compare, CAT exam pattern will come across as the most student friendly with 66 questions and 120 minutes. There is also sectional time limit, so candidates have no pressure of time management by self to ensure they do not ignore any section. Check below basic difference between CAT pattern and that of other MBA entrance exams.

Exam Name	Time Duration	No. of Questions	Sections	Total Marks
CAT	120 minutes	66 68	3	204
XAT	180 minutes	95	4	95
CMAT	180 minutes	100	5	400
MAT	120 minutes	150	5	150
GMAT	187 minutes	70	4	200-800
NMAT	120 minutes	108	3	36-360
SNAP	60 minutes	60	3	60

CAT Preparation Articles:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?

Q: What is the sectional weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT?

Q: What is the sectional weightage of VARC in CAT?

CAT Sections and Important Topics

CAT syllabus is prescribed by the IIMs. It contains subjects and topics from key subjects - English, Reasoning, Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude. Given below is the overview of sectionwise CAT syllabus 2025 based on previous years’ question papers:

CAT Sections	CAT Syllabus
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	This section of CAT has questions based on Parajumbles, Sentence-Completion, Reading Comprehension, Para-Summary, Inferences, Odd Sentence
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	This section of CAT has questions based on Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets, Blood Relation, Venn Diagram, Seating Arrangement and Syllogism
Quantitative Aptitude	This section of CAT has questions based on Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest-Compound Interest, Time & Distance, Averages-Mixtures-Alligations, Numbers, Mensuration, Logarithms, Functions & Graphs, Indices & Surds, Quadratic Equations, Special Equations, Statistics