CAT exam pattern was slightly different last year. As per the latest exam pattern for CAT 2025 there will be 68 questions and not 66. Apart from this one major change in CAT exam pattern for MBA is that in 2025 it is expected that there will be no para jumble question. The exam has a total of 3 sections and there is a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section. CAT is certainly a no cakewalk and if you are planning to appear for CAT 2025, knowing every small detail about is necessary. So you should know the detailed CAT 2025 exam pattern. In this article, we will dive deep into the most expected CAT exam pattern 2025, we will also run a section-by-section analysis, marking schemes, recent trends and finally the strategies for preparation. This is not only prepare you for any kind of uncertainties but will also keep you ahead of the general crowd, preparing for CAT 2025.
CAT Exam Pattern Highlights 2025
| Mode of CAT 2025 | Computer Based Test |
| CAT 2025 Exam Duration | 120 minutes 40 minutes per section |
| CAT 2025 Slot Timings | Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Total Questions in CAT 2025 | 68 |
| Total marks in CAT 2025 | 204 |
| Language of CAT question paper 2025 | English |
| Number of Options in CAT 2025 | 4 |
| Type of Question in CAT 2025 | MCQ and non-MCQ |
Understanding the CAT Exam
CAT is a computer-based test that happens every year in the month of November. It evaluates candidates in three core areas: verbal and reading comprehension (VARC), quantitative aptitude (QA) and logical reasoning & data interpretation (LRDI). It is very important to understand that while the syllabus may remain more or less similar every year, the CAT exam pattern has undergone certain changes over the years. This brings out the need for candidates to stay updated on the latest changes and fully aware of the latest pattern. As of now, the CAT Exam Pattern 2025 has not been officially announced. However, we can fairly analyse what is the pattern likely based on previous year’s data and trends.
Overview of the Expected CAT Exam Pattern for 2025
Let us now try to understand what are basic features of the CAT exam and this is what most likely to appear even in CAT 2025.
- Mode of Examination: It is a computer-based test which needs to be attempted from a centre specified by the CAT authorities.
- Total Duration: As of last few years, the duration has been 2 hours (120 minutes).
- Number of Sections: 3 key sections: VARC, QA and LRDI
- Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes per section
- Total Number of Questions: 66 questions overall (24 in VARC, 20 in LRDI and 22 in QA).
- Question Types: There will be a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions. However, majorly dominated by MCQs.
Section-Wise Breakdown of CAT 2025
The CAT exam is divided into three main sections, each designed to assess specific skill sets. Let’s take a closer look at each section.
1. CAT VARC Section
This section in general is primarily focused on testing your command over the English language and your ability to comprehend and interpret written passages. It also subtly tests your grammatical skills and ability to find errors.
- Expected Number of Questions in VARC Section of CAT: 24 (has been the same for last 3 years)
Types of Questions in CAT VARC Section
- Reading comprehension: There are 4 passages which are given to you. Each passage will have 4 questions each, making it a total of 16 questions.
- Para jumbles (mostly non-MCQs): There are likely to be 2 – 3 questions on this topic. You need to rearrange 4 sentences to make a coherent passage. Aspirants must note that last year there was not questions from this topic.
- Para summaries: You will be presented with a short paragraph and have to pick the most appropriate option which catches the essence best.
- Odd sentence out: You will have 5 sentences, out of which, you can use 4 sentences to make a coherent paragraph. You need to pick the 5th sentence which does not fit anywhere.
Key Skills Tested in CAT VARC Section
- Reading speed and the power comprehension as the genre varies a lot across these passages.
- Grammar and vocabulary is not directly tested but without a good understanding of it, you cannot do well in VARC.
- Logical arrangement of sentences and other grammatical rules, especially in the verbal ability part of the section.
CAT VARC Preparation Tip: Practice reading editorials, news articles and essays daily. Also try to develop a habit of identifying the main idea and tone of whatever piece you are reading.
2. CAT Exam Pattern 2025 – DILR Section
This section is there to measure your logical reasoning skills as to how quickly and accurately you can solve certain sets. Additionally, there are also sets on data interpretation where you need to understand various visuals and make the meaning out of the data presented to you. This section has 4 sets typically every year. Each set comes with 5 questions related to it. Those 5 questions can be a mix of both MCQs and TITA. Make sure to pick the right set here as that makes a lot of difference in your overall performance in the section.
- Expected Number of Questions in CAT DIR Section : 20
Types of Questions in CAT LRDI Section:
- Logical puzzles
- Seating arrangements
- Graphs, charts and tables
- Caselets and Venn diagrams
Key Skills Tested for LRDI Section in CAT:
- Analytical thinking
- Quick pattern recognition
- Ability to work under time pressure
Preparation Tips for CAT LRDI Section – As there are no such syllabus defined for this section, make practising a variety of set as your habit. Try to look for patterns in certain cases and develop faster calculations for DI sets. These things should contribute to your overall performance.
3. CAT Exam Pattern for QA Section:
The QA section of CAT is there to test your mathematical ability. Though the concepts date back to the school days, time management is what makes the section more challenging. There are always sitter questions which are very easy to solve but also there will be a mix of complex problems. Look out for the questions you were familiar with and try to attempt the sections smartly instead of sticking to one question.
- Expected Number of Questions in CAT 2025 Quants Section: 22
Types of Questions:
- Arithmetic (percentages, profit and loss, ratios, time and work, etc.): This essentially forms the base of the QA section. The weightage of these topics is around 40% to 50%.
- Algebra (equations, inequalities, functions): This is the second-most common topic when it comes to CAT QA. Having a weightage of around 25%, these topics become non-negotiable.
- Geometry and mensuration: You can expect at least 2 – 3 questions from this topic. It includes basic volume, coordinate geometry related questions.
- Number systems: Questions like remainder theorem, divisibility are often seen in CAT.
- Modern math (permutations and combinations, probability, etc.): It is considered as one of the most trickiest sub-topics of all. However, the weightage for this is low and you can focus on these topics at a later stage of your preparation.
Key Skills Tested in QA Section of CAT:
- Numerical problem-solving
- Conceptual clarity
- Speed and accuracy
Preparation Tip: First try to build a solid foundation in all of the topics mentioned above. Once that is done, focus on solving higher-level problems and finally attempt mock tests to understand what is actually asked in CAT. Build on speed gradually without compromising on the accuracy.
CAT Marking Scheme 2025
The CAT marking scheme has remained fairly consistent over the past few years:
- Correct Answer (MCQ or TITA): +3 marks
- Incorrect Answer (MCQ): -1 mark
- Incorrect Answer (TITA): No negative marking
- Unattempted Questions: No penalty
If you look carefully, this marking scheme highlights the importance of accuracy, especially in the MCQ type of questions where incorrect answers can result in a deduction. Do not over attempt or guess unless you are very sure of the answer.
Recent Trends in CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam pattern has witnessed a few of the notable changes over the past decade. Let us try to understand what these changes were which eventually will help us in anticipating the CAT exam pattern 2025:
- Fluctuation in Question Count: The number of questions in CAT has changed significantly. For instance, before the Covid-19 Pandemic, CAT used to have 100 questions which in 2020, got reduced to just 76 questions. The following, the number of questions was further reduced to 66 in 2021 and has remained the same since.
- Emphasis on TITA Questions: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of TITA (Type In The Answer) questions, which require candidates to type their answers manually. Students have mixed opinion on this as it makes the question further difficult without the options but also eliminates the risk of negatives.
- Time Reduction: Until 2019, the CAT exam was a 3-hour test with 1 hour for every section. However, since 2020, the duration has been reduced to 2 hours and 40 minutes is allotted per section.
- Dynamic Difficulty Levels: The difficulty level more or less remains the same. The only fluctuation which is seen in the CAT exam over the years is that one of the sections become relatively tougher and similarly, one of the remaining sections feels easier. However, the overall difficulty remains quite consistent.
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