The Total Questions in CAT 2025 is expected to be 68, following the increase in the number of questions in CAT 2024. The total questions in CAT 2025 will be distributed in three sections, i.e., VARC, DILR, and QA. In the last ten years, the number of total questions in CAT has fluctuated widely, from 100 down to 66 and then to 68 recently. Understanding these changes and what to expect in CAT 2025 will help you tailor your CAT 2025 preparation to the most current exam pattern and prepare effectively. It must be noted that any major changes in the CAT 2025 exam pattern will be announced in the CAT 2025 notification, which is expected to be released by the end week of July 2025 .
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Total Questions in CAT 2025 (Expected)
The total questions in CAT 2025 is anticipated to be 68 based on the previous year’s CAT question paper. There are 3 sections, and each section is approximately 40 minutes long and consists of around 20 questions each. In CAT 2024, the number of questions in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section increased from 20 to 22, and the total marks increased from 198 to 204.
This change in the number of questions impacts everything from your mock test planning to your question-solving speed. That’s why solving previous year papers, looking into past exam patterns, can help you spot important changes and trends in the exam. For better understanding, check the CAT 2025 exam pattern below:
Section | Number of Questions | Marks Per Question | Total Marks | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
VARC | 24 | 3 | 72 | 40 minutes |
DILR | 22 | 3 | 66 | 40 minutes |
QA | 22 | 3 | 66 | 40 minutes |
Total | 68 | — | 204–205 | 120 minutes |
You’ll face both MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA – Type In The Answer) in the CAT 2025 exam. The CAT marking scheme is as follows:
- +3 for correct answers
- -1 for each wrong MCQ
- No negative marks for TITA and unattempted questions
Past Trends of CAT Total Questions (2014–2024)
If you wish to check the pattern and trend through which the total questions in CAT 2025 and the overall CAT exam pattern changed over the years, you can take a look at the past year trends of CAT total questions below:
CAT Year | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 68 | 204 | 120 mins |
2023 | 66 | 198 | 120 mins |
2022 | 66 | 198 | 120 mins |
2021 | 66 | 198 | 120 mins |
2020 | 76 | 228 | 120 mins |
2019 | 100 | 300 | 180 mins |
2018 | 100 | 300 | 180 mins |
2017 | 100 | 300 | 180 mins |
2016 | 100 | 300 | 180 mins |
2015 | 100 | 300 | 180 mins |
2014 | 100 | 300 | 170 mins |
As you can see, the number of questions has gradually reduced after 2019. The Total Questions in CAT 2025 is expected to follow the format introduced in 2024.
Also Read: Mistakes to Avoid in CAT 2025 RC Questions
CAT Section-Wise Changes Over the Years
In addition to the total number of questions in CAT 2025, you must also be familiar with the changes introduced in each section of the exam. Check the section-wise changes in the CAT mentioned below:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Year | VARC Questions |
|---|---|
2024 | 24 |
2023 | 24 |
2022 | 24 |
2021 | 24 |
2020 | 26 |
2019–2015 | 34 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Year | DILR Questions |
|---|---|
2024 | 22 |
2023 | 20 |
2022 | 20 |
2021 | 20 |
2020 | 24 |
2019–2015 | 32 |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Year | QA Questions |
|---|---|
2024 | 22 |
2023 | 22 |
2022 | 22 |
2021 | 22 |
2020 | 26 |
2019–2015 | 34 |
The total questions in CAT 2025 is expected to create a more balanced paper than earlier years, where the sections used to have a larger weight and more variability.
CAT Difficulty Level Over the Years
The primary motive behind learning the total questions in CAT 2025 and the exam pattern in general is to gauge the CAT difficulty level for the upcoming exam. Check the CAT difficulty level over the years mentioned below:
Year | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Aptitude | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Easy | Easy to Moderate |
2023 | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
2022 | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate |
2021 | Moderate to Difficult | Easy to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
2020 | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult |
2019 | Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Moderate |
2018 | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult |
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Total Good Attempts in CAT 2025 (Expected)
Despite the large number of total questions in CAT 2025, not every question needs to be attempted to score well. Smart question selection is the key to acing the CAT exam. Check the expected CAT good attempts based on the previous year's data below:
Year | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Aptitude | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 (Expected) | 17-18 | 14-15 | 15-16 | 46-49 |
2024 | 15-17 | 17-18 | 14-16 | 46-51 |
2023 | 13-15 | 10-12 | 10-11 | 33-38 |
2022 | 15-18 | 12-15 | 13-16 | 40-49 |
This should be your minimum target if you aim for a high CAT percentile.
Types of Questions in CAT 2025
In addition to the total questions in CAT 2025, you must also be familiar with the type of questions asked in the exam for effective exam preparation. The following types of questions will be asked in the CAT 2025 exam.
Type of Question | No. of Questions | Details |
|---|---|---|
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) | 50 | These types of questions will comprise the text that you have to read and find the answer to. You will be given four options from which you will have to choose the correct answer. |
Type in the Answer (TITA/ Non-MCQs) | 18 | These will comprise question texts that you will have to read to understand the question and type your answer in the box provided on the screen. |
How to Answer Questions in CAT 2025?
When attempting the CAT exam, you will have to use the interface provided. If you are not aware of the methods for answering questions in CAT, you will face problems during the exam. The computer screen of the CAT 2025 exam will be provided with some options that you need to choose while answering the questions. These options are:
- Save and Next: This option will allow you to choose the correct answer and skip to the next question.
- Clear Response: This option allows you to clear the response to the question that you have answered.
- Mark for Review and Next: This option allows you to mark the questions for which you are not sure about the response. You can answer the questions marked as "Mark for review" after completing the rest of the questions.
Note: You will not be allowed to use the keyboard while answering the questions in the CAT exam. You can answer the questions using the mouse only.
The total questions in CAT 2025 is likely to remain at 68, following the updated pattern from CAT 2024. You’ll have to act now with a well-thought-out strategy, and you’ll be one step closer to your dream B-school.
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If you want to know more about the total questions in CAT 2025, you may ask your questions on the Collegedekho QnA zone . Besides this, if you want admission-related assistance, you may fill out our Common Application Form .
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FAQs
Analyzing past CAT papers helps identify recurring question types, topic weightage, and evolving difficulty levels. It sharpens your understanding of time-consuming versus high-yield questions. It also trains you to recognize question traps and manage pressure. Reviewing old papers is one of the most efficient ways to fine-tune your exam strategy effectively.
TITA (Type In The Answer) questions do not carry any negative marking. This makes them ideal for strategic guessing when you're unsure. However, since they lack options, they test your accuracy and calculation skills more rigorously. Practicing these helps improve your precision and can add valuable marks without the risk of penalty.
CAT follows a normalization process to ensure fairness across different exam slots, as difficulty levels may vary slightly. Your raw score is adjusted based on the relative performance of candidates in your slot. This normalized score is what finally determines your percentile and eligibility for shortlisting by IIMs and other participating institutions.
The official CAT 2025 notification is expected to be released in July 2025, with the registration process likely to begin in the first week of August 2025. Staying alert to these timelines ensures you don’t miss crucial dates related to form filling, document uploading, payment, or selecting test cities for your preferred exam slot.
IIM Kozhikode is expected to conduct CAT 2025. The conducting IIM sets the paper tone, structure, and difficulty. While the overall format remains consistent, slight variations in question framing, section emphasis, or time distribution may occur. Keeping track of the conducting body helps candidates anticipate any subtle shifts in approach or focus during the exam.
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