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Updated By Intajur Rahaman on 05 Dec, 2025 08:19
The CAT 2025 exam pattern will be available soon in the CAT notification 2025. As per the previous years' exam pattern, the CAT 2025 exam will consist of 68 questions (MCQs and TITA) from the QA, VARC, and DILR sections. The total duration of the exam will be 120 minutes, with each section having a time limit of 40 minutes. 3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect response.
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Predict My CollegeThe CAT exam pattern 2025 will be released soon by IIM Kozhikode in the CAT notification 2025. The exam will have 68 questions (MCQs & TITA) from three sections, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), as per previous year changes. The QA section will have 22 questions, VARC will have 24 questions, and DILR will comprise 22 questions. The overall duration of the CAT 2025 exam will be 120 minutes, with each section having a time limit of 40 minutes. For every correct answer, you will be awarded 3 marks, and for every incorrect MCQ, 1 mark will be deducted. There will be no penalty for the unattempted questions. The CAT 2025 exam was conducted on November 30, 2025, in three shifts in computer-based test (CBT) mode. If you are preparing for the exam, you must understand the CAT 2025 exam pattern to familiarise yourself with the question format, marking scheme, time allocation, and weightage of topics in each section. Check the detailed section-wise CAT exam pattern 2025 and all other important details on this page.
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Attempt nowTake a look at the highlights of the CAT exam pattern 2025 provided in the table below.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
CAT 2024 Sections |
|
Total No. of Questions | 68 |
Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions and Type in the Answer (TITA) |
Total Marks | 198 |
Marking Scheme |
|
Exam Duration | 2 hours or 120 minutes |
Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes |
Exam Timings |
|
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
Ques: How has the CAT exam pattern changed since the pandemic?
Ans: Since the pandemic, the CAT exam pattern has changed in terms of duration and number of questions. In 2020, the number of questions was reduced to 76 from 100, and the exam duration was decreased to 120 minutes from 180 minutes. In 2021, the number of questions was reduced to 66. In 2024, the number of questions increased from 20 to 22 in the DILR section. The CAT exam pattern is expected to remain the same in 2025.
Ques: Do IIMs surprise candidates by changing the CAT paper pattern on the exam day?
Ans: IIMs generally do not surprise students by changing the CAT paper pattern on the exam day. If any changes are introduced in the exam pattern, IIMs notify them beforehand. The types of questions and the topics of weightage may sometimes catch them by surprise.
Check out the section-wise CAT exam pattern 2025 provided below.
Section | No. of Questions | Types of Questions | Duration | Duration for PwD Candidates | Expected Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | Reading comprehension passages with multiple-choice questions, sentence completion, and verbal reasoning questions | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds | Difficult |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 22 | Data interpretation based on tables, charts, graphs, and logical reasoning problems | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds | Moderate to Difficult |
Quantitative Ability | 22 | Mathematics and quantitative problems from various topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and data sufficiency | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds | Easy to Moderate |
Total | 68 | - | 120 Minutes | 160 Minutes | Moderate to Difficult |
Also Read: CAT Weightage Chart 2025
The VARC section of CAT evaluates your English language proficiency and the ability to comprehend and extract core ideas from given passages. Here's the CAT 2025 VARC exam pattern.
Topic | No. of Questions | Weightage | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | 16 | 68% | Moderate to Difficult |
Para Jumbles | 3 | 12% | Moderate to Difficult |
Para Completion/ Para Summary | 3 | 12% | Easy to Moderate |
Odd Sentences | 1 | 4% | Easy to Moderate |
Sentence Correction, Word Usage, Fill in the Blanks | 1 | 4% | Moderate |
Total | 24 | 100% | Moderate to Difficult |
Ques: Is the CAT exam easy or difficult?
Ans: The CAT exam is definitely difficult as it is conducted for admission to prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools in India. The difficulty level of each section varies every year as the questions are kept unique. MBA aspirants need to dedicate 4-6 months to rigorous preparation to crack the exam.
Ques: When was the CAT exam pattern last changed?
Ans: The CAT exam pattern was last changed in 2024 when the number of questions was increased to 22 from 20 in the DILR section. Since then, IIMs have introduced no changes in the exam pattern, which has been a great relief for students as they can take reference from previous years’ question papers.
CAT's Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section tests your ability to interpret data and understand logical assumptions. Questions for the DI LR section are not fixed in the CAT exam pattern. Check below to get an idea about the expected questions from the DI LR section.
Topic | No. of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Graphs | 6 | 30% |
Arrangement | 4 | 20% |
Data Sufficiency | 3 | 15% |
Tables and Caselets | 2 | 10% |
Blood Relation | 2 | 5% |
Puzzles | 1 | 5% |
Clock and Calendars | 1 | 5% |
Assumptions and Binary Logic | 1 | 5% |
Syllogism and Venn Diagram | 2 | 5% |
Total | 22 | 100% |
Also Read:
| CAT 2025 Preparation Tips |
|---|
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT covers topics such as Basic Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Geometry & Mensuration, and Modern Maths. Check the expected topic distribution in the CAT 2025 QA section here.
Topic | No. of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Arithmetic | 8 | 36% |
Algebra | 6 | 28% |
Geometry & Mensuration | 4 | 18% |
Number System | 2 | 9% |
Modern Mathematics | 2 | 9% |
Total | 22 | 100% |
Ques: As per the latest CAT exam pattern, how many questions will be in each section?
Ans: As per the latest CAT exam pattern, the QA section will have 22 questions, VARC will have 24 questions and DILR will comprise 20 questions. The total number of questions will be 66, out of which 48 are expected to be MCQs and 18 will likely be non-MCQs or TITA questions.
Ques: Will there be any negative marking in the CAT exam?
Ans: Yes, there will be a negative marking in the CAT exam. For every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQs and unattempted questions. The negative marking can impact your overall score; thus, guesswork is not a good option.
If you are appearing for the exam, you must be aware of the CAT 2025 marking scheme so that you can make better judgements while attempting each question.
Type of Question | Marks Awarded for Correct Answer | Marks Deducted for Incorrect Answer |
|---|---|---|
MCQ | +3 | -1 |
Non-MCQ or TITA Questions | +3 | 0 |
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. |
Ques: What are the significant changes in the CAT exam pattern over the last decade?
Ans: In the past decade, there have been significant changes in the CAT exam pattern. The exam was conducted over a 2-day test window in 2013, with only two sections. The duration of the exam was 140 minutes, and the number of questions was 60. In 2014, the duration was 170 minutes, and 100 questions were asked. The number of questions was reduced to 76, and the duration was decreased to 2 hours in 2020. IIM Ahmedabad reduced the questions to 66 in 2021, and in 2024, the number of questions in the DILR section was increased from 20 to 22.
Ques: How is the CAT paper pattern different from other MBA entrance exams like XAT and CMAT?
Ans: The CAT paper pattern differs from other MBA entrance exams in terms of sections, number of questions, marking scheme, and more. XAT has 95 questions from Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge sections and the duration is 180 minutes. CMAT has 100 questions on Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections, and the exam duration is 180 minutes.
While attempting the CAT 2025 exam and navigating between the different sections, you must take care of the following things:
Also Read:
| CAT Previous Year Question Papers | |
|---|---|
Check the table provided below to know what colour on the panel indicates in the CAT 2025 exam pattern:
Icon | Colour on the Panel | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Grey | The question has not been viewed or visited |
| Red | The question has not been answered nor has it been marked for review |
| Green | The question has been answered and not marked for review |
| Violet | The question has been marked for review and has not been answered |
| Violet with a green tick | The question has been marked for review and answered |
Ques: What is the impact of changes in the CAT exam pattern on MBA aspirants?
Ans: The changes in the CAT exam pattern have a significant impact on you. You need to adapt your preparation strategies to align with the new pattern, focusing on different question types and time management. Understanding the updated pattern and practising accordingly becomes crucial for success in the exam.
Ques: Is the exam pattern of CAT mock tests similar to the actual exam?
Ans: Yes, the exam pattern of CAT mock tests is similar to the actual exam. The mock tests will also have 66 questions from the QA, VARC, and DILR sections. The duration will be 120 minutes and the marking scheme will be the same.
The computer screen of the CAT 2025 exam will be provided with some options which you need to choose while answering the questions. These options are:
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.
Also Read:
| How to Prepare for CAT DI & LR | |
| 15+ CAT 2025 Percentage Questions |
When planning to appear for the CAT exam, you are expected to make the mistake of assuming that the CAT exam is an Online Test. Although there are similarities between an Online Test and a Computer-Based Test, the CAT exam falls into the latter category. According to the exam conducting body of CAT, the IIMs, “CAT is not an online exam. It is a digital or Computer-Based Test (CBT); not an Internet-Based Test (IBT); that is, you will not take the exam on an internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer sheet, you will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.”
Despite being a computer-based exam, the CAT is not an online test, and with the intention of elaborating on the unique characteristics of the CAT exam, the Indian Institutes of Management further mention, “In the computer-based format, the candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer. Additionally, the timer on the computer screen tells you the remaining time to complete the current section.”
Ques: Will the CAT 2025 exam pattern be the same as last year?
Ans: Yes, the CAT 2025 exam pattern will be the same as last year, as IIMs have announced no changes during the notification. The question paper will have 68 questions which have to be solved in 120 minutes. The exam will be conducted in computer-based test mode in three slots on November 30, 2025.
Ques: Is the CAT question paper pattern unpredictable every year?
Ans: The CAT question paper used be be unpredictable a few years ago, but it has been constant for the last 3 years and is expected to be the same this year too. The variations in the exam pattern earlier used to surprise you and impact your overall performance.
The CAT exam pattern has undergone several changes over the years. Here are the changes that took place in the CAT paper pattern since 2010.
| Year of Examination | Section | Marking Scheme | Duration | Total Questions | Conducting Body | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 68 | IIM Calcutta | Easy to Moderate |
| 2023 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 66 | IIM Lucknow | Moderate |
| 2022 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 66 | IIM Bangalore | Moderate to High |
| 2021 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 66 | IIM Ahmedabad | Moderate to High |
| 2020 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 76 | IIM Indore | Moderate to High |
| 2019 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Kozhikode | Moderate to High |
| 2018 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Calcutta | Moderate to High |
| 2017 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Lucknow | Moderate |
| 2016 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Bangalore | Moderate to High |
| 2015 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Ahmedabad | Moderate to High |
| 2014 | QA&DI, VARC&LR |
| 2.50 Hours (170 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Indore [2-day Test window] | Moderate to Easy |
| 2013 | QA&DI, VARC&LR |
| 2.20 Hours (140 Minutes) [2-day Test window] | 60 | IIM Indore | Moderate to Easy |
| 2012 | QA&DI, VARC&LR |
| 2.20 Hours (140 Minutes) | 60 | IIM Kozhikode | Moderate to Easy |
| 2011 | QA&DI, VARC&LR |
| 2.20 Hours (140 Minutes) | 60 | IIM Calcutta | Moderate |
| 2010 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes) | 60 | IIM Lucknow | Moderate |
Want to know more about CAT
The CAT 2025 exam pattern is as follows-
CAT 2024 Section | No. of Questions | Time Duration | Time Duration for PwD Candidates |
VARC | 24 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
DILR | 20 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
QA | 22 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Total | 66 | 120 Minutes | 160 Minutes |
No, there is no change in the CAT 2025 pattern from previous years as of yet. CAT 2025 will follow the same three-section format: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). It will consist of 66 questions with a total duration of 120 minutes.
According to the most recent CAT exam marking scheme, candidates gain 3 marks for each correct answer while they lose 1 mark for every wrong response. Moreover, no marks will be deducted for questions left unanswered and non-MCQs.
You can answer the questions of CAT 2025 in any order. However, you can not move ahead to the other sections before 40 minutes. The link for all questions will be available on the right side of your screen. You can click on the box to skip a particular question.
The time limit for each section is 40 minutes, resulting in a total exam duration of 120 minutes. The CAT exam has a sectional time limit, allowing candidates a fixed duration to attempt each section. For PwD candidates, the CAT sectional time limit will be 53 minutes and 20 seconds.
As per the CAT 2025 exam pattern, almost 14-15 of the 66 questions will be non-MCQs, with 5-6 questions each in the VA-RC and Quants sections, while DI-LR will have 5-6 questions. The good news is that TITA Questions do not have negative markings.
Yes, CAT 2025 has a negative marking. Three marks (+3) will be granted for each right answer. One mark (-1) will be deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions. Also, no marks will be deducted for non-MCQs.
The total duration of the CAT 2025 exam will be 2 hours (120 minutes). There will be a sectional time limit of 40 minutes. PwD candidates with a locomotor disability or cerebral palsy will have a sectional time limit of 53 minutes and 20 seconds.
The current CAT exam pattern 2025 includes two types of questions: MCQ-based and TITA-based (type in the answer). Candidates will be given four options for MCQs and must type their answers for Non-MCQs. For each incorrect response, the MCQ type deducts one point (-1). There is no negative marking on the TITA questions.
For CAT 2025 MCQ-type questions, candidates will be awarded 3 marks for each correct answer. However, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer. Unanswered questions do not carry any marks or penalties. Candidates need to be cautious while attempting MCQs to avoid unnecessary deductions.
CAT exam pattern 2025 for the DILR section includes the following:
CAT exam pattern 2025 for the Quant section will conclude the following:
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