CAT Exam Pattern 2025: New Format & Key Details

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CAT Exam Pattern 2025: New Format & Key Details

The IIMs have established the CAT exam pattern for 2025. The official pattern for the CAT 2025 exam states that there will be sixty-six objective-type questions (MCQ and TITA) that must be answered in one hour. The exam’s three sections will each take up 40 minutes of the 120 minutes. The CAT exam used to last 180 minutes, but as of 2020, it only lasts 120 minutes. See everything about the CAT exam pattern 2025 below.

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CAT Exam Pattern 2025

The CAT exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s speed and accuracy in solving logical reasoning and mathematical problems. Understanding the latest CAT exam pattern helps candidates prepare more effectively for the 2025 exam.

There are a total of 3 sections in CAT 2025:

  • VARC – 24 questions, 72 marks
  • DILR – 20 questions, 60 marks
  • Quantitative Aptitude – 22 questions, 66 marks

CAT Paper Pattern 2025

CAT tutorials will be available one week before the exam to help candidates understand the navigation and exam process. Below are important details about the CAT 2025 pattern:

Mode of the CAT exam Computer-Based Test
Duration of exam 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
CAT exam slots Morning: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Afternoon: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Evening: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Number of questions 66
Total Marks 198
Language English
Question Type MCQ & Non-MCQ

CAT Marking Scheme 2025

Key Points:

  • Total CAT score: 198
  • Each question carries 3 marks
  • -1 negative marking for wrong MCQ answers
  • No negative marking for non-MCQ & unanswered questions
CAT Sections Number of Questions Marks Per Question Negative Marking (MCQ)
VARC 24 3 -1
DILR 20 3 -1
Quantitative Aptitude 22 3 -1
CAT Exam Total 66 198 –

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FAQs – CAT 2024 Exam

Find quick answers to common questions about the CAT 2024 exam structure, duration, question types, and sectioning.

What is the structure of the CAT 2024 exam?
CAT 2024 comprises 66 objective-type questions divided across three sections. Each section has a fixed time window of 40 minutes.
How long is the CAT 2024 exam?
The total duration of CAT 2024 is 120 minutes (2 hours), with 40 minutes allocated to each of the three sections.
Are there different types of questions in CAT 2024?
Yes. CAT 2024 includes both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions.
What are the changes in the CAT exam duration?
Since 2020, the CAT exam duration has been reduced from 180 minutes to 120 minutes.
How is the CAT exam divided into sections?
CAT 2024 is split into three sections, each with a 40-minute time slot, totaling 120 minutes.

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