CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Latest Section-wise Format, Timing & Marking Scheme
CAT Exam Pattern 2025 is based on a computer-based test format, conducted at designated exam centres across the country. The total duration of the CAT Exam Pattern 2025 will be 120 minutes. In the previous year, CAT 2024 featured 68 questions, and it is expected that CAT Exam Pattern 2025 will follow a similar structure. The official details regarding CAT Exam Pattern 2025 will be announced along with the exam notification, which is likely to be released in July 2025. You can check the complete CAT Exam Pattern 2025 details in the article.
CAT 2025 Pattern: Key Features
The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 comes with some unique features that candidates must understand to navigate the exam effectively.
One key aspect of the CAT Exam Pattern 2025 is the sectional time limit—candidates get 40 minutes per section, after which the test automatically moves to the next section.
Another important feature of the CAT Exam Pattern 2025 is the fixed order of sections. Candidates must attempt the sections in a set order: first Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), then Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), followed by Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Switching between sections is not allowed.
Additionally, CAT Exam Pattern 2025 provides an on-screen calculator for rough calculations, and a review answer option, which allows candidates to mark questions for review within the same section. However, answers must be submitted within the sectional time limit, or they won’t be recorded.
The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 also includes negative marking—with a penalty of -1 mark for each incorrect answer in multiple-choice questions, so accuracy is crucial.
Table of Contents
What is CAT Exam Pattern 2025?
The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 is designed as a time-bound, computer-based exam that tests candidates across three major sections. Understanding the structure of the exam is crucial to navigate the paper efficiently and maximize your score. The three sections included in the CAT Exam Pattern 2025 are:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions with a total weightage of 72 marks
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 22 questions carrying 66 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 22 questions carrying 66 marks
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights
- The paper will follow a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section, making time management crucial.
- The marking scheme includes +3 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer in multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while TITA (Type in the Answer) questions have no negative marking.
For complete details on CAT Exam Pattern 2025, including syllabus and preparation tips, refer to the article.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
|
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
|
68 |
|
CAT total marks |
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, some noticeable changes were introduced in the CAT Exam Pattern.
- The number of questions in the DILR section was increased from 20 to 22.
- The total marks for the DILR section also increased from 60 to 66.
- As a result, the overall marks of the CAT exam rose from 198 to 204.
These updates are expected to continue in the CAT Exam Pattern 2025.
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 skipping 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
|
As per the CAT Exam Pattern 2025, candidates will take the exam on a computer system at designated test centres. Each candidate will be assigned a computer where they must log in to access the test. Candidates will use a computer mouse to select their answers, while the keyboard is allowed only for TITA (Type In The Answer) questions.
For each question in CAT Exam Pattern 2025, four answer options will be provided, and candidates will need to use one of the following options to proceed:
- Save and Next: Save your answer and move to the next question.
- Clear Response: Clear the selected answer if you want to leave it blank.
- Mark for Review and Next: Mark the question for review and move forward.
It is important to remember that once a candidate clicks Save and Next, they cannot go back to edit that answer. If unsure of an answer, it is advisable to choose Mark for Review and Next and revisit the question before the sectional time limit expires.
According to CAT Exam Pattern 2025, if a question is not answered or not saved before the time runs out, it will be treated as unanswered and awarded zero marks. Therefore, understanding how to properly mark, review, and submit answers is essential for maximizing your score.
CAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Overall and Sectional Time Limit
The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 follows a sectional time-limit structure. This means candidates must attempt each section within the given time frame and follow a fixed order throughout the test. There is no option to choose which section to start with or switch between sections during the exam.
As per the CAT Exam Pattern 2025, the sections will appear in the following order:
- Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Candidates must solve the CAT 2025 question paper in this exact sequence without skipping or revisiting previous sections
CAT Exam Time Duration
As per the CAT Exam Pattern 2025, aspirants must complete each section within 40 minutes. Once the allotted time for a section is over, the test screen will automatically move to the next section, and candidates will not be able to make any changes, corrections, or submit any pending answers from the previous section.
The section-wise number of questions and time limit in CAT Exam Pattern 2025 are summarized in the table below:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
24 Questions |
40 Minutes
|
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
22 Questions |
40 Minutes |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
22 Questions |
40 Minutes |
Candidates should plan their strategy accordingly to maximize accuracy and attempt within the fixed time limits in the CAT Exam Pattern 2025.
Important Points About CAT Test Process
Here are the key points based on the CAT Exam Pattern 2025 guidelines:
- Onscreen Calculator: Candidates can use the onscreen calculator for calculations during the exam.
- Onscreen Clock: A visible timer will help candidates track the remaining time in each section.
- Sectional Time Limit: Each section has a strict 40-minute time limit. After this, the screen will automatically move to the next section.
- No Backtracking: Candidates cannot return to previous sections after time runs out.
- Mark for Review: Candidates can mark questions as ‘Mark for Review‘, but they must revisit and submit answers within the same section.
- Instructions Page: Important instructions about saving and submitting answers will appear on the first page of the test. Candidates must read these carefully.
- Official Mock Test: Aspirants are advised to practice with the official CAT mock test and go through the official test guide to understand the process.
- Rough Work Sheets: Paper sheets will be provided for rough work, which must be returned before leaving the exam hall.
- Login Rules: Candidates can only log in after the invigilator’s announcement; early login is not allowed.
- Seating Rule: Candidates must sit at their designated seats throughout the exam. Sitting elsewhere may lead to disqualification.
- Time Management Tip: It is recommended to complete each section 5-10 minutes early to revisit marked questions.
- Test Closure: The test form will close automatically after the total time ends. Candidates must stay seated until the invigilator announces the exit process.
CAT Sections and Important Topics
The CAT Syllabus 2025 is prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and focuses on subjects and topics that help assess essential skills required for future managers. The syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates on key areas such as verbal ability, reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative skills. Here is an overview of the section-wise CAT Syllabus 2025 based on previous years’ question papers:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Odd One Out
- Reading Comprehension passages from business, literature, science, philosophy, and social sciences
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
- Data Interpretation through charts, graphs, tables, caselets, and data sets
- Logical Reasoning with puzzles, arrangements, blood relations, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, and logical sequences
Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
- Arithmetic (percentages, profit-loss, ratio-proportion, averages, time-speed-distance)
- Algebra (linear and quadratic equations, inequalities)
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Number Systems
- Modern Mathematics (permutations-combinations, probability, set theory)
This CAT Syllabus 2025 provides a foundation for preparing effectively for the exam by focusing on key managerial aptitude skills.
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions
The CAT exam pattern 2025 includes three sections:
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
QA (Quantitative Ability)
The exam is 2 hours, with 40 minutes per section, and consists of both MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA). There is +3 for correct answers, -1 for wrong MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA questions. An onscreen calculator and timer are provided.
The CAT 2025 exam pattern is mostly the same as previous years with 68 questions in total. The DILR section has 22 questions, and there is a slight increase in TITA (non-MCQ) questions. Each section gets 40 minutes, and the marking scheme remains +3 for correct answers and -1 for wrong MCQs.
No major changes, just minor adjustments in question distribution.
The CAT 2025 paper will be prepared and conducted by IIM Kozhikode. Every year, a different IIM organizes the exam, and for 2025, IIM Kozhikode is the official conducting body.
Since CAT 2025 is yet to be conducted, it’s too early to comment on its difficulty level. However, based on previous trends, CAT exams usually have a moderate to tough difficulty level, with some sections like DILR often being more challenging. The exact difficulty will be known after the exam is held and students share their feedback.
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CAT. You can appear as many times as you want.