CAT 2025 Answer Key Analysis: Objection Process and Score Calculation

CAT 2025 Answer Key Analysis is the first step for candidates, which helps candidates to evaluate their performance in the CAT exam.  With the answer key, candidates can estimate their raw scores for the top management programs of India. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) release the official CAT 2025 Provisional Key on the official IIM CAT website. With this,  candidates are able to view the correct responses, their recorded answers, and the question paper for their specific slot. 

This initial release is very important as it opens a short window for the CAT Answer Key Challenge. It leads to the final, undisputed answer key. A proper CAT 2025 Answer Key Analysis is the first step in a way to calculate the estimated percentile and then plan for different selection rounds like Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI).

CAT 2025 Answer Key Analysis Overview 

The CAT Answer Key is released within one or two weeks after the computer-based test (CBT). It is available for a limited period of time. It gives candidates a chance to cross-check their responses against the official IIM-provided answers.

The table below reveals the expected dates for the CAT 2025 Answer Key and related events, which is estimated based on the schedule of the previous years. One should note that these dates are tentative, and candidates need to refer to the official IIM CAT website for confirmed notifications.

Steps to Check CAT 2025 Answer Key

 Candidates can access the CAT Answer Key 2025 and their individual response sheet by following a simple procedure on the official IIM CAT portal. Here are the steps:

Visit the Official IIM CAT Website: Go to the official Common Admission Test website @iimcat.ac.in

Locate the Login or Score Card Link: Find and click on the 'Candidate Login' or 'CAT 2025 Answer Key' link.

Enter Credentials: Log in using your registered CAT ID and password or date of birth.

View Response Sheet: Once logged in, click on the tab that displays the 'Candidate Response Sheet' and the 'Answer Key'.

Download and Save: The key and your response sheet will be displayed. It is suggested to download and save both documents as PDFs for future reference. 

CAT 2025 Provisional Answer Key and Objection Process

The first key released by the conducting IIM is the Provisional Key. This key allows for the necessary step of scrutiny by the candidates, ensuring transparency in the evaluation process. If a candidate finds any discrepancy, they can file an objection. The CAT Objection Process is a time-bound window where candidates formally challenge an answer provided in the provisional key.

Steps for Filing a CAT Answer Key Challenge

If you find any discrepancy in the provisional CAT answer key, you have the option to raise an objection online. Candidates must follow a structured process to ensure their challenge is accepted and evaluated by the exam authority. Make sure you keep the Question ID, response details, and supporting documents ready before initiating the objection.

The process to raise a challenge against the official provisional key is as follows:

• Login to the Official Portal: Access the candidate login window on the IIM CAT official website.
• Select the Objection Tab: Click on the 'Objection Form' or 'Challenge Key' link.
• Identify the Question: Select the specific section (VARC, DILR, or QA), the slot, and the Question ID you wish to challenge.
• Provide Rationale and Proof: Clearly state the nature of the objection (e.g., incorrect option marked, ambiguity in question) and upload supporting documents or resources.
• Pay the Objection Fee: A specified fee per question must be paid online to successfully submit the challenge. This fee is generally refunded only if the objection of the candidate is accepted by the panel of experts.

CAT 2025 Marking Scheme for Score Calculation

The first and most important step in the CAT 2025 Answer Key Analysis is to use the official marking scheme to calculate the raw score. The marking scheme was consistent over the past few years. The table below mentions the marking scheme: 

How to Calculate CAT Score?

Having an understanding of how CAT score is calculated helps candidates estimate their performance even before the official results. The CAT exam includes MCQs and TITA questions, carrying different rules. Candidates can quickly find their estimated raw score with the use of the standard scoring formula. One can use the following formula to determine the estimated raw score:

Estimated Raw Score = (Number of Correct MCQs x 3) + (Number of Correct TITA Questions x 3) - (Number of Incorrect MCQs x 1)

Example Calculation Steps:

Count Correct MCQs: Identify the number of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that are answered correctly in all three sections (VARC, DILR, QA).

Count Incorrect MCQs: Count the number of MCQs answered incorrectly.

Count Correct TITA: Count the number of correctly answered TITA (Type in the Answer) questions.

Apply Formula:

If you got 40 MCQs correct, 10 MCQs incorrect, and 10 TITA correct:

(40 x 3) + (10 x 3) - (10 x 1)

120 + 30 - 10 = 140 Raw Score

Importance of CAT 2025 Answer Key Analysis

CAT Answer Key 2025 Analysis by the IIM extends beyond just calculating the raw score. It serves several important purposes for aspiring management students:

Accuracy Check: It allows candidates to verify their performance against the official IIM standard, eliminating guesswork.

Percentile Estimation: The raw score, combined with the difficulty level analysis conducted by experts, helps in predicting the likely percentile range, which is essential for shortlisting B-Schools.

Post-Exam Strategy: A good score calculation confirms that you should immediately shift your focus to preparing for the next phases: GD, WAT, and PI.

Gap Identification: Reviewing the official answers helps identify conceptual weak areas or common mistakes, providing valuable lessons for future attempts (if required) or competitive exams.