CAT Exam Pattern 2025, Check Section Wise Weightage, Marking Scheme

CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), which also sets the exam's pattern and syllabus. For 2025, the CAT exam is scheduled to be held on November 30, 2025. Like recent years, CAT 2025 is expected to retain the three-section structure.

This year’s exam will consist of 66 questions in total, a continuation of the format introduced after moving away from the earlier versions that featured 76 or even 100 questions. To perform well, candidates must familiarize themselves with the updated exam format and marking scheme based on recent trends, particularly the CAT 2025 model. This article covers all the important details of the CAT Exam Pattern 2025, including the section-wise question distribution, marking scheme, exam duration, and other essential updates.

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CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The CAT 2025 exam pattern is designed to test your skills in the smartest way possible. It includes three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. You’ll face a mix of multiple-choice and non-MCQ questions, all within a tight 2-hour window. Knowing the pattern well can give you a big edge, so get familiar, plan your strategy, and boost your chances to shine in CAT 2025.

CAT Exam Pattern 2025 Overview

Understanding the CAT exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. It not only familiarizes candidates with the paper structure but also enables them to devise a smart strategy to manage time and maximize attempts within the allotted duration.

Aspirants planning to appear for CAT 2025 must stay updated with the latest exam format and syllabus. According to the expected structure, CAT 2025 will be conducted in three sessions morning, afternoon, and evening—on November 30, 2025, in a computer-based test (CBT) mode. Below is an overview CAT 2025 exam pattern:

Also Read: CAT Syllabus 2025

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CAT Exam Pattern 2025 Total Marks

The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 is designed to test your skills in a clear and balanced way. The test will have three sections: Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability with a total of 100 questions. The maximum marks you can score are 300, with each correct answer earning 3 points and a penalty of 1 point for every wrong answer. Knowing the pattern well can boost your confidence and help you strategize your preparation to score high in CAT 2025.

Latest CAT 2025 Section-Wise Questions and Mark Allotment

As per the updated CAT exam pattern, the test duration is now 2 hours, a change from the previous 3-hour format once followed by the IIMs. Below are the key features of the CAT 2025 exam pattern:

• CAT 2025 will be held in three sessions – morning, afternoon, and evening.

• The question paper will consist of 66 questions in total, including both MCQs and non-MCQs.

• Each section is allotted 40 minutes, and once the time ends, candidates cannot revisit or modify answers from that particular section.

• The section-wise structure of CAT 2025 is detailed in the table below. It covers the sequence of sections, question types (with or without negative marking), number of questions, and key features of each section:

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CAT Exam 2025: Time Distribution

As per the CAT 2025 exam pattern, candidates are required to strictly follow the time limit assigned to each section. Once the timer for a section runs out, the screen will automatically move to the next section, and no further changes or reviews can be made to the previous one.

The table below gives a detailed breakdown of the section-wise question count and time allocation in the CAT 2025 exam:

 Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

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Marking Scheme for CAT 2025 Exam

The marking scheme for CAT 2025 plays a vital role in calculating a candidate’s overall score. The scoring guidelines for the exam are outlined below:

• +3 marks are awarded for each correct answer.

• 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response in MCQ-type questions.

• No negative marking applies to incorrect or unattempted non-MCQ questions.

The table below provides a clear breakdown of the CAT exam marking scheme:

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Difficulty Level of CAT Exam in Previous Years

The CAT exam pattern is periodically revised by the IIMs, typically every 2 to 3 years, to align with evolving testing standards and candidate performance trends. Alongside these structural changes, the difficulty level of the exam also tends to fluctuate annually, impacting both preparation strategies and cut-off scores.

These changes may include variations in the number of questions, time duration, question types (MCQs and non-MCQs), and sectional time limits. Understanding past trends can help aspirants anticipate possible adjustments in future editions. The table below highlights the evolution of the CAT exam pattern over the last 10 years:

 Also Read: CAT 2025 Exam

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