CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Learn About Exam Duration, Total Marks and Marking Scheme
Learn about CAT Exam Pattern 2025. Discover the test format, sections, and types of questions you’ll face. Get all the details about CAT Exam Pattern 2025 to prepare effectively for the exam.
Shivani Kumari25 Nov, 2024
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CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Based on past trends, the CAT 2025 exam is expected to take place on the last Sunday of November 2025, with the official notification likely to be released towards the end of July 2025. The CAT serves as the gateway for admissions to MBA programs at top business schools in India. To be eligible for CAT 2025, candidates must hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade point average of 50% (45% for reserved categories).
CAT Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
The CAT exam pattern 2025, as prescribed by the IIMs, features 66 objective-type questions, including Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions, to be completed within 120 minutes. This time is divided into three sections, with 40 minutes allotted for each section. Given that CAT is a speed-based exam, candidates are expected to solve each question in just a few seconds.|
CAT Paper Pattern 2025 Highlights |
|
| Mode of CAT exam | Computer Based Test |
| Duration of exam |
|
| Number of questions | 66 |
| CAT total marks | 198 |
| Language of question paper | English |
| Number of answer choices | 4 |
| Question Type | MCQ and non-MCQ |
Changes in CAT Exam Pattern Over The Years
The CAT exam pattern 2025 has changed several times over the years. Ten years ago, Data Interpretation (DI) was combined with Quantitative Ability (QA). Later, DI was combined with Logical Reasoning (LR) and QA became its own section. Until 2019, the CAT was a 3-hour exam held in 2 shifts.| Also Read | |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | CAT Registration 2025 |
| CAT Eligibility Criteria2025 | CAT Exam 2025 |
| Changes in CAT Question Paper Pattern Over The Years | |||
| CAT Year | Number of Questions | CAT Exam Time Duration | CAT Sections |
| 2024 | 66 | 120 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2023 | 66 | 120 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2022 | 66 | 120 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2021 | 66 | 120 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2020 | 76 | 120 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2019 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2018 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2017 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2016 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2015 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
| 2014 | 100 | 170 minutes | QA & DI, LR & VARC |
| 2013 | 60 | 140 minutes | QA & DI, LR & VARC |
| 2012 | 60 | 140 minutes | QA & DI, LR & VARC |
| 2011 | 60 | 140 minutes | QA & DI, LR & VARC |
| 2010 | 60 | 150 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
CAT Marking Scheme 2025
The CAT exam has negative marking, which means you will lose marks for each wrong answer. So, it’s important to answer questions carefully to get better scores. Here are the key points about the CAT marking scheme 2025:- The total marks for CAT 2025 will be 198.
- Each question is worth 3 marks.
- You will lose 1 mark for each wrong answer.
- You don’t have to answer all the questions.
- There is no penalty for skipping questions.
- Some questions in the QA section might not be multiple-choice.
- There is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions.
| CAT Marking Scheme 2025 | |||
| CAT Sections | Number of Questions | Marks Per Question | CAT Negative Marking (Only MCQ) |
| VARC | 24 | 3 | -1 |
| DILR | 20 | 3 | -1 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 3 | -1 |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Overall and Sectional Time Limit
The CAT 2025 exam has a sectional time-limit, meaning you have to complete each section in a set order and within a specific time. You cannot choose which section to start with or switch between sections. You must follow the order below:- Section 1 : Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Section 2 : Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Section 3 : Quantitative Aptitude
CAT Exam Time Duration 2025
According to the official CAT exam pattern 2025, you must complete each section in 40 minutes. After the 40 minutes for a section are up, you cannot make any changes, corrections, or submissions for that section. The table below summarizes the number of questions and the time limit for each section of the CAT exam:| CAT Exam Time Duration 2025 | |||
| CAT Exam Sections | No. of Questions | Time limit | Time limit for PwD students |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| Total | 66 | 120 minutes | 160 minutes |
Important Points About CAT Test Process 2025
Students for the CAT 2025 exam:- You will be allowed to use an onscreen calculator for calculations.
- An onscreen clock will help you keep track of time.
- The screen will automatically move to the next section after 40 minutes. Once you move to the next section, you cannot go back.
- Instructions on how to save answers and other details will be provided on the first page of the test. Be sure to read these instructions carefully.
- To get familiar with the online test process, take the official CAT mock test and review the official test guide.
- You will be given sheets of paper for rough work, which must be submitted before leaving the exam hall.
- You cannot start the test before the scheduled time; you can only log in after the invigilator’s announcement.
- Sit in your assigned seat throughout the exam. If you are found sitting elsewhere, you will be disqualified.
- Aim to complete each section 5-10 minutes early so you have time to review any questions you saved for later.
CAT Syllabus 2025 and Important Topics
The official CAT syllabus 2025 for VARC, DILR, and QA is not released by the IIMs. However, by looking at past CAT question papers , we can identify the main topics covered in the exam. The CAT is an aptitude test, with a focus on quantitative skills, but many candidates find the English section challenging. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions can also be tough if you haven't practiced enough. Below are the main topics for the CAT 2025 syllabus based on previous years’ question papers:| CAT Sections | CAT Syllabus 2025 |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Parajumbles, Sentence-Completion, Reading Comprehension, Para-Summary, Inferences |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets, Blood Relation, Venn Diagram, Seating Arrangement and Syllogism |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest-Compound Interest, Time & Distance, Averages-Mixtures-Allegations, Numbers, Mensuration, Logarithms, Functions & Graphs, Indices & Surds, Quadratic Equations, Special Equations, Statistics |
CAT Test Pattern 2025: How to Mark Answers?
The CAT exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. This means you will enter your answers on a computer using a mouse. You can use the keyboard only for TITA (Type in the Answer) questions. For each CAT question, you will be given four options. You need to select the correct answer and then click one of the following options to move to the next question:- Save and Next
- Clear Response
- Mark for Review and Next
Difference Between CAT Exam Pattern and Other MBA Entrance Exams
If you prepare for the CAT exam, you can also do well in other MBA entrance exams with just a bit of extra preparation. Below are some key differences between the CAT exam pattern and other MBA entrance exams like XAT, CMAT, MAT, IIFT, GMAT, NMAT, and SNAP. Knowing these differences will help you understand how challenging the CAT exam is.| Difference Between CAT Exam Pattern and Other MBA Entrance Exams | ||||
| Exam Name | Time Duration | No. of Questions | Sections | Total Marks |
| CAT | 120 minutes | 66 | 3 | 198 |
| XAT | 180 minutes | 95 | 4 | 95 |
| CMAT | 180 minutes | 100 | 5 | 400 |
| MAT | 120 minutes | 150 | 5 | 150 |
| GMAT | 187 minutes | 70 | 4 | 200-800 |
| NMAT | 120 minutes | 108 | 3 | 36-360 |
| SNAP | 60 minutes | 60 | 3 | 60 |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
What is the duration of the CAT 2025 exam?
The CAT 2025 exam will last for 120 minutes. It is divided into three sections, each with a 40-minute time limit.
How many questions are there in the CAT 2025 exam?
The CAT 2025 exam will have a total of 66 questions. These include both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
What is the marking scheme for CAT 2025?
Each question in the CAT 2025 exam is worth 3 marks. There is a penalty of 1 mark for each wrong answer. There is no negative marking for TITA questions.
Can I switch between sections during the CAT 2025 exam?
No, you cannot switch between sections. You must complete each section in the given order and within the allotted 40 minutes for each section.
What should I do if I want to review questions?
Aim to finish each section 5-10 minutes early so you have time to review any questions you marked for review. Make sure to read the instructions provided on the test screen carefully.
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