July 18, 2025
Overview: The CAT exam pattern 2025 is expected to be similar to CAT 2024, consisting of 68 questions. The CAT exam 2025, scheduled for 30 November 2025, will be conducted online by IIM Kozhikode. Read on to learn the CAT exam paper pattern and syllabus structure.
The CAT 2025 exam paper remains unchanged, with an overall duration of 2 hours. Each section has a 40-minute time limit. Below are the CAT exam pattern and details for 2025:
The CAT exam 2025 will be conducted on 30th November by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode. The CAT exam structure 2024 has shown some minor changes, which are also expected for the CAT 2025 exam.
There are three major sections in the CAT 2025 question paper:
CAT Exam Sections | Number of Questions | Weightage (Marks) |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 66 |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 |
Check: CAT Cut Off for IIMs
How many questions are there in the CAT exam 2025? Well, based on the previous years' trends, the CAT 2025 exam is expected to maintain a similar pattern:
Check: CAT Total marks and Questions
There have been numerous changes in the CAT exam paper pattern process over the past few years. From 2014 to 2019, the total number of CAT questions was 100, and the overall score for the CAT 2025 exam pattern was 300.
Later, it changed to 76 questions in 2020, 66 from 2021 to 2023 and 68 questions in CAT 2024 question paper. Here is the CAT exam question pattern and details over the years:
CAT Exam Year | Number of Questions in CAT Exam over the Years | CAT Exam Time Duration Over the Years | CAT Sections Over the Years |
2024 | 68 | 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 |
Note* The CAT exam 2024 has 68 questions overall, 22 of which are asked in the DILR section, totalling 204 marks.
Read in Detail: How to fill CAT registration form?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a competitive exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their MBA programs. Below is the CAT exam pattern observed in 2024; the same exam structure is expected in 2025 also, this includes:
CAT Exam Sections | Total No. of Questions | MCQs | TITA Question | Marks | Duration |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 21 | 2 | 72 | 40 min |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) | 22 | 14 | 10 | 66 | 40 min |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 14 | 8 | 66 | 40 min |
Total | 68 | 49 | 20 | 204 | 120 (2 hours) |
The exam is highly challenging and requires a solid understanding of the CAT exam syllabus, as well as the ability to solve complex problems.
Check Here| Direct Link to Download CAT 2025 Admit Card
The CAT exam pattern 2025 consists of 68 questions that must be completed within 2 hours. Each question carries negative markings, creating a high-stress level for test takers to choose the right option.
Therefore, aspirants need to practice mock tests before the main exam to understand how to manage their time and speed during the exam. Here are some key points regarding the CAT marking scheme for 2025:
Practicing the CAT exam model paper or previous years' papers will be a plus for candidates who want to score in the top percentile in 2025.
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 |
Total | 68 | 204 |
Note* It is advised to attempt approximately 2/3rd of the questions in each section to clear the cutoff. To understand better the CAT exam marking scheme, refer to the below-mentioned table:
Also Check: CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
The CAT paper pattern consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section is allotted 40 minutes, so candidates can only attempt it within that time frame.
Once the time limit is over, the next section will automatically appear on the screen. Additionally, the CAT exam pattern 2025 follows the same sequence of sections: VARC > DILR> QA.
Candidates will need to manage their time wisely, as each section requires focused attention and strategic planning to succeed. The CAT 2025 exam pattern will play a crucial role in determining the most effective approach to time management.
Note* You cannot switch over the sections instead you need to follow the sequence laid out in the exam.
Read More | CAT 2025 Maths Syllabus Section-wise
Although all the MBA entrance exams share some common features, there are still some differences between them, such as XAT, CMAT, MAT, GMAT, NMAT, and SNAP. So, let’s have a look at the differences between the CAT exam pattern and other MBA entrance exams:
Exam Name |
Time Duration |
No. of Questions |
Sections |
Overall Score |
CAT |
120 minutes |
68 |
3 |
204 |
XAT |
180 minutes |
95 |
4 |
95 |
CMAT |
180 minutes |
100 |
5 |
400 |
MAT |
120 minutes |
150 |
5 |
150 |
NMAT |
120 minutes |
108 |
3 |
36-360 |
SNAP |
60 minutes |
60 |
3 |
60 |
Check: CAT Exam is for What Purpose
The CAT exam comprises both multiple-choice questions (MCQS) and non-MCQs, also known as Type-in-the-Answer (TITA) questions.
MCQs present candidates with four or five answer choices, requiring them to select the correct one.
In contrast, TITA questions require candidates to directly type the answer into a text box, without any options provided. A key difference lies in the marking scheme: while MCQs carry a penalty for incorrect answers, TITA questions do not.
The distribution of these question types across the three sections Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) varies each year. Here's the typical distribution:
CAT 2025 Exam Sections |
No of questions |
MCQs |
Non-MCQs |
VARC |
24 |
22 |
2 |
DILR |
22 |
12 |
10 |
QA |
22 |
14 |
8 |
Total |
68 |
48 |
20 |
While the overall CAT exam pattern remains consistent across slots, there can be some minor variations:
1. Number of Questions
The total number of questions and their distribution across sections (VARC, DILR, and QA) are generally the same across all slots.
2. Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of questions may vary slightly between slots. IIMs try to maintain a similar difficulty level, but some slots might be perceived as slightly easier or more challenging by test-takers.
3. Question Variation
The actual questions within each section will differ across slots to prevent any potential issues with exam integrity. This means candidates will encounter different sets of questions for VARC, DILR, and QA in each slot.
4. Normalization
To account for any variations in difficulty level across slots, IIMs use a normalization process. This process adjusts the scores of candidates to ensure fairness and that no candidate is advantaged or disadvantaged due to the specific slot they appeared in.
5. Sectional Order and Timing
The order of the sections and the time allotted for each section remain the same across all slots. Candidates will have a specific time limit for each section, and they cannot switch between sections during the exam.
Read more: Important CAT Quant Topics
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of the CAT exam assesses a candidate's ability to interpret data and apply logic to solve problems.
This section typically presents data in various formats, such as tables, charts, and graphs, combined with logical reasoning questions.
The key focus is on evaluating how well candidates can analyze information, identify patterns, and draw valid conclusions. The DILR section contains a mix of MCQs and TITA questions.
CAT 2025 Exam Sections |
No of questions |
MCQs |
Non-MCQs |
DILR |
22 |
12 |
10 |
Learn More | How to Prepare for CAT Exam in One Year?
Learn More: Logical Reasoning Questions and Answers for CAT
The Quantitative Ability (QA) section of the CAT exam tests a candidate's mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.
This section covers a wide range of topics, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern mathematics.
The QA section aims to assess a candidate's understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts, their ability to apply these concepts to solve complex problems, and their speed and accuracy in calculations.
Similar to other sections, QA includes both MCQs and TITA questions.
CAT 2025 Exam Sections |
No of questions |
MCQs |
Non-MCQs |
QA |
22 |
14 |
8 |
Read More: CAT Cut Off For IIMs
Understanding the CAT exam pattern is crucial for developing an effective preparation strategy. Here are some key points to consider:
Practice: CAT QA Questions with Answers
To use the CAT exam pattern for smart preparation, consider the following strategies:
Read more: Complete Details on CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria.
The CAT exam pattern 2025 is expected to be similar to the CAT 2024 exam. To score well, you must understand the exam format and the nature of the questions.
Familiarise yourself with the CAT 2025 paper pattern and syllabus to maximize your chances of scoring high.
With the right preparation and practice, you can ace the CAT exam and achieve your desired score. Again, the PDF of the CAT 2025 exam pattern has not been released from any official source.
Explore More | About CAT Exam Courses
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