Overview: If you’re targeting CAT 2026, the CAT 2025 Question Paper is your best reality check. It tells you exactly what IIMs tested this year difficulty level, section-wise weightage, question types, traps, and what counted as a good attempt.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
Slot-wise and section-wise overview of the CAT Question Paper 2025 PDF Official
Difficulty level and good attempts
Topic-wise trends in VARC, DILR & QA
How to use the CAT 2025 Question Paper PDF effectively for CAT 2026
Quick links to detailed Toprankers analyses for each slot
Downalod CAT Question Paper 2025 PDFs below
Download Free CAT 2025 Official question Paper PDF
CAT 2025 Question Paper Slot 1
CAT 2025 Question Paper Slot 2
Download CAT 2024 Question Papers PDF
CAT 2024 Question Paper Slot 1
CAT 2024 Question Paper Slot 2
Download CAT 2023 Question Papers PDF
CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 1
CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 2
CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 3
Download CAT 2022 Question Papers PDF
CAT 2022 Question Paper Slot 2
CAT 2022 Question Paper Slot 3
Download CAT 2021 Question Papers PDF
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 1
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 2
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 3
Download CAT 2020 Question Papers PDF
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3
Download CAT 2019 Question Papers PDF
CAT 2019 Question Paper Slot 1
CAT 2019 Question Paper Slot 2
Download CAT 2018 Question Papers PDF
CAT 2018 Question Paper Slot 1
What is the CAT 2025 Question Paper and Why is it Important?
The CAT 2025 Question Paper is the official question set asked across three slots on 30 November 2025. Each slot had the same structure:
3 sections – VARC, DILR, QA
68 questions in total
40 minutes per section, with a strict sectional time limit
As per the official pattern followed in the CAT 2025 exam analysis by Supergrads, the section-wise question distribution was
Understanding this structure from the CAT 2025 question paper helps you plan attempts, manage time, and benchmark yourself correctly. For a live, slot-wise breakdown, you can always refer to the detailed CAT Exam Analysis 2025 by Supergrads.
Practice CAT 2025 Sample Question and Answers
1) If the average of 5 numbers is 24 and the average of the first 3 numbers is 20, what is the average of the last two numbers?
A. 28
B. 30
C. 32
D. 34
Answer: C. 32
2) A number when divided by 7 leaves remainder 4. What will be the remainder when twice the number is divided by 7?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 4
D. 8
Answer: A. 1
3) The ratio of ages of A and B is 3:5. After 8 years, the ratio becomes 5:7. What is A’s present age?
A. 18
B. 21
C. 24
D. 27
4) Answer: A. 18
Five people P, Q, R, S, T are sitting in a row. Q sits to the immediate right of P. R sits at one of the ends. S sits between Q and T. Who sits in the middle?
A. Q
B. S
C. T
D. P
Answer: B. S
5) If in a certain code CAT = 24, DOG = 26, then BAT = ?
A. 23
B. 21
C. 22
D. 20
Answer: C. 22
6) A company’s revenue increased from ₹200 lakh to ₹260 lakh in a year. What is the percentage increase?
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 30%
D. 35%
Answer: C. 30%
7) Choose the correct synonym of “Ephemeral”.
A. Permanent
B. Short-lived
C. Powerful
D. Ancient
Answer: B. Short-lived
8) Choose the correct antonym of “Benevolent”.
A. Kind
B. Cruel
C. Generous
D. Helpful
Answer: B. Cruel
9) Identify the correct sentence.
A. She don’t like coffee.
B. She doesn’t likes coffee.
C. She doesn’t like coffee.
D. She not like coffee.
Answer: C. She doesn’t like coffee.
10) A train 120 m long crosses a pole in 6 seconds. What is its speed?
A. 60 km/h
B. 72 km/h
C. 80 km/h
D. 90 km/h
Answer: B. 72 km/
How Many Questions Were There in the CAT 2025 Question Paper?
The number of questions remained constant across all three slots and matched the pattern given above:
VARC – 24 questions
DILR – 22 questions
QA – 22 questions
For Slot 1, for example, the official analysis shows:
Section
Questions
MCQs
TITA
Difficulty (Slot 1)
Good Attempts (Slot 1)
VARC
24
20
4
Moderate to Hard
18–19 questions
DILR
22
11
11
Moderate
2–2.5 sets
QA
22
15
7
Moderate
15–17 questions
Total
68
46
22
Moderate
15–17 questions overall
A similar distribution was observed in Slots 2 and 3, with minor variations in difficulty and the number of “good attempts”.
Was the CAT 2025 Question Paper Difficult?
Short answer: Overall Moderate, but with sections and slots that definitely stung.
From the consolidated CAT 2025 exam analysis, the difficulty level across slots looked like this:
Parameter
Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
VARC LOD
Moderate to Hard
Moderate
Moderate
DILR LOD
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate to Hard
QA LOD
Moderate
Moderate to Hard
Moderate to Hard
Overall
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate to Hard
Key takeaways:
VARC felt trickier in Slot 1 due to lengthy options and inference-based questions.
DILR was labelled “Difficult” in Slot 2 due to puzzle and Venn-diagram-based sets that demanded careful set selection.
QA in Slots 2 & 3 leaned towards Moderate to Hard, with arithmetic dominating but loaded with calculation traps and slightly tougher Geometry/Algebra questions.
So, if you’re looking at the CAT Question Paper 2025 PDF for prep, expect a moderate but trap-heavy paper, especially in DILR and QA.
How Did the CAT 2025 Question Paper vary across Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3?
Even though the pattern remained the same, the content and feel across slots varied.
Slot-wise flavour of the CAT 2025 official question paper
Feature
Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Overall difficulty
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate to Hard
VARC difficulty
Moderate to Hard
Moderate
Moderate
DILR difficulty
Moderate
Moderate to Difficult
Moderate to Difficult
QA difficulty
Moderate
Moderate to Hard
Moderate to Hard
VARC
Inference-based RCs and close options
Balanced mix of fact and inference RCs
Idea and argument-driven RCs
DILR
Mix of tables, charts and puzzles
Venn diagrams and puzzle-heavy sets
Graphs, arrangements and mixed logic sets
QA
Arithmetic is heavy with geometry traps
Arithmetic and algebra with time-consuming questions
Arithmetic plus strong algebra and geometry presence
Ideal overall strategy
Aim for balanced attempts in all 3 sections
Strong DILR selection and time control
High accuracy, focus on Q,A and careful set selection in DILR
How was the VARC Section in the CAT 2025 Question Paper?
Here are the details about the VARC section of the CAT 2025 question paper:
Parameter
Value
Total questions
24
RC questions
16
VA questions
8
VA pattern
2 Para Jumbles, 2 Odd One Out, 2 Para Completion, 2 Para Summary
Section time
40 minutes
Overall role
The primary scoring section for many aspirants
Aspect
Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Overall difficulty
Moderate to Hard
Moderate
Moderate
RC themes
Inequality, normal distribution, and electronic music debate
AI and technology, astronomy, and literature
Ethics and AI, dams, tribal inspiration, public acts
RC challenge type
Inference-heavy with close answer options
Some passages are denser and abstract
Focus on the main idea and argument-based questions
VA mix
Standard CAT pattern, medium difficulty
Similar pattern, slightly easier than RC
Balanced and mostly moderate
Good attempts (approx)
18 to 19 questions
15 to 17 questions
16 to 18 questions
For in-depth RC and VA breakdowns, refer to the slot-wise pages linked above and the main CAT Exam Analysis 2025.
How was the DILR section in the CAT 2025 Question Paper?
DILR remained the make-or-break section.
CAT 2025 official question paper Overall DILR structure & difficulty
QA in Slots 2 & 3 followed similar trends – arithmetic-heavy, but with lengthy calculations and a tricky Geometry/Algebra layer, making the overall section Moderate to Hard.
What are Considered Good Attempts in the CAT 2025 Question Paper?
From the consolidated CAT 2025 exam analysis, here’s what counted as good attempts in each slot:
Section
Slot 1 Good Attempts
Slot 2 Good Attempts
Slot 3 Good Attempts
VARC
18–19 questions
15–17 questions
16–18 questions
DILR
2–3 sets
2–2.5 sets / 13–14 Qs
2–2.5 sets
QA
15–17 questions
10–12 questions
9–10 questions
Overall
~15–17 Qs (balanced)
Moderate overall
Moderate to Hard
Remember: good attempts ≠ raw score. It assumes high accuracy (80%+). When you solve the CAT 2025 Question Paper PDF, time yourself and track both attempts and accuracy
What Score in the CAT 2025 Question Paper is Needed for 99+ percentile?
Based on the CAT 2025 expected cut-off analysis by Supergrads, the approximate scores for 99+ and 95+ percentiles were:
Section
Score for 99+ %ile
Score for 95+ %ile
VARC
48–54
42–45
DILR
30–36
24–27
QA
27–30
21–24
Use this while you attempt CAT 2025 slot-wise question paper PDFs as mocks:
Convert your raw score using the marking scheme
Compare with these bands to see where you stand
For detailed slot-wise difficulty and expected cut-offs, refer again to the master CAT Exam Analysis 2025 page.
How can you use the CAT 2025 Question Paper PDF for CAT 2026 preparation?
Here’s how to squeeze maximum value from the CAT 2025 slot-wise question paper:
✅Take it as a full mock
Simulate real exam conditions: 40 minutes per section, no pause.
Maintain the MCQ/TITA mix and marking scheme.
✅Do a section-wise post-mortem
Check which RC topics, DILR set types, or QA chapters hurt the most.
Compare your experience with the official slot analyses:
Prep takeaway:
You can’t dodge Arithmetic. Make it your strongest section, then build comfort in Algebra & Geometry.
What are the best tips for CAT 2026 aspirants based on the CAT 2025 question paper?
The CAT 2025 question paper gives a very clear picture of what serious aspirants should focus on for CAT 2026.
The paper was overall moderate in level and aligned with the CAT syllabus, but featured trap-heavy questions, a strong emphasis on Arithmetic in QA, RC-heavy VARC, and set-selection–dominated DILR..
If you use the CAT 2025 paper smartly, it can become a blueprint for your CAT 2026 strategy rather than just another mock.
Overall Preparation and Exam Strategy Tips
CAT 2025 reinforced that accuracy and smart selection matter more than attempting everything. Difficulty varied slightly across slots, but the pattern and section structure remained consistent.
For CAT 2026, your focus should be on building a stable base in all three sections, practising with strict sectional timing, and training yourself to stay calm even if one section feels tougher than expected.
Focus on accuracy first, rather than making blind attempts.
Prepare for a range of difficulty levels, not just one fixed pattern.
Take regular sectional tests with a 40-minute limit per section.
Aim for sensible attempts with high accuracy rather than trying to answer every question.
Treat each section independently in the exam and avoid carrying stress from one section into the next.
VARC-specific tips from CAT 2025 Question Paper
In CAT question paper 2025 pdf, VARC was heavily driven by Reading Comprehension, with para-based questions forming a stable pattern in Verbal Ability.
As per the CAT exam pattern, the questions were largely inference-based with close answer options, which means that for CAT 2026, you must improve the depth of your reading and your ability to differentiate between similar options.Consistent reading and focused practice on para-based tasks will make VARC a strong scoring section.
Read one or two quality articles daily from diverse areas like economics, science, technology and social issues.
Practise RC sets regularly with strict time limits and review why the wrong options are wrong.
Make a daily exercise for jumbles, summaries, and completion problems.
Train yourself to understand tone, central idea, and author intent, rather than just scanning for keywords.
After every VARC practice set, write down one or two key learnings about mistakes in option selection.
DILR-specific tips from CAT 2025 Question Paper
The DILR section in CAT 2025 ranged from moderate to difficult, clearly showing that set selection is the real game-changer.
Many sets were solvable but time-consuming, while others looked complex but were actually structured and approachable.
For CAT 2026, you should learn to quickly scan all sets, pick two or three that suit your strengths, and avoid falling into the trap of spending too long on one puzzle.
Practice scanning all sets in a mock before deciding which ones to attempt.
Build comfort with common patterns such as arrangements, Venn diagrams and tabular data sets.
Regularly solve fewer but tougher sets in depth so that your stamina and patience improve.
Analyse every mock to identify which set types you handle best and which you should avoid in the exam.
Learn to walk away from a set if you are stuck for too long, even if you have already invested effort in it.
QA specific tips from CAT 2025 Slot-wise Question Paper
CAT 2025 QA confirmed that Arithmetic is the backbone of the section, supported by Algebra, Geometry and a few Number System questions.
Many questions were of moderate difficulty but calculation-intensive. For CAT 2026, it is essential to build a rock-solid Arithmetic base first, then layer it with conceptual clarity in Algebra and Geometry, and finally increase calculation speed so that moderate questions do not eat up your time.
Master core Arithmetic topics like ratio, percentage, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, and time, speed and distance.
Once Arithmetic is strong, systematically cover Algebra and Geometry with a chapter-wise schedule.
Practise mental calculations and approximations to handle calculation-heavy questions faster.
Use TITA questions wisely for educated attempts when there is no negative marking risk.
In mocks, clearly mark questions that you could have solved but missed due to speed or panic and revisit them later.
How should CAT 2026 Aspirants use the CAT Question Paper 2025 in their Preparation?
The CAT 2025 question paper, along with the CAT previous year question paper, should not be treated as just another mock test; it is a benchmark that reflects the actual exam difficulty, topic mix, and question style.
For CAT 2026, you can use this paper at different stages of your preparation to assess your level, sharpen your strategy and build a personal bank of high-value questions that you revise multiple times.
In the early phase, solve selected questions from the paper, topic-wise, to understand the pattern and difficulty of each chapter.
In the mid phase, take the complete CAT 2025 paper as a timed mock with section-wise time limits.
In the later phase, revisit only the toughest and trickiest questions from all three sections and re-solve them.
After every attempt, classify each mistake as a concept error, a speed issue, or an exam temperament issue, and plan targeted improvement.
Compare your scores and attempts against realistic benchmarks derived from the CAT 2025 analysis to measure progress.
What is the CAT 2025 question paper and why is it important for CAT 2026 aspirants?
How many questions are there in the CAT 2025 question paper and how are they divided?
Was the CAT question paper 2025 difficult?
How can I use the CAT question paper 2025 effectively for CAT 2026 preparation?
Which topics were most important in the CAT question paper 2025?
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