CAT 2025 has introduced important changes that directly affect how students should prepare for the exam. While the total number of questions remains around 68, the sectional structure has shifted slightly—VARC now has 24 questions, DILR and QA have 22 each. A notable change is the increase in TITA (Type in the Answer) questions, especially in the QA section, which now includes around 30–35% TITA questions. These questions have no negative marking but demand greater accuracy.
The exam duration is still 120 minutes, with 40 minutes per section, but increased question complexity and a higher share of non-MCQs make time management more challenging. Mock tests show a higher difficulty level, particularly in DILR and Quant, requiring students to focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.
Understanding and adapting to these changes is essential for success in CAT 2025. A strategic approach, smart preparation, and consistent mock test practice are now more important than ever.
Recent CAT Pattern Changes for 2025
CAT 2025 has seen a few key updates in its exam pattern that all aspirants should know. While the total number of questions remains close to 68, the section-wise distribution, TITA vs MCQ ratio, and question difficulty have changed. The DILR and QA sections are now more challenging, and TITA questions (without options) are more common, especially in Quant. Understanding these changes will help students plan their preparation and time management better for each section.
1. Number of Questions
- The total number of questions has remained around 68, but the sectional composition has changed slightly.
- VARC: 24 questions
- DILR: 22 questions
- QA: 22 questions
2. TITA (Type in the Answer) vs MCQ Ratio
- TITA questions have increased in number. In QA, almost 30–35% of the questions are now TITA, which has no negative marking.
- This shift encourages more calculated risk taking & impacts time management, especially in Quant, where lengthy calculations are common.
3. Time Allocation
- The overall exam duration remains at 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted per section.
- However, the internal time pressure has increased due to a rise in question complexity and the higher proportion of non-MCQ questions requiring precise input without options to guide.
4. Increased Difficulty Level
- Many coaching institutes and candidates report that CAT 2025 mock papers have shown a higher difficulty level, particularly in DILR and QA.
- The logical reasoning sets are more puzzle-based and data-heavy, while Quant focuses more on application than formula memorisation.
Note: In CAT 2024, the total number of questions increased from 66 to 68, with a noticeable change in the DILR section, which saw a rise from 20 to 22 questions. Unlike the usual pattern of 4 sets with 5 questions each, the DILR section featured 3 sets of 4 questions and 2 sets of 5 questions, introducing a new structure for test-takers. Additionally, the difficulty level varied across the three slots, with Slot 1 being the easiest and Slot 3 reported as the toughest.
Also Check: Five-Year Trend Analysis: How CAT Question Patterns Have Evolved
Impact on Student Performance in CAT 2025
Changes in the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern have directly influenced how students need to prepare and perform. With more TITA questions, stricter time limits & varying difficulty levels, candidates must focus on accuracy, smart time management, and regular practice with updated mock tests.
- Higher Focus on Accuracy in CAT 2025: With more TITA questions (no options), accuracy matters more—guessing won’t help.
- Increased Time Pressure in CAT 2025: The fixed 40-minute limit per section and a rise in complex questions make time management more challenging.
- Strategic Planning is Crucial for CAT 2025: Students must plan how to tackle each section smartly—know the question types, difficulty, and time allocation.
- Fluctuating Difficulty Across CAT 2025 Slots: While IIMs aim for fairness, slot-wise variation in difficulty is possible, so flexibility in approach is essential.
- Mock Tests are Essential for CAT 2025 Preparation: Practising with updated CAT 2025 mock tests helps simulate the real exam and improve performance.
Strategic Takeaways for CAT 2025
As the CAT 2025 pattern evolves, aspirants must update their preparation strategies to stay ahead. Success in the exam now depends on how well students adapt to the changes, handle TITA questions, and manage section-wise balance. Here are some important tips to help CAT 2025 aspirants prepare smartly and improve their chances of cracking the exam.
- Adapt to the Pattern, Don’t Resist It: CAT 2025 aspirants should fully embrace the new pattern & ensure that all mock tests follow the latest structure, rather than relying only on older question formats.
- TITA is the Game-Changer: With no negative marking, TITA questions offer both opportunity and risk, so it's important to prioritize accuracy and practice typing answers under time limits.
- Sectional Flexibility Is Key: Students must avoid focusing only on their strong sections, as all three sections are equally important for shortlisting, especially at top IIMs.
- Mock Tests Must Reflect Reality: Choose mock test series that accurately reflect the CAT 2025 pattern, including the correct balance of TITA and MCQ questions, and review your performance with a focus on section-wise timing.
- Concept Clarity Matters More Than Rote Learning: The shift toward more TITA questions demands a deeper understanding of concepts, particularly in Arithmetic, Algebra, and Reading Comprehension, rather than just memorizing formulas or tricks.
Final Thoughts
CAT 2025 brings new challenges with its updated pattern, increased TITA questions, and tougher sections like DILR and QA. To succeed, aspirants must focus on accuracy, time management & conceptual clarity. Adapting to the changes, taking realistic mock tests and preparing each section with equal attention are key strategies. With smart planning & consistent practice, students can improve their performance & boost their chances of securing admission to top IIMs and other leading B-schools.
