CAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Available): Check Latest Pattern, Exam Duration, & Marking Scheme

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern: The CAT 2025 exam is a computer-based test. The test will be conducted to test the skills of a candidate in mathematics, logical reasoning, and English. An estimate of the CAT 2025 exam pattern can be drawn based on previous years' papers and trends. There are three sections in the test: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Each section contains 22-24 questions. Candidates will get 40 minutes for each section.

Students are advised to periodically log on to the official CAT website for information about the exam pattern and syllabus. The scores of CAT are accepted by 20 IIMs as well as 100 B-schools of India. According to this year's timetable, the CAT exam will take place in the fourth week of November 2025. Read ahead for paper pattern, marking scheme, and time duration details for CAT 2025.

CAT 2025 Exam Structure 

Candidates must familiarize themselves with the exam pattern prior to beginning their CAT exam preparation. It contains information on the exam's section count, question count, and marking system. Candidates can check the exam pattern of CAT 2025 from below - 

CAT 2025 Section-wise Weightage of Question

The CAT question paper has three sections, i.e., Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Each section has a number of questions. Candidates are recommended to check out the table below for CAT 2025 section-wise question weightage. 

CAT 2025 Section-Wise Marks Distribution

The CAT 2025 exam paper has three sections, namely, CAT VARC, CAT DILR, and CAT Quantitative Aptitude. Each section has 24, 22, and 22 sets of questions. Candidates can refer to the table below for CAT 2025 section-wise marks distribution. 

CAT 2025 Ratio of MCQs & Non-MCQs Questions

The Common Admission Test or CAT is a national-level entrance exam for admission into prestigious management institutes in India. From 2015 onwards, the exam is conducted with MCQs along with Non-MCQ or TITA- Type In the answer questions. In the case of Non- MCQ questions, candidates have to type their response using a virtual keyboard instead of choosing an answer from the list. There are three parts: VARC- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, DILR -Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and QA - Quantitative Ability. Within these, all parts are segregated with specific types of MCQs and non-MCQs that they must provide to a set of numbers in those areas. In CAT 2025, find below the respective ratio of the type of questions for the purpose.

CAT 2025 Marking Scheme

The Common Admission Test (CAT) uses a scoring system that awards marks for the correct answer, while deducting marks for incorrect answers. In other words, for every right answer, there is a reward of marks; however, the wrong answer has a penalty marked against it. Candidates need to be careful about their response because negative marking applies to MCQs, while TITA questions do not penalize for the wrong answer. The maximum score that can be obtained in the examination is 204, and it is not compulsory to attempt all questions. To obtain a passable score, candidates are expected to answer at least two-thirds of all questions. The following table represents the marking scheme of CAT 2025.

CAT 2025 Marking Scheme

Also Read: CAT 2025 Syllabus

CAT 2025 Time Duration

CAT 2025 Exam has a rigid time limit for each section. Candidates must appear for the test in a prescribed order and are not allowed to switch between the sections. There are three sections in the test: VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Aptitude). Each section has a time limit; when the set time is completed, the system will automatically switch to the next section. Extra time is not provided, and candidates cannot return to any previously attempted sections. The total exam time is 120 minutes for general candidates and 160 minutes for PwD candidates. The following are the detailed time structures for CAT 2025:

CAT 2025 Exam Time Duration

CAT 2025 Previous Year Question Pattern Changes 

There have been many changes in CAT exams since the past 15 years. However, no change in CAT exam pattern in last three years has been seen. Before 2019, the CAT was a three-hour process that took up two sessions. Since 2020, CAT has been a two hours process and conducted in three sessions. The total number of questions was reduced from 100 to 76 in 2020, and from 2021 to 2023, the question count was further reduced to 66. In 2024, the number of questions was increased to 68. Below is a table that outlines the changes in the CAT exam pattern since 2014.

CAT 2025 Syllabus Overview

The official syllabus document of the CAT regarding VARC, DILR, and QA has not been declared by the IIMs. However, a careful study of past years' CAT question papers can assist in determining the major topics covered under the CAT syllabus. Below is an outline of the major topics for the CAT syllabus 2025, which are derived from a study of past question papers:

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

A well-structured plan is the key to a successful CAT exam. The preparation strategy for CAT 2025 should include six to eight hours of study per day. For working professionals, a minimum of four hours per day should be dedicated to CAT exam preparation, with an increased commitment of eight hours during weekends. Even if a student is enrolled in a coaching institute, he/she needs to set aside some extra time for revision and practice. Here are some important tips for effective preparation for the CAT exam:

• Understand the Exam Pattern- Know how many questions are asked, which sections are covered, marking scheme, and time limits to prepare accordingly.
• Practice Mock Tests – Try regular mock tests to enhance speed, accuracy, and time management.
• Focus on weak areas – pick weaker topics and study them with an emphasis on revision and practice.
• Read Daily – Develop verbal ability through regular reading of newspapers, magazines, and online articles.
• Revise Formulas & Shortcuts – Memorize key formulas and shortcuts for quick problem-solving in the Quantitative section.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs