The CAT exam pattern 2025 has been updated. In the CAT 2025, a total of 68 questions will be asked instead of 66 questions for a total of 204 marks. The number of questions in the DI&LR section has been increased from 20 to 22 questions. Furthermore, Parajumled questions will not be asked in the VARC section.
In accordance with the latest exam pattern, the CAT exam 2025 will be conducted through Computer-Based Test (CBT) for a duration of 120 minutes (40 minutes for each section). There will be 3 sections in the question paper namely, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The type of questions asked will be MCQs & TITA. Furthermore, 3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer & -1 negative marking will be done for every wrong MCQ.
The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a National Level Management entrance test which is conducted once a year. The CAT exam pattern 2025 has been prescribed by the IIM Kozhikode (conducting body). Students who are planning to appear in the exam are advised to familiarise themselves with the CAT paper pattern 2025. This can help them in gaining proper understanding about the CAT pattern 2025 and its marks scoring system.
In this article, candidates can get detailed information about the CAT exam pattern 2025 including aspects like type & weightage of questions, marks distribution, duration of the exam, and more.
Overview of CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
CAT paper pattern 2025 is intended to evaluate the ability of the students to answer Mathematical and Logical Reasoning problems. The CAT exam question paper has 68 questions (Multiple Choice and TITA). The total duration given to solve the paper is 120 minutes which is divided into 40 minutes for each section.
For a proper understanding of CAT Question Paper 2025, candidates are advised to gain required knowledge about CAT exam pattern and syllabus.
CAT is a computer-based exam which is categorised into 3 main sections which are as follows:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The below-given table highlights the essential points of CAT 2025 paper pattern:
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Particular
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CAT Exam Pattern 2025 Details
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Exam Mode
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Computer-Based Test
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Exam Medium / Language
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English
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Sections
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3 Sections
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
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Exam Duration
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120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
*Additional 40 minutes (13 minutes & 20 seconds in each section) will be given to the PwD students.
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CAT Exam Slots
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- Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
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CAT Total Marks
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204 Marks
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Type of Questions
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MCQ and non-MCQ (TITA-Type in The Answer)
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Marking Scheme
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- 3 marks allotted for every correct response
- -1 mark for each incorrect response (only for MCQs)
- No deduction in marks for wrong TITA questions & un-attempted questions.
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Number of Questions
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68 Questions
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Number of Answer Choices
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4 Options
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CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Questions and Marks Distribution
Candidates are advised to have proper knowledge about the syllabus. The number of questions in each section is different thus, students must be aware which section carries more weightage.
The following table contains the section-wise questions and marks distribution of CAT test pattern 2025:
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Section
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MCQs
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Non-MCQs (TITA)
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Total Number of Questions
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Marks
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VARC
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21
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3
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24
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72
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DI & LR
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15
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8
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22
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66
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QA
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14
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8
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22
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66
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Total
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49 MCQs
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17 non-MCQs
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66 Questions
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204 Marks
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CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme
It is very important for the applicants to have proper understanding about the CAT 2025 marking scheme before appearing for the exam. The students overall performance in the entrance test will be evaluated based on the marking pattern.
In the CAT 2025, both MCQs and Non-MCQs have different marking system which is explained below:
- CAT exam pattern total marks: 204 marks
- Marks for correct question: 3 marks
- CAT exam pattern negative marking for MCQs: -1 mark for every wrong answer.
- No negative marking for wrong TITA questions & unanswered questions.
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Exam Duration
According to the CAT exam format, the time limit of the test is 120 minutes (2 hours) and aspirants are required to solve each section in 40 minutes. After the allotted time is over, aspirants cannot make any changes.
Moreover, persons with disability (PwD) candidates are allotted 160 minutes to solve the CAT paper. Section wise time limit for PwD candidates is 53 minutes and 20 seconds.
* Appearing candidates must note that they cannot switch between different sections while attempting the question paper. Also, once an answer is marked no changes in the answer will be allowed.
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Know the Syllabus
The question paper of the entrance test designed by the concerned authorities is based on the content mentioned in the CAT Syllabus. Thus, aspiring candidates are suggested to thoroughly understand & follow the syllabus of the CAT 2025 exam.
According to the CAT 2025 syllabus, it is divided into 3 subjects and further into numerous topics so that the students can easily complete the same more effectively. The 3 main subjects given in the syllabus are:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
