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Over the years, the CAT exam has changed in terms of question types and marking schemes. The exam is divided into three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
Unlike the CAT 2023 exam, the total marks for the CAT 2024 exam increased to 204. The number of questions also increased from 66 to 68. This drastic change suggests that the candidates must also change their preparation approach for the upcoming CAT 2025 exam.
Recently, QA has included more questions that require practical application, while DILR has featured more complex sets that need critical thinking. By looking at these trends, candidates can adjust their study strategies to focus on important areas and improve their overall performance in the CAT 2025 Exam.

Over the past few years, CAT trends have clearly shown that you don’t need to attempt all questions, or even most questions, to hit the 99 percentile mark. For example, in CAT 2023, candidates who scored around 97–105 marks out of 198 often secured a CAT 99 percentile overall. That translates to answering just 32–36 questions correctly out of a total of 66. In CAT 2022, a raw score of about 95–100 was enough for the 99 percentile.
This suggests that accuracy is far more critical than high attempts. If you aim to attempt 40–45 questions across all sections with 85–90% accuracy, you stand a strong chance of reaching the CAT 99 percentile mark. Section-wise, solving 10–12 questions correctly in each section can be sufficient.
For instance, in VARC, even 8–9 correct answers out of 24 may push you above 90 percentile in that section. So, you don’t need to chase 100% attempts. Instead, focus on identifying the right 50–60% of the paper, solving it with high precision, and avoiding guesswork.
While the older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta are known for their extremely high cut-offs (often above 99.5 percentile), the newer IIMs, such as IIM Udaipur, Trichy, Kashipur, Ranchi, Raipur, and Nagpur offer excellent MBA programs with comparatively lower percentile requirements, especially for candidates with diverse profiles. However, there’s a significant variation depending on your gender, academic background, and work experience.
Male candidates from engineering backgrounds, especially freshers—tend to face stiffer competition due to the high volume of similar applicants. For them, even newer IIMs may require above 95 percentile to get shortlisted, and often higher in the general category. On the other hand, female candidates or non-engineers may receive calls from the same IIMs with percentiles in the 85–92 range, due to diversity factors considered in the shortlisting process.
Know about the CAT percentile trends for last four years from 2021 to 2024 in the table below.
Percentile | CAT 2024 (Out of 204) | CAT 2023 (Out of 198) | CAT 2022 (Out of 198) | CAT 2021 (Out of 198) |
99.5 | 104 | 84.5 | 93 | 107 |
99 | 95 | 76 | 84 | 97 |
97 | 78 | 62 | 68 | 81 |
95 | 70 | 55 | 60 | 72 |
90 | 57 | 44.5 | 49 | 60 |
85 | 49 | 38 | 41 | 51 |
80 | 43 | 34 | 36 | 45 |
75 | 38 | 30 | 31 | 40 |
70 | 34 | 27 | 28 | 37 |
60 | 27 | 22 | 22 | 30 |
50 | 21 | 17 | 17 | 24 |
Percentile | CAT 2024 (68) | CAT 2023 (66) | CAT 2022 (66) | CAT 2021 (66) | ||||
Out of 204 | Net Qns | Out of 198 | Net Qns | Out of 198 | Net Qns | Out of 198 | Net Qns | |
99.5 | 104 | 35 | 84.5 | 29 | 93 | 31 | 107 | 36 |
99 | 95 | 32 | 76 | 26 | 84 | 28 | 97 | 33 |
97 | 78 | 26 | 62 | 21 | 68 | 23 | 81 | 27 |
95 | 70 | 24 | 55 | 19 | 60 | 20 | 72 | 24 |
90 | 57 | 19 | 44.5 | 15 | 49 | 17 | 60 | 20 |
85 | 49 | 17 | 38 | 13 | 41 | 14 | 51 | 17 |
80 | 43 | 15 | 34 | 12 | 36 | 12 | 45 | 15 |
75 | 38 | 13 | 30 | 10 | 31 | 11 | 40 | 14 |
70 | 34 | 12 | 27 | 9 | 28 | 10 | 37 | 13 |
60 | 27 | 9 | 22 | 8 | 22 | 8 | 30 | 10 |
50 | 21 | 7 | 17 | 6 | 17 | 6 | 24 | 8 |
# Attempt | # Correct | # Net Score | Accuracy % |
32 | 32 | 96 | 100 |
40 | 34 | 96 | 85 |
48 | 36 | 96 | 75 |
56 | 38 | 96 | 68 |
60 | 39 | 96 | 65 |
# Attempt | # Correct | # Net Score | Accuracy % |
24 | 24 | 72 | 100 |
32 | 26 | 72 | 81 |
40 | 28 | 72 | 70 |
48 | 30 | 72 | 62.5 |
56 | 32 | 72 | 57 |
The VARC section in CAT has 24 questions, so you must use your time smartly. One effective method is to split the section based on question type. Spend about 30 minutes on CAT Reading Comprehension (RC) and 10 minutes on Verbal Ability (VA). Stick to this time limit, even if you don’t finish everything. While solving RC, give around 7 minutes to each passage. Begin with para summary questions, then move to sentence rearrangement and other types.
Start with RC. Tackle 4 passages in about 28 to 30 minutes. Stay focused and avoid overthinking any one passage. If you're running behind, stop at the 30-minute mark, no exceptions.
Move to VA. Begin with the high-accuracy, low-effort questions like Para Summary, Sentence Completion, and Odd One Out.
Use your remaining time wisely. If you still have a few minutes left, try solving Para Jumbles. If time is too short, make smart guesses rather than leaving them blank.
If any passage feels too long or confusing, skip it and return later if time allows. Another smart method is to start with VA. Use 6 to 7 minutes to solve para summary, odd sentence out, and sequencing questions. Then move to RC and tackle as many passages as possible. If you finish early, go back and attempt any leftover VA questions.
Spend the first 6 minutes on quick, high-accuracy questions like:
– Para Summary
– Sentence Completion
– Odd One Out
Don’t spend more than 7 minutes here, even if you're mid-way. Aim to finish at least 5 VA questions.
Spend the next 30 minutes solving all 4 Reading Comprehension passages. Stay focused, and don’t jump back to VA during this time.
If time allows, go back and attempt Para Jumbles. If not, make quick guesses rather than leaving them blank.
For the DILR section in CAT, you get 40 minutes to solve around 4 sets. Your performance here depends entirely on set selection and time management. If you waste 8-9 minutes on one tough set that doesn’t crack, you may lose the entire section. So, start by scanning all five sets quickly.
Spend 2 minutes on each set to quickly judge whether it's solvable.
If it looks doable, spend 8–10 more minutes on it.
If not, move on to the next set without wasting time.
This way, you’ll get to look at all 5 sets and aim to solve 3 to 4 of them efficiently.
Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Set 5 | |
Initial Scan (min) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Solving Time (min) | 9 | – | 8 | 10 | 10 |
Total Time (min) | 11 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 12 |
Questions Attempted | 3–4 | – | 3–5 | 3–5 | 3–5 |
Often, solving 3 out of 4 questions from a set with high accuracy gives a better score than struggling through all of them. If a question takes too long, leave it and move to the next. Another smart CAT preparation strategy is to mark 2–3 solvable sets based on their core method, like arrangement, calculation, or grouping. Understand the base logic, plan your attempt order, and aim for quality over quantity. Accuracy and calm decision-making are the real game changers in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
Spend 6-7 minutes reviewing all 5 sets in DILR.
Choose the sets you will solve based on your familiarity with the topic and the complexity of the set.
Select 2-3 sets, depending on your ability.
Implement a 'stop loss' of around 4 minutes for each set.
Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Set 5 | |
Time | 12 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
Qns | 3-4 | 0 | 3-5 | 0 | 3-5 |
For the Quantitative Aptitude section in CAT, where 40 minutes are allotted for around 22 questions, a round-wise attempt strategy can help you maximise your score. Begin with Round 1, where you spend about 26 minutes scanning and attempting all the easiest questions. Your goal here is to solve 8 to 9 questions with high speed and accuracy. Don’t get stuck, if a question looks time-consuming, skip it. In Round 2, use the next 12–14 minutes to tackle 3 to 4 moderate-level questions, focusing entirely on accuracy.
Time Allocation: Divide your time into two rounds:
Round 1: 26 minutes
Round 2: 12 minutes
First Round:
Solve all easy questions.
Mark other questions that you believe are solvable.
Second Round:
Solve the questions that you marked in the first round.
Review your answers.
Another way to manage this is by dividing the section into 4 short rounds of about 10 minutes each, aiming to solve around 5 to 6 questions per round. This keeps you alert, focused, and prevents burnout. The key is to read every question carefully and quickly decide whether you can solve it. Don’t blindly guess, CAT Quant rewards smart filtering over brute speed. Your target should be to attempt at least 10 to 11 questions with above 90–94% accuracy. Even this can push your percentile above 97 if you choose wisely.
Time Allotment | No. of questions to Target | No. of questions to Solve |
10 minutes | 6 | 2-4 |
10 minutes | 6 | 3-5 |
10 minutes | 5 | 3-4 |
10 minutes | 5 | 2-4 |
40 minutes | 22 | 10-17 |
Stress management during the CAT exam is crucial for optimal performance. High pressure can impair focus and decision-making, but with the right approach, you can maintain calm and confidence. Effective stress control helps maximise accuracy and speed, directly influencing your CAT percentile and admission prospects.
Allocate time wisely across sections to avoid last-minute rush and stress.
Consistent daily planning keeps you on track, reducing anxiety about incomplete syllabus.
Regular practice of mock exams builds familiarity, alleviating exam day nervousness and boosting confidence.
Avoid negative thoughts; believe in your preparation to overcome exam phobia and stress.
Use deep breathing and short meditation breaks during the exam to stay calm and focused.
Maintain good sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise to keep stress levels low and energy high.
Trust your preparation and avoid second-guessing answers during the exam to reduce unnecessary stress.
CAT mock tests are essential tools for aspirants aiming to excel in the CAT exam. They simulate the actual test environment, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with the exam format, question types, and time constraints. Taking CAT 2025 mock tests helps identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted preparation. Additionally, they build confidence and reduce anxiety by providing a realistic experience of the exam day.
Create a study timetable that includes specific dates for taking mock tests. Ensure that you allocate time for both preparation and revision before each test.
Select a reputable CAT mock test series that closely resembles the actual CAT exam in terms of difficulty and format. This will provide a more accurate assessment of your readiness.
When taking a CAT 2025 mock test, replicate the actual exam environment as closely as possible. Find a quiet space, limit distractions, and adhere to the time limits strictly.
After completing each mock test, take time to review the questions you found challenging. Focus on revising those topics to strengthen your understanding.
After each mock test, calculate your CAT score and analyse your performance in each section. Identify areas where you performed well and those that need improvement.
Review the questions you answered incorrectly. Understand the reasoning behind the correct answers and identify any patterns in your mistakes, such as careless errors or conceptual misunderstandings.
Analyse how you managed your time during the test. Note if you spent too long on certain questions or sections, and adjust your CAT preparation strategy accordingly for future tests.
Maintain a record of your scores and performance trends over time. This will help you gauge your improvement and adjust your CAT study plan as needed.
If possible, discuss your performance with peers or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and tips for improvement based on their experiences if you are preparing CAT without coaching.
The CAT 2025 eBooks by Careers360 are a great resource for serious aspirants. These free PDFs cover everything from the updated CAT 2025 syllabus and high-scoring topics to previous year papers and important formulas. Each eBook is designed to simplify your preparation and help you focus on what matters. Whether you’re revising concepts or practising question patterns, these downloadable PDFs are a smart addition to your CAT 2025 study plan.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
Boost your CAT preparation with a comprehensive 60-day study material by Experts | |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics | |
CAT Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material |
Allocate about 40 minutes per section. Start with your strongest section to build confidence, and move on quickly from difficult questions to maximise your time.
Focus on understanding concepts and practice diverse question types. During the exam, read questions carefully and eliminate wrong options before answering.
No, prioritise quality over quantity. Attempt questions you are confident about and skip those you find uncertain, especially if they carry negative marking.
Use deep breathing and visualisation approach. Familiarise yourself with the exam format through mock tests to reduce anxiety and maintain a positive mindset.
Quickly prioritise questions you can answer confidently. Make educated guesses if time allows, but avoid lingering on difficult questions. Practice pacing in mock tests to improve time management.
Hello Kapish
You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.
Here's the link:
CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR:
CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360
Thank You!!!
Hello Divya,
Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.
Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.
In situations like yours, where the CAT 2025 payment has been successfully debited from your bank account but the portal shows the transaction as failed, it is usually due to a technical delay in updating the system. Such discrepancies can sometimes take more than 48 hours to be resolved automatically. It is important to retain all proof of payment, including bank statements, transaction IDs, and any receipts. You should contact the CAT helpdesk again, providing full details of your application and payment. Additionally, keep checking your email for any automated confirmation or ticket numbers. If there is no response within a few days, you can escalate the issue by contacting the IIM Kozhikode admissions office directly through official contact details.
Important topics for NIFT CAT are mostly based on your creativity, observation, design thinking, and visual communication skills. So here's list of important topics you should focus on:
- Observation and drawing skills: Human figures & gestures, nature & Scene drawing are important
- Creative Visualisation: In this you'll have to convert 2d shapes into 3d, making imaginary scenes from a theme, and story illustration from given situations.
- Design & Concept Development: You'll be making logo, posters with creative slogans, book cover design and many more designs.
- Color theory, creative use of texture & patterns.
- Imagination & Innovation: merging two object to make new thing, designing eco friendly or festive based products
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In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
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