Know CAT Evolution Over the Years: Changes in CAT Exam Pattern in Past 10 Years

Know CAT Evolution Over the Years: Changes in CAT Exam Pattern in Past 10 Years

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 23 Aug 2024, 06:08 PM IST

CAT evolution over the years in terms of mode of examination, number of questions, registered students, exam pattern, etc., can be seen. CAT is a widely accepted MBA entrance exam for admission to top B-schools and 1000+ colleges in India. Some of the prominent CAT changes over the years are, the number of exam slots increased from two to three and the questions were decreased to 66 from 76.

LiveCAT 2025 Registration LIVE: IIM Kozhikode to close registration tomorrow; IIM admission criteriaSep 12, 2025 | 10:02 PM IST

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) will close the registrations for CAT 2025 for admission to MBA and other management courses for the academic year 2025-26.

If you are looking forward to register for the CAT 2025 for admission to MBA and other management programmes, follow the 6 simple steps given below.

Official Website

  • Go to the official portal of IIM CAT 2025 at iimcat.ac.in.

New Registration

  • On the homepage, look for the new registration link and click on it.

Registered Candidate Login

  • Graduates who have already registered but haven’t filled the application form yet, can directly register through the ‘registered candidate login’ using user ID and password.

Details to Fill

For new registrations, candidates are required to fill the following given points to complete the registration.

  • Name of Candidate
  • Note: Candidate name should be entered exactly as it appears in 10th/SSC Certificate.
  • Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
  • Email Address
  • Confirm Email Address
  • Country
  • Mobile Number
  • Code
  • Confirm Code
  • Confirm Mobile Number
  • Candidates will have to generate an OTP by clicking on the generate OTP button. They will be redirected to CAPTCHA to fill and submit. To verify the mobile number, enter the OTP received and click on “Validate the OTP” tab. After validation, you will be able to submit the registration form.
  • Registered applicants will receive the User ID and Password on the registered email address and or on the registered mobile number. Overseas candidates will receive both User ID and Password on registered email address.

CAPTCHA

Applicants will have to retype the characters displayed in the CAPTCHA box provided. “The CAPTCHA box (as displayed above) is a special set of characters displayed on the screen,” the official notification reads.

Declaration

After filling all the requisite details, candidates must select the “I Agree” checkbox in the Declaration section to enable the submit button. The declaration is for candidates that they are committing to be honest and fair in all their actions and that the information provided in the CAT 2025 Registration Form is correct and true.

“Providing wrong information can lead to the cancellation of your right to appear in the examination or to be considered for the admission process as mandated by the appropriate authority. It is mandatory to agree to the contents in the Declaration to proceed to submit the form,” the notice on the website reads.

Read More

This Story also Contains

  1. CAT Test Taking Window Over the Years
  2. CAT Registration trends over the past 13 years
  3. CAT Evolution Over the Years
Know CAT Evolution Over the Years: Changes in CAT Exam Pattern in Past 10 Years
CAT Evolution Over the Years

With different IIMs conducting CAT exam, there were major changes in the CAT pattern and difficulty levels as well. The distribution of questions in each section was different. It has been observed that IIMs over the past few years have introduced several changes, therefore Careers360 brings to you the CAT evolution over the years to keep candidates on track with the changes and changes that might appear in coming years. Let’s take a closer look.
Read more-

CAT Test Taking Window Over the Years

The table below states the number of slots and windows in which the CAT was held over the past few years. Since 2015, the CAT exam pattern has been upheld to a great extent. The exam is also now held in a single day in three slots i.e. Morning, noon and evening. Let us see what CAT now unveils.

Past Year Test Taking Window

Year

Test-taking window

Slots

20231 day3 slots
20221 day3 slots
2021
1 day
3 slots
20201 day3 slots

2019

1 day

2 slots

2018

1 day

2 slots

2017

1 day

2 slots

2016

1 day

2 slots

2015

1 day

2 slots

2014

2 days

4 slot

2009-13

20 days window

40 slots

CAT Registration trends over the past 13 years

Over the past 13 years, the year 2023 saw the highest number of registrations. Check the complete list of the total number of registrations every year in the table below:

Number of registrations over the years

Year

No. of Applications Registered

No. Of Applicants Appeared

20233.5 lakh2.88 lakh
20222.55 lakh2.22 lakh
20212.30 lakhs1,91,660
20202.3 Lakh (Approx)1.90 lakh

2019

2,44,169

2,09,926

2018

2,40,338

2,09,405

2017

2,31,000

1,99,632

2016

2,32,434

1,95,000

2015

2,18,664

1,79,602

2014

1,96,988

1,67,829

2013

1,94,516

1,73,714

2012

2,14,000

1,95,000

2011

2,05,000

1,86,000

2010

2,04,000

1,85,000

2009

2,41,000

2,30,000

2008

2,90,000

2,76,000

2007

2,50,000

2,30,000

CAT Evolution Over the Years

2009

  • Change from paper-based test to computer-based test

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It was in 2009 that for the first time, the CAT was held in computer-based mode or online mode. Getting acquainted with the online test, it was the biggest challenge for the test takers. Before 2009 the exam used to be conducted in a paper-based mode, wherein the students used to mark their answers on the OMR sheet.

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Due to the shift in the examination mode, the exam duration also increased to 2 hours and 15 minutes. With the shift in the mode of exam and duration, the test takers witnessed many technical glitches which led to a re-test of CAT.

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2011

  • Reduction in the number of sections

In 2011, IIM Calcutta conducted CAT. The authorities deducted the number of sections in CAT from three to only two sections. The two sections were a combination of 2 subjects each:

  • Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

  • Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability.

However, the number of questions remained the same that is 60. Each section consisted of 30 questions.

  • Sectional Time Limit

With the reduction in the number of sections, authorities imposed the section-time limit to attempt a particular section. The students welcomed this change as it helped them in effective decision-making and reduced the chances of wasting time on a particular question.

2014

  • Increase in the number of questions

This year saw a drastic change by the increase in the number of questions. Earlier there used to be 30 questions in each section, however, in 2014 it was increased by 20 questions each. Therefore, making it to 50 questions in each section.

2015

  • Introduction to on-screen calculators

With the introduction of on-screen calculators, it came as a relief to the candidates of CAT in solving Mathematical problems.

  • Change in the exam pattern

This year again saw a change in the completion of the exam pattern of CAT in the following ways:

  • The number of the section was again increased to three as it was till 2010.

  • Non-MCQ questions were introduced from 2015 onwards, wherein candidates have to type the answer in one-liners.

  • The duration of the exam was increased from 170 minutes to 180 minutes.

2016

  • Change in Schedule

CAT is usually held in the last week of November. However, in 2016 it was for the first time that CAT was held in the first week of December that is on December 4 in two slots.

2019

  • Application Form

In 2019 several changes were introduced in the application process of CAT:

  • The registration fee increased by Rs. 100, from Rs. 1800 to Rs. 1900 for general/NC-OBC categories. Also, it increased by Rs. 50 for SC/ST/PwD categories from Rs. 900 to Rs. 950.

  • New CAT exam centres were added.

  • New payment partners were added:

    • PayU

    • BillDesk

    • Paytm

CAT 2020

  • The total number of questions was reduced to 76 from 100
  • The test slots were three instead of two
  • The test started with the Verbal Section (26 Qs - 18 RC and 8 VA.) The second section was the DI-LR with 24 Qs ( DI 18 + LR 6 questions). The third section was Quantitative Ability (26 Qs.) Each section was timed for 40 minutes. One could not go back and forth between sections. The marking scheme was +3 for every correct and -1 for incorrect. There was no negative marking for TITA Questions.

CAT 2021

  • The total number of questions was reduced to 66 from 76
  • The test slots were three instead of two

CAT 2022

  • The CAT exam fees increased this year.
  • The CAT test cities changed to 151.

CAT Pattern changes over the years

Year

Number of Questions

Sections

Marking Scheme

Duration

Conducting Body

Other Element

2023Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA)

Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude


3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer


2 hours
IIM Lucknow-
2022Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA)

Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude


3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer


2 hoursIIM Bangalore-
2021Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA)

Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude


3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer


120 minutesIIM Ahmedabad-
2020

Total 76 questions (24 in one section and 26 in the other two sections)

Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude

3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer

120 Minutes


IIM Indore

2019

Total 100 questions (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections)

Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude

3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer

180 Minutes

IIM Kozhikode

-

2018

There were a total of 100 questions (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections)

Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

+ 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer (No negative marking for non-MCQs questions)

180 Minutes

IIM Calcutta

-

2017

Total number of questions were 100 (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections)

Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)

+ 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer (No negative marking for non-MCQs questions)

180 Minutes

IIM Lucknow

-

2016

The number of questions was 100 divided into three sections (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections)

Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

3 Marks for each correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer (No negative marking for non-MCQs questions)

180 Minutes

IIM Bangalore


2015

Total number of questions were 100 (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections)

Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

+ 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer (No negative marking for non-MCQs questions)

180 Minutes

IIM Ahmedabad

Introduce On-Screen Calculator/ Induction of Non-MCQ

2014

Total 100 Questions (50 per sections)

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (Not in order)

+ 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer

170 Minutes

IIM Indore

The test was divided into two sections

2013

Total 60 Questions (30 per section)

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

3 Marks for each correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer

140 Minutes

IIM Indore

-

2012

Total 60 Questions (30 per section)

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

3 Marks for each correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer

140 Minutes

IIM Kozhikode

-

2011

Total 60 Questions (30 per section)

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

+ 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer

140 Minutes

IIM Calcutta

-

2007Total 75 questions (25 per section)

Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)

3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer150 minutes--
2006Total 75 questions (25 per section)

Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)

3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer150 minutes--
2005Total 75 questions (25 per section)

Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)

3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer150 minutes--

Download CAT sample papers free PDF here.

Related topics- How To Crack CAT

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello Aspirant,

Since your payment status shows "S" , it means your payment is successful. The "payment unsuccessful" message on the form is likely a temporary system error or a delay in updating.

Do not make another payment.

Making a second payment could cause a double debit, which is difficult to get a refund for. You should:

  1. Wait 24-48 hours for the status to update automatically.

  2. Download and save a copy of your form and a screenshot of the "S" payment status as proof.

  3. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has been debited.

  4. If the issue is not fixed after 48 hours, contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately with your transaction details.

Hello

The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects