Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore PGDM Admissions 2025
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CAT Sample Paper 2025: As the CAT (Common Admission Test) approaches, aspiring MBA candidates are gearing up for one of the most competitive exams in India. The CAT Sample Paper 2025 serves as a vital resource, offering a glimpse into the structure and content of this year's examination. By downloading the CAT Exam Model Question Paper in PDF format, candidates can familiarize themselves with the various sections, including Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading etc. Engaging with these model questions allows candidates to sharpen up their skills, improve time management, and build up desired confidence ahead of the exam day. In this article, we will guide you through the process of downloading the CAT Sample Paper 2025, ensuring you have all the resources needed to maximize your preparation and enhance your chances of success in this critical examination. Prepare effectively, and take a step closer to your MBA dreams.
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Over the years, there have been a lot of changes in the examination pattern of the CAT exam. Let us understand the significant changes that have happened recently.
Between 2014 and 2019, the candidates were asked to attempt 100 questions. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, now the number of questions is set to 66.
The CAT exam was held 3 hours earlier, but now it has been shortened to 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The marking scheme of TITA and MCQs has remained unchanged.
Candidates appearing for the CAT exam this year must practice with the CAT sample paper 2025 with previous year questions and mock tests. CAT sample papers are based on the latest exam pattern and the previous year's questions, thereby helping candidates get an idea of the kind of questions to be asked and the best approach to solving them. So candidates can prepare accordingly and can solve such questions, if asked in the actual exam, quickly.
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow, is going to conduct the CAT 2025 exam on November 24, 2025, and the test will be held in three sessions. According to the CAT exam pattern 2025, the CAT question paper 2024 will have questions from VARC, DILR, and Quant. Candidates will have to answer all the sections within a given time of 120 minutes. Also, for each section, there will be a limited time of 40 minutes, which means speed and accuracy will be crucial in cracking the IIM entrance exam.
As CAT sample papers are created with past question trends and the current exam pattern, these provide candidates with hands-on experience with the type of questions to be asked as well as the difficulty level and marking scheme. If you want to achieve above the 99 percentile in CAT 2025, solve as many CAT exam model papers as possible. Continue to read this article to know how to utilise CAT preparation resources while providing free downloads of the CAT sample papers pdf, previous questions paper with detailed solutions, section-wise CAT exam sample papers, etc.
As soon as the candidates finish their CAT exam 2025 syllabus, they are often advised to attempt the CAT sample paper 2025 because solving the CAT sample papers can provide them with a much-needed understanding of the CAT question paper 2025. Some of the additional benefits of solving CAT sample papers are given below:
Understanding the Exam Pattern: CAT Sample Papers 2025 help you get familiar with the format of the CAT exam, including the types of questions, the number of questions, and the sections involved.
Time Management: Practicing with CAT sample papers 2025 allows you to develop a sense of how much time to allocate to each section and question, improving your ability to complete the exam within the given time.
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: By solving CAT sample papers 2025, you can identify which topics you are strong in and which ones need more attention. This helps in focusing your study efforts more effectively.
Improving Speed and Accuracy: Regular practice with CAT sample papers helps you increase your speed and accuracy, which are crucial for doing well in the CAT exam.
Building Confidence: Familiarity with the exam format and types of questions can reduce anxiety and build confidence, making you more comfortable on the actual exam day.
Practice Under Real Exam Conditions: Solving CAT sample papers 2025 under timed conditions simulates the real exam environment, helping you get used to the pressure and conditions you will face during the actual test.
With the CAT sample paper 2025, candidates will get to know the difficulty level of the CAT question paper 2025, and they can prepare for the exam accordingly. After extensive research of past trends and question papers, the team at Careers360 has curated a comprehensive list of the most useful CAT exam model question papers. The links to download the CAT sample paper with solutions pdf, previous questions, and section-wise previous question papers with solutions have been given below.
Our team members worked hard to provide the candidates for the past five years with the CAT sample paper section-wise along with the CAT mock test paper. The candidates can check out the CAT model paper with solutions here.
CAT Question Paper Year | CAT Sample Paper Download Link |
2023 | |
2022 | |
2021 | |
2020 | NA |
2019 | NA |
2018 | NA |
2017 | NA |
The CAT exam will have 3 sections: VA RC, DI LR, and QA. The number of questions for last year's CAT exam was 66. This may or may not vary. Also, all sections do not have an equal number of questions. Last year, VARC had 24 questions, while there were 22 questions in QA and 20 questions in DRLR sections. With CAT sample papers, the candidates will get to know how many MCQs and non-MCQs will be asked. Check here for the subject-wise CAT sample question paper.
CAT Section | Download Link |
Section 1 | |
Section 2 | |
Section 3 |
The candidates who are all looking for sample papers for CAT 2025 can download them here with solutions:
Step 1: First, go to the official Careers360 website.
Step 2: Then, register with the required details or sign up with a Google account.
Step 3: Once registered, visit the candidate's profile using their Careers360 login credentials.
Step 4: Next, find and click the link called “Sample Paper” at the left side of the page.
Step 5: Then it will take you to the question paper page. From there, filter the required question paper by choosing the exam, type.
Step 6: It will show the past year’s CAT sample paper book format.
Step 7: Finally, click the “Free Download” button to download the CAT sample papers pdf 2025.
Before going to start the CAT examination, the candidates must know how to answer questions in CAT 2025. Students should use the following options when answering the questions:
Save and Next: Students should select the answer, save it and move on to the next question.
Clear Response: Students will have the option to delete the answer to the question they already answered.
Mark for Review and Next: If the students are unsure about the answer, in such a case candidates have the option to mark it as a review, then answer it, and then move on to the next one.
Panel Colour | What it Indicates |
Green | The question was answered and not reviewed. |
Red | The question was not answered and is not marked for review. |
Violet | The question is marked for review and not yet answered. |
Violet with Green tick | The question was marked and answered for review. |
Grey | Question not viewed or visited. |
Candidates must take the mock tests as the mock tests are the best way to gain familiarity with the pattern of marking answers. CAT mocks are released in online mode and it is free to participate. Candidates can take the mock tests as many times as they want. However, candidates can practice the previous years CAT mock papers with solutions to get a gist of the paper pattern and marking scheme.
CAT Mock Test Link | |
CAT Mock Test Link - For PwD Candidates (Blindness and Low Vision) | |
CAT Mock Test Link - For Other PwD Candidates |
Read more on;
Download Free Careers360 Ebooks-
Using CAT's previous years' papers is a smart way to prepare for the exam. They give you a clear idea of the types of questions asked and the exam's format. Practising with these papers helps you get comfortable with the timing and improves your problem-solving skills. Analysing your performance on these papers also helps you identify your strengths and areas that need improvement.
Question Paper | Download Link |
CAT 2023 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2022 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2021 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2020 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2019 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2018 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2017 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2016 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2015 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2014 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2013 Question Paper and Answer Key | |
CAT 2012 Question Paper and Answer Key |
There are a lot of advantages to solving the CAT exam model question paper. For exams, this allows candidates to gain more knowledge of the CAT syllabus and topics. Candidates going to take CAT 2025 are advised to take as many CAT mock tests as possible. Or they should take at least two or more CAT sample papers in a week.
Solving the maximum CAT sample paper will help the candidates solve the real CAT question paper more quickly and accurately by knowing the CAT question paper with different question variations. It is necessary to keep track of the time taken while solving the CAT sample papers. It will prepare the candidates to solve the CAT question paper within the stipulated time and devise various strategies to solve the paper effectively.
Solving the sample paper of CAT will help the candidates to know the nature and types of questions asked in CAT 2025. Also, students can test their performance against the candidates listed for IIM in a particular year.
Students can identify their weak and strong areas with the help of the previous year's sample papers on CAT. Also, if you take an average of 100 questions per year, students will have 1000 good practice questions if they solve the 10-year CAT exam paper.
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Students can find and solve some questions in IIFT/ SNAP/ XAT, copies of CAT questions. Students are hereby advised to be fully equipped with the CAT 2025 syllabus.
Students will be barred from bringing calculators into the exam hall, However screen calculators will be enabled. Know the CAT 2025 exam day guidelines here.
After completing the CAT sample paper, candidates should mark themselves according to the CAT 2025 marking scheme.
Get 3 marks for each correct answer
Wrong answer will deduct 1 mark
Marks will not be deducted for incorrect or unattempted questions
Yes the scheme for referring to all types of questions is the same. But, there is no negative mark for Non-MCQs.
There are a lot of solved CAT exam paper books available online and e-commerce sites.
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay/Arihant
Quantum CAT by Arihant Publications
CAT is considered to be one of the toughest MBA entrance exams. However, the CAT exam can be cracked with good strategy and preparation,
There is no such evident example of the IIM that usually sets easy CAT papers.
CAT is an MBA entrance exam with the requiremnt of good preparation and can be cracked in the first attempt with good practice and strategy.
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the CAT exam pattern and syllabus. Create a study plan that allocates time for each section of the exam. Use study materials and take practice tests regularly to check your progress and adjust your strategy as needed.
The CAT 2025 paper is expected to be set by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode. Each year, a different IIM is responsible for creating and conducting the exam.
Hi aspirant,
The CUSAT CAT 2025 admit card has been released.
The admit card will be accessible for download on the official website, admissions.cusat.ac.in. Candidates can obtain their admit card by logging into their candidate portal and entering their User ID and password. The admit card will provide vital information including the exam date, time, and location.
You can also refer to this link for more information on the same.
All the best!
Hi aspirant,
As of the CAT 2024 exam for the MBA class of 2025-2027 at IIM Mumbai, the NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes) category requires an overall percentile of 75.
It is essential to understand that these are the minimal qualifying percentiles required to go to the next level, the Personal Interview (PI). The actual cutoffs for receiving a PI call may be much higher, depending on the number of candidates, their profiles, and IIM Mumbai's special admission requirements for the year.
A higher score will considerably improve your chances of being shortlisted for the PI process.
CAT Cut off for IIM for OBC Category
You can also refer to the link given above for more information.
All the best!
All the best!
The CAT is a great option after graduation if you're interested in pursuing an MBA and building a career in management. It can open doors to top business schools like IIMs and lead to lucrative corporate roles. However, if you're not interested in management, there are other career options like higher studies, certifications, or entrepreneurship. Consider your career goals, interests, and investment before deciding.
Hello,
Yes, CAT is a better option if you want to pursue an MBA from top institutes like the IIMs and other reputed B-Schools in India. It is highly recognized and opens many career opportunities in management. However, if you want other options, exams like XAT, SNAP, or GMAT are also good.
Hii,
Here's the best MBA colleges in Bangalore (without CAT)
SIBM Bangalore (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management)
Accepted Exam: SNAP
Average Package: 10–11 LPA
Highest Package: 20+ LPA
NMIMS Bangalore (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies)
Accepted Exam: NMAT
Average Package: 9–10 LPA
Highest Package: 19 LPA
JAGSoM (Jagdish Sheth School of Management, formerly IFIM)
Accepted Exams: GMAT, GRE, MAT, XAT, CMAT
Average Package: 10.5 LPA
Highest Package: 22 LPA
XIME Bangalore (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship)
Accepted Exams: XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA
Average Package: 7 LPA
Highest Package: 16 LPA
Christ University, Bangalore
Accepted Exams: CUET (Christ Entrance), MAT, XAT, CMAT
Average Package: 6–7 LPA
Highest Package: 13 LPA
Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore
Accepted Exams: MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA
Average Package: 6.9 LPA
Highest Package: 14 LPA
ISME (International School of Management Excellence)
Accepted Exams: MAT, CMAT, XAT
Average Package: 6 LPA
Highest Package: 13 LPA
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
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.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
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