BIMTECH PGDM Admissions 2026
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The CAT 2025 Slot 1 exam concluded at 10:30 AM, and the detailed Slot 1 analysis is now available. Section-wise difficulty level, topic-wise distribution, and memory-based questions have been provided to help candidates evaluate their performance.
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The CAT 2025 Slot 1 exam has concluded, and here are the key highlights from this slot. This summary covers the overall difficulty level, topic-wise question distribution, and important trends noticed in the exam.
The section had 22 questions across arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math. Geometry featured a question on the difference between the diagonals of a rhombus. Most questions were concept-driven rather than calculation-heavy. Arithmetic and algebra were balanced and straightforward for those with strong fundamentals. Overall, the section felt moderate in difficulty.
IIM Kozhikode will retain its three-stage admission process for the MBA (PGP) 2026–28 batch, with CAT 2025 scores carrying a final weightage of 35 percent. The minimum overall CAT cut-off for general category candidates remains at 85 percentile, with sectional qualifying scores required in VARC, DILR, and QA. Shortlisting of candidates will be based on CAT performance, academic record, and personal interview rounds.
The section had 24 questions, with four RCs contributing 16 questions and the remaining eight from Verbal Ability. The VA portion included two parajumbles, two parasummaries, two paracompletion items, and two odd-sentence-out questions. The difficulty was moderate, with RCs requiring inference-focused reading rather than dense language. VA was direct and manageable if one was comfortable with structure and cohesion.
The section contained 22 questions divided across five sets. Three sets had four questions each, and two sets had five questions. The most challenging set involved a combined radar chart and bar chart, which required multi-layer interpretation. A separate spider or radar chart set was comparatively easier. A circular arrangement set with six rounds and five questions demanded strong logical sequencing. The remaining sets tested percent changes, import taxes, ratios, and train ticketing data, blending arithmetic with reasoning. Overall difficulty leaned moderate to high.
After the CAT 2024 Slot 1 exam wrapped up, students noticed a few clear shifts compared to the previous year’s Slot 1 paper. While the overall schedule followed the usual pattern, the question paper itself showed some changes in structure and distribution. These tweaks made the CAT 2024 Slot 1 exam notably different from 2023, setting the stage for an interesting and insightful analysis.
There were 68 questions in the CAT 2024 slot 1 examination, as compared to 66 in the CAT 2023 slot 1 question paper.
There were 5 sets of questions in the DILR section, as compared to 4 sets in the CAT 2023 slot 1 question paper.
The quantitative aptitude section was observed to be easier than the slot 1 CAT 2023 question paper.
The RC passages were lengthy but doable for most of the students.
There were no questions on para jumbles in the VARC section of the CAT exam.
The level of the TITA questions had increased slightly.
In VARC, the questions were in jumbled order.
The CAT 2024 slot 1 analysis helps the candidates to understand the overall picture of the CAT 2024 slot 1 examination. The CAT 2024 slot 1 question paper highlights key trends and patterns observed during the morning session. Given below is the CAT sectional analysis based on the initial data available from both the students and the faculty. Insights into the CAT 2024 slot 1 paper provide valuable input for candidates appearing in the upcoming slots.
| Passage | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| RC 1: Digital rights (DVD vs Blu-ray) | 4 | Easy |
| RC 2: Craftsmanship | 4 | Easy to Medium |
| RC 3: Bandicoots & Australia | 4 | Medium |
| RC 4: Economics-based passage | 4 | Medium |
| Question Type | No. of Questions | Type | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability (Overall) | 8 | MCQ & TITA | Overall: Medium |
| Paragraph Completion | 3 | MCQ | Easy to Difficult |
| Summary | 3 | MCQ | Moderate to Difficult |
| Odd Sentence Out | 2 | TITA | Easy to Moderate |
The VARC section in CAT 2024 Slot 1 brought a few unexpected changes. Notably, there were no Para Jumble questions this year, which caught many students by surprise. Instead, the section focused on areas like fill-in-the-blanks, summary-based questions, and paragraph completion. According to student feedback, the overall difficulty ranged from easy to medium, making the section fairly manageable. The Slot 1 analysis also sheds light on how these tweaks shaped the test-taking experience for candidates.
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|
Topic |
Question Title |
Number of Questions |
Question Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|
DI |
The stock price of 7 different stocks |
4 |
3 MCQs, 1 TITA |
Easy |
|
DI |
3 people travelling to different countries |
4 |
2MCQs,2 TITA |
Moderate |
|
DI |
DI based on two candidates contesting in an election |
5 |
4MCQs,1 TITA |
Difficult |
|
LR |
LR on Tournaments and Teams |
5 |
5 TITA |
Moderate |
|
LR |
Web surfers had to assign thirty stars |
4 |
3 MCQs, 1 TITA |
Easy-Moderate |
In the DILR section, the candidates were asked 3 questions from the Data Interpretation section, followed by 2 questions from the Logical Reasoning section. The difficulty, as per the responses, is medium. There was a sum-based Logical Reasoning question. As highlighted in the CAT 2024 slot 1 analysis, these questions were part of the CAT 2024 slot 1 question paper, adding a balanced challenge to the CAT 2024 slot 1 paper for candidates in the morning session.
The easiest among all the Data Interpretation questions was the stock price of seven different companies. Per day price movement of the companies was given, and the computations had to be made based on it. The formula given in the question had to be used to find the answer.
The DI question based on three people travelling to different countries was of moderate level difficulty. Some data was given in the form of a bar graph and points. Number handling was involved in this question.
The DILR question on the election was observed to be the one with the highest difficulty because it was lengthier. It had 5 questions.
The LR question was based on games and tournaments. It had incomplete information which had to be identified by the candidate. It was a pure TITA set.
The question Web surfers had to assign thirty stars was again of easy to moderate level. This was also a pure TITA set.
|
Area |
Number of Qs |
|
Arithmetic |
8 |
|
Algebra |
8 |
|
Geometry |
2 |
|
Modern Maths |
3 |
|
Numbers |
1 |
In the quantitative aptitude section, the majority of questions were asked from the algebra and arithmetic sections. The difficulty level of the section has reduced considerably when compared with the CAT 2023 slot 1 question paper. There were 2 questions from geometry and one from sets. The candidates also received one question from Arithmetic Progression.
There were no lengthier questions, and it was very balanced when compared to the 2023 slot 1 question paper.
The maximum questions were asked from arithmetic and algebra alone.
There were 2 questions from Geometry, 1 from sets and permutations and combinations.
1 question each from mixture and alligations, time and work, time, speed and distance were asked.
The CAT 2023 slot 1 question paper had one question from ratio and proportion quantitative aptitude topic.
This year, a few major changes were observed in the CAT 2024 exam. There was an addition of two questions in the DILR section and there were a total of 5 DILR sets in the CAT 2024 Question Paper and earlier it used to be 4 DILR Sets in total. So from this year, the CAT exam pattern 2024 has been changed.
|
Section as per IIM CAT Exam Pattern 2024 |
Total Questions |
Allotted Time |
Allotted Time for PwD Students |
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
24 |
40 Minutes |
53 minutes and 20 seconds |
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
22 |
40 Minutes |
53 minutes and 20 seconds |
|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
22 |
40 Minutes |
53 minutes and 20 seconds |
|
Total |
68 |
120 Minutes |
160 minutes |
If the candidate requires more detailed insights into the CAT 2024 slot 1 examination, they can further download the detailed ebook curated by the experts of Careers360. It has in-depth analysis and more detailed information on the CAT 2024 slot 1 examination and can be really helpful for the candidates.
|
TITLE |
DOWNLOAD LINK |
|
CAT SLOT 1 ANALYSIS |
This section provides direct access to the CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF, allowing aspirants to review previous year questions, analyze patterns, and practice effectively for upcoming CAT exams. It includes all sections with answers for comprehensive preparation.
|
TITLE |
DOWNLOAD LINK |
|
CAT 2024 QUESTION PAPER |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As per the CAT 2024 student's reaction, CAT slot 3 was moderately difficult.
The paper has three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section has a fixed time limit, and the total duration is 2 hours. The number of questions may vary slightly each year.
Candidates can crack CAT 2025 on the first attempt if they have analysed the CAT exam pattern, have a determination and covered all the important topics of the CAT exam. Practising sample papers and CAT mock tests are also important.
As per students, the CAT 2023 paper was the toughest one. IIM Lucknow has set the CAT 2023 question paper.
CAT 2025 is the Common Admission Test conducted by the IIMs for admission to top MBA and management programmes across India. It’s the most widely accepted exam for Tier-1 and Tier-2 B-schools.
On Question asked by student community
Hello
Scoring 94.3 percentile in CAT is really good, so you should feel proud of yourself. With this percentile, the top old IIMs are tough, but you still have a realistic chance in new and baby IIMs like Raipur, Trichy, Kashipur, Nagpur, Bodh Gaya, Vizag, etc. Your chances will also depend on sectional percentiles, category, academics, and work experience. Do apply widely and prepare well for WAT–PI, because a strong interview can really help.
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With a CAT 2025 percentile of 86.5, BBA graduation score of 67%, and 10th marks of 76%, you meet most of the basic academic requirements for MBA admission at Nirma University. However, Class 12 marks are an important factor to consider in your case.
Nirma University’s Institute of Management usually specifies a minimum eligibility of 50% aggregate in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation for general category candidates (45% for reserved categories). Since you have scored 48% in Class 12, you are slightly below the usual minimum requirement. This means that, strictly speaking, you may face eligibility issues at the application or shortlisting stage.
That said, Nirma University follows a composite score–based shortlisting process. CAT score, academic profile, work experience (if any), diversity factors, and performance in PI are all considered together. In some admission cycles, candidates marginally below the Class 12 cutoff have still been allowed to participate in the selection process, especially if their CAT percentile and interview performance were strong.
However, you should be realistic. A low Class 12 score does weaken your profile and cannot be fully “compensated” by CAT score alone. The PI performance can help improve your chances only if you clear the basic eligibility criteria set by the institute for that particular year. Final admission depends on institute-level scrutiny of documents.
What you should do:
Carefully check the latest Nirma MBA admission brochure for the exact Class 12 eligibility clause.
Apply if you meet the minimum eligibility or if the institute allows provisional consideration.
Prepare very well for the PI to justify academic improvement from Class 12 to graduation.
Keep backup MBA colleges that accept 85–90 percentile and have more flexible academic criteria.
In summary, admission to Nirma University is possible but uncertain due to your Class 12 marks. Your CAT score and PI can strengthen your case, but they may not completely override the minimum eligibility requirement.
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Here below I am providing you with the name of some of the best CAT coaching in Chandigarh:
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Yes, with an 89 percentile in CAT, your daughter has a good chance of securing admission in several reputed MBA colleges in India, though top IIMs may be difficult unless she has strong academic diversity, category reservation, or exceptional profile factors. At this percentile range, many well-known Tier-2 and upper Tier-3 management institutes consider candidates for their flagship MBA/PGDM programs.
Institutes such as IMI New Delhi, IMT Hyderabad, XIMB HRM, GIM Goa (certain programs), FORE School of Management, LBSIM Delhi, TAPMI Manipal (borderline), IFMR GSB, Great Lakes (PGDM) and several reputed university MBA programs actively shortlist candidates around the 85–90 percentile range. Final selection does not depend on CAT score alone; academic background, work experience, diversity, performance in GD/PI/WAT also play a significant role.
To maximise chances, she should apply to a balanced mix of colleges, prepare well for interviews, and highlight strengths such as internships, certifications, leadership roles, or work experience. If her profile is average and she aims for higher-ranked institutes, she may also consider repeating CAT with focused preparation to push her percentile above 95.
With an overall CAT percentile of around 80 and belonging to the NC-OBC category, you do have a reasonable set of MBA college options in India, including some IITs, though the older IIMs and top IIT MBA programs will be difficult at this score.
Among the IITs, you can realistically look at newer and mid-tier MBA programs. IIT Jodhpur (MBA), IIT Bhilai, IIT Jammu, and IIT Dharwad have historically considered candidates in the 75–85 percentile range under reserved categories like NC-OBC. These institutes usually evaluate candidates on a composite score that includes CAT performance, academic background, work experience (if any), and interview performance. However, IIT Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, Kanpur, and Roorkee typically require much higher CAT percentiles even for reserved categories, so the chances there are quite low at 80 percentile.
Apart from IITs, several good government and semi-government institutions can be strong options. NIT Trichy (DOMS), NIT Warangal (SOM), NIT Calicut (SOM), and NIT Durgapur are worth applying to, as NITs often have relatively lower cutoffs for NC-OBC candidates compared to IIMs. Central universities such as Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, University of Hyderabad, and Delhi School of Management (DTU) can also be considered, subject to their sectional cutoffs and your academic profile.
In the private B-school space, there are multiple reputed institutes where an 80 percentile with NC-OBC reservation offers a fair chance. These include IMT Nagpur and IMT Hyderabad, GIM Goa (for some programs), TAPMI Manipal, FORE School of Management, K J Somaiya Mumbai, BIMTECH Greater Noida, IRMA Anand (profile dependent), and IFMR GSB at Krea University. At these institutes, interview performance, SOP quality, and overall profile play a major role in final selection.
Overall, it is advisable to apply broadly and not rely on a single institute. Focus on newer IITs, NITs, and well-established private B-schools, and prepare thoroughly for the personal interview and group discussion rounds, as at this percentile level, strong performance beyond CAT can significantly improve your final admission chances.
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