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Since its introduction in 2015, the TITA format in the CAT exam has tested both clarity and accuracy. Unlike MCQs, these questions require candidates to type the answer directly. Many aspirants face challenges due to a lack of proper methods that reduce their overall CAT score. A strong CAT TITA strategy 2025 begins with conceptual clarity and balanced time allocation. This article explains how to tackle TITA questions in CAT 2025 by sharing tips to attempt them smartly and guiding you through a practical CAT non-MCQ questions approach compared to traditional MCQs.
TITA stands for Type In The Answer questions in the CAT 2025 Exam. These are non-MCQ questions where no options are provided; candidates must type the exact answer. TITA questions appear in all three sections, VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. A good CAT TITA strategy 2025 includes careful reading, strong conceptual clarity, and avoiding guesswork. Unlike CAT MCQs, TITA questions do not carry negative marking, so it’s important to attempt them wisely to maximise marks.
The CAT exam features two main types of questions, TITA and MCQ. While both aim to test core concepts across sections like VARC, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and QA, the way they’re answered and evaluated differs greatly. TITA questions require you to calculate and type in the final answer without any options. In contrast, MCQs give you four choices, and you select the correct one.
Answer Method
TITA questions require you to solve the problem and type the exact answer without guidance. There are no hints through options. In CAT MCQs, you can often use elimination, estimation, or logic to reach the right answer even if your concept is slightly shaky.
Negative Marking
CAT TITA questions carry no penalty for wrong answers, making them safer to attempt. MCQs, however, come with negative marking for incorrect responses. A wrong guess here can reduce your score, so caution is needed.
Role of Options
In MCQs, options often guide your thinking and can even help confirm your solution. In TITA, you rely solely on your understanding and calculations. There's no support from answer choices, which makes them more concept-driven.
Risk and Reward Strategy:
CAT TITA questions offer a chance to score without the fear of penalty, encouraging attempts even in uncertain cases. MCQs demand a more calculated risk, and wrong guessing leads to a mark deduction.
Time Management:
CAT TITA questions might take longer because you must work out the exact answer with no shortcuts. In MCQs, you might save time using quick tricks or option-based logic. However, MCQs can also tempt you into overthinking, especially with close options.
TITA was introduced in 2015. In TITA, candidates will have to answer them directly by typing on the screen. Candidates must perform excellently in the TITA questions to score well and secure a place at their desired IIM. The Common Admission Test 2025 is considered the most challenging exam due to its sectional time limit and the level of questions asked. Candidates should keep the time in mind while solving Non-MCQ or TITA questions, as there is limited time for each section.
Based on the CAT exam pattern 2025, there will be two types of questions: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-in-the-Answer (TITA) questions. In TITA, candidates will have options to choose from. Additionally, this will require more time to write answers, so candidates should focus on only those questions with which they are confident. Check the table below to understand the trends of CAT TITA questions that will be asked in the CAT 2025, tentatively scheduled for November 2025.
Understanding the number of TITA questions asked each year can provide candidates with valuable insight into the weightage of CAT TITA questions. Below is the breakdown of the non-MCQ questions in CAT for the past three years, helping candidates strategise their preparation and approach CAT TITA questions more effectively. This information will also help in developing a focused TITA strategy for CAT, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for this section.
Total number of TITA questions | Exam Year |
44 | 2020 |
42 | 2021 |
47 | 2022 |
(This data includes questions from all three slots in the corresponding year)
CAT Year | TITA Questions in DI & LR | TITA Questions in CAT QA | TITA Questions in CAT VARC | % of TITA Questions Every Year |
CAT 2023 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 16 |
CAT 2022 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 17 |
CAT 2021 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 18 |
CAT 2019 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 25 |
CAT 2018 | 8 | 12 | 7 | 27 |
CAT 2017 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
CAT 2016 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 25 |
CAT 2015 | 24 | 14 | 10 | 32 |
Be Careful With Time Management While Dealing with TITA Questions
Clear your concepts
Avoid Guesswork
TITA questions in CAT 2025 demand precise solving without the support of options. These questions test your ability to apply concepts directly, making them different from MCQs. A well-planned CAT TITA strategy 2025 can improve both speed and accuracy.
1. Focus on Conceptual Strength
A strong conceptual foundation is the key to solving TITA questions with confidence. These questions do not offer answer choices, so you must rely entirely on your understanding of the topic. Whether it’s solving equations in Quant, analysing sets in DILR, or interpreting passages in VARC, only solid concepts will help you arrive at the correct answer. Therefore, you must adhere to the CAT exam books.
Candidates should strive to clarify their concepts from a basic level. Start with easy examples and gradually move to standard-level questions. Rushing into complex problems without mastering the basics often leads to avoidable mistakes in TITA formats.
2. Break Down Every Step While Practising
Writing each step while solving a TITA question helps minimise careless errors and improves overall accuracy. Since there are no answer options to guide or verify your solution, missing a single step or calculation can lead to an incorrect final response. A structured, step-by-step approach not only improves clarity but also builds consistency, which is essential when using any reliable CAT non-MCQ questions approach.
This habit forms a core part of an effective CAT preparation strategy. Many students try to solve mentally or skip steps to save time, but this often leads to mistakes—especially in TITA questions where the margin for error is very small.
3. Use Timed Practice Sessions
Solving TITA questions within strict time limits helps improve both speed and accuracy. Since these questions don’t offer answer choices, you must rely entirely on your calculations and logic. That’s why practising them under time pressure is essential. It simulates the real exam environment and builds mental stamina for the actual test day.
Suppose you start preparing for the CAT without coaching. In that case, you can still build strong time management habits through self-study. Begin by solving a fixed number of TITA questions every day using a stopwatch or online timer. Allocate time per question based on the actual CAT format. This helps in developing speed without compromising accuracy.
4. Attempt When the Answer is Clear
TITA questions may seem risk-free because they don’t carry negative marking, but guessing randomly is rarely helpful. While there’s no penalty for wrong answers, typing in answers blindly can waste valuable time that could be spent on questions you understand better. A focused and selective approach works far more effectively than attempting everything.
A common question among aspirants is, "How many questions should I attempt in the CAT to get the 99th percentile?" The answer depends on the difficulty level of the slot and your accuracy. However, consistently attempting 55–60% of the questions with high accuracy is usually enough.
TITA questions in CAT 2025 test your true understanding, as they require typing the final answer without options. These non-MCQ problems appear in all three sections and demand accuracy, strong concepts, and time management. Knowing how to solve TITA questions in CAT 2025 can improve both your score and confidence.
One of the best ways to tackle TITA questions in CAT is through the CAT mock test. Most people believed that solving mock tests helped them understand the paper pattern and gain clarity about concepts.
Benefits of the mock test of CAT include self-analysis, self-cum-time-management, and accuracy in problem-solving, including TITA questions.
CAT topper Ronit Banerjea said, “I was also regular with my attendance of scheduled mocks and attempting sectional mocks, which helped boost my performances in all three sections. I had an edge in VARC owing to my general comfort in the language, but a constant fear of the LRDI section ensured I was regular with my practice.”
Similarly, another CAT topper, Rahul Gupt, said, “Before the exam, somehow I was not able to score very well in the quantitative ability section, and I was not satisfied with my performance. I practised a lot of mock tests, and gradually I started doing well. I practised a lot from sectional and mock tests, as well as the questions in the study material I was preparing. During the weekend, I would dedicate more time to my preparation and take mock tests as well as sectional tests. I used to solve a lot of questions, apart from the mock tests.”
As discussed above, TITA questions are non-MCQs and do not have options like multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Hence, they are more time-consuming and require more time to answer. Although answering TITA questions does not result in losing marks, many candidates fall into the trap and end up wasting their 60 minutes per section. Candidates also face anxiety as they fear losing time while solving TITA questions.
To make their preparation strong, candidates are advised to practice from previous years' CAT question papers. Once finished with the syllabus, solve at least one question paper/sample paper daily. PPYQ will improve speed and accuracy, and eventually, no question will appear unfamiliar. By regularly scanning the previous year's question paper, you will be familiar with both types of questions, i.e. MCQs and TITA questions.
Finally, remember that there is no specific strategy or trick to attempt TITA questions in CAT. To save time while solving the CAT question paper, the best advice for candidates would be first to solve the non-MCQs and then move on to those TITA questions that seem familiar and can be answered easily. This approach helps in efficiently managing time and tackling the TITA section with greater confidence and accuracy.
The non-MCQ questions in the CAT exam are referred to as CAT TITA (Type in the Answer) questions. Candidates have to give their answers using an on-screen keyboard. There is no negative marking for CAT TITA questions.
TITA stands for "Type in the Answer." These are questions that don't offer multiple-choice options. Instead, you have to type your answer directly on the screen.
No, there are no negative marking for attempting TITA questions in CAT exam. TITA stands for "Type In The Answer," which are non-MCQ questions in CAT. Here, candidates are required to directly type their responses instead of choosing from provided options.
The frequency of TITA questions in CAT exam varies from 12-20 questions from different sections i.e., DI & LR, VARC and QA.
To solve TITA (Type In The Answer) questions in CAT, start by carefully reading the question to understand the requirement, as there are no answer options to guide you. Focus on logical reasoning and precise calculations, as these questions often test conceptual clarity. Avoid guesswork since there is no negative marking, but aim to attempt only those questions where you are confident.
Don't spend more than 2-3 minutes per TITA question. Since you have only 40 minutes per section, time management is crucial. If a TITA question is taking too long, move on and return to it later if time permits.
TITA questions (Type In The Answer) are non-MCQ questions in the CAT exam where candidates must type the answer manually, as no options are provided.
The number of TITA questions in CAT varies each year but usually ranges between 10 to 14 questions across all three sections.
In CAT 2024, there were approximately 12 to 14 TITA questions spread across the VARC, DILR, and QA sections. The exact number varied slightly across slots.
VARC usually contains around 2 to 3 TITA questions, mostly from the Verbal Ability subsection (such as para jumbles or sentence placement).
CAT 2021 had around 14 TITA questions in total, distributed approximately as 3 in VARC, 5 in DILR, and 6 in QA (varied slightly by slot).
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
Hello Aspirant,
On the CAT form, you should put your name exactly as it is on your class 10 marksheet, as that will be the official educational record. Then during document verification, you can bring a Gazette notification or affidavit for name change so that documents can match your Aadhaar.
Hello aspirant,
The CUSAT CAT 2025 inaugural real-time spot admission will take place at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) from August 4–6. For admission to a variety of undergraduate (B.Tech) and graduate (MSc) programs, the Common Admission Test, or CUSAT CAT, is an entrance exam. Every year, it features sections in mathematics/biology, chemistry, and physics.
For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://www.careers360.com/exams/cusat-cat
Thank you
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if your caste is listed under Central OBC and you come under the category of Non-Creamy Layer, then you shall be eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation in the CAT exam and IIM admissions, irrespective of its being categorized as OEC in Kerala. Remember to get a valid OBC-NCL certificate obtained as per the format prescribed by the Government of India.
Hey Vijay:)
Thanks for reaching out!
OEC,(Other Eligible Communities) is a state-specific reservation category used in Kerala,and it is not recognised as a separate category in central-level exams like the CAT.
For Central govt exams candidates must choose from the recognised categories: General,SC,ST,OBC-NCL,EWS or PwD.If your community is listed under OEC-SC or OEC-ST in Kerala,you should check whether it falls under SC or ST in the central list and apply accordingly.
Similarly,If your OEC community is in the central OBC list and you meet the non-creamy layer(NCL)rules,you can apply as OBC-NCL, otherwise you need to apply under the general category.
You can verify caste's status in the central list on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website.
Hope this clears your doubt!
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