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CAT 2025 exam pattern is prescribed by the CAT conducting IIM. As per the CAT exam pattern 2025, the question paper has 3 sections; VARC, DILR, and QA. The total number of questions asked in the CAT exam will be 68. The DILR and QA section comprises 22 questions each and the VARC section has a total of 24 questions. The total marks in the CAT exam is 204. The total duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes (160 minutes for PwD). Each section will take 40 minutes to solve and 53 minutes, 20 seconds for PwD candidates.
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In past few years, the CAT exam pattern has been modified several times by the conducting IIMs. However, since 2015, the CAT paper pattern has remained unchanged in terms of total marks, and total time duration. The CAT exam 2025 will be held on November 30, 2025, in three different shifts. The CAT exam paper pattern is a mind-driven exam designed to test a candidate's ability to solve reasoning and mathematical questions accurately in the least amount of time.
The CAT exam 2025 is all about using logical reasoning and aptitude skills. Those who are going to take CAT 2025 must familiarise themselves with the updated CAT entrance pattern. It will help them understand the CAT exam structure and the marking scheme. The total marks of the exam is about 204. Read this article to know all about CAT exam pattern and syllabus 2025, including CAT paper timing, sectional time limit, total CAT marks, etc.
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What is the pattern of a CAT exam? CAT 2025 is a computer-based entrance exam divided into 3 sections with a total of 68 questions: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section will have a duration of 40 minutes. What is the total score of the CAT exam? For the CAT 2025 exam, the total marks will be 204. As per the CAT marking scheme, each question is worth 3 marks. |
The CAT exam paper pdf will help with better CAT exam preparation. Before going to appear for this national-level MBA entrance exam, one should know what the CAT 2025 pattern is. The CAT pattern and the test procedure will be announced, along with the CAT exam 2025 date and the notification. Candidates planning to opt for CAT 2025 must familiarise themselves with the latest CAT entrance exam pattern along with the CAT syllabus 2025. Last year, the CAT exam pattern for the MBA included 68 questions.
Check out the best CAT Study Material
As per the previous year's CAT question paper pattern, the exam will be held in three slots, that is, in the morning, afternoon, and evening on the same day, as the computer-based test (CBT). The CAT exam paper pattern for MBA is summarised in table below.
Particulars | CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus |
---|---|
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD) |
Name of the Section |
|
Section-wise CAT exam time duration |
|
CAT slot timings |
|
How many questions in CAT exam | 68 Questions |
Total marks of CAT exam | 204 CAT marks |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme |
|
The CAT 2025 exam will be held in three different shifts with a duration of 120 minutes (2 hours) for each CAT slot. The CAT 2025 entrance exam is expected to be held on November 30. The CAT exam will be administered in the morning, afternoon, and evening sessions as per the norms. Check out more details about CAT exam 2025 slots.
As per trends and CAT paper patterns, candidates have to solve every section in 40 minutes. After the conclusion of 40 minutes (sectional time limit), no changes or corrections will be allowed after that. Checkout section-wise number of CAT questions and the sectional time limit is listed in the below table.
CAT Exam Sections | Number of questions | Time limit | Time limit for PwD students |
Verbal Ability and 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 |
CAT Exam Slots | CAT Exam Time |
CAT Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
CAT Slot 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
CAT Slot 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in three slots of 2 hours (120 minutes) each on a single day. The CAT total marks is 204 in total. However, candidates cannot switch between the CAT exam sections. The onscreen clock will help candidates to keep a check on the time during the CAT exam.
CAT 2025 qualifying marks will be available with the release of the CAT cutoff for the next academic session. The CAT qualifying marks will be released by the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and by other top MBA colleges that accept CAT scores for MBA/ PGDM admissions. In order to appear for the selection rounds of MBA admission the first criterion is to satisfy the qualifying CAT marks criteria.
How many total marks are in the CAT exam? The total marks for the Common Admission Test (CAT) exam will be 204 marks in total. How many questions in CAT exam? The total number of CAT total questions will be 68. The entire CAT question paper will be divided into three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA). As per the CAT MBA pattern, VARC will have 24 questions, DILR will have 22 questions, and QA will have 22 questions. |
People also search: Download past 10-year CAT question paper
As per the CAT question paper given below are the section-wise questions can be covered in the CAT 2025 test pattern.
QA: High on Arithmetic and Algebra. 2 questions on Geometry, 1 sets, 1 AP, etc.
How many times CAT exam is conducted in a year? Indian Institute of Management (IIM) conducts Common Admission Test (CAT) exam once a year. |
Year | No. of Questions | Sections | Duration | Conducting IIM |
---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | 68 | VARC, DILR, QA | 2 hours | IIM XYZ |
2024 | 68 | VARC, DILR, QA | 2 hours | IIM Calcutta |
2023 | 66 | VARC, DILR, QA | 2 hours | IIM Lucknow |
CAT test pattern 2025 includes the answer to the searched question "Is there a negative marking in CAT?" Under the CAT marking scheme, candidates get to know the CAT exam total marks awarded for each correct answer and how many marks will be deducted if the candidate answers the question incorrectly.
For unanswered CAT questions, no marks will be deducted. Also for Non-MCQs, no marks will be deducted.
The following table summarizes the marking scheme for CAT 2025:
CAT exam section name | Number of questions | Marks per question | CAT Negative Marking (Only MCQs) |
VARC | 24 | 3 | -1 |
DILR | 22 | 3 | -1 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 3 | -1 |
Year | Number of Questions | Sections | Marking Scheme | Duration | Conducting Body |
2024 | Total 68 questions (24 in VARC, 22 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, No negative for non-MCQs. | 2 hours | IIM Calcutta |
2023 | Total 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 |
2022 | Total 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 Bangalore |
2021 | Total 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 minutes | IIM 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 |
How many levels are there in CAT exam? As per the CAT MBA test pattern, there are three exam sections including VARC, DILR, and QA. The CAT VARC section includes 24 questions with a weightage of 72 marks. CAT DILR section comprise 22 questions with a weightage of 66 marks and the QA section will have 22 questions with a weightage of 66 marks. |
Other Relevant Topics:
CAT Participating Institutes | CAT Cutoff |
CAT Result | How to fill out CAT application form |
CAT notification | CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus |
In the last few year's CAT question paper pattern has been changed multiple times. By referring to the below table the candidates will be able to know a clear idea of how the CAT 2025 paper pattern evolved over the years.
The paper pattern of CAT contains three sections such as,
There is no difference in the sections for each year. Also, there is no difference in the CAT question paper pattern for MBA marking scheme.
Year | Number of Question | Difficulty Level | CAT exam time duration | Conducting Body |
2024 | 68 | Easy to Moderate | 2 hours | IIM Calcutta |
2023 | 66 | Difficult | 2 hours | IIM Lucknow |
2022 | 66 | Moderate | 2 hours | IIM Bangalore |
2021 | 66 | Moderate to High (Expected) | 2 hours | |
2020 | 76 | Moderate to High | 2 hours | |
2019 | 100 | Moderate to High | 3 hours | |
2018 | 100 | Moderate to High | 3 hours | |
2017 | 100 | Moderate | 3 hours | |
2016 | 100 | Moderate to difficult | 3 hours | IIM Bangalore |
2015 | 100 | Moderate to difficult | 3 hours | |
2014 | 100 | Moderate to Easy | 2.50 hours | |
2013 | 60 | Moderate to Easy | 2:20 hours | IIM Indore |
2012 | 60 | Moderate to Easy | 2.20 hours | IIM Indore |
2011 | 60 | Moderate | 2.20 hours | IIM Calcutta |
Check out How to Prepare for CAT
CAT conducting body will not release the official CAT exam syllabus. However, based on the CAT MBA exam pattern, candidates can check the topics on which the questions are asked.
Section | Topics |
Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
|
The candidates can take the official CAT Mock Test. CAT conducting body will release the official CAT 2025 mock test on iimcat.ac.in. It will help to face the actual exam without any fear and also help to attend to the questions within the given time.
By appearing in the mock test, the aspirants can get an idea of how to move between different sections. Before appearing in the CAT exam mock test, students must know the CAT test pattern 2025 and they must also go through the CAT sample papers.
Before going to start the CAT exam, the students should have to know how to answer questions. Candidates should use the following options when answering questions:
NOTE: When answering CAT questions, one should use the mouse provided. Using the system keyboard will lock the computer screen.
Panel Colour | What it Indicates |
Red | The question was not answered and is not marked for review. |
Green | The question was answered and not reviewed. |
Grey | Question not viewed or visited. |
Violet | The question is marked for review and not yet answered. |
Violet with Green tick | The question was marked and answered for review. |
As per the CAT paper analysis, the exam was moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty level but the VARC and QA section was moderate in all three slots. QA section was difficult as compared to VARC and DILR. Check below question wise break of the CAT 2025 paper pattern:
CAT Section | Number of Questions | Type | Difficulty Level |
---|---|---|---|
VARC | 24 | 4 Para summary, 4 Passages of 4 Questions each, 2 Para completion, 2 Odd one out | Moderate |
DILR | 22 | 2 Sets of 5 Questions, 3 Sets of 4 Questions | Easy-Moderate |
QA | 22 | Algebra - 5-6, Arithmetic- 10-11, Geometry- 3, Number System- 2, Modern Maths- 1 | Moderate |
Overall CAT Difficulty Level | Moderate |
As per experts, the CAT 2025 will be moderate to difficult, check out below the CAT score vs percentile based on CAT cutoff marks vs percentile.
CAT 2025 Slot 1 | ||||
Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
99 | 39-40 | 31-32 | 30-31 | 90 |
95 | 31-32 | 24-25 | 23-24 | 66 |
90 | 25-26 | 19-21 | 17-18 | 56-57 |
85 | 22-23 | 16-18 | 14-15 | 45-46 |
80 | 20-21 | 13-14 | 12-13 | 40-41 |
70 | 16-17 | 11-12 | 10-11 | 35-36 |
CAT 2025 Slot 2 | ||||
Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
99 | 41-42 | 27-28 | 28-29 | 87 |
95 | 33-34 | 22-23 | 22-23 | 63 |
90 | 26-27 | 18-19 | 16-17 | 55-56 |
85 | 23-24 | 15-17 | 13-14 | 44-45 |
80 | 21-22 | 12-14 | 11-12 | 39-40 |
70 | 17-18 | 11-12 | 10-11 | 35-36 |
People also search for;
The CAT exam will be held in computer-based mode (CBT), and the CAT question paper will be divided into 3 sections and a total of 68 questions asked from VARC, DILR, and QA.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is conducting CAT exam 2025 on November 30, 2025.
Paper pattern of CAT 2024 will consist of three sections:
Section III: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
When it comes to managing time in the CAT exam, aim to spend a limited amount of time on each and every question. If a question is taking too long, just move on.
Yes, a -1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer. CAT pattern is similar to the last year and there is no such change.
CAT is considered to be the most difficult MBA entrance exam in India. The difficulty of CAT 2025 is expected to be moderate to high. The CAT total mark is 204.
No, IIMs do not officially announce the syllabus of the Common Admission Test. The subjects of the CAT exam include topics of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
CAT is normally conducted as a computer-based test. CAT is a challenging exam undoubtedly but candidates can crack the same with hard work and effective strategy.
No, there is no such provision to choose a CAT slot. The CAT slot will be allotted by the exam conducting body on a first come first serve basis. Candidates will have to appear for the CAT 2025 in only the slot allotted.
The overall score for the 99 percentile in CAT 2025 will around 86+ marks.
As per the CAT exam pattern, there will be a total of 68 questions. CAT exam paper has both MCQs and TITA questions- MCQs have about 75% weightage in the question paper.
The CAT 2025 exam consists of 68 questions divided into three sections:
Hello
K.R. Mangalam University follows a flexible assessment system including :
Exam Formats : Multiple-choice, descriptive, project-based and practical assessments. Continuous internal assessments (CIA), mid-terms and end-term exams are conducted.
Competitive Exam Support : While the university does not provide direct coaching for exams like CAT, MAT or GATE , it offers :
Scholarships & Encouragement : Scholarships based on entrance exams and merit.
Industry Collaborations : Programs like an MBA with IBM help students gain practical knowledge relevant to management and technical fields.
Skill Development : Workshops , research opportunities and faculty mentorship to strengthen problem-solving and analytical skills.
For structured preparation , students often take external coaching while utilizing the university's resources .
Hello there,
Yes, you can apply for CAT examination after completion of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) .
The Common Admission Test (CAT) has no restrictions regarding your educational background thus allowing you to submit your application following your completion of a Pharm. D degree.
The Common Admission Test permits candidates to take the exam after completing any undergraduate degree without any restrictions to the area of study. The professional doctoral degree of Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) functions as an equivalent to bachelor's level for CAT eligibility recognition.
Therefore, Candidates who received their Pharm. D degree can pursue the CAT exam application process based on their qualification standards.
For more information about CAT examination follow the given link: https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-exam-pattern
Hope this will help!
With a CAT percentile of 89.27 and your academic scores, you have a fair chance of getting into some of the top-tier and upper-mid-tier B-schools in India. Here are some of the best options you can target:
Top Colleges You Can Apply To
1. IMI Delhi (International Management Institute)
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Known for: Finance, Marketing, and Consulting placements.
2. IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology)
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Strong alumni network and good placement records.
3. XIMB Bhubaneswar (Xavier Institute of Management)
CAT Cut-off: 85+ percentile
Known for HR, Finance, and Operations.
4. TAPMI Manipal (T.A. Pai Management Institute)
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Consistent placement records in marketing and finance.
5. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Good ROI and strong industry connections.
6. GIM Goa (Goa Institute of Management)
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Known for a strong finance and marketing curriculum.
7. FORE School of Management, Delhi
CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile
Offers good placements and industry exposure.
Hello Ayushi,
With a GATE score of 402 in the OBC category, securing admission to M.Tech programs in Biotechnology at IITs may be challenging. For instance, IIT Delhi's 2022 cutoff for Biomedical Engineering was 650 for OBC candidates.
It's advisable to check the specific admission criteria of each IIT and consider applying to multiple institutions to increase your chances.
Hope it helps !
With a 99 percentile in CAT, you've definitely got a strong foundation for your MBA aspirations.
FMS Admission Process
FMS Delhi considers various factors for admission, including:
1. CAT score (99 percentile is excellent!)
2. Academic performance (your low academic background might be a concern)
3. Work experience (you didn't mention any, but certifications and courses can help)
4. Extracurricular activities (your Engage 7x Course and Spanish foreign language course are positives)
5. Personal interview (this is an opportunity to showcase your skills and passion)
SC Category Advantage
As an SC category candidate, you'll have a relaxation in the admission criteria. FMS Delhi has a reservation policy for SC/ST candidates.
Chances of Getting into FMS
While a 99 percentile CAT score is impressive, FMS Delhi is a highly competitive institution. Your low academic background might affect your chances, but:
- Your SC category status will provide some advantage.
- Your certifications and courses (Engage 7x, Spanish) demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
It's difficult to predict admission outcomes, but I'd estimate your chances as follows:
- FMS Delhi: 20-30% chance (considering your CAT score, SC category, and certifications)
- Other top MBA colleges: 50-70% chance (considering your CAT score and SC category)
Next Steps
1. Apply to FMS Delhi: Submit your application, highlighting your strengths and certifications.
2. Prepare for the personal interview: Showcase your passion, skills, and experiences.
3. Consider other MBA colleges: Apply to other top colleges that align with your interests and goals.
Stay positive, and best of luck with your applications!
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