you just need to get your OBC certificate corrected and need to inform the CAT helpdesk about this error.
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The CAT exam is considered tough not just because of its difficulty level, but due to the precision and strategy it demands from aspirants. With over 3 lakh candidates competing for limited IIM seats, even answering 15–16 questions accurately in a section can decide a 95+ percentile. Unlike other MBA exams, CAT challenges students with unpredictable question patterns, sectional time pressure, and a percentile-based scoring system. Hence, candidates have to make a smart attempt selection more important than high question attempts to qualify for CAT 2025. In this article, we have provided the reality if the CATexam is really tough or is just a myth, along with exam pattern, comparative analysis to other MBA exams, as well as useful study resources.
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Many students believe that the CAT exam is insanely tough, but that’s only half the truth. Yes, it’s competitive, but it’s not impossible. The actual syllabus includes topics you’ve already studied in school: basic Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Logical Reasoning. What makes CAT challenging is the time pressure and smart question framing. The real test is how well you manage time, stay calm, and make smart choices during the exam. Thousands of students crack it every year with consistent practice, CAT 2025 mock tests, and the right guidance. So, it’s not about being a genius, it’s about being prepared.
Before understanding the CAT exam difficulty, it is necessary for the aspirants to understand all the factors that make the CAT exam difficult. Every year, the difficulty of the CAT examination is determined by a combination of these factors. The list of factors that greatly influence the difficulty level of the Common Admission Test is:
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The surge in the number of candidates who appear for the CAT examination has become immense in recent times. A few of the reasons for this are the management goals of the candidates and no necessary prerequisite courses for joining the MBA degree. Also, the handsome salaries that the candidates are offered for their job roles after completing their MBA degrees are like no other. So, the number of candidates who appear for the CAT examination is also high and immense. This increases the competitiveness of the CAT examination manifold.
According to the latest CAT exam pattern, the candidates should attempt 68 questions within a time limit of 120 minutes. The important sections of the CAT examination, such as Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, as well as Quantitative Aptitude, are often tricky and time-consuming. Due to this, the candidates often find it difficult to answer all the questions within the given time limit. Hence, CAT time management has become necessary, and due to this, the difficulty level of the exam has also gone up.
The Common Admission Test is one of the most dynamic management entrance examinations out there. Only recently, in 2024, the CAT exam introduced a change in the exam pattern by introducing 2 extra CAT 2025 DILR questions and making the total number of questions 68 from the previous 66. This unpredictability in the CAT exam pattern might catch a few candidates off guard, and due to this, they might feel slightly uneasy. The expected CAT exam pattern for 2025 is provided below for the reference of the candidates. The CAT 2025 examination will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode.
Particulars | CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus |
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD) |
Name of the Section | - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) - Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Section-wise CAT exam time duration | - 40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA) - 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section |
Number of Questions | 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme | - For every right answer, +3 will be awarded - For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted - No negative marks for Non-MCQs |
One of the major difficulties faced by the candidates during their CAT 2025 preparation is the non-availability of an official CAT 2025 syllabus. The conducting bodies have not revealed any official CAT syllabus. This means that the candidates should refer to the CAT previous year question papers, shortlist the CAT important topics and prepare their own CAT 2025 preparation timetable. However, we have provided below the sectionwise syllabus for CAT 2025, to help you understand it clearly and boost your preparation:
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus |
CAT 2025 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Syllabus |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus |
To accommodate the highly competitive nature of the CAT exams, the cutoffs for the best management institutions of the country are high. The top-rated IIMs have CAT cutoff marks as high as 99 percentile. This is done to ensure a fair selection of candidates for the limited number of seats available at the top institutions of the country. This means that the candidates are missing out on joining their dream colleges by a variation of 0.05 percentile, which is very unfortunate. This adds up to the CAT exam difficulty.
CAT is generally considered tougher than most other MBA entrance exams in India due to its high competition, dynamic paper pattern, and percentile-based evaluation. While exams like XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and MAT also test aptitude, CAT stands out with over 3 lakh aspirants competing for just around 5,000 IIM seats, making the seat-to-applicant ratio extremely low.
The difficulty level of CAT Quantitative Aptitude and DILR is higher compared to exams like MAT and CMAT, which follow a more predictable question pattern. CAT DILR, especially, is known for its unpredictable case-based sets, where even answering 12–14 questions accurately can lead to a 99 percentile. On the other hand, exams like NMAT allow multiple attempts and have sectional flexibility, reducing pressure on candidates.
Another major factor that makes CAT more challenging is its percentile-based scoring system, even one wrong question can drop your percentile drastically at higher scores. Unlike SNAP or CMAT, where raw scores directly determine ranks, CAT rewards strategy, question selection, accuracy, and mental agility under pressure.
Exam Name | Number of Test Takers (Approx.) | Top Colleges Accepting | Difficulty Level (Compared to CAT) | Sectional Time Limit | Attempts Allowed |
CAT | 3.0 – 3.2 Lakh | IIMs, FMS, IITs | Highest – Unpredictable DILR & High Accuracy Demand | Yes (Strict) | One Attempt |
XAT | 1 Lakh | XLRI, XIMB, IMT | High – Essay + Decision Making Section | Yes | One Attempt |
NMAT | 70,000 | NMIMS, KJ Somaiya | Moderate – Sectional Flexibility | No (Flexible) | Up to 3 Attempts |
SNAP | 50,000 | Symbiosis Institutes | Moderate – Speed Based | Yes (Short Duration) | Three Attempts |
CMAT | 70,000 | JBIMS, Great Lakes | Moderate to Easy – Straight Formula-Based | No | One Attempt |
MAT | 2 Lakh | Tier-2 & Tier-3 B-Schools | Easy – Repetitive Pattern | No | Multiple Modes |
CAT is one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India, mainly because of tricky questions and very limited time. The DILR section in CAT is especially hard, as it has long sets and confusing logic. When compared to other exams, like XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and MAT, CAT is more about smart thinking and time management.
XAT also feels tough, but it includes Decision Making and an essay, which are different from CAT. SNAP and NMAT are easier, with simpler questions but faster timing. MAT is the easiest among these and used by many smaller colleges. So, CAT is not the only difficult one, but it does need more practice and a clear plan to score well.
Achieving a 100 percentile in CAT 2025 demands consistent practice, strong fundamentals, smart time management, and a focused exam strategy. Each section—Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)—requires a tailored approach. Accuracy, careful question selection, and daily revision are key to boosting speed and confidence on exam day.
Build a rock-solid foundation in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems.
Memorise essential formulas and practise applying them in mocks and topic-wise questions.
Prioritise high-weightage topics identified from previous years’ papers.
Start with topic-specific questions before attempting mixed problem sets.
Regularly take quantitative aptitude sectional tests under timed conditions to improve both speed and accuracy.
Read newspapers, editorials, articles, and fiction daily to enhance reading speed and comprehension.
Solve 3–4 RC passages each day, focusing on understanding rather than guessing.
Avoid blind guesses; use elimination techniques to choose the right options.
Build vocabulary naturally through reading instead of rote memorisation.
Approach VA questions like para jumbles or odd-sentence-out logically, rather than relying on instinct.
Practise a variety of DILR sets daily, covering puzzles, seating arrangements, charts, and graphs.
In mocks, choose solvable sets strategically; don’t waste time on overly difficult ones.
Use timers to track your pace and refine your solving strategy.
Learn calculation shortcuts for percentages, ratios, and averages to save precious time.
The difficulty of the CAT exam can be understood better when we look at each section. In Quantitative Aptitude, the concepts are mostly school-level, especially arithmetic, so they look simple at first. Know about the CAT 2025 exam difficulty level.
The concepts in Quantitative Aptitude mostly come from school-level maths, especially the arithmetic of Classes 8–10. On the surface, the concepts are not very tough, but the way questions are framed makes them tricky. Many are data-heavy or have hidden traps, so applying the basics under time pressure becomes difficult.
DILR is often the toughest section in the CAT 2025 exam. The puzzle-based sets are not like regular textbook problems, so students find them unfamiliar. Some years it feels manageable, but in others, it gets unusually tough, which adds uncertainty. The unpredictability is what makes this Logical Reasoning feared.
This section does not test high-level grammar or vocabulary. Instead, it focuses on logic, comprehension, and reasoning. Most of the marks come from Reading Comprehension. The passages can be dense, tricky, or confusing, which makes them time-consuming even if the questions look simple.
The debate around the CAT exam difficulty level grows every year. Many aspirants feel the test is tougher now, while others argue it is simply different. One must look at how CAT has changed over the years, especially in structure and section-wise unpredictability.
Earlier, candidates had three hours to complete the paper. After the change, the test duration dropped to two hours while sectional limits stayed. This meant aspirants had to solve questions faster, increasing stress. The CAT exam pattern still checks conceptual clarity, but reduced time makes pacing and question selection far more critical.
The total number of questions was reduced, but that did not mean the paper became easier. In fact, the CAT Quant section and Verbal Ability maintained moderate to high difficulty. Many aspirants found that each question now carries more weight, so accuracy matters much more than before. Solving smartly has become as important as knowing concepts.
One of the biggest changes has been in the CAT DILR difficulty. Earlier, students could expect familiar sets or patterns. Today, the section is unpredictable, with logic puzzles and data sets that test reasoning under pressure. This shift makes practice across diverse problem types essential. Since CAT DILR questions cannot be mastered by memorising methods alone.
CAT 2025 preparation resources play a crucial role in helping aspirants build a strong foundation for the CAT exam 2025. Using the right study material like mock tests, CAT previous year question papers, sample papers, and topic-specific books gives candidates a strategic edge. Students who regularly practise with these CAT 2025 preparation resources are often more confident, accurate, and exam-ready. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best resources to boost your CAT 2025 exam preparation.
CAT 2025 Sample Papers help aspirants get familiar with the latest exam pattern and difficulty level of the CAT exam 2025. These sample papers simulate real exam conditions and help improve accuracy and speed. When combined with the CAT previous year question papers, they offer a complete practice approach. Solving the CAT question paper PDF resources along with sample sets helps in understanding trends and commonly asked concepts.
CAT Exam Year | CAT Sample Paper Download Link |
CAT 2025 | |
CAT 2021 |
CAT 2025 Books are one of the most trusted resources for mastering concepts in Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and DILR. These CAT exam 2025 books include detailed explanations, solved examples, and shortcut techniques aligned with the CAT question paper PDF style. Pairing these books with CAT previous year papers ensures better concept clarity and practical application.
Subject | CAT Book Name | Author / Publisher |
Quantitative Aptitude | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude | Arun Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K. Verma | |
Data Interpretation & LR | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | Nishit K. Sinha | |
Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | |
Verbal Ability & RC | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Arun Sharma |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
CAT 2025 Practice Sets are curated question collections designed to mirror the actual exam format of CAT exam 2025. These CAT practice sets cover all major sections—QA, VARC, and DILR—and help in reinforcing concepts through repeated practice. Solving them alongside CAT previous year question papers ensures students adapt to both question patterns and time pressure.
CAT 2025 MCQs include multiple-choice questions from all three sections—Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. Practising CAT MCQs helps students strengthen logical reasoning skills, improve question selection strategies, and increase accuracy for CAT exam 2025.
CAT Chapter Wise MCQ for DILR, Quant, VARC |
The CAT 2025 Formula Sheet is very important as it includes all essential Quant formulas from Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Number Systems. Aspirants appearing for CAT exam 2025 should refer to this sheet during final revision and mock test analysis. It enhances recall speed and reduces solution time per question, which is crucial for high percentile scoring.
Giving CAT 2025 mock test is not enough, you must take them under real CAT timing. Sit in a quiet space, set the timer, and practise full-length mocks. After each test, analyse mistakes and note which topics took longer than expected. This analysis sharpens accuracy, improves speed, and prepares you mentally for actual exam pressure, so you don’t get caught off guard.
Attempt Now - CAT 2025 free mock test
The CAT exam is generally considered to be of moderate to high difficulty. However, some candidates tend to underperform compared to others. Analysis of previous years’ results shows several key reasons for this.
Many candidates struggle with the VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) and Quantitative Aptitude sections. The VARC section carries the highest weightage with 24 questions, and poor performance here can significantly affect overall scores. Similarly, the Quantitative section is often seen as the toughest part of the exam. Strong performance in this section can give candidates a competitive edge, while weaknesses can make the exam feel even harder.
Effective time management is crucial in CAT. Candidates who cannot choose the right sets or manage their time may feel stressed and anxious, which can lead to mistakes or incomplete attempts. Staying calm and focused throughout the exam is essential to avoid panic.
Many CAT aspirants balance preparation with work. While it is possible to succeed in such situations, factors like procrastination, job commitments, and personal responsibilities can limit study time. As a result, working professionals may struggle to match their expectations and find the CAT exam more challenging.
Careers360 presents a wide range of ebooks designed specifically for CAT 2025 aspirants. These ebooks cover crucial sections such as Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability with detailed concepts and practice exercises. They include previous years’ questions and model tests to help candidates build strong fundamentals and improve accuracy.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
CAT 2025 Mock Test Series -20 Sets, Questions with Solutions by Experts | Download Now |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CAT is considered one of the most competitive MBA exams in India due to its complex question types and percentile-based scoring. Unlike exams like MAT or CMAT, CAT requires accuracy and careful question selection to score in the top percentile.
The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) sections are often the most demanding. DILR tests problem-solving and analytical skills with multi-step sets, while QA covers arithmetic, algebra, and geometry questions.
Yes, CAT changes each year. Some years may have harder DILR questions, while others may focus more on QA or VARC. This means candidates must prepare all sections evenly.
CAT uses a percentile-based scoring system, where even a few mistakes can lower your percentile at higher scores. Accuracy is more important than attempting many questions.
The exam challenges candidates with time pressure, tricky question sets, and a variety of question types. Questions test not just knowledge, but analytical thinking, problem-solving speed, and decision-making under stress.
On Question asked by student community
HELLO,
I am providing you the link below through which you will be able to download the previous 10 years CAT question papers
Here is the link :- CAT Previous year Question papers
Hope this Helps!
The three key formulas that can solve almost all Profit & Loss problems are:
Profit/Loss % = (Profit or Loss / Cost Price) × 100%, where CP is the cost price.
Discount % = (Discount / Marked Price) × 100%, where MP is the marked price.
Mark up % = (Mark up Value / Cost Price) × 100%, where CP is the cost price.
These formulas can be adapted for problems involving discounts, marked price, or successive gains/losses.
For detailed examples and variations, you can from the article
With a 70 percent in CAT Examination, you can go for various B-Schools or private collages. The S. K. Patel Institute of Management in Gandhinagar is an option for those who score 70-80 percent in their CAT examination or The Gujarat Institute of Management (GIM) in Goa with a cutoff of 60-80 percentage. These are the collages you can look for in Gujarat or nearby.
Collage in other regions: BA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in CAT 2025
Thank You.
Hello dear candidate,
NO. your application for CAT will not rejected for wrong gender small mistake in the OBC NCL certificate. You will be considered as an OBC candidate.
you just need to get your OBC certificate corrected and need to inform the CAT helpdesk about this error.
Hello,
Here are some top MBA colleges in India with fees under Rs. 2 lakh and their exam/cutoff details:
SIMSREE, Mumbai – Fee around Rs. 1.3–1.4 lakh for 2 years. Accepts CAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, MAT, ATMA. Cutoff is very high, usually 99+ percentile in CAT/CMAT.
PUMBA (Dept. of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University) – Fee around Rs. 1.2–1.3 lakh. Accepts CAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, ATMA. Cutoff approx. 75+ percentile in CAT, 90–95+ percentile in CMAT, high scores in MAH-CET.
TISS, Mumbai (MA HRM & other management-related programmes) – Fee around Rs. 1.7–1.9 lakh. Accepts CAT for some courses. Qualifying cutoff is around 60–70 percentile, but final selection cutoffs are higher.
These are the main government institutes where the full MBA/PG programme fee is within Rs. 2 lakh. Cutoffs vary slightly each year and by category, but SIMSREE and PUMBA generally need high scores, while TISS has its own process along with CAT shortlisting.
Hope it helps !
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