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The CAT exam is one of the toughest and most competitive MBA entrance exams in India. Each year, nearly 2 lakh students appear for the test, but only about 2,500 make it to the best B schools, giving it a very low acceptance rate of around 2.7%. This makes exam feel very challenging and lets you score a good CAT score. However, the difficulty level really depends on how well you're prepared. The paper tests your speed, accuracy, and ability to stay calm under pressure. If you are consistent with your practice, know the CAT syllabus with topic weightage, and focus on important topics in CAT Quant, VARC, and DILR, you can definitely improve your chances. Solving mocks and learning from mistakes also makes a big difference in your final performance.
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, 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:
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. The CAT exam must maintain a certain standard to accommodate the competition and choose the best out of the top candidates.
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 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 timetable. After analysing the previous year's question papers, the complete CAT syllabus is listed below for the reference of the candidates.
CAT Section | Topics |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Para-jumbles, Sentence Completion, Inferences, Odd One Out, Syllogism and Analogies, One-word Substitution, Sentence Correction, Para Summary, Para Completion |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Games & Tournaments, Linear Arrangements, Circular Arrangements, Scheduling, Sequencing, Venn Diagrams, Binary Logic, Blood Relations, Selection, Distribution, Team Assignments (Matrix Grids), Routes, Directions, Networks, Decision Making, Logical Deductions, Analytical Reasoning Puzzles, Syllogisms, Cubes and Dice, Visual Puzzles, Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Mixed Graphs, Spider/Radar Charts, Scatter Plots, Reasoning-based DI, Caselet-based DI |
Quantitative Aptitude | Percentages, Profit, Loss & Discount, Averages, Weighted Average, Speed, Time & Distance, Relative Speed, Time & Work, Mixtures & Alligations, Applications of Averages, Boats and Streams, Escalator Questions, Algebra, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Algebraic Identities, Simplification, Surds and Indices, Logarithms, Functions, Constant Product Rule, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, Circles, Triangles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals, Angles, Points, Lines and Planes, Similar Triangles, Graphical Division Geometry, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Conditional Probability, Set Theory & Function, Laws in Set Theory, Progressions & Series (AP, GP, HP), Derangement, Application of Power Cycle, Number System, LCM & HCF, Remainder Concepts, Power Cycle, Factorials, Number System Shortcut Techniques |
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 cutoffs 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 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.
Scoring 99 percentile in CAT 2025 needs consistent practice, strong basics, smart time management, and the right exam strategy. Each section—Quant, VARC, and DILR—has its own tricks. Focus on accuracy, attempt selection, and daily revision to increase speed and confidence during the actual exam.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
Strengthen your basics in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems.
Revise formulas regularly and practise applying them in mock tests.
Focus more on high-weightage topics based on past year papers.
Solve topic-wise questions first, then move to mixed sets.
Take sectionals to improve speed and accuracy under timed conditions.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
Read editorials, articles, and novels daily to improve reading speed.
Practise 3–4 RC passages daily with a focus on accuracy.
Don’t guess—eliminate options smartly.
Build vocabulary through reading, not rote learning.
Attempt VA questions like para jumbles and odd-sentence-out with logic, not instinct.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
Practise different DILR sets daily, including puzzles, seating, and graphs.
Focus on selecting the right sets in mocks—not all are solvable within time.
Use timers to solve sets and analyse your solving approach.
Learn shortcuts for calculations like percentages and ratios.
Having a chapter-wise formula sheet for CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude helps you revise faster, identify patterns in questions, and build stronger conceptual clarity. Instead of memorising random facts, keeping track of formulas grouped by topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, etc., makes your preparation more focused and efficient during mock tests and the final exam.
1. Arithmetic
Percentages:
% Change = (Difference / Original) × 100
x is increased by y% ⇒ Final = x(1 + y/100)
Profit & Loss:
Profit = SP – CP, Loss = CP – SP
SP = CP × (1 ± Profit/Loss%)
Simple Interest & Compound Interest
SI = (P × R × T) / 100
CI = P(1 + R/100)ⁿ – P
2. Number Systems
Divisibility rules, HCF & LCM formulas
Highest power of a prime in n! = ⌊n/p⌋ + ⌊n/p²⌋ + ...
Even + Even = Even, Odd + Odd = Even
Concepts of remainders using Euler’s theorem (advanced)
3. Algebra
(a ± b)² = a² ± 2ab + b²
a² – b² = (a – b)(a + b)
x² + y² + z² – xy – yz – zx = ½[(x – y)² + (y – z)² + (z – x)²]
Quadratic roots: x = [–b ± √(b² – 4ac)] / 2a
4. Geometry & Mensuration
Triangle: Area = ½ × base × height
Circle: Area = πr², Circumference = 2πr
Rectangle: Area = l × b, Diagonal = √(l² + b²)
3D Shapes:
Cube: Volume = a³, TSA = 6a²
Cylinder: Volume = πr²h, CSA = 2πrh
5. Time, Speed, and Distance
Speed = Distance / Time
Relative Speed = (Same direction → difference; Opposite → sum)
Time taken when working together = (xy) / (x + y)
6. Permutation & Combination + Probability
nPr = n! / (n – r)!
nCr = n! / [r!(n – r)!]
Probability = Favourable outcomes / Total outcomes
P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ B)
7. Logarithms
log(ab) = log a + log b
log(a/b) = log a – log b
log aⁿ = n log a
log a (base a) = 1; log 1 = 0
8. Set Theory and Functions
n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) – n(A ∩ B)
f(x + a) = shift left/right; f(x) + a = shift up/down
9. Progressions
AP: nth term = a + (n – 1)d, Sum = n/2 [2a + (n – 1)d]
GP: nth term = arⁿ⁻¹, Sum = a(1 – rⁿ)/(1 – r)
10. Miscellaneous
Averages = Total Sum / Number of items
Mixtures: Alligation Rule = (High – Mean) : (Mean – Low)
Work = Rate × Time
While answering the question, Is the CAT exam difficult, it will be helpful for the candidates to go through the difficulty levels of the previous year's CAT question papers. This will help the candidates to understand the CAT exam trends, which will help them to make bold predictions of the upcoming CAT difficulty levels. The overall and section-wise difficulty of the CAT examination is provided below for the reference of the candidates.
Section | CAT 2024 | CAT 2023 | CAT 2022 | CAT 2021 | CAT 2020 |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Difficult | Difficult | Difficult |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Overall | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate-Difficult |
Due to the increasing difficulty of the CAT examination, some candidates might find it difficult to cope with the progressive demands of the examination. Following the best CAT preparation strategies will help candidates perform better in the examination. A lot of the CAT toppers had also once faced all these challenges. But, they ensured not to repeat the common CAT mistakes made by the other candidates. A few tips on how to manage the CART exam difficulty is provided below for the reference of the candidates.
Consistency is the most important skill that candidates should possess during their CAT preparation. The candidates can start their CAT preparation as early as possible to ensure that they have enough time for CAT preparation. A 6-month CAT preparation plan is deemed to be the best for the candidates to cover the entire CAT syllabus, and also prepare without any hurdles. The candidates are advised to take a small CAT mock test and analyse their current CAT preparation level, and make necessary adjustments in their CAT preparation based on their performance.
A lot of CAT preparation materials are available for the candidates to enhance their CAT 2025 preparation. It is important that the candidates choose the one that suits their needs from the top CAT preparation books. A few of the top-quality CAT study materials for the candidates, irrespective of their current CAT preparation level, are provided below.
CAT Section | Book Name | Author Name |
Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | |
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 9–10) | NCERT | |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | |
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha | |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
Some candidates might be facing issues with a particular section of the CAT examination. This is common because the CAT exam has a broad syllabus, and having a section where the candidates feel like they are lagging is common. But this can be managed by performing well in the sections where the candidates are strong. The candidates should always remember that, as far as the CAT exam is concerned, accuracy matters more than the number of questions due to the presence of the CAT negative marking. So while the candidates should put effort into studying the topics that they need attention on, it can also be managed by focusing on the sections that they are good at.
While the CAT examination is generally considered to have a difficulty level of moderate to difficult, some candidates are often observed to be more underperforming in the CAT examination when compared to the other candidates. By analysing the CAT exam performances of the candidates in the previous years, the results were as follows.
Candidates with weak basics in Math or English. The CAT VARC section and the Quantitative Aptitude sections are the two sections where the candidates are observed to be facing a lot of difficulties. The CAT VARC section has the highest section-wise weightage in the CAT examination, with 24 questions. Underperformance in this section can severely impact the candidate’s CAT success. Often, the quantitative aptitude section is considered to be the most difficult section of the CAT examination. If a candidate can perform well under this section, it will give the candidate an upper hand over their counterparts. But if a candidate is weak in the quantitative section, they might feel the CAT exam to be more difficult.
The candidates who struggle with time management or stress. Choosing the right sets to answer is the most important CAT preparation tip that the candidates must follow. But the time limit of the CAT examination might affect the candidates negatively, and this may lead to underperformance in the CAT examination. Lack of time management might lead to stress, which may end up in panic. This was observed with a lot of candidates during the CAT examination. Hence, the candidate should ensure to stay calm throughout their CAT exam day.
Working professionals with limited CAT preparation time. The CAT exam is attempted by candidates who are studying and working alike. While candidates have been successful with their CAT preparation while working, a lot of them struggle with managing their CAT preparation and work due to a variety of reasons such as procrastination, work commitments and personal reasons. Due to various such reasons, the candidates who prepare for the CAT examination while working might fall short of their expectations and find the CAT exam 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 | |
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 |
The difficulty of the CAT exam largely depends on how well a candidate prepares, but with an acceptance rate of just 2.7% for IIMs, the competition is undeniably intense. Strong basics in Math and English are crucial, and those lacking in either often find the test more challenging.
Apart from the high number of applicants, the CAT exam is tough due to its strict time limits, unpredictable question patterns, and the lack of a fixed syllabus. These factors demand not just knowledge but also adaptability and time management skills.
The three key sections—Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA)—require equal attention, but candidates often struggle most with VARC and QA due to their complexity and weightage.
Consistent preparation using high-quality study materials, mock tests, and a focus on sectional strengths are key. Time management during both preparation and the exam itself plays a major role in handling the pressure and maximising accuracy.
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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