CAT Exam Pattern 2025 Released (Latest): Important Details on the Change, Sections, and Marking Scheme
Abhishek Patel
29/03/2025
Table of Contents
The latest news for MBA students is the announcement of pattern updates for of The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025. The CAT exam is one of the most competitive entrance exams at the management level in India and opens doors for premier B-schools in the country, such as the IIMs. In this article, we will share the details pertaining to the CAT 2025 exam pattern, sectional composition, and marking criteria.
Outline for the CAT 2025 Examination
- Examination Authority: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Examination Type: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Examination Length: 120 Minutes (2 Hours)
- Total Questions: 66 (Anticipated)
- Sectional Divisions: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interprettion and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Scoring System: +3 for a Correct Response, -1 for Incorrect MCQ, No Negative Scoring for Non-MCQs
Sectional Analysis of CAT 2025
| Section | No. of Questions (Expected) | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 66 | 120 minutes |
Major Highlights of CAT 2025 Revision
- Increase in Non-MCQ questions: An increase in TITA type questions that require candidates to input answers manually is anticipated.
- Adaptive Testing (Speculation): Adaptable level of difficulty increments are expected alongside CAT 2025 tests according to some professionals, thoughthere has been no official reports on the subject.
- Testing Locations Development: The addition of more examination cities might be made in order to accommodate the needs of the candidates.
- Adjusted Level of Difficulty: The quality assurance and DILR sections may be altered in some way in order to balance the overall difficulty.
Marking Scheme and Scoring
- MCQ’s: Each question awarded 3 points for the right answer and minus 1 for a wrong answer.
- Non-MCQ’s TITA: For correct answers, 3 points awarded, but no points deducted for incorrect answer.
- CAT Normalisation Procedure: As CAT exam is conducted across multiple slots, scoring is standardised to ensure fairness in the calculation of percentiles.
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
- Assignment of Educational Standards: The cut off for a Bachelor’s Degree holder is set at 50% from a recognised university, 45% for SC/ST and PwD.
- Candidates from the Finishing Year: applicants from the completing year of 2025 are eligible as well.
- Work Experience (Optional): Relevant working experience is not obligatory but can be beneficial to a B school applicant.
How to Get Ready for CAT 2025
- Sectional and Overall Mock Learning Tests: Improved time control in the examination due to frequent use of mock tests.
- Improve Underperforming Areas: Set a reasonable target and devote additional study time to the identified weaker section.
- Practice Reading Comprehension of VARC: Newspaper and editorial reading will boost the comprehension abilities of students.
- QA & DILR Preparations: Combine speed with calculation practice and do more of the high level questions.
CAT 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
| CAT 2025 Notification | July 2025 |
| Registration Start Date | August 2025 |
| Registration Last Date | September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | October 2025 |
| Exam Date | November 2025 |
| Result Announcement | December 2025 |
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Conclusion
Aspirants should adjust their preparation strategies with the changes announced in CAT 2025 exam pattern. Regular mock tests, conceptual clarity, and effective time management will be the seeds of success. For more information, refer to the official website of CAT.
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