The CAT is administered in a computer-based format to applicants to prestigious business institutions, including IIMs, MDI, and FMS.
These institutions guarantee lucrative compensation packages and a fulfilling career in the corporate sector. CAT is a competitive examination that is renowned for its difficulty and draws applicants from a variety of diverse fields.
If you have elected to participate in the CAT exam, it is imperative that you possess a comprehensive understanding of its format, structure, and scoring system.
In this section, you will obtain comprehensive information regarding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern, marking criteria, and significant subjects.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Overview
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability) are the three categories into which the CAT Pattern is divided. In order to qualify for the IIM shortlist, the candidate must achieve a high score in each section and surpass the sectional score cut-offs.
The tentative specifications of the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern are presented in the following tabular format, as they were revised in 2025:
Particulars | Details |
Exam Window | Three Sessions |
Mode of Conduct | Computer-based |
Sections | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC and Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Test Duration | 120 Minutes |
Total No. of Questions | 66 |
Duration of each section of CAT | 40 Minutes |
Type of Questions | MCQs & Non-MCQs |
Expected Marking Scheme | -1 for each wrong answer +3 for every correct answer |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Latest Changes & Important Information
The CAT 2025 Exam is expected scheduled for November 2025.
Non-MCQs are not subject to negative marking.
The sequence of the sections is predetermined, commencing with VARC. Candidates are prohibited from transitioning between sections.
Three positions were implemented for the 2025 CAT exam. Students will be informed of the modifications to the exam window for CAT 2025.
In the past, the CAT consisted of a total of 100 questions and a total of 300 marks. However, in 2025, the total number of questions was reduced to 76, and the total number of marks was increased to 228. The number of queries was further reduced to 66 in 2025.
Additionally, IIM will provide a tutorial to assist candidates in comprehending the CAT 2025 exam format and question pattern. In October 2025, the tutorial will be accessible on their official website.
During the examination, an onscreen calculator is accessible.
The CAT 2025 exam will be administered in over 150 localities throughout the nation.
CAT Pattern: Section-wise Division
Each section of the CAT is subject to a sectional time limit. Applicants are unable to modify the question sequence, as the examination is conducted in a chronological order across three sections. The following is a comprehensive summary of the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern, which will assist you in the development of a strategy and time management plan:
Sections | Total No. of Questions | MCQs | TITA | Allotted Time |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 19 | 5 | 40 Minutes |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 15 | 5 | 40 Minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 20 | 14 | 8 | 40 Minutes |
Total | 66 | 48 | 18 | 120 Minutes |
CAT Syllabus
The weightage of each topic in the CAT is distinct. Please prioritize these subjects and commence your preparation accordingly. Please maintain an eye on the subsequent subjects that are addressed in the CAT exam:
Syllabus | Topics |
Verbal Ability | Para jumbles, Summary Based Questions, Sentence exclusion questions. |
Reading Comprehension | RC passages |
Quantitative Ability | Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Mensuration. |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Reasoning Based DI, Grid-Based DI, Graphs. Tables, Data Caselets |
CAT Exam: Slot Timings
The CAT 2025 exam pattern specifies a time limit for each section. The candidate is unable to return to the previous segment to make any modifications once the time limit has expired. The screen will automatically advance to the subsequent segment. Consequently, it is imperative that you monitor the duration of your practice sessions and adjust your approach accordingly.
The following are the three sessions for the exam:
Morning session (8:30 am - 10:30 pm)
Afternoon session (12:30 pm - 2:30 pm)
Evening session (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Topic-wise Weightage
Syllabus | Weightage |
Verbal Ability | 8-10 questions based on grammar and verbal reasoning |
Reading Comprehension | Out of 24 questions in the VARC section, 16 questions are from RC. |
Quantitative Ability | Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the section, with approx. 8 questions from each. |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | There will be 2 sets with a total of 10 questions in DI and 2 sets from LR. |
Comprehensive View of Different Sections
Verbal Ability & Comprehensive Reading
The purpose of this section is to evaluate your understanding of the regulations of the English language. To achieve success in this segment, it is essential to enhance your reading skills, develop a vocabulary that surpasses the average, and cultivate a thorough comprehension of the fundamentals of English grammar. Question categories that are frequently encountered include reading comprehension, sentence completion, parajumbles, antonyms and synonyms, fill-in-the-blanks, and summary questions. The purpose of reading comprehension is to evaluate your ability to comprehend and reason.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
It is the compiled section of two distinct areas: logical reasoning and data interpretation. It investigates inquiries through the use of a variety of data formats, including bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts. It is imperative that you comprehend the data that has been presented and respond to the inquiries accordingly. Additionally, it is imperative to employ logical reasoning in order to evaluate the circumstances and draw the appropriate conclusions. The subjects that are addressed include blood relations, calendars, timepieces, cubes, seating arrangement, syllogisms, logical connectives, logical matching, and sequencing.
Quantitative Ability
Knowledge and comprehension of fundamental mathematical concepts are assessed in this section. In order to resolve issues that involve trigonometry, mensuration, the number system, and arithmetic, it is essential to possess a high level of proficiency in calculations and cultivate your ability to think quickly.
