CAT Exam Pattern 2025 Might Change? Here’s The Right Strategy If There is a Change in the Exam Pattern

By Planet E – India’s Premier MBA Entrance Coaching Institute

There’s a growing buzz among MBA aspirants—Will the CAT 2025 exam pattern change? If yes, how much will it impact preparation, test-day performance, and the eventual results?

If you’re preparing seriously for CAT 2025, such uncertainty might feel overwhelming. But this is exactly where clarity and strategy separate toppers from the rest. At Planet E, we’ve guided thousands of students through every possible change CAT has thrown over the years—and today, we’ll share exactly how you should prepare if the CAT exam pattern changes.

Let’s understand what may change, why it might happen, how it can impact your preparation, and what strategy can ensure success—regardless of the format.

Understanding the Current CAT Pattern

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is the most prestigious MBA entrance exam in India. Conducted by one of the IIMs each year, it tests a candidate’s ability in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

As of CAT 2024, the pattern includes:

• 3 sections

• 120 minutes total duration (40 min per section)

• Around 66 questions (VARC: ~24, DILR: ~20, QA: ~22)

• A mix of MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA)

• Negative marking for MCQs only

However, since 2019, the CAT exam has undergone frequent changes in question count, duration, and section difficulty levels.

What Might Change in CAT 2025?

While there is no official update from IIM Calcutta (expected to conduct CAT 2025), strong indications suggest that the CAT exam pattern may be revised. Some possibilities include:

• Duration Extension: A return to the 3-hour format, as seen before the COVID-era.

• Increased Number of Questions: Potential increase from ~66 to 75-100 questions.

• Sectional Time Adjustment: IIMs may allow different time limits per section.

• New Question Types: More logic-based, caselet, or paragraph completion formats.

• Logical Reasoning as a Separate Section: LR might split from DI or get more weightage.

• RC Overhaul: Reading Comprehension passages may become longer or more analytical.

In essence, the exam might test deeper thinking, more decision-making under pressure, and less about speed alone.

Why IIMs Might Change the Pattern

CAT is not just a test of aptitude—it’s a tool for IIMs to shortlist candidates who are suitable for modern, competitive, and global MBA environments. Here are a few reasons why IIMs may revamp the pattern:

1. Feedback from Previous Years: Many candidates report that the current 2-hour format is too compressed and not reflective of real analytical depth.

2. MBA Trends are Evolving: B-schools now focus on data-driven, case-based learning. CAT may follow suit by increasing focus on real-world reasoning.

3. COVID is No Longer a Constraint: The reduction in duration during 2020–2022 was due to logistical concerns. With things back to normal, a longer and deeper test may return.

4. Better Candidate Differentiation: With lakhs of aspirants scoring similarly, IIMs might want more nuanced evaluation tools.

5. Technology-Enabled Testing: IIMs might pilot adaptive or semi-adaptive modules powered by AI.

So, even if nothing changes, you must prepare assuming that something will.

How a Pattern Change Can Affect You

For many aspirants, a change in pattern often leads to confusion, fear, and a dip in motivation. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Let’s explore how pattern changes can impact different parts of your preparation:

1. Study Plan Disruption

Your current schedule may be aligned to a certain number of questions or a 2-hour format. A pattern change may require you to study more topics or build more stamina.

2. Mock Test Misalignment

Most coaching mocks simulate the previous pattern. A sudden change means your scores may no longer reflect your real performance unless mocks are updated.

3. Mental Pressure

If you’re used to time-per-question strategies or specific question styles, you may feel thrown off by changes in RC length or DILR structure.

4. Selection Dilemma

If sectional cutoffs or weights change, your entire test-taking strategy will need an overhaul.

That’s why at Planet E, we don’t just teach to a pattern—we teach to a skillset.

Planet E’s Proven Strategy for Any CAT Pattern

At Planet E, our approach is based on one core belief:

“Prepare for the skills, not just the format.”

That’s how our students have excelled in every CAT version—2-hour, 3-hour, 66-question, 100-question, adaptive or fixed. Here’s what we do differently:

1. Concept Mastery Over Question Count

Our programs focus deeply on concepts, whether it’s Arithmetic, Algebra, Grammar, or Critical Reasoning. No matter how CAT changes, solid fundamentals always pay off.

2. Pattern-Variant Mock Testing

Planet E provides mock tests based on multiple expected formats:

• 66-question format

• 100-question simulations

• 3-hour endurance mocks

• Separate mocks with logical reasoning or puzzles

You get used to adapting quickly and performing under any setup.

3. Skill-Based Tracking

We analyze your strengths based on skill types (inference, calculation speed, comprehension, data structuring) rather than sections alone.

This helps you survive any surprise question format in CAT.

4. Endurance & Time Control Training

For those worried about stamina in case CAT becomes 3 hours again, our prep includes:

• Weekly 3-hour full mocks

• Pomodoro-style practice sessions

• Mental fatigue handling techniques

5. Flexibility in Preparation Schedule

If pattern changes, we reframe your prep calendar. For example:

• Increased focus on LR puzzles if a separate LR section is expected.

• Longer RC practice sessions.

• QA training on tougher topics like Algebra or P&C.

Tips to Stay Ahead, No Matter What CAT Throws at You

Let’s face it—uncertainty is part of the CAT game. But here’s how you can beat it:

1. Master the Art of RC – Get comfortable with abstract, factual, and philosophical reading.

2. Practice Every DILR Set Type – From table-based to games & tournaments, don’t leave out anything.

3. Be Strong in Arithmetic & Algebra – They’re always important, regardless of format.

4. Simulate Pattern Shifts Weekly – Practice with different number of questions and time splits.

5. Track Accuracy > Attempts – Pattern may change, but accuracy always wins.

6. Use TITA as Strength, Not Burden – Train with both typed and clicked answers.

7. Keep Adapting Mock Strategies – If CAT adds 10 questions, can you handle it? Practice for it.

8. Stay Calm and Logical – Even if the pattern changes on the exam day, your calm mind will win.

What If the Pattern Doesn’t Change?

Even better!

If you’ve trained for the worst, the existing format becomes easier. You’ll perform with less stress and higher confidence.

Our past toppers have consistently found that over-preparing always works in your favor.

The Final Word: Be Ready, Not Reactive

CAT 2025 might bring changes. Or it might not.

But your job isn’t to predict—it’s to prepare.

If you build your concepts strong, train your brain to adapt, and test yourself in every possible format, no pattern can derail your success.

At Planet E, our programs are designed with that exact philosophy. We don’t chase past patterns—we train you to crack any version of CAT confidently.

So whether it’s a 2-hour test or 3, 66 questions or 100, be assured—you’ll be ready, not reactive.

About Planet E

Planet E is India’s leading institute for MBA entrance exam preparation. With expert faculty, 99+%iler mentors, and personalized strategy, we help students ace CAT, XAT, NMAT, CET, SNAP, and more. Whether you’re joining us online across India or at our Dadar and Thane centers in Mumbai, our guidance is built for results.

Thousands of students from Planet E have made it to IIMs and other top B-schools by learning how to adapt, strategize, and stay ahead—no matter how the exam changes.