The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, the gateway to India’s prestigious IIMs and top B-schools, is expected to follow a similar pattern as the previous year, though minor changes can’t be ruled out. Understanding the CAT paper pattern 2025, marking scheme, number of questions, and section-wise breakup is essential for effective preparation and strategic exam-day planning.
In this comprehensive blog, Planet E breaks down the complete CAT 2025 exam pattern and offers expert insights to help you ace the exam.
Overview of CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect from the CAT 2025 paper pattern:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | 66 (expected) |
| Total Marks | 198 marks |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (MCQs) |
| Type of Questions | MCQs + TITA (Type in the Answer) |
| Language of Exam | English |
Section-Wise CAT Exam Pattern 2025
CAT consists of three sections, and each section is allotted 40 minutes. The sequence of the sections is fixed and candidates cannot switch between sections.
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 24 (expected) |
| Type | MCQs + TITA |
| Skills Tested | Reading, Grammar, Para-jumbles, etc. |
| Level of Difficulty | Moderate to High |
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 20 (expected) |
| Type | MCQs + TITA |
| Skills Tested | Data Analysis, Puzzles, Tables, Graphs |
| Level of Difficulty | High |
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 22 (expected) |
| Type | MCQs + TITA |
| Skills Tested | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Numbers |
| Level of Difficulty | Moderate to High |
CAT Marking Scheme 2025
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for optimizing your score.
| Type of Question | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ | +3 | -1 | 0 |
| TITA | +3 | 0 | 0 |
⚠️ Note from Planet E: No negative marking for TITA questions, so attempt all of them!
Time Management – CAT 2025 Sectional Timing
Time is one of the most critical aspects of the CAT exam. You get only 40 minutes per section.
| Section | Time Allotted |
|---|---|
| VARC | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 40 minutes |
| QA | 40 minutes |
| Total | 120 minutes |
💡 Planet E Tip: Do not spend more than 1.5 minutes per question. Time is your biggest asset!
Expected Changes in CAT 2025 (If Any)
While the core pattern has been consistent since 2021, IIMs reserve the right to make last-minute changes. Possible tweaks include:
-
Change in number of questions
-
Alteration in time allocation
-
Increase/decrease in TITA questions
-
Adaptive difficulty (in future)
Planet E closely monitors every CAT notification and will update students in real-time if changes occur.
CAT 2025 Question Distribution (Tentative)
Here’s a breakdown of expected number of questions in CAT 2025:
| Section | MCQs | TITA | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 18 | 6 | 24 |
| DILR | 14 | 6 | 20 |
| QA | 14 | 8 | 22 |
| Total | 46 | 20 | 66 |
Why Knowing CAT Exam Pattern 2025 is Crucial
✅ It helps in time allocation during mocks.
✅ You learn to prioritize TITA questions (no negative marking).
✅ It improves sectional accuracy and efficiency.
✅ You can focus on high-weightage topics for each section.
Strategy to Crack CAT Based on Paper Pattern
At Planet E, we guide students with data-driven strategies. Here’s how you should align your preparation:
✔ VARC Strategy
-
Focus on Reading Comprehension (RC) – 70% of questions come from this.
-
Practice Para-summary, Odd One Out, and Para-jumbles daily.
-
Improve vocabulary & reading speed using editorials and fiction.
✔ DILR Strategy
-
Solve at least 2 sets/day of DI and LR alternately.
-
Build a strong visual data interpretation mindset.
-
Focus on accuracy before speed.
✔ QA Strategy
-
Strengthen Arithmetic – covers 40% of questions.
-
Create a formula sheet & revise weekly.
-
Use Planet E’s CAT-specific mock tests for quant drills.
Preparation Timeline Based on Pattern
| Timeframe Before CAT | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 6 Months | Concept building + sectional tests |
| 4 Months | Full-length mocks + advanced topics |
| 2 Months | Revision + mock analysis + speed tests |
| 1 Month | Daily mocks + exam temperament building |
Expert Tips from Planet E Faculty
🧠 “Practice solving 10 questions in 10 minutes from each section every day. The pattern demands speed under pressure.”
🎯 “Don’t ignore TITA. These are score boosters without risk.”
📊 “Mock test pattern should mimic actual CAT paper to build stamina and accuracy.”
FAQs – CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Q1. Will the CAT 2025 exam pattern change?
A: The pattern is expected to be similar to previous years, but IIMs can change it. Stay updated via Planet E.
Q2. How many TITA questions are there in CAT?
A: Around 20-22 TITA questions, spread across all three sections.
Q3. Is there a sectional cut-off?
A: Yes, top B-schools including IIMs have sectional cut-offs for shortlisting.
Q4. Can I switch sections during CAT exam?
A: No, CAT follows section-wise time limits and no switching is allowed.
Conclusion
The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 will test your aptitude, speed, accuracy, and time management across three powerful sections. With 120 minutes and a mix of MCQs and TITA questions, smart preparation is the key to success.
At Planet E, we equip students with exam-like mocks, detailed analytics, and personalized mentoring for every aspirant – whether online or at our Dadar & Thane centers.
🎯 Get ahead of the competition – Join Planet E’s CAT 2025 coaching now!
🏆 Learn from 99+%ilers | Mock Analysis | Live Classes | 24×7 Support