Total Marks in CAT – Previous Year CAT Total Marks Trends, Marking Scheme & More

🚀 Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to India’s most prestigious business schools like the IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, and hundreds of other top MBA colleges. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for this competitive exam to grab a seat in these elite institutions.

One of the most frequently asked questions by students is:
👉 “What are the total marks in CAT?”
👉 “Has the CAT total marks changed in previous years?”
👉 “What is the marking scheme in CAT 2025?”

In this comprehensive guide by Planet E, we’ll break down:

• CAT total marks over the years

• Section-wise mark distribution

• Marking scheme (MCQs vs Non-MCQs)

• Trends from CAT 2020 to CAT 2024

• How total marks impact your percentile

• Expert tips for maximizing your score

Let’s get started!

📊 What is the Total Marks in CAT 2025?

As per the expected pattern for CAT 2025, the exam is divided into 3 sections and conducted over 2 hours (120 minutes).

🔍 Total Marks in CAT 2025 (Expected) = 198

📈 CAT Total Marks Over the Years – Trend Analysis

CAT exam pattern has undergone multiple changes over the last few years, especially during the COVID-19 period. Let’s take a closer look at the trends from CAT 2017 to CAT 2024.

📅 CAT Total Marks Trend (2017 – 2024)

💡 Planet E Insight: Since CAT 2021, the total marks have remained stable at 198, and the duration has been fixed at 2 hours.

🧮 CAT Marking Scheme – MCQs vs Non-MCQs

CAT has two types of questions:

1. MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

2. TITA (Type in the Answer) or Non-MCQs

✅ CAT Marking Scheme:

🛑 No negative marking for TITA questions.

🔢 Approximate MCQ vs TITA Split (CAT 2024):

📊 Section-wise Total Marks Breakdown (CAT 2024 & 2025)

📉 How Total Marks Impact Percentile in CAT?

Scoring high doesn’t always guarantee a high percentile. Here’s how marks convert to percentiles in CAT 2024 (approximate analysis by Planet E):

📢 Planet E Tip: Even 90 marks (~45%) can take you to 95+ percentile. Accuracy matters more than attempts.

🔍 In-Depth Year-Wise CAT Total Marks Review

✅ CAT 2024:

• Total Questions: 66

• Total Marks: 198

• Pattern: Same as 2023

• Difficulty: Moderate to High

• No pattern change

✅ CAT 2023:

• Same as 2022

• Slightly easier VARC

• Overall marks needed for 99%ile were higher

✅ CAT 2022:

• Same structure continues

• DI-LR tougher than expected

• TITA questions remained tricky

✅ CAT 2021:

• First time with 66 questions

• Surprise element in section-wise distribution

• Tough DILR section

✅ CAT 2020:

• Reduced duration to 2 hours due to COVID

• 76 questions, 228 marks

• Pattern change year

🔍 Detailed Comparison Table (CAT 2020 to CAT 2024)

🎯 Why You Should Track Total Marks – Planet E Strategy

1. Exam-Day Planning

Knowing total marks and time allocation helps you plan:

• Number of questions to attempt

• Speed vs Accuracy strategy

• Sectional target scores

2. Mock Test Analysis

Planet E’s CAT mocks are aligned with official pattern:

• Same number of questions (66)

• Balanced mix of MCQs and TITA

• Section-wise difficulty simulation

3. Percentile Prediction

Using total marks, Planet E predicts:

• Expected percentile

• IIM shortlisting chances

• Cutoff comparison with last 5 years

🧠 Expert Strategy from Planet E: Scoring 99+ Percentile

📌 FAQs on CAT Total Marks

❓ What is the total marks in CAT 2025?

Expected total marks = 198, with 66 questions and a 2-hour exam.

❓ Will the total marks in CAT increase in 2025?

Unlikely. Since 2021, the format has been stable. Any change will be notified by IIMs.

❓ How many marks are needed to get 99 percentile in CAT?

Around 110–120 marks (depending on paper difficulty).

❓ Is there any sectional cutoff?

Yes, top IIMs have sectional cutoffs along with overall cutoff.

📢 Planet E Coaching for CAT – Your Path to 99%ile

At Planet E, we help students maximize their CAT scores with:

• 💡 Real CAT-level mocks

• 👨‍🏫 Expert-led concept sessions

• 📈 Regular performance analytics

• 📚 Full coverage of VARC, DILR, and QA

• 🏆 Proven track record of 99%ilers and IIM converts

🌐 Join Planet E’s Offline Batches at Dadar & Thane
📲 Or prepare online from anywhere in India or abroad!
🎯 Let’s crack CAT 2025 together.

Visit us at www.planete.in

📌 Final Takeaway

Knowing the total marks in CAT, its sectional weightage, and the marking scheme is crucial for any serious aspirant. With consistent practice, the right mentorship from Planet E, and a solid strategy, achieving a 99+ percentile is completely possible.

🎯 Start your journey today with Planet E – Your Partner in CAT 2025 Success!