The CAT exam pattern 2025 will be officially released soon. In 2024, it was slightly different as compared to past years. It is expected that the CAT paper pattern 2025 will remain the same as the previous year. It is expected that the latest exam pattern for CAT 2025 will have 68 question instead of 66. Apart from this one major change in CAT exam pattern for MBA is that in 2025 it is expected that there will be no para jumble question. The exam has a total of 3 sections and there is a sectional time limit of 40 minutes across each section. The duration of this exam is 2 hours and it is conducted in the CBT mode. MCQ and non-MCQ questions are a part of the CAT 2025 exam pattern. For every incorrect answer, there is a negative marking except for TITA question.
There is no negative marking if any question is unattempted. The official CAT exam pattern 2025 is not officially announced by the authorities. It is important for the CAT aspirants to consider knowing about the exam pattern for CAT because strategic preparation across sections requires knowledge of questions, paper pattern, detailed syllabus and more.
The exam pattern of CAT has evolved over the years. In 2020, the exam duration was reduced to two hours from 3 hours. The latest exam pattern of CAT 2025 will help you know the exam format, question type, number of questions, maximum marks, marking scheme, exam duration, and other details. Along with this you can also assess the difficulty level of the exam accordingly. Check out the CAT 2025 exam pattern along the latest changes in the trends here.
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Highlights of CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Understanding the CAT exam pattern 2025 can simplify your exam preparation. It can help you determine the exact test requirements and align your strategy accordingly. Check the complete highlights about the CAT exam pattern which is mentioned in the table below covering CAT exam duration, CAT slot timings, total questions, total marks, types of questions and more.
| Mode of CAT 2025 | Computer Based Test |
| CAT 2025 Exam Duration | 120 minutes 40 minutes per section |
| CAT 2025 Slot Timings | Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Total Questions in CAT 2025 | 68 |
| Total marks in CAT 2025 | 204 |
| Language of CAT question paper 2025 | English |
| Number of Options in CAT 2025 | 4 |
| Type of Question in CAT 2025 | MCQ and non-MCQ |
Why Should You Consider Knowing the CAT Exam Pattern?
Before studying for the CAT exam, candidate should follow a focused approach or build a proper preparation strategy and this is completely possible when you know about the CAT exam pattern. There are some factors that candidates should consider knowing the CAT exam pattern.
- It help candidates to create a focused and strategic preparation plan to target Common Admission Test (CAT).
- Knowing the exam pattern involves optimizing the test taking strategy.
- Helps to manage anxiety and builds overall confidence if candidate should know about the pattern.
- Staying updated with the potential changes related to the CAT exam pattern.
Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam
CAT is a computer-based test that takes place every year in the month of November. CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025, in three sessions. It evaluates candidates in three core areas: Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI). It is very important to understand that while the syllabus may remain more or less similar every year, the CAT exam pattern has undergone certain changes over the years. This brings out the need for candidates to stay updated on the latest changes and fully aware of the latest pattern. As of now, the CAT exam pattern 2025 has not been officially announced. However, we can fairly analyze what is the pattern likely based on previous year’s data and trends.
CAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Expected)
The CAT exam pattern provides insights into a variety of details like exam mode, question type, weightage, maximum marks, number of questions and overall marking scheme. We have shared below the expected CAT question paper pattern 2025 based on the previous year’s data for candidates’ reference.
- Mode of Examination: It is a computer-based test which needs to be attempted from a centre specified by the CAT authorities.
- Total Duration: As of last few years, the duration has been 2 hours (120 minutes).
- Number of Sections: 3 key sections: VARC, QA and LRDI
- Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes per section
- Total Number of Questions: 68 questions overall (24 in VARC, 22 in LRDI and 22 in QA).
- Question Types: There will be a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions. However, majorly dominated by MCQs.
CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The expected CAT exam pattern 2025 comprises 24 questions across VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), 22 questions in DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section and 22 question in QA (Quantitative Ability) section. It is quite important for candidates to understand CAT exam pattern and syllabus both. So, Let’s have a look on detailed syllabus across sections which is mentioned in the table below.
| CAT Sections | CAT Exam Syllabus |
| CAT Quantitative Ability (QA) | Average, Ratio, Mixture & Alligation |
| Profit & Loss, SI, CI, Percentages | |
| TSD & Time and Work | |
| Geometry | |
| Quadratic, Polynomials & Simple Eq | |
| Progression and Series | |
| Inequalities, Modulus & Functions | |
| Logarithm, Surds & Indices | |
| Probability and P&C | |
| Number System | |
| Venn Diagrams | |
| CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension |
| VA-Para jumbles | |
| VA-Odd Sentence | |
| VA-Summary | |
| CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Line & Bar Graphs |
| Tables | |
| Pie Charts | |
| Quant Based DI | |
| Linear Arrangements | |
| Circular Arrangements | |
| Venn Diagrams | |
| Distribution | |
| Selection | |
| Binary Logics | |
| Games & Tournaments | |
| Network Flow Diagrams |
Also Read : CAT Exam Syllabus 2025
CAT Exam Pattern 2025 – Subject-Wise Weightage
When preparing for the CAT exam pattern then CAT aspirants must understand the subject wise pattern and weightage across all the sections. The CAT exam expected to cover 68 questions in total where the sections are commonly divided into three major areas and those are DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) as well as QA (Quantitative Ability). Each section has its own importance for aspirants and there are 40 minutes per section which is making the time management an important skill for students.
The CAT exam pattern 2025, covers the balanced preparation across each CAT exam section to evaluate candidate’s verbal as well as analytical skills. Here is a table mentioned below that covers the expected CAT exam pattern 2025:
| Sections in CAT 2025 | Total Number of Questions (expected) | Sectional Time Limit |
| Section I – VARC | 24 | 40 Minutes |
| Section II – DILR | 22 | 40 Minutes |
| Section III – QA | 22 | 40 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 68 (24+22+22) | 120 minutes |
CAT Exam Pattern – Time Duration Over the Years
This section covers the CAT conducting year with respect to the total time duration of the exam over the years. Complete information about the same is mentioned in the table below.
| CAT Conducting Year | CAT exam time duration |
| CAT 2024 | 2 hours |
| CAT 2023 | 2 hours |
| CAT 2022 | 2 hours |
| CAT 2021 | 2 hours |
| CAT 2020 | 2 hours |
| CAT 2019 | 3 hours |
| CAT 2018 | 3 hours |
| CAT 2017 | 3 hours |
| CAT 2016 | 3 hours |
| CAT 2015 | 3 hours |
| CAT 2014 | 2.50 hours |
Different Features of the CAT Exam Pattern
- Difficulty level of questions across VARC, DILR & QA.
- Evolution of exam pattern over the years.
- Non-MCQ TITA Questions
- The sectional time limit.
Section-Wise Breakdown of CAT Exam Pattern 2025
The CAT exam is divided into three main sections, each designed to assess specific skill sets. Let’s take a closer look at each section.
1. CAT Exam Pattern for VARC
This section in general is primarily focused on testing your command over the English language and your ability to comprehend and interpret written passages. It also subtly tests your grammatical skills and ability to find errors.
- Expected Number of Questions in VARC Section of CAT: 24 (has been the same for last 3 years)
Types of Questions in CAT VARC Section
- Reading comprehension: There are 4 passages which are given to you. Each passage will have 4 questions each, making it a total of 16 questions.
- Para jumbles (mostly non-MCQs): There are likely to be 2 – 3 questions on this topic. You need to rearrange 4 sentences to make a coherent passage. Aspirants must note that last year there was not questions from this topic.
- Para summaries: You will be presented with a short paragraph and have to pick the most appropriate option which catches the essence best.
- Odd sentence out: You will have 5 sentences, out of which, you can use 4 sentences to make a coherent paragraph. You need to pick the 5th sentence which does not fit anywhere.
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Key Skills Tested in CAT VARC Section
- Reading speed and the power comprehension as the genre varies a lot across these passages.
- Grammar and vocabulary is not directly tested but without a good understanding of it, you cannot do well in VARC.
- Logical arrangement of sentences and other grammatical rules, especially in the verbal ability part of the section.
CAT VARC Preparation Tip: Practice reading editorials, news articles and essays daily. Also try to develop a habit of identifying the main idea and tone of whatever piece you are reading.
2. CAT Exam Pattern 2025 – DILR Section
This section is there to measure your logical reasoning skills as to how quickly and accurately you can solve certain sets. Additionally, there are also sets on data interpretation where you need to understand various visuals and make the meaning out of the data presented to you. This section has 4 sets typically every year. Each set comes with 5 questions related to it. Those 5 questions can be a mix of both MCQs and TITA. Make sure to pick the right set here as that makes a lot of difference in your overall performance in the section.
- Expected Number of Questions in CAT 2025 DILR Section : 22
Types of Questions in CAT LRDI Section:
- Logical puzzles
- Seating arrangements
- Graphs, charts and tables
- Caselets and Venn diagrams
Key Skills Tested for LRDI Section in CAT:
- Analytical thinking
- Quick pattern recognition
- Ability to work under time pressure
Preparation Tips for CAT LRDI Section – As there are no such syllabus defined for this section, make practising a variety of set as your habit. Try to look for patterns in certain cases and develop faster calculations for DI sets. These things should contribute to your overall performance.
3. CAT Exam Pattern for QA Section
The QA section of CAT is there to test your mathematical ability. Though the concepts date back to the school days, time management is what makes the section more challenging. There are always sitter questions which are very easy to solve but also there will be a mix of complex problems. Look out for the questions you were familiar with and try to attempt the sections smartly instead of sticking to one question.
- Expected Number of Questions in CAT 2025 Quants Section: 22
Types of Questions:
- Arithmetic (percentages, profit and loss, ratios, time and work, etc.): This essentially forms the base of the QA section. The weightage of these topics is around 40% to 50%.
- Algebra (equations, inequalities, functions): This is the second-most common topic when it comes to CAT QA. Having a weightage of around 25%, these topics become non-negotiable.
- Geometry and mensuration: You can expect at least 2 – 3 questions from this topic. It includes basic volume, coordinate geometry related questions.
- Number systems: Questions like remainder theorem, divisibility are often seen in CAT.
- Modern math (permutations and combinations, probability, etc.): It is considered as one of the most trickiest sub-topics of all. However, the weightage for this is low and you can focus on these topics at a later stage of your preparation.
Key Skills Tested in QA Section of CAT:
- Numerical problem-solving
- Conceptual clarity
- Speed and accuracy
Preparation Tip: First try to build a solid foundation in all of the topics mentioned above. Once that is done, focus on solving higher-level problems and finally attempt mock tests to understand what is actually asked in CAT. Build on speed gradually without compromising on the accuracy.
CAT Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025
The CAT marking scheme has remained fairly consistent over the past few years. Typically, every correct answer earns 3 marks and a negative marking of 1 mark is applicable for every wrong response. Check the expected marking scheme for CAT 2025 shared below.
- CAT QA section: 40 minutes
- CAT DILR section: 40 minutes
- CAT VARC section: 40 minutes
- Correct Answer (MCQ or TITA): +3 marks
- Incorrect Answer (MCQ): -1 mark
- Incorrect Answer (TITA): No negative marking
- Unattempted Questions: No penalty
If you look carefully, this marking scheme highlights the importance of accuracy, especially in the MCQ type of questions where incorrect answers can result in a deduction. Do not over attempt or guess unless you are very sure of the answer.
Recent Trends in CAT Exam Pattern 2025
The CAT exam pattern has witnessed a few of the notable changes over the past decade. Let us try to understand what these changes were which eventually will help us in anticipating the CAT exam pattern 2025:
- Fluctuation in Question Count: The number of questions in CAT has changed significantly. For instance, before the Covid-19 Pandemic, CAT used to have 100 questions which in 2020, got reduced to just 76 questions. The following, the number of questions was further reduced to 66 in 2021 and has remained the same since.
- Emphasis on TITA Questions: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of TITA (Type In The Answer) questions, which require candidates to type their answers manually. Students have mixed opinion on this as it makes the question further difficult without the options but also eliminates the risk of negatives.
- Time Reduction: Until 2019, the CAT exam was a 3-hour test with 1 hour for every section. However, since 2020, the duration has been reduced to 2 hours and 40 minutes is allotted per section.
- Dynamic Difficulty Levels: The difficulty level more or less remains the same. The only fluctuation which is seen in the CAT exam over the years is that one of the sections become relatively tougher and similarly, one of the remaining sections feels easier. However, the overall difficulty remains quite consistent.
Changes in CAT Exam Pattern Over the Years
Over the years, the CAT exam paper pattern has had several changes that are going with the management entrance testing. From 100 questions spread over 3 hours to having a more clear 68 questions with a 2 hour duration, the CAT exam paper pattern reflects the shift during the testing phase, time management as well as the thinking ability rather than just a strength. Candidates who are preparing for the CAT exam must understand these CAT exam paper pattern change that include the CAT exam syllabus as well as effective exam preparation plan.
The CAT exam pattern change sometimes has a direct impact on the students attempting the paper as they have to manage the sectional time limits and prioritize their accuracy level during the CAT exam. For the CAT aspirants, who are targeting the top IIM institutes and other B-schools have to analyze the past CAT exam pattern for the MBA program admissions. It is important for aspirants to stay updated with the modifications happening in the CAT exam paper to help students in their preparation strategy or plan.
Evolution of CAT exam pattern Over the Years
Understanding the CAT exam pattern should be the priority for candidates to understand so that they will plan their attempts. In this section, we will be covering the CAT exam paper pattern where we see in the table mentioned below that CAT 2024 (previous year CAT paper) has overall covered 68 questions where duration of exam remains 2 hours and the same pattern of timing followed for CAT 2024, CAT 2022, CAT 2021, CAT 2020 with a minor changes in the number of questions. To completely understand the evolution of CAT exam pattern over the year, check the detailed table mentioned below which covers the year of the CAT exam, number of questions as well as CAT exam time duration.
| Year | Number of Question | CAT exam time duration |
| 2024 | 68 | 2 hours |
| 2022 | 66 | 2 hours |
| 2021 | 66 | 2 hours |
| 2020 | 76 | 2 hours |
| 2019 | 100 | 3 hours |
| 2018 | 100 | 3 hours |
| 2017 | 100 | 3 hours |
| 2016 | 100 | 3 hours |
| 2015 | 100 | 3 hours |
| 2014 | 100 | 2.50 hours |
Check Out the Expected CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Check the expected CAT 2025 exam pattern in the PDF mentioned below which is really helpful for the CAT 2025 aspirants and it covers cat paper pattern, CAT full syllabus, CAT 2025 important dates, previous year CAT score vs percentile and more in a detailed manner.
Study Plan as per the Latest CAT Exam Pattern
Here is a detailed study plan for the serious CAT aspirant as per the updated CAT exam pattern.
| Week | Quant Focus | LRDI Focus | VARC Focus | Daily Practice (Every Week) |
| June 10 – June 16 | Percentages, Ratio, Averages | Tables, Bar Graphs | RC Basics + Para Jumbles | 2 RC / 2 VA / 2 LRDI |
| June 17 – June 23 | Profit & Loss, Alligation | Line Charts, Caselets | RC + Summary | 2 RC / 2 VA / 2 LRDI |
| June 24 – June 30 | TSD + Revise Ratios | Advanced DI | RC + Odd One Out | 3 RC / 3 VA / 3 LRDI |
| July 1 – July 7 | Time & Work | LR: Arrangements | RC + Para Completion | 3 RC / 3 VA / 3 LRDI |
| July 8 – July 14 | SICI | LR: Blood Relations | RC + Summary | 3 RC / 3 VA / 3 LRDI |
| July 15 – July 21 | Arithmetic Revision | LR: Games & Tournaments | RC Mix | 4 RC / 3 VA / 4 LRDI |
| July 22 – July 28 | Arithmetic PYQs | Mixed DI+LR | RC + Grammar | 4 RC / 3 VA / 4 LRDI |
| July 29 – Aug 4 | Linear & Quadratic Equations | Matrix & Constraints | RC + Para Jumbles | 4 RC / 3 VA / 4 LRDI |
| Aug 5 – Aug 11 | Inequalities, Maxima Minima | Complex Arrangements | RC + Summary | 4 RC / 3 VA / 4 LRDI |
| Aug 12 – Aug 18 | AP, GP | Caselets & Graphs | RC + VA Mix | 4 RC / 3 VA / 4 LRDI |
| Aug 19 – Aug 25 | Polynomials & Modulus | Selection + Puzzle Sets | RC Practice | 4 RC / 3 VA / 4 LRDI |
| Aug 26 – Sept 1 | Functions & Logs | Tough LR Sets | VA Focus + RC | 4 RC / 3 VA / 4 LRDI |
| Sept 2 – Sept 8 | Triangles | LRDI Combo Sets | RC + Summary | 4 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Sept 9 – Sept 15 | Circles | Set Theory, Venn | RC + Para Completion | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Sept 16 – Sept 22 | Quadrilaterals | Selection Sets | RC + Summary | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Sept 23 – Sept 30 | Mensuration | Puzzle Sets + Mixed | RC + Odd Sentence | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Oct 1 – Oct 7 | Numbers (Basics) | Mixed Sets | RC + VA | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Oct 8 – Oct 14 | Numbers (Remainders etc) | CAT LRDI Practice | RC Intensive | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Oct 15 – Oct 21 | PnC + Probability | LRDI Variety | VA Practice | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Oct 22 – Oct 31 | Logs, Set Theory, Revise | Weak Areas | Mixed Practice | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Nov 1 – Nov 3 | Revise Arithmetic | LR Sets | RC + VA | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Nov 4 – Nov 10 | Revise Algebra | LR Sets | RC + VA | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Nov 11 – Nov 17 | Revise Geometry | Mock Weak Area Practice | VA + RC | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Nov 18 – Nov 24 | Mixed Topic Practice | Mixed Sets | VA + RC | 5 RC / 3 VA / 5 LRDI |
| Nov 25 – Nov 30 | Light Revision | 1 Easy Set/day | 2 RC + 2 VA | 2 RC / 2 VA / 1 LRDI |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Other Related Links
| CAT Exam 2025 | CAT Syllabus 2025 |
| CAT Eligibility Criteria | CAT Preparation Strategy |
| CAT Books | CAT Exam Pattern |
| CAT Exam Date | CAT Age Limit |
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Conclusion: CAT Exam Pattern 2025
The CAT exam pattern 2025 continues to follow a proper structured approach combining three sections that are QA, VARC and DILR. With expected total 68 questions in CAT exam pattern 2025 covers the strict sectional time limit for CAT aspirants and this exam not only evaluates the knowledge of aspirants but also the accuracy and the time management under the CAT exam pressure.
For the CAT aspirants, understanding the CAT exam pattern 2025 in detail is the first step towards building a smart preparation strategy for the CAT exam. So with the alignment of sectional weightage as well as time constraints candidates can maximize their scores in the CAT exam and will step one stage forwards towards cracking the CAT exam
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FAQs: CAT Exam Pattern
The current CAT exam pattern covers total 68 questions with a duration of 2 hours and the sections is divided into 3 phase and those are DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) as well as QA that is Quantitative Aptitude with each section have some sectional time limit.
The CAT exam pattern is designed to test an aspirant’s logical reasoning, verbal ability as well as quantitative aptitude skills in the CAT exam and it is a mix of MCQs and non MCQs across all the three sections of the CAT exam paper pattern.
The CAT exam pattern and syllabus are mostly related to each other. The pattern basically defines the CAT exam paper pattern or structure whereas the CAT exam syllabus covers the topics that candidates need to study under all the 3 sections of the exam.
Yes there has been some changes in the CAT exam paper pattern in the recent years that aspirants need to know about and really helpful in the CAT exam preparation journey.
It is important for the CAT aspirants to know CAT exam pattern for MBA so that they can plan their preparation and covered all the important topics under each section to get succeed.
The exam pattern of CAT 2019 covers total of 100 questions and exam duration of 3 hours.
There is a minor difference in the CAT overall questions in CAT exam pattern of 2024 from 2024 where CAT 2024 paper pattern covers 68 questions whereas CAT 22 covers 66 questions and overall duration remains 2 hours in both the exams.
The exam pattern for CAT 2020 covers total 76 questions where the time duration remained 2 hours that is 120 minutes.
Understanding the CAT exam pattern is important for candidates because it helps in creating a strategic preparation plan, optimize test taking strategy, manage anxiety and build overall confidence, staying updated with the potential changes related to the CAT exam pattern.
The CAT exam comprises VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability) and each section is of 40 minutes and the total duration of the exam is 120 minutes.
