The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the toughest management entry exams in India. The Annual Career Appraisal Test (CAT), organized by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is the entrance to the best business schools in the country. Tens of thousands of candidates take the exam annually to achieve a high percentile, thereby obtaining access to the best institutes. Knowing the CAT 2025 format is very important in taking efficient preparation, as the format of the CAT 2025 enables the candidate to have the correct strategy and thinking. This Paper addresses the need to understand the type of examination, besides some important features of the probable pattern of examination of CAT exam pattern 2025.

Importance of Understanding the CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT examination pattern acts as a guideline (blueprint) for the examinees, enabling them to strategize their preparation. That is why it is important to know about the structure of the exam:.

• Effective Time Management – CAT is a time-limited examination where the candidates have to answer a specific number of questions in various sections within the restricted time frame. With the pattern it is possible for the aspirants to manage their time effectively during the examination.

• Strategic Preparation – Knowing the number of questions, types of questions (Multiple Choice Questions and Non-MCQs) and marking scheme allows the students to target high-weightage topics and increase the accuracy.

• Reduces Exam Anxiety i-e. a well-prepared candidate is less afraid on exam day. The ability for an understanding of the pattern to reduce uncertainty simplifies the task of some pressure management during the test.

• Enhances Mock Test Performance  Practicing mock tests based on the correct CAT exam pattern 2025 ensures that students get accustomed to the real test environment. This improves speed, accuracy, and overall performance.

CAT Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights

Based on previous years’ trends, here are the key highlights of the CAT exam pattern 2025:

Mode of Exam  The CAT exam is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format. Candidates have to answer the questions on the computer screen inside the time limit.

• Total Sections – The exam consists of three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The total exam duration is expected to be 120 minutes (2 hours), with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. Candidates cannot switch between sections while answering.

Number of Questions  The total number of questions is expected to be between 66 and 76, though the exact count may vary. The approximate distribution is:

• VARC: 22–26 questions

• DILR: 18–22 questions

• QA: 22–26 questions

• Types of Questions – The exam includes:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)  Four answer choices are provided with a single correct answer.

• Non-MCQs (TITA  Type In The Answer) -The candidates are required to type the correct answer using a keyboard.

Marking Scheme – The marking pattern follows:

• +3 marks for every correct answer

• 1 mark for every wrong MCQ (Negative marking is only applied to the MCQ, not to the TITA questions).

• No negative marking for unattempted questions

• Language of the test  The test is taken in English only.

Difficulty Level  The CAT exam is known for its moderate to high difficulty level, testing a candidate’s logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and language proficiency.

Section-Wise Overview of CAT 2025

1. (VARC) Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension 

• Reading comprehension passages (long and short)

• Summary-based questions 

• Sentence completion

• Para-jumbles

2. (DILR)Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 

• Venn diagrams and logical deductions 

• Blood relations, seating arrangements, puzzles

• Data-based caselets

• Bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts

3. (QA)Quantitative Aptitude 

• Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss)

• Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Functions)

• Geometry (Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry)

• Number System and Probability

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

To effectively study for the CAT 2025, it is recommended that candidates adopt a strategic preparation plan. Here are the recommended CAT 2025 Preparation tips:

Understand the syllabus topics of the CAT exam.

To divide the study syllabus into sections and assign dedicated time slots for each section.

• Choose a study method depending on one’s learning preference. Candidates who are self-studying well should pursue self-study. But for those who need professional help to comprehensively understand and master concepts, they should join the leading CAT coaching center.

• Create concise notes on important topics and prepare flashcards with key techniques and formulas for quick revision.

• Consistently sit down and practice previous years’ CAT question papers and take sectional/full-length CAT mock tests. At the end of each PYP and mock test candidates need to reflect on their performance and identify and build on deficiencies.

• Use a timer while solving questions to track the time they spend on each one.

• The daily reading of newspapers, magazines, books and so on helps enhance the reading ability.

Conclusion

Determining the CAT exam pattern 2025  is a crucial step in the way students need to prepare for the exam. The test can be taken by any candidate regardless of their academic profile, it has no maximum age limit and no restriction on the number of times it can be taken. Final-year students and working professionals can also apply. In order not to cause lastminute confusion, candidates should carefully examine the eligibility criteria, log important dates, and register during the stipulated period. If candidates meet the eligibility criteria and properly submit their application, they will be the initial step toward being admitted to the top entry management schools in India.