The CAT exam is a computer-based test that evaluates a candidate’s mathematical, logical reasoning, and English language skills. The exam pattern of the CAT 2025 can be estimated from previous papers and past trends. The CAT exam pattern will include Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude sections.
Each section of the CAT 2025 examination contains 20 to 25 questions. The time limit for answering each section is 40 minutes. Students must regularly check the CAT official website for updates on the CAT exam pattern and syllabus. This article will provide insights on the CAT exam pattern, section-wise syllabus, preparation strategy, and study tips for MBA candidates.
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
The CAT 2025 exam pattern is not specified by the CAT conducting authorities. Still, the exam pattern can be deduced from CAT previous year papers and trends. Check the table below for CAT Exam Pattern Highlights.
| CAT Exam Pattern 2025 | Highlights |
| Total Number of Sections | 3 |
| Total Number of Questions | 66 |
| Type of Questions | MCQs and Non-MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for each correct answer and -1 for an incorrect answer |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 is not specifically declared by the CAT conducting authority. However, interested students can check previous year CAT exam analysis and question papers to estimate the CAT exam pattern. For effective CAT preparation, it is necessary to understand the exam pattern and the syllabus.
The CAT examination is divided into three main sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Based on previous years' trends and question paper analysis, each section in the CAT exam is expected to have the following questions.
| CAT Sections | Number of Questions | Sectional Time Limit |
| Section I - VARC | 24 | 40 Minutes |
| Section II - DILR | 20 | 40 Minutes |
| Section III - QA | 22 | 40 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 66 (24+20+22) | 120 minutes |
CAT Exam Structure 2025
The CAT Exam 2025 Structure consists of 3 main sections. These sections are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section of the CAT examination has 20 to 24 questions. The total number of questions is estimated to be 66 across all sections.
The CAT 2025 exam is a 2-hour computer-based exam. A candidate is expected to answer all questions within a time limit of 40 minutes per section. As per the past trends and question papers, the CAT examination may consist of MCQs and non-MCQs. The number of MCQs and non-MCQs in each section varies every year. Students can attempt mock tests to grasp the CAT exam 2025 structure and pattern.
Also Read, CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2024, Dress Code, Security Check
CAT Exam Duration 2025
The total duration for the CAT exam is 120 minutes. A candidate is expected to answer each section in a designated time limit of 40 minutes. A candidate is expected to answer all questions in a specific order. The sequence of answering the questions is the same for all candidates. Check the table below for information relating to CAT exam duration.
| CAT Exam Duration | Time Limit |
| Duration for Each Section | 40 minutes |
| Total Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
CAT Marking Scheme 2025
The CAT marking scheme is provided on the CAT official website. Students must know the marking scheme while preparing for the CAT examination. Check the table below for the marking scheme of questions that are MCQs,
| CAT MCQ Questions | Marking Scheme |
| Correct Answer | +3 |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 |
| TITA Questions | No -ve marking |
| Unanswered Questions | No deductions |
As per past data analysis, the CAT examination may include non-MCQ-type questions. Check the table below for a marking scheme of questions other than MCQs i.e (TITA Questions)
| CAT Non-MCQ Questions | Marking Scheme |
| Correct Answer | +3 |
| Incorrect Answer | No marks for an incorrect answer |
| Unattempted Questions | No marks for an unattempted question |
CAT 2025 Syllabus
The official notification regarding the CAT syllabus 2025 is yet to be released. However, based on the previous pattern, the syllabus includes the Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, and the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension sections. The table below outlines the important aspects of the CAT Syllabus.
| CAT Sections | Important Topics |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths and Number System |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Arrangements, Puzzles, Tables with Missing Values, Games and Tournaments, Graphs, Charts etc. |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehensions, Para Jumbles, Para Insertions, Odd one Out (Out of the Context) and Para summary. |
