CAT Marking Scheme 2025, Exam Duration, Negative Marking

CAT Marking Scheme 2025: The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is conducted once, every year, usually in the month of November. This renowned exam is an entrance test that forms the gateway to admission into MBA/PGDM and other managerial programs in the top business schools of India. Prestigious managerial institutions such as IIMs, FMS, IITs, and so many more accept the CAT exam for basing the admission decision to the managerial programs. This 120-minute computer-based exam is a comprehensive test that assesses a test taker on 3 sections (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude). Let’s take a look at the CAT marking scheme, scoring system, question types, and much more!

Also, check: CAT Exam Syllabus

CAT Marking Scheme 2025

The table below provides an overview of the CAT examination, covering essential details such as the total number of questions, marks distribution, different sections, exam duration, mode of the paper, and the marking scheme.

Also, check: CAT Exam Pattern

CAT Negative Marking 2025

CAT applies negative marking only in multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There is a deduction of 1 mark on each incorrect MCQ answer. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions, which are Type In The Answer (TITA) questions. This means candidates can attempt non-MCQ questions without the hesitation of losing marks for incorrect answers.

Negative Marking Breakdown:

• MCQs: -1 mark for every wrong answer.
• Non-MCQs (TITA questions): No negative marking.
• Unattempted questions: No penalty.

CAT Scoring System

The CAT scoring system evaluates a candidate’s performance relative to others. Here’s how it works:

1. Raw Score: This is the total marks obtained by a candidate after accounting for correct answers, incorrect answers, and unattempted questions.
2. Scaled Score: The raw score is normalized to account for differences in difficulty levels across different exam slots. This ensures fairness in the evaluation process.
3. Percentile: The scaled score calculates the percentile, which indicates the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or below a particular score. For example, a 99 percentile means the candidate scored better than 99% of the test-takers.

Also, check: CAT Eligibility Criteria

CAT Score VS CAT Percentile

The CAT score represents the total marks a candidate obtains in the CAT exam based on their performance in the three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). On the other hand, the CAT percentile is a relative measure that indicates how a candidate's performance compares to others who appeared for the exam.

CAT Question Types

The CAT exam has two major types of questions:

1. MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)

• These questions have four answer choices; candidates are required to select the correct option.
• Carries negative marking for incorrect answers.

2. Non-MCQ (TITA—Type In The Answer)

• These questions do not provide options. Candidates must type the correct answer in the provided space.
• No negative marking applies, making them less risky.

What is the Sectional Time limit in CAT Exam?

The CAT exam is a 120-minute (2-hour) test, and there is time allocation for each section. Candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam. Each section must be completed within the allotted time. Below is the breakdown for exam duration and the sectional time limits.

CAT 2025 Total Marks

The CAT exam is scored out of a total of 204 marks. Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and there is a deduction of 1 mark for incorrect MCQ answers. Non-MCQ questions do not have negative marking. The total marks are distributed as follows:

CAT Total number of Questions (Past Year Trend)

The number of MCQ and non-MCQ questions varies each year. Below is the breakdown for the last three years:

CAT Marking Scheme 2025: Conclusion

Now that you have a fair idea about the CAT marking scheme, you can prepare for it in a much better manner. Thus, begin your CAT exam preparation and keep in mind the test format. So that you ace the exam with strategic preparation. Good luck!