The CAT 2025 Exam pattern is divided into three sections: VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability). For IIM shortlisting, the candidate must score high in each section to clear the sectional score cut-offs.
Below is the tabular form of the tentative details of the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern, reflecting the changes made in recent years:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Window | Three Sessions |
| Mode of Conduct | Computer-based |
| Sections | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Test Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Total No. of Questions | 66 |
| Duration of each section of CAT | 40 Minutes |
| Type of Questions | MCQs & Non-MCQs |
| Expected Marking Scheme | -1 for each wrong answer; +3 for every correct answer |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025: Latest Changes & Important Information
- The CAT 2025 Exam is scheduled for November 2025.
- There is no negative marking for Non-MCQs.
- The order of the sections is fixed, starting with VARC. Candidates cannot switch between sections.
- The CAT 2024 exam was held in three slots. For CAT 2025, students will be notified about any changes in the exam window.
- Previously, the total number of questions in CAT was 100, and the total marks were 300. However, the number of questions has since been reduced, with 66 questions in 2024.
- IIM will also release a tutorial for aspirants to understand the CAT 2025 exam format and question pattern. The tutorial will be available on their official website in October 2025.
- There is an onscreen calculator provided during the exam.
- CAT 2025 exam will be held in 150+ cities across the country.
CAT Pattern: Section-wise Division
There is a sectional time limit for each section of CAT. Applicants cannot change the question sequence because the exam follows a chronological order for the three sections. Here is the complete overview of the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern to help you with time management and strategy planning:
| Sections | Total No. of Questions | MCQs | TITA | Allotted Time |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 19 | 5 | 40 Minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 15 | 5 | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 20 | 14 | 8 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 66 | 48 | 18 | 120 Minutes |
CAT Syllabus
Each topic has a different weightage in CAT. Prioritize these topics and start your preparation accordingly. Keep track of the following topics typically asked in the CAT exam:
| Syllabus | Topics |
| Verbal Ability | Para jumbles, Summary Based Questions, Sentence exclusion questions |
| Reading Comprehension | RC passages |
| Quantitative Ability | Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Mensuration |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Reasoning Based DI, Grid-Based DI, Graphs, Tables, Data Caselets |
CAT Exam: Slot Timings
There is a time limit for each section in the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern. Once the time is over, the screen automatically advances to the next segment, and the candidate can’t move back to make any changes. Therefore, you must keep track of the time duration and practice accordingly.
The following are the three sessions for the exam:
- Morning session (8:30 am – 10:30 am)
- Afternoon session (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm)
- Evening session (4:30 pm – 6:30 pm)
CAT Exam Pattern: Topic-wise Weightage
| Syllabus | Weightage |
| Verbal Ability | 8-10 questions based on grammar and verbal reasoning |
| Reading Comprehension | Out of 24 questions in the VARC section, 16 questions are from RC |
| Quantitative Ability | Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the section, with approx. 8 questions from each |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | There will be 2 sets with a total of 10 questions in DI and 2 sets from LR |
Comprehensive View of Different Sections
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
This section aims to evaluate how well you understand the rules of the English language. To do well in this section, you need to enhance your reading skills, develop an above-average vocabulary base, and know the basics of English grammar. Some common question types include reading comprehension, sentence completion, para-jumbles, antonyms and synonyms, fill-in-the-blanks, and summary questions. Reading comprehension focuses on assessing your comprehension and reasoning abilities.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
This section combines two separate areas: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. It includes questions based on various data forms, such as bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts. You must understand the data presented and answer the questions based on the same. Besides this, you need to think logically to analyze the situation and make the correct deductions. The topics include blood relations, calendars, clocks, cubes, seating arrangement, syllogism, logical connectives, logical matching, and sequencing.
Quantitative Ability
This section tests your knowledge and understanding of basic mathematical concepts. You should be proficient in calculations and develop your aptitude for quick thinking to solve problems based on trigonometry, mensuration, number systems, and arithmetic.
