CAT Exam Pattern 2025 consists of about 66-68 questions divided in three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC); Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR); Quantitative Aptitude (QA). CAT Exam Pattern tests a candidate’s verbal ability, logical reasoning and data interpretation skills, and mathematical problem-solving skills. The exam is conducted online (Computer-Based Test) and consists of both Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQ (TITA) questions. The CAT exam is a 120-minute test with around 66 questions, following a marking scheme of +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA (Type in the Answer) questions. Check complete details for CAT Exam Pattern below.
CAT Exam pattern is divided in three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Each section can be further divided into sub-sections. Since CAT exam is held in three slots, there are minor changes in the exam pattern for each slot. Also, from year to year, there are minor changes in CAT exam pattern, but the overall structure has remained the same.
Overall, the CAT exam pattern has become more focused on conceptual clarity, time efficiency, and reasoning ability.
CAT 2025 Exam pattern (expected) is given below.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Expected)
|
Section No.
|
Section Name
|
Duration
|
MCQs
|
TITA
|
Total
|
|
I
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
|
40 min
|
20
|
4
|
24
|
|
II
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
|
40 min
|
12
|
10
|
22
|
|
III
|
Quantitative Ability
|
40 min
|
14
|
8
|
22
|
|
Total
|
|
120 min
|
46
|
22
|
68
|
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern was same across all the three slots. Check table below. However, there were minor changes in section wise compositions. Check complete CAT 2024 exam analysis for details.
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Slot 1, 2, 3
| CAT Exam Components | No of Questions (Divided in MCQs & Non MCQs) | Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes) | Scoring Pattern (Negative Marking is only for MCQs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 | +3 for Correct; -1 for Incorrect; 0 for Not Attempted |
| Section-2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 | +3 for Correct; -1 for Incorrect; 0 for Not Attempted |
| Section-3: Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 | +3 for Correct; -1 for Incorrect; 0 for Not Attempted |
| Total | 68 | 120 | 198 |
The CAT 2025 marking scheme is common for all sections. The CAT 2025 marking scheme awards +3 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ), and no negative marking for Non-MCQ (TITA) questions.
CAT 2024 VARC section saw four RC passages, Paragraph Completion, Summary, and Odd Sentence type of questions. Check slot wise details below.
CAT 2024 Slot 1 Exam Pattern for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
CAT 2024 Slot 2 Exam Pattern for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
CAT 2024 Slot 3 Exam Pattern for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
| Area | Topic | No. of Questions | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Digital rights of content (Streaming and DVD/Blu-ray) | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | Craftsmanship and Creativity | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | Revival of bandicoots in Australia | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | Critique of behavioral economics | 4 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Paragraph Completion | 3 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Summary | 3 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Odd Sentence Questions | 2 | TITA |
| Total | RC & VA | 24 | MCQ & TITA |
| Area | Questions | No of Qs. | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | RC-1: Spice Trade | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | RC-2: Unintended Consequences of Technology | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | RC-3: Peer Review of Research | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | RC-4: Carnivore-Human Conflict | 4 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Paragraph completion | 3 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Summary | 3 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Odd Sentence Questions | 2 | TITA |
| Area | Questions | No of Qs. | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | RC-1: Success of Chinese liquor brand Moutai | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | RC-2: Contamination of space | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | RC-3: Languages have become endangered | 4 | MCQ |
| Reading Comprehension | RC-4: The need to regulate AI | 4 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Paragraph completion | 3 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Summary | 3 | MCQ |
| Verbal Ability | Odd Sentence Questions | 2 | TITA |
Data Interpretation for CAT section tests a candidate’s ability to analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from a given numerical data. The questions in CAT Data Interpretation section are typically based on tables, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, caselets, and mixed data sets.
Logical Reasoning for CAT section evaluates a candidate’s ability to analyze patterns, identify relationships, and solve complex problems using logical reasoning. Common Logical Reasoning questions in CAT exam include arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, and logical sequences.
Read details of CAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Section.
CAT 2024 Slot 1 Exam Pattern for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Section
CAT 2024 Slot 2 Exam Pattern for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Section
CAT 2024 Slot 5 Exam Pattern for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Section
| Area | Set Description | No. of Questions | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Stock price-based candlestick graph for 7 stocks | 4 | 3 MCQ, 1 TITA |
| Data Interpretation | Bar graph showing 3 people visiting different countries | 4 | 2 MCQ, 2 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning | Tournament of 6 teams split into two groups, teams play within & across groups | 5 | 5 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning | Web surfers assigning thirty stars | 4 | 3 MCQ, 1 TITA |
| Data Interpretation | Election between two candidates, comparatively lengthy set | 5 | 4 MCQ, 1 TITA |
| Area | Set Description | No. of Questions | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Rating - 8 Gymnasts | 5 | 2 MCQ 3 TITA |
| Data Interpretation | 6 firms, PAT, Es, PRD - 2 graphs | 4 | 4 MCQ 0 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning | Schematic diagram of walkways - Lake | 4 | 2 MCQ, 2 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning | 1 to 10 numbers to be arranged in 10 slots with conditions | 5 | 2 MCQ, 3 TITA |
| Data Interpretation | Ecommerce rating distribution - cumulative | 4 | 2 MCQ, 2 TITA |
| Area | Set Description | No. of Questions | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Bar graph on App subscription | 4 | 4 MCQ |
| Data Interpretation | Line graph on Temperature of a room with AC in power mode | 5 | 2 MCQ 3 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning | Network of roads and ATMs | 4 | 4 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning | Proteins, Carbohydrates in food items | 5 | 3 MCQ, 2 TITA |
| Data Interpretation | Table on GDP of 10 countries | 4 | 3 MCQ, 1 TITA |
| Total | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 | MCQ and TITA |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) for CAT section assesses a candidate's mathematical skills, problem-solving ability, and numerical aptitude. The questions in Quantitative Aptitude test the conceptual clarity, logical application, and time management skills. CAT Quantitative Aptitude section covers topics from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern mathematics. Read CAT Quantitative Ability exam pattern.
Q. What is CAT 2025 Exam Pattern?
A. CAT 2025 is a computer based test. It is likely to have 66-68 questions divided into 3 sections of VARC, DILR and QA.
Q. How many sections are there in CAT 2025?
A. CAT 2024 will have three sections: Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension; Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Section III: Quantitative Ability.
Q. Do the non-MCQ type questions carry equal marks as MCQs?
A. Yes, all questions carry equal marks. However, for non-MCQ type questions, you must type the answer.
Q. Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?
A. Yes, you must answer the sections in a pre-specified order and this order will remain the same for all the candidates. However, you cannot attempt second section before the time limit of 40 minutes is over for the first section.
Q. Will IIMs provide some model test to understand CAT exam pattern?
A. Yes, a practice test will be available on the CAT website: www.iimcat.ac.in in October last week or November first week 2025. You can familiarize yourself with the functionality and navigation of the actual exam.
In conclusion, CAT Exam Pattern 2025 consists of about 66-68 questions divided in three sections. CAT Exam Pattern tests a candidate’s verbal ability, logical reasoning and data interpretation skills, and mathematical problem-solving skills. Check complete details for CAT Exam Pattern in the article above.
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