CAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2025
Knowing the CAT exam pattern and marking scheme 2025 is essential for your preparation. This will help you understand how the exam is structured and how you will be scored.
The table below showcases the CAT exam pattern and marking scheme, which has been revised in CAT 2024 and is expected to remain the same for CAT 2025.
|
CAT Exam Sections
|
No of Questions
|
MCQs
|
Non - MCQs
|
Total Time (in minutes)
|
CAT Paper Pattern
|
CAT Marking Scheme
|
|
VARC
|
24
|
20
|
4
|
40
|
Reading Comprehension
16 Questions: 4 passages of 4 questions
Verbal Ability
8 Questions: para jumbles, para completions, para summary and odd sentence out
|
For MCQs: +3/-1
For TITA Questions: +3/0
|
|
DILR
|
22
|
14
|
6
|
40
|
Data Interpretation - 2/3 sets
Logical Reasoning - 2/3 sets
Total 5 sets of 4-5 questions each with areas questioned on Bar Graph, Arrangements, Missing Data and Puzzles (Games)
|
For MCQs: +3/-1
For TITA Questions: +3/0
|
|
QA
|
22
|
15
|
7
|
40
|
There are 5 major areas, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, numbers, and modern maths, which are further dominated by the majority of questions from arithmetic and algebra.
|
For MCQs: +3/-1
For TITA Questions: +3/0
|
|
Total
|
68
|
49
|
17
|
120
|
|
|
Also Check: CAT Eligibility
6-Month Section-Wise CAT Preparation Tips 2025
A section-wise approach is the most effective way to prepare for the CAT exam. You get to see VARC, DILR, and QA in CAT exam. Here are some section-wise tips that will help you prepare for CAT in 6 months.
How To Prepare For CAT VARC In 6 Months?
As the name suggests, the CAT VARC section is mainly divided into two parts - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. You must have a different approach for each part while preparing for CAT VARC section.
- Develop vocabulary and grammar - Developing vocabulary and grammar can help you enhance your comprehension skills.
Note: Direct questions related to grammar and vocabulary won’t be asked in the exam; however, they will definitely help in developing a better understanding of the RC passages.
- Start solving reading comprehension sets and verbal ability questions - Once you have spent enough time on vocabulary and grammar, it's time to start with 1RC and 1VA a day. You can gradually increase the numbers as well.
- Start taking sectionals and mocks - Sectionals and mocks are very important when it comes to CAT preparation for VARC. They help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and can help you with time management. Additionally, analyzing them is equally important.
How To Prepare For CAT DILR In 6 Months?
The CAT DILR section (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) requires clarity of basic concepts of arithmetic, an open mindset, and strong analytical skills. Since the questions are logic-based, you should have sharp problem-solving skills.
- Increase calculation speed - In the DILR section, there are questions based on data in Tables, Pie Charts, Graphs, Arrangements, Games and Tournaments, Set Theory, Networks, Puzzles, and problems based on them.
Hence, it is crucial to enhance your calculation speed. This way, you can finish the section within 40 minutes. Try to focus on mental calculations, memorize root formulas, use Vedic maths, and solve as many puzzles as you can. This will open up your mind to newer ways of thinking.
- Manage time efficiently - DILR questions can be time-consuming as they require calculations. Hence, focus on time management so that you can finish the section in 40 minutes.
- Practice more - Practicing mock tests will help you find tricks to solve CAT DILR questions in time. It will also help you check your performance in terms of calculations, accuracy, and time efficiency.
How To Prepare For CAT QA In 6 Months?
QA or Quantitative Aptitude includes maths topics such as Numbers, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths, and Arithmetic.
- Improve calculations - The best way to improve scores in CAT QA section is by improving calculations. You can achieve this by learning simple maths in terms of tables till thirty, factorials, square roots, and powers.
- Learn formulas - Learn all the formulas and note them down somewhere. Additionally, make a plan to revise them for 15 minutes every day so that you learn them by heart and don’t forget them on the D-day.
- Mock tests - Attempt multiple mock tests to see if you thoroughly remember all the formulas. This way, you can attempt the maximum number of questions in QA.
Month-Wise CAT Preparation Plan 2025
A well-structured preparation plan allows the candidates to cover the CAT syllabus effectively and track their progress efficiently. Here is a month-wise plan of CAT 2025 preparation.
CAT Preparation Plan for June - July
This is the time to focus on the basics. Clarity on the basics is very important in CAT 2025. While no direct questions will be there, you will be tested on these. Preparing for the basics from June to July will help you during the revision period.
Read every day - Whether it is a book, magazine, or newspaper. It will expand your vocabulary and enhance your reading. Your ability in the VA and RC sections will both improve.
For DILR, solve sets from the study room. You can solve the basic puzzle and play Sudoku to train your mind to think in a specific manner. Talking about QA, you can refer to books of classes 9 and 10 to study concepts that are uncomfortable for you.
CAT Preparation strategy for August - September
Aim to maximize the practice and complete the CAT syllabus as much as possible. The QA syllabus is very large. You need to spend 1-2 hours daily on QA. For quicker responses, mind shortcuts can help you a lot. Try to practice for sectional tests to identify the correct strategy for the real CAT.
VARC is the most important and most scoring portion of the CAT 2025 exam. For this, you have to read around 7000 words/day at least. This will boost your confidence and enhance the number of RC questions each day.
For DILR, you need to solve 300 sets. Take practice exams to maintain speed and accuracy when attempting the portion. Hence, you must attempt topic-wise mock tests for the speed with which you react to given questions.
CAT Preparation Tips for October and November
Attempt enough mock tests during this time. This is the last stage of your preparation. Go through every single topic and note again. It is very normal to feel stressed, or a roller coaster of emotions, due to low percentile, low mock score, etc.
During this time, you have to keep yourself motivated and try to find the silly mistakes. Analyze your mock tests properly. It is better to spend more time doing it than to write mock tests. Do not solve mock tests on the day before the CAT 2025 exam, and relax a bit.
Also, check out the Month-wise CAT Preparation Plan
How to prepare for CAT in one month
CAT 2-month preparation plan
How to prepare for CAT in 90 Days
Conclusion
Understand the exam pattern, set goals, and create a plan around your strengths and weaknesses. Try to focus on good study material, take mock tests regularly, and analyze your performance to shape your preparation strategy.
You should start CAT preparation as soon as possible. Even if you are confident enough to attempt most questions, it is better to give mock tests and check how prepared you are. CAT 2025 is in November. You just have a few months to prepare yourself.
