With IIM Kozhikode at the helm this year, the CAT 2025 will see significant changes including an increase in total questions from 66 to 68. The exam pattern now comprises 24 questions in VARC, 22 in QA, and 22 in the DILR section, totaling an impressive 204 marks[-2]. Moreover, competition is intensifying as cutoffs for top colleges are projected to rise, with 90th percentile scores expected to reach 47-51 marks and 95th percentile requiring 58-61 marks.

We believe that understanding these changes is crucial for your success. The ideal preparation window begins in March, giving you approximately nine months to master the comprehensive syllabus across all three sections. First, you'll need to grasp the exam requirements thoroughly as CAT demands extensive study hours and consistent practice.

In this expert guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about CAT 2025 registration dates, exam patterns, syllabus breakdowns, and proven strategies to help you stand out among the lakhs of aspirants vying for seats in India's prestigious 21 IIMs and other top B-schools.

Understand the CAT 2025 Exam Structure:

To succeed in CAT 2025, understanding its structure is crucial for strategic preparation. The exam is designed to test your aptitude across multiple dimensions with specific time constraints and question formats that require specialized preparation approaches.

CAT 2025 registration date and exam timeline:

The registration process for CAT 2025 begins at 10:00 AM on August 1, 2025, and closes at 5:00 PM on September 13, 2025. IIM Kozhikode, the conducting institute, officially released the notification on July 27, 2025. Following the registration period, candidates can download their admit cards from November 5 to November 30, 2025[73].

The exam will be conducted on Sunday, November 30, 2025, across more than 170 cities in India[73]. The test will be administered in three distinct sessions:

1.Morning session: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

2.Afternoon session: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

3.Evening session: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

After the exam, results are expected to be announced in the first week of January 2026[73]. This timeline gives candidates approximately four weeks to await their scores before the admission processes for various B-schools begin.

CAT exam pattern and marking scheme:

CAT 2025 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with a total duration of 120 minutes (2 hours)[62]. The exam consists of 68 questions divided across three sections, with a total of 204 possible marks[62].

The marking scheme follows a consistent pattern:

 Each correct answer earns 3 marks[62][72]

For MCQs, each incorrect response results in a penalty of -1 mark[62][72]

TITA (Type in The Answer) questions have no negative marking for wrong answers[62][72]

Unattempted questions receive zero marks with no penalty[62]

The question distribution includes both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and non-MCQ type questions (TITA). Approximately 48 questions are MCQs, while 20 questions are TITA[72].

Section-wise time limits and question types:

Each section has a strict time limit of 40 minutes, and candidates must attempt sections in a fixed sequence[62][72]. Once the time for a section expires, the test automatically advances to the next section, with no option to revisit previous sections.

The three sections appear in this order:

4.Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions      worth 72 marks 

• Approximately 22 MCQs and 2 TITA questions
• Focuses on reading comprehension, para jumbles, and verbal reasoning

5.Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 22 questions worth 66 marks[61]

• Approximately 12 MCQs and 10 TITA questions
• Includes charts, puzzles, seating arrangements, and logical problems

6.Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 22 questions worth 66 marks[61]

• Approximately 14 MCQs and 8 TITA questions
• Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems

The exam provides an onscreen calculator for calculations during the test. Additionally, candidates can use the "Mark for Review" feature, but must submit their answers within the same section's time limit. Rough work sheets are provided at the exam center and must be submitted after the test concludes.

Understanding these structural elements of CAT 2025 is essential for developing an effective preparation strategy. The sectional time limits particularly demand focused practice and time management skills to maximize your performance across all three components of the exam.

Breakdown of CAT Syllabus 2025:

Mastering the CAT 2025 syllabus requires a comprehensive understanding of what each section tests. The Common Admission Test evaluates candidates across three distinct areas, each with its unique focus and question types.

VARC: Key topics and question types:

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section comprises 24 questions divided into two major components. Reading Comprehension dominates with 16 questions spread across 4 passages (4 questions per passage). These passages typically span 600-700 words and cover diverse topics including psychology, society, science, arts, and philosophy.

For RC questions, you'll encounter:

• Inference-based questions testing your ability to draw conclusions
• Direct questions based on factual information
• Author's viewpoint questions to identify tone and stance
• Summary-based questions requiring effective content synthesis

The Verbal Ability portion consists of 8 questions distributed across:

• Para Summary (3 questions) - identifying the best synopsis of a paragraph
• Odd One Out (2 questions) - spotting the sentence that doesn't belong
• Para Completion/Insertion (3 questions) - placing sentences in appropriate positions

According to recent patterns, the VARC section has maintained consistent distribution since 2022, with Reading Comprehension questions constituting approximately 66.66% of this section.

DILR: Common patterns and data sets:

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning presents 22 questions arranged in 4-5 sets. This challenging section requires analytical thinking and pattern recognition under time pressure.

Data Interpretation frequently features:

• Bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs
• Tables and Venn diagrams
• Mathematical reasoning and caselets
• Combination of multiple data visualizations

The Logical Reasoning component tests your deductive abilities through:

• Arrangements (linear, circular, grid)
• Games and tournaments
• Selection and distribution problems
• Puzzles and sequencing challenges

Recent exam patterns show 12 questions typically relate to Data Interpretation while 10 questions focus on Logical Reasoning. The key to success in this section lies in selecting the right 2-3 sets to solve with complete accuracy rather than attempting all sets.

QA: Important math concepts and formulas:

Quantitative Aptitude features 22 questions drawn from five main categories. Arithmetic and Algebra dominate this section, together accounting for approximately 70% of questions.

Key topic distribution includes:

• Arithmetic (8-10 questions): Time-speed-distance, percentages, ratio-proportion, profit-loss.
• Algebra (5-7 questions): Equations, inequalities, functions, progressions.
• Geometry (3-4 questions): Triangles, circles, coordinate geometry.
• Number Theory (1-2 questions): Factors, divisibility, remainders.
• Modern Math (2-4 questions): Permutations, combinations, probability.

For effective preparation, focus initially on fundamentals of arithmetic operations and algebraic concepts as they form the backbone of this section. Subsequently, tackle geometry and advanced topics once your foundation is solid.

Understanding these section-wise breakdowns will help you prioritize your preparation efforts for the cat exam date 2025, allowing for strategic allocation of study time based on topic weightage and your personal strengths.

Section-Wise Preparation Strategy:

Preparing for the cat exam date 2025 demands a tailored approach for each section. Unlike generic strategies, section-specific methods yield significantly better results as you prepare for cat 2025.

How to prepare for VARC effectively:

Mastering VARC requires consistent effort as this section carries the highest weightage with 24 questions. First, develop a disciplined reading habit across diverse genres. Specifically, read at least one long passage daily to improve comprehension skills and reading speed.

Instead of focusing solely on vocabulary, prioritize understanding the passage's main argument, tone, and structure. This approach is more effective than trying to grasp every word. Furthermore, practice active reading by summarizing key points and arguments after each paragraph.

Begin by solving one RC daily, gradually increasing your practice volume. Take sectional tests regularly to improve time management within the 40-minute constraint. Most importantly, analyze your performance after each mock to identify patterns in your errors.

DILR practice techniques and shortcuts:

DILR contributes approximately 32-34% of marks in CAT and can be the most unpredictable section. Success hinges on selecting the right sets rather than attempting everything.

Create a structured daily practice routine: dedicate 30 minutes on weekdays and 90 minutes on weekends. Within this time, work on:

• Warm-up with 2 familiar sets
• Tackle 1 medium set (mixed DI & LR)
• Challenge yourself with 1 difficult set

Develop strategic shortcuts such as elimination logic, cross-writing diagrams, and pre-calculating row/column sums in table sets. Consequently, maintain an error log tracking date, set type, and mistake patterns to avoid repeating errors.

Aim to complete DI sets (4-5 questions) in 24-28 minutes and pure LR puzzles in under 20 minutes. Reserve weekends for comprehensive review and full-length practice.

QA. Preparation tips for speed and accuracy:

For Quantitative Aptitude, balance between speed and accuracy is essential. Start by building strong foundations in basic concepts before progressing to advanced topics. Practice regularly with purpose through daily sessions mixing different topics.

Learn shortcut techniques for arithmetic calculations, algebraic equations, and geometric formulas. Notably, develop mental math skills alongside calculator proficiency to enhance computational speed.

When practicing, focus on accuracy first, then gradually increase speed. Double-check your work to avoid careless mistakes. In fact, analyzing errors after mock tests helps identify recurring weaknesses.

Effective time management prevents getting stuck on difficult questions. Indeed, it's better to move on after spending 15-20 minutes on a single problem rather than missing several easier ones.

8 Proven Tips to Crack CAT 2025:

With competition intensifying each year, achieving success in the CAT 2025 requires smart preparation strategies. These eight proven tips will maximize your chances of securing that coveted 99+ percentile.

1. Start early and follow a structured plan:

Begin your preparation at least 6-8 months before the cat exam date 2025. A well-organized study schedule helps balance preparation with other commitments. Create realistic daily and weekly plans, dividing time slots for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses. Starting early allows for methodical preparation without the last-minute rush.

2. Focus on high-weightage topics first:

Analyze topic-wise weightage to optimize your efforts and score better. Prioritize Arithmetic and Algebra, which together cover more than 50% of the Quant section. In VARC, Reading Comprehension dominates, making it essential for a high percentile. Start with these high-return areas before addressing weaker topics.

3. Use the right books and resources:

Choose study materials based on content coverage, author reputation, and updated editions. Quality trumps quantity—select books recommended by toppers that explain concepts clearly. Revise regularly and practice chapter-wise exercises to strengthen understanding.

4. Practice with previous year papers:

Solve past CAT papers to understand question patterns and difficulty levels. This helps identify commonly asked question types and familiarize yourself with the exam format. Since CAT doesn't define its syllabus, analyzing previous papers provides insight into important topics.

5. Take regular mock tests:

Begin taking mocks early—aim for 25-40 tests throughout your preparation. Follow a strategic approach: 1-2 mocks weekly during mid-preparation, increasing to 3-4 weekly in the final months. Replicate actual exam conditions, preferably at the same time as your exam slot.

6. Analyze your mock test performance:

Mock analysis identifies strengths and weaknesses. Examine your accuracy, attempts versus unattempted questions, and time allocation. Categorize errors into silly mistakes, conceptual errors, time management issues, and guesswork. Use these insights to refine your preparation strategy.

7. Improve time management skills:

Develop strategies for each section—including time blocking and the 80/20 rule. Practice under timed conditions to improve speed without sacrificing accuracy. Learn to recognize when to move on from time-consuming questions.

8. Stay consistent and motivated:

Define your reasons for pursuing an MBA to stay driven. Set achievable targets and reward yourself upon completion. Take well-timed breaks to avoid burnout. Maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation journey.

Mock Tests and Final Phase Preparation:

Mock tests stand as the cornerstone of effective CAT preparation. As November approaches, your focus must shift from learning to execution for the cat exam date 2025.

How to simulate real exam conditions:

Creating an authentic test environment elevates your mock test effectiveness. Lock your room, set aside your phone, and use only rough sheets provided. Attempt mocks during the same time slot as your scheduled exam to acclimatize your body and mind. Take 2-3 mocks weekly in the final months, though quality outweighs quantity. Primarily, treat each mock as if it were the actual CAT exam—no distractions, full focus.

Tracking progress and refining weak areas:

After completing each mock, dedicate equal or more time to analysis. Examine:

• Questions attempted correctly versus incorrectly
• Time spent per question and section
•  Patterns in mistakes (conceptual, careless, time-related)
• Question selection effectiveness

Maintain an error log tracking date, set type, and mistake patterns. The "two-pass strategy" proves effective—first answering confident questions before tackling challenging ones.

What to revise in the last 30 days:

In the final month, speed becomes crucial. Focus on revising formulas via charts, avoiding new topics entirely. Review high-weightage concepts across all sections. Schedule daily mock tests, albeit with strategic timing—limit to two mocks daily before exam day. Most importantly, maintain physical and mental balance through proper rest and nutrition.

Conclusion:

Preparing for CAT 2025 demands dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. Throughout this guide, we've explored the essential elements that will help you maximize your performance on November 30th. The modified exam structure with 68 questions distributed across VARC, DILR, and QA sections requires a customized approach for each component.

Success in CAT undoubtedly depends on your ability to balance conceptual understanding with tactical execution. Starting early gives you a significant advantage, allowing sufficient time to build foundations before advancing to complex topics. Additionally, focusing on high-weightage areas first ensures efficient use of your preparation time.

Regular practice with mock tests serves as the ultimate reality check. These simulations help identify weaknesses while simultaneously building exam temperament. After all, even the strongest concepts need application under timed conditions to translate into performance.

Time management remains a critical factor that separates good performers from exceptional ones. Certainly, mastering the art of question selection and knowing when to move on can dramatically improve your overall score. The final 30 days before the exam should focus primarily on revision and mock test analysis rather than learning new concepts.

Remember that CAT preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Maintaining consistent study habits while taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing will sustain your motivation throughout this challenging journey. Armed with the strategies outlined in this guide, you now have everything needed to approach the CAT 2025 with confidence and determination.

Your dream of securing admission to India's prestigious IIMs is within reach. Stay focused, trust your preparation, and approach each practice session with purpose. The road ahead may be demanding, but the reward at the finish line makes every effort worthwhile.

Key Takeaways:

Master these essential strategies to excel in CAT 2025 and secure your spot among India's top B-schools with over 4 lakh competitors vying for limited seats.

• Start preparation 6-8 months early with structured daily plans - Begin by March 2025 to allow sufficient time for concept building and extensive practice across all three sections.

• Focus on high-weightage topics first - Prioritize Reading Comprehension in VARC, Arithmetic and Algebra in QA, which together account for 70% of questions.

• Take 25-40 strategic mock tests with thorough analysis - Practice under real exam conditions and spend equal time analyzing errors to identify patterns and improve performance.

• Master time management with sectional limits - Each section has strict 40-minute limits with no cross-section movement, requiring strategic question selection and pacing.

• Understand the new exam pattern thoroughly - CAT 2025 features 68 questions (24 VARC, 22 each in DILR and QA) with mixed MCQ and TITA formats across 204 total marks.

The final month should focus exclusively on revision, formula charts, and maintaining peak performance through proper rest and nutrition while avoiding new topics entirely.

FAQs:

Q1. When is the CAT 2025 exam scheduled to take place?

The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025. It will be conducted in three sessions across more than 170 cities in India.

Q2. How many questions are there in CAT 2025 and how are they distributed?

CAT 2025 consists of 68 questions divided into three sections: 24 questions in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), 22 questions in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and 22 questions in Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Q3. What is the marking scheme for CAT 2025?

Each correct answer earns 3 marks. For MCQs, there's a penalty of -1 mark for incorrect responses. TITA (Type in The Answer) questions have no negative marking. Unattempted questions receive zero marks with no penalty.

Q4. How should I prepare for the VARC section of CAT 2025?

To prepare for VARC, develop a daily reading habit across diverse genres, practice active reading by summarizing key points, and focus on understanding the passage's main argument and structure rather than individual words. Regular practice with RC passages and sectional tests is crucial.

Q5. How many mock tests should I take while preparing for CAT 2025?

It's recommended to take 25-40 mock tests throughout your preparation. Start with 1-2 mocks weekly during mid-preparation, increasing to 3-4 weekly in the final months. Always analyze your performance after each mock to identify area.