CAT 2025: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, and Marking Scheme

Introduction to CAT

The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam does not require any formal introduction, as it is an inevitable choice among management students looking to enter into the renowned national and international colleges offering premium management studies. Since more than two decades, the CAT exam has been testing the skills of enormous aspirants, and only smart ones manage to crack it and pave into the business college of their choice. The sole purpose of the CAT syllabus is to assess a candidate's aptitude for management education (MBA), and the CAT exam acts as a gateway for seeking admission in top business schools across the country, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

Each year, different IIM acts as the conducting body to conduct nationwide CAT exams. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Calcutta first introduced the Common Admission Test (CAT) in the year 1990. The sole intention behind introducing CAT was to provide a standardized entrance examination for admission to the various IIMs across India. It is expected that IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT 2025.

CAT Syllabus

The entire syllabus of CAT is divided among three section, namely:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Let us explore important sub-topics that usually appear each year in different sections:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Test the language reading and vocabulary skills of MBA aspirants
• Antonym, Analogy, Change of Speech, Change of Voice, Critical Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning, Idiom and Phrases, Odd One Out, One Word Substitution, Paragraph Completion, Paragraph Summary, Spotting Errors, Verbal Reasoning, and Vocabulary
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Test the data interpretation and reasoning skills of MBA aspirants
• Data Interpretation Sub Topics
• 2-set Venn Diagram, 3-set Venn Diagram, 4-set Venn Diagram, Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Area Charts, Histogram, Scattered Plots, Selection with Condition, Data Sufficiency, Analytical Reasoning, Logical Data Analysis, Sufficiency Conditions, DI with Connected Data Sets, Data Table, Profit and Loss Tables, Data Change over Period, and Tables with Missing Data
• Logical Reasoning Sub Topics
• Linear Arrangements, Circular Arrangements, Complex Arrangements, Seating Arrangements, Scheduling, Floor Puzzles, Blood Relations, Family Tree, Relationships, Direction Sense, Clocks and Calendars, Time Calculations, Date Calculations, Binary Logic, Cubes with Visual Reasoning, Cubes with Logical Connectives, Team Selecting, Routes and Networks, Scheduling, Truth and Lie, Logical Matching, Coin Picking, Games and Tournaments, 2D & 3D Logical Reasoning, and Permutation and Combination (P&C)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Test the mathematics and arithmetic skills of MBA aspirants
• Averages, Profits and Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Mixtures & Allegations, Percentages, Speed, Time & Distance, Pipers and Cisterns, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification, Graphs, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Higher Order Equation, Logarithms, Modulus, Inequalities, Maxima and Minima, Sequence and Series, Base System, Divisibility, LCM & HCF, Complex Numbers, Factors, Remainders, Digits, Higher Powers, Surds and Indices, Circles, Polygons, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Quadrilaterals, Angles, Mensuration, Triangles, Parallel Lines, Permutations & Combinations, Geometric Arrangements, Sequences & Series, Probability, Progressions, Roots, Binomial Theorem, and Set Theory

CAT Exam Pattern

As mentioned earlier in this blog, CAT exam comprises of three section – VARC, DLIR, and QA. The catch lies in the sectional limit, which means candidate have to attempt the exam in pre-defined order and complete each section in specified limit. Unlike few other exams, you cannot choose QA at first place instead of VARC. Thus, if the CAT exam is appearing in the sequence of VARC-DILR-QA then you have to attempt questions in same serial order of sections.

Table 1: CAT Exam Pattern
Aspect	Details
Mode of Exam	Online
Total Duration of Exam	2 hours (120 minutes)
Total Number of Questions	66
Types of Questions	MCQs and Non-MCQs
Total Marks	198
Exam Sections	Three; annual shuffle in the number of questions per section
Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC)	24
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20
Marking Scheme	3 marks for correct answer -1 mark for incorrect answer No negative marking on skipping a question
Frequency	Once a year
Date of Exam	November of every year
Date of Result	Second week of January

CAT Eligibility Criteria, Fees, and Registration

CAT Eligibility Criteria

Various parameters to select eligible candidates to sit in the CAT exam are as follows:

• Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a university or institute recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, or listed under Section 3 of the UGC Act. SC, ST, and PwD candidates require a minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
• Final year Bachelor's degree students or those who have completed their degree requirements but are awaiting results may also apply, subject to approval from their university/institution's Principal/Registrar.
• Candidates who completed a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)) with the required percentage can also appear in the CAT exam.
• Candidates must declare and maintain a valid and unique email account and a mobile phone number throughout the selection process.
• 15% of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC)
• 5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates
• 27% of the seats are reserved for Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC)
• 10% of the seats are reserved for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) candidates.
• Candidates belonging to the SC or ST category must ensure that their caste or tribe is listed in the Government of India schedule. The caste certificate submitted to IIM should be in the Government of India-approved format and clearly specify the following details:

A. Name of the caste/tribe

B. Whether the candidate belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe

C. District and State or Union Territory of the candidate’s ordinary residence

D. The appropriate Government of India schedule under which the candidate’s caste/tribe is approved by it as Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.

• A copy of the SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD certificate(s) must be uploaded at the time of the CAT application registration. Failure to upload a copy of the caste/class certificate will result in the rejection of a candidate’s CAT registration.
• The SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD certificate(s) must be shown, and a photocopy should be submitted at the time of interviews. Moreover, the certificate(s) must be submitted at the time of joining the programs of any of the IIMs. Failure to do so during the post-CAT selection process will result in the candidate not being considered under the reserved category.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply for a UDID card (PwD Category) and upload the same for the application.

CAT Exam Fees

The CAT exam fees come into two categories – one for general category and another one for reserved category. One can pay hassle free and safe amount of the fees by making online payment. The online payment is not only secure but also quicker one to reserve your seat. The window to make the online payment appears at the time making online registration and submitting relevant documents in digital format. The following table list down the fees structure for both general and reserved categories:

Table 2: CAT Fees
General Category	INR 2500/=
Reserved Category (SC/ST/PwD/OBC)	INR 1250/=

CAT Registration Process

CAT registration process is not complex but surely, a lengthy one, which requires multiple uploads in different windows/forms that appear in front of you during the registration process. Therefore, before going for the registration process, it is advisable to visit the official website of CAT (https://iimcat.ac.in/) and go through the Registration Guide manual. It will provide you the glimpse of different forms appear at the time of registration and guide you on how to upload the relevant document. So, be it CAT or any other competitive exam, it always advisable to remain in advance with followings:

• Laptop or desktop with dedicated Internet connection; avoid using SMART phone for registration
• Functional mobile number (keep it active at least till result date)
• Email ID (keep it active at least till the result date)
• Scanned copy of 10^th and 12^th mark sheets (in PDF or JPEG format)
• Scanned copy of bachelor’s degree (in PDF or JPEG format)
• Digital passport-size copy of your photograph (in JPEG format in 35mm x 45 mm dimension with a size below 80 KB)
• Scanned copy of your signature (in JPEG format in 1000 mm x 35 mm with size below 80 KB)
• Identify and residence proof (original and digital format – JPEG or PDF). Reserved category candidates can verify their caste/tribe name by visiting http://www.ncbc.nic.in/Home.asp
• Consent form from your institute if you are in the final year of graduation (in PDF or JPEG format)
• Additional degree or specialization done by you (in PDF or JPEG format)
• Work experience certificate (in PDF or JPEG format)
• Properly filled form as per norms suggested for reserved category candidates (in PDF or JPEG format)
• Self-declaration form with your details and affixed passport-size photo (in PDF or JPEG format)
• Mode for making digital payment (debit/credit card or net banking)
• Collect original copies of all relevant documents safely and keep them in an easy-to-access location

Steps Involved in CAT Registration

Follow the steps listed here under to complete your CAT registration:

• Open the web browser (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox Mozilla).
• Type https://iimcat.ac.in/ in the Address bar of the web browser and press the Enter
• Click the Register
• Type the basic information (your name, contact number, email ID, city, and preferred password).
• Click the Submit A user account is created successfully.
• Visit https://iimcat.ac.in/ again to complete your application.
• Enter details, like your academic qualifications and work experience, accurately.
• Upload a passport-size photograph and your signature in the required format and file size.
• Upload scanned copies of documents for your caste, academic qualifications, and work experience.
• Choose your test center from the available list. You can select up to 4 centers.
• Pay the application fee using online payment methods like debit card, credit card, or internet banking.
• Review your filled-out CAT application form and click on the Submit button.
• After completing your CAT registration, you will receive a confirmation email.
• Print a copy of the application form for your records.

CAT Registration Errors You Should Avoid

Since CAT registration is a lengthy process, there can be certain areas where you might commit some error unknowingly. By quickly going through the following checklist, you can complete your CAT registration process without or minimum errors that can be rectified later.

• Use a valid email ID and mobile number for registration for all communication.
• Select your test city because you cannot change it once the exam center is assigned.
• Choose your current city as the first option for the exam center.
• Select IIMs wisely, as you will only be eligible for the WAT-PI (Writing Ability Test and Personal Interview) process of the IIMs you choose in the form.
• Choose interview cities for IIMs carefully, as you can only select two options for each.
• Enter accurate academic scores for 10^th, 12^th, graduation, post-graduation, or professional degree.
• Provide accurate work experience.
• Upload valid caste/PwD/Scribe certificates to avoid disqualification.
• Ensure your fee payment is successful and check for an email acknowledgment to receive the CAT admit card.
• IIM opens the CAT correction window for a couple days where candidate can edit photograph, signature, and test city

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Table 3: CAT 2025 Pattern
Sections	MCQs	Non-MCQs	Total Questions	Details
VARC	20	4	24	4 passages of RC with 4 questions each. 8 para jumbles, para completions, para summary, odd sentence out.
DILR	14	6	20	4 sets of 5 questions each covering topics like bar graphs, missing data, and puzzles.
QA	15	7	22	Dominated by arithmetic and algebra with 4 questions of geometry.
Total	49	17	66

CAT Answer Key and Response Sheet

The CAT answer key and response sheet are invaluable tools for candidates to assess their performance. By comparing their responses to the correct answers, they can accurately calculate their expected score and percentile. This information is crucial for strategic decision-making during the MBA application process. By estimating your CAT score and percentile, you can:

• Identify Strong and Weak Areas
• Shortlist Colleges
• Plan for Future Exams

Early action is key. Many top MBA programs have early application deadlines, so using the CAT answer key to make timely decisions is essential.

Approach to Prepare for the CAT Exam

Let us take the modest approach to answering this question. Recent revelations showed that every year, 5000 average-graded students from non-technical backgrounds managed to crack the CAT exam. Moreover, the entire curriculum required to prepare and appear for the CAT exam is neither rocket science nor complicated. We have learned its entire stuff at the school level. What you need is training on how to apply your thinking, reasoning, and analytical skills effectively.

The only difference lies in how questions are put to confuse you and yet at the same time check your overall aptitude. A simple BODMAS question in a CAT exam can be framed in such a manner that I might appear to you as some missing part of the String Theory or the answer to the 500 words of reading comprehension lies in the last lines of the paragraph. It is all about tricking you.

To master tricks, you have to encapsulate as much as possible from all possible reading and practice sources – be it practicing a question on a rough paper, reading daily newspapers, leveraging expert advice, or putting technology to work. Stay positive and confident. Talk to people who have taken the CAT to get their insights. This will boost your spirits and help you manage stress and anxiety about the exam. Typically, the entire study plan for preparing to appear in the CAT exam falls into three slots. Each slot has its own distinct advantage and disadvantage, depending upon your strategies, availability of resources, and prior experience with some other competitive exams. The following table might help you to draft your preparation plans:

Table 4: Different Slots to Make Preparation for the CAT Exam
Rush Slot	Optimum Slot	Ideal Slot
Exam date: 6 months away	Exam date: 9 months away	Exam date: 12 months away
Start solving practice tests	Daily self-study plan, group study, or by mentorship	Adopt easy-difficult detailed study plan with mentorship
Quick self SWOT	Detailed self SWOT	Work on vocabulary and RC
Ideal for professionals or earlier aspirants	Solve one RC and mock or previous year paper daily	Complete studies in 6 months
		Attempt at least 15-20 last year and mock papers

CAT Study Plan

A systematic study plan that involves multiple sources of reading and practicing regularly are key to success for the CAT exam. Few suggestions for an effective study plan are listed here under:

• Past Year Questions: There are numerous websites and study material available in the market to look and analyze the pattern of difficulty level and type of questions asked in the previous year. The past year question papers offer good guidance in understanding the CAT exam and assessing your skills.
• Free Mock Tests: Go after at least one mock test per day. You can find numerous mock tests designed in accordance to the real time exam center environment. These mock tests help you check your section-wise ability to solve the questions. If possible then enroll for some good CAT mock test series. Believe or not, mock test simulates best to the real-time CAT exam environment.
• Identifying Mistakes: Whatever source of preparation you opt for mastering the CAT, you will always found some mistakes done by you. Analyze the mistakes and try to avoid them in future. If possible then make a list of your mistakes, as they might turn very useful while doing the revision just couple of months before the exam day.
• Working Hard on Weaker Areas: By identifying your mistakes, you easily realize in which areas you are doing well and where you are lagging behind. Try to put some extra efforts either by devoting more time or by attempting questions of your weaker side.
• Regular Practice: There is famous saying – practice makes the man perfect. Make a dedicated schedule of study and practice and adhere to it without any excuses. Split your practice into daily and weekly targets. You can opt a coaching center if you are uncertain how to make a practice plan. Alternatively, you can also seek mentorship from candidates who had earlier attempted or cleared the CAT exam. Their advice will provide you real-time opinion on formulating and following practice plan.

 Conclusion

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most prestigious exam to seek entry into the MBA program offered by reputable colleges and universities. Besides Indian institutes, CAT score is valid in management institutes spread across South Asia, Middle East Asia, North America, and many more countries.

The entire syllabus of CAT comprises three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Total, there are 66 questions in the CAT exam that appear section-wise, and the candidate needs to complete the entire exam in 2 hours. For every right answer, three marks are awarded, and for every wrong answer, minus one is allocated.

CAT exam and its eligibility criteria are different for general and reserved category. The fees for general category candidate is 2500/= and 1250/= for reserved category candidate. But the registration process is same for both type of candidates where they need to upload documents related to their academics, identity, residence, and other documents as asked by IIM. It is advisable to maintain a dedicated mobile number and email for future correspondences and look out for some commonly occurred errors that candidates do while registering themselves. It is advisable to select the test center and city carefully. 

A consistent study plan with a dedicated routine towards practicing previous year's question papers, attempting mock tests, and identifying your weak areas helps you strategically improve performance in the CAT exam. If you are uncertain on how to devise your study plan, then opt for some coaching or mentorship from previous CAT aspirants.