CAT Exam Pattern: Preparing for the CAT exam isn’t just about mastering concepts—it’s about understanding the pattern, structure, and strategy behind the paper. The CAT exam paper pattern plays a pivotal role in shaping your preparation and performance. With sectional time limits, a mix of MCQs and TITA questions, and a unique marking scheme, CAT demands more than just academic knowledge—it calls for precision, planning, and adaptability. In this blog, we’ll break down the complete CAT paper pattern, section by section, highlight key features, explain question types, and give you a glimpse into what to expect in CAT 2025.
| Sections | Duration | Questions (MCQ + TITA) |
| 1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 Min | 24 |
| 2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 Min | 22 |
| 3. Quantitative Ability (QA) | 40 Min | 22 |
| Total | 2 Hours | 68 |
Important Instructions & Pattern Highlights:
- Fixed Section Sequence:
- Sections are presented in a fixed order (VARC → DILR → QA).
- Candidates cannot choose the order of sections. Everyone must follow the predetermined sequence.
- No Shifting Between Sections:
- Once you complete the allotted time (40 minutes) for one section, you cannot revisit it later.
- You must attempt each section sequentially as they appear on-screen.
- Types of Questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Four answer options provided; candidates must select one correct option.
- Type In The Answer (TITA) (also known as non-MCQs): No answer choices provided. Candidates type their answers directly into the text box.
- Negative Marking Scheme:
- For MCQs: Each correct answer earns +3 marks, each incorrect answer incurs -1-mark penalty.
- For TITA questions: Correct answers yield +3 marks; there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- On-screen Timer:
- A separate timer runs for each section, clearly visible on the test screen.
- Once the timer reaches zero, the current section automatically submits, and the next section appears.
- Calculator Availability:
- A basic on-screen calculator is available during the exam for complex calculations.
- Review & Navigation:
- Candidates can review and change answers within the currently active section only, as long as the time hasn’t expired for that section.
- Questions can be flagged for review within a section, but once you move to the next section, no changes can be made to previously attempted sections.
- Medium of Examination:
- Conducted exclusively online (Computer-Based Test mode).
- Available only in English language.
Understanding these points thoroughly will give you clarity and confidence when you appear for your CAT Examination.
Outlook: Predicted CAT 2025 Exam Structure
Looking ahead to CAT 2025, trends suggest a stable and predictable exam format. Here’s what aspirants can expect:
- Duration & Sections: The CAT 2025 exam is likely to remain a 120-minute test with 3 sections — VARC, DILR, QA — with 40 minutes allotted per section.
- Number of Questions: Expect a total of around 66–70 questions (similar to CAT 2024’s 68 questions).
- Marking Scheme: The +3/–1 marking system will almost certainly continue, with no negative marking for TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions.
- Exam Mode: CAT will stay computer-based, conducted in multiple slots (probably 3).
- Potential Changes: Minor tweaks may occur in question distribution or slot count, but no major overhaul is anticipated.
In conclusion, CAT 2025 pattern will likely mirror that of 2024, maintaining the same time pressure and structure. Aspirants should keep an eye on the official CAT 2025 notification (expected by July/August 2025) for any updates.
Comprehensive Table of CAT Exam Pattern Changes (1977–2024)
| Year | Mode | Sections (Sections Names) | Total Questions (section-wise) | Time Duration | Sectional Timing | Marking Scheme | Key Changes / Notes |
| 2024 | Computer-based | 3 sections (VARC, DILR, QA) | 68 questions (VARC: 24, DILR: 22, QA: 22) | 120 min | 40 min per section | +3, –1 (no neg. for TITA) | Minor update: total questions increased to 68 (DILR got 22 Q from 20). Pattern otherwise same as 2021–23. |
| 2021 | Computer-based | 3 sections (VARC, DILR, QA) | 66 questions (VARC: 24, DILR: 20, QA: 22) | 120 min | 40 min per section | +3, –1 (no neg. for TITA) | Questions reduced to 66 for better balance. 2-hr format retained (3 slots). |
| 2020 | Computer-based | 3 sections (VARC, DILR, QA) | 76 questions (VARC: 26, DILR: 24, QA: 26) | 120 min | Yes – 40 min per section | +3, –1 (no neg. for TITA) | COVID adjustment: Duration cut to 2 hrs; slots increased to 3. Qs reduced to 76. First 2-hr CAT. |
| 2019 | Computer-based | 3 sections (VARC, DILR, QA) | 100 questions (34/32/34) | 180 min | 60 min per section | +3, –1 (no neg. for TITA) | No changes. Last 100-question exam before COVID. |
| 2015 | Computer-based | 3 sections (VARC, DILR, QA) | 100 questions (VARC: 34, DILR: 32, QA: 34) | 180 min | Yes – 60 min per section | +3, –1 (no neg. for TITA) | Major revamp: Sections become 3 again. On-screen calculator & TITA (non-MCQ) introduced. 1-day, 2-slot format resumes. |
| 2014 | Computer-based | 2 sections (QA & DI, VA & LR) | 100 questions (50 per section) | 170 min | None, free navigation between section | +3, –1 | Big change: Qs increased to 100, time 170 min. Sectional time limit removed (could switch sections). 2-day, 4-slot exam. |
| 2011 | Computer-based | 2 sections (QA & DI, VA & LR) | 60 questions (30 per section) | 140 min | Yes, 70 min per section | +3, –1 | Sections reduced to 2. Sectional time limit introduced (cannot switch sections). Total time 140 min. Marks per Q changed to +3/–1. |
| 2010 | Computer-based | 3 sections | 60 questions (20 per section) | 135 min | No sectional time limits | +4, –1 | Pattern same as 2009 (CBT, 60 Q). Multi-day slots. |
| 2009 | Computer-based | 3 sections (QA, DILR, VRC) | 60 questions (20 per section) | 135 min | No sectional time limits | +4, –1 | CBT format introduced. Exam spread over multiple days (20-day window, ~40 slots). Some technical glitches → re-test in 2010. |
| 2008 | Paper-based | 3 sections (QA, VRC, DI/LR) | 90 questions (QA: 25, DI: 25, VRC: 40) | 150 min | No sectional time limits | +4, –1 | Question count increased to 90; Verbal section larger (40 Q). Still no section time limits. |
| 2005 | Paper-based | 3 sections (QA, VRC, DI/LR) | 75 questions (25 question per section) | 150 min | No sectional time limits | 4 marks for correct, –1 per wrong | Major change: Questions reduced to 75, time increased to 2.5 hrs, new marking scheme +4/–1. |
| 2004 | Paper-based | 3 sections (QA, DI/Reasoning, VA/RC) | 123 questions (Section I: 38, II: 35, III: 50) | 120 min | No sectional time limits | Differential marking: questions worth 1 or 2 marks; –⅓ of marks per wrong | Unique pattern: Mixed 1-mark and 2-mark questions. First (and only) CAT with variable marks per question. |
| 2001 | Paper-based | 3 sections | 150 questions | 120 min | No sectional time limits | +1 for correct, –⅓ per wrong | Further reduction to 150 questions. Difficulty per question increased. |
| 1999 | Paper-based | 3 sections (sections reduced from 4 to 3) | 165 questions | 120 min | No sectional time limits | +1 for correct, –¼ per wrong (approx.) | Question count reduced to 165. Sections likely consolidated to 3 (quant, verbal/RC, DI/LR). |
| 1995 | Paper-based | 4 sections | 185 questions | 120 min | No sectional time limits | 1 mark for correct, –0.33 per wrong (for every 1-mark question) | Very high question load (185 in 2 hours). No section time limits; negative marking in effect. |
| 1990 | Paper-based | 4 sections (e.g., QA, DI, RC, VA) | Approx. 180 questions | 120 min | No sectional time limits | +1 for correct, –0.25/–0.33 per wrong | Pattern in early ’90s similar to late ’80s. High question count, speed-focused. |
| 1984 | Paper-based | 3–4 sections (individual IIM exams unified by now) | Not documented | 120 min | No sectional time limits | +1 for correct, –0.25 per wrong (typical) | Officially adopted common test for all IIMs (beginning of modern CAT) |
| 1977 | Paper-based | 3 sections (likely Quant, Verbal, DI/Reasoning) | Not documented (early format) | ~120 min | No sectional time limits | 1 mark for correct, negative marking introduced (fractional) | First CAT conducted for 3 IIMs |
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