Common Admission Test (CAT)
CAT is India's premier MBA entrance exam, enabling admissions to 21 IIMs and hundreds of top B-schools across the country. Nearly two lakh aspirants appear every year for MBA/PGDM admissions.
About CAT
CAT is a computer-based exam that includes both objective (MCQ) and subjective (TITA — Type In The Answer) questions. To ace the exam, you need a strong grasp of Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation.
Practicing previous CAT question papers is critical for understanding the exam structure and difficulty level. Speed and accuracy improve with consistent practice, but remember: CAT primarily tests your ability to handle complexity, not just raw speed.
There is no official CAT syllabus. Solving past papers is the best way to understand what to expect. The total number of questions has shifted over the years — from 100 in 2019, to 76 in 2020, to 66 in 2021, settling at around 66–68 questions in recent years.
Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Window | Three Sessions |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Mode | Computer-based |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Question Types | MCQs & Non-MCQs (TITA) |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes per Section |
| Marking Scheme | +3 correct answer, −1 wrong MCQ answer |
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Section-wise question distribution and time allocation.
| Section | Questions | Time (min) | MCQ | TITA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 | 21 | 3 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 | 14 | 6 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 | 14 | 8 |
| Total | 68 | 120 | 49 | 17 |
TITA questions have no negative marking. MCQ wrong answers carry a −1 penalty.
Section-wise Breakdown
Reading comprehension passages, para-jumbles, para-summary, and odd sentence out. Heavy focus on RC (16–18 questions).
Set-based questions covering tables, bar charts, puzzles, arrangements, and logical games. Usually 4–5 sets.
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern math. Requires speed and conceptual clarity.
Prepare for CAT
Previous Year Questions
LiveBrowse CAT PYQs from 2024 across all three slots, filtered by topic, year, and difficulty.
Browse PYQs →Mock Tests
SoonFull-length CAT mock tests with section-wise timing and detailed analysis.
Coming SoonStudy Material
SoonConcept notes, formula sheets, and topic-wise theory for VARC, DILR, and QA.
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