CAT, one of the most sought-after and competitive entrance examinations for admission to the best business schools in India, attracts applicants every year who prepare very hard for a high percentile to get admission to IIMs and other premier MBA programs in India. Any candidate who wants to perform well needs to understand the key features of the CAT exam 2025. Here are the most important aspects of the CAT exam 2025.
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) Format
The CAT exam 2025 will be a computer-based test. Candidates have to answer questions on a computer screen, and the pen-and-paper method is dispensed with. This way, the evaluation is error-free and less prone to mistakes.
- Adaptive Scoring
CAT exam 2025 adopts the scaled scoring system to keep it level across different slots of the exam. Even though questions may differ in their degree of difficulty between sessions, the scaled scores make sure that every student is scored fairly.
- Three Major Parts
The test has three parts:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Every part tests a different group of skills to ensure a fair assessment of the candidates.
- Sectional Time Limit
Each section of the CAT exam 2025 will be time-bound for 40 minutes for general category students and 53 minutes for extra time-eligible candidates. The candidate cannot switch between sections during the test.
- Marking Scheme
CAT exam 2025 follows the following marking scheme:
- +3 marks for every correct answer
- -1 mark for every incorrect answer in MCQs
- No negative marking for non-MCQs or TITA (Type In The Answer) questions
- TITA Questions
TITA questions are those in which a candidate has to type an answer in a text box instead of selecting one of the multiple choices. It tests the conceptual clarity of a candidate as no option is given.
- Dynamic Difficulty Levels
The difficulty level of CAT is not predictable. A section can be tougher than the other, so preparation is needed for all topics with equal importance.
- Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility: The applicants who have completed their graduation degree from any recognized university with at least 50% marks or 45% in the case of the reserved category.
- Multi-Session Exam
CAT exam 2025 will be conducted in multiple sessions on the exam day. It will help in the proper management of candidates and the smooth conduct of the exam.
- Duration of the Exam
For general candidates and extra time, eligible candidates’ exam duration is 120 min (2 hours) and 160 min respectively.Â
Mock Tests are a part of preparation through CAT.
- Focus on Logical Thinking
Apart from academic knowledge, CAT places a strong emphasis on a candidate’s logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, especially in the DILR section.
- Emphasis on Reading Skills
The VARC section is very exhaustive in terms of reading comprehension and verbal ability, which is the importance of good reading habits and a strong vocabulary.
- Quant Aptitude: A Major Stumbling Block
The quantitative aptitude section tests arithmetic skills up to the standard of 10th grade. The core topics found in this section are algebra, geometry, and number systems.
- Mock Tests
Mock Tests are a part of preparation through CAT. The organizing committee issues official mock tests in order to make candidates acquainted with the interface as well as the pattern of the question.
- Application
All applications shall be done through an internet-based process. One may register on the CAT exam 2025 Official Website where all other documents can be uploaded along with the submission of the application fee.
- Admit Card and Slot Details
Admit cards issued, which contain details such as date, time, and center of the test, and the. The candidates have to follow these details to ensure a smooth experience of the examination.
- Normalization Process
The normalization process ensures parity across different slots of the exam by adjusting raw scores based on slot-specific difficulty levels.
- High Competition
CAT sees lakhs of registrations every year. The stiff competition requires not just diligence but also intelligent approaches that would help the aspirants reach the top percentile.
End
The CAT exam 2025 is much more than just any academic test. It tries to measure the ability to think on your feet, your time management, and your pressure and stress performance abilities. As the pattern of the CAT is also adaptive, and its question format makes it tough aspirants have to undertake a strict approach along with a strategy for preparation to understand such features so they can properly prepare in advance.
