CAT 2025 Marking Scheme: Complete Guide to Sectional Weightage, Negative Marking & Score Calculation

The CAT 2025 marking scheme is very important in assisting the candidate to strategise and to get the maximum marks.As the aspirants get to know how the marks are allocated or not, the number of questions in each part, and the arrangement of the MCQ and TITA (Type-in-the-Answer) questions, they have a great privilege on exam day.This guide will explain the CAT 2025 marking scheme in some detail and provide some advice on how you can maximise your attempt strategy to avoid getting undue negative marks.

Overview of the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a test that is conducted for candidates in three major sections.All sections will be time-limited to 40 minutes, and the candidates will not be allowed to alternate. Although the overall questions to be answered change a little each year, the marking scheme remains the same. making it essential for aspirants to understand the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern thoroughly before appearing.

Sections in CAT 2025

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

CAT 2025 Marking Scheme (MCQs & TITA Questions)

CAT 2025 will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) as well as Non-MCQs (TITA questions).The marking regulations are a little bit different in relation to either one.

Marking Scheme for MCQs

• +3 marks will be awarded for each correct answer.
• Unless the answer is correct, -1 mark will be awarded.
• None of the marks are on questions that are not attempted.

Marking Scheme for TITA Questions

This makes Type In The Answer (TITA) questions strategically important, as they allow risk-free attempts.

• +3 marks for correct answers
• No negative marking for wrong answers
• 0 marks for unattempted TITA questions

Section-Wise Weightage in CAT 2025

Each section contributes equally to your composite CAT score since every section has 40 minutes of sectional time and equal weightage in percentile calculation. The pattern of the exam does not change much each year, but the number of questions to be answered in each section tends to vary in the following ranges:

1. VARC (24-26 questions)

Includes Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability.

• MCQs + TITA
• Expect moderate to challenging difficulty

2. DILR (18-22 questions)

Includes puzzles, data sets, logical arrangements, and analytical reasoning.

• Predominantly sets-based
• Mix of MCQ and non-MCQ

3. QA (22-26 questions)

Focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern math.

• Mix of MCQ and TITA questions

How are CAT 2025 Scores calculated?

Understanding score calculation helps aspirants predict their performance and estimate their percentile. Raw scores in each section are calculated, and then they are normalised due to the number of slots when the CAT is taken.Lastly, the normalised scores are then turned into percentiles.

Step-by-Step Score Calculation

1. Number of correct answers (MCQ + TITA).
2. Points: Each correct answer earns 3 points, so multiply the correct answers by 3.
3. Divide the number of wrong answers in MCQs (TITA does not mark negatively).
4. Multiply incorrect MCQs by 1.
5. Apply the formula:Total Score = (Correct × 3) – (Incorrect MCQs × 1)

Normalisation in the CAT 2025 Marking Scheme

Normalisation is also fair since CAT is run in various slots.It will compensate for minor variations in the level of difficulty between slots. This ensures that all candidates are evaluated equally, regardless of the slot they appear in. The normalisation process involves:

• Comparison of slots scores.
• Statistically adjusting scores.
• Transformation of raw scores into scaled scores.
• The computation of section per centiles and general per centiles.

Importance of Knowing the CAT 2025 Marking Scheme

The CAT 2025 marking schemecertainly has an impact on the raw score and percentile; hence, it is a must for the aspirants who target top IIMs to know the marking scheme in detail. Here are the benefits of understanding the marking scheme for the candidates:

• Avoid unnecessary negative marks
• Make accuracy their priority rather than guesswork
• Get the maximum marks through the tactical attempts
• Spend time wisely throughout the test
• Boost their confidence during the preparation process.

Smart Attempt Strategy Based on the CAT 2025 Marking Scheme

To make the most of the marking rules, candidates should use a strategic approach.

1. Pay Attention to Accuracy First: Negatives have a very negative impact on your score.It is the accuracy that counts and not the number of attempts.

2. Attempt TITA Questions: There is no negative marking and so it is good to attempt all the TITA questions.

3. Avoid Indiscriminate guessing: Guessing the MCQs would mean a higher negative mark penalty.

4. Make the Most out of Sectional Time: You are not able to alternate sections and then you can use time efficiently, conscious of the simple, moderate, and challenging questions.

5. Attempt to Clear Sectional Cut-offs: Top IIMs have sectional cut-offs; you cannot afford not to do one part.

Final Tips to Maximise Your CAT Score

The following are the last pieces of advice to be used to make the most of the CAT 2025 marking scheme:

• Perform mock exams and check the correctness of your answers.
• The areas that perform low should be improved to get through the cut-off marks.
• Try high-accuracy questions first.
• Take calculated risks instead of blind guessing.
• TITA questions can be used as scoring opportunities.

Conclusion

The CAT 2025 marking scheme will be created in such a way that it encourages performance in all three parts that are accurate, strategic, and balanced. Learning how the marking pattern, negative marking regulations, TITA structure, and normalisation process will be of great help in future preparation. With accuracy, developing a powerful attempt strategy and regular practice with the marking scheme in mind, you can score as much as possible and increase the possibility of getting a good percentile that can get you admission to the best IIM, as well as other premier management institutes.