The CAT 2025 syllabus remains unchanged, continuing to cover the three core sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). However, there are notable changes in the CAT 2025 exam pattern—the total number of questions has increased from 66 to 68, with the DILR section now featuring 22 questions instead of 20. Additionally, the structure of question sets within DILR has been modified, and there is a slight increase in the proportion of TITA (Type In The Answer) questions across all sections. While the syllabus topics stay the same, these updates may impact time management and accuracy, making it essential for candidates to adjust their strategies accordingly.
CAT Syllabus 2025: Latest Changes in the Exam Pattern
CAT 2025 has introduced a few important changes in the exam pattern, even though the overall syllabus remains the same. The number of questions has slightly increased, and there are minor changes in section-wise distribution, especially in the DILR section. The difficulty level varied across slots; some sections were easier than previous years. Knowing these updates will help students prepare more effectively & plan their strategy based on the latest exam trends.
- The total number of questions increased from 66 to 68, slightly increasing overall exam length and content.
- The DILR section featured 22 questions, up from 20 in the previous year.
- The question pattern in DILR changed to 3 sets of 4 questions and 2 sets of 5 questions, instead of the usual 4 sets of 5 questions each.
- The overall difficulty level was slightly lower than CAT 2023, especially in the DILR and Quant sections.
- The difficulty varied across slots, with Slot 1 being the easiest and Slot 3 the toughest, according to most students and coaching experts.
- The VARC section had a similar difficulty level compared to previous years, with no significant changes.
- Experts noted that CAT 2024 felt similar in difficulty to CAT 2021, rather than CAT 2023.
- Because of the easier paper, cutoffs for top MBA colleges are expected to rise.
- Based on the paper’s difficulty, the expected marks for 90 percentile are around 47–51, while the 95 percentile may require 58–61 marks.
CAT Syllabus 2025 – Exam pattern and other highlights
The CAT syllabus and exam pattern dictate that there will be 68 questions worth three marks each to be attempted in 120 minutes. The CAT Syllabus includes three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
Candidates are given 40 minutes per section, while PwD candidates get slightly more than 50 minutes per section. The order in which the sections can be attempted is fixed, although moving within the sections is allowed; students can mark questions for review and return to them within their 40-minute time limit. Two kinds of questions are asked in CAT, and the CAT syllabus coverage should encompass both – MCQs and TITA-type questions. While attempting MCQs, incorrect answers will yield a -1 negative marking, while there is no negative marking for TITA questions.
Also Check: CAT DILR Syllabus 2025, Weightage, Best Books, Preparation Tips
CAT 2025 VARC Topic-Wise Weightage
The CAT 2025 VARC section mainly focuses on reading comprehension and verbal reasoning. Reading Comprehension is the most important topic, followed by para jumbles, summaries, and sentence completion. Check out the following table for CAT 2025 VARC Topic-Wise Weightage.
CAT 2025 QA Topic-Wise Weightage
The QA section of the CAT Exam includes questions from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math. Arithmetic and algebra form the important topics of this section. Check out the following table for CAT 2025 QA Topic-Wise Weightage.
CAT 2025 DILR Topic-Wise Weightage
The DILR section of CAT 2025 is a mix of puzzles and data-based sets. Candidates need good logical reasoning and analytical skills. Sets based on graphs, arrangements, and games are commonly asked. Check out the following table for CAT 2025 DILR Topic-Wise Weightage.
Also Check: CAT Percentile Calculation 2025: Raw & Scaled Score, Normalisation
CAT 2025 TITA vs. Non-TITA Weightage of Questions
CAT 2025 includes both MCQs (Non-TITA) and TITA (Type In The Answer) questions. TITA questions do not have options and carry no negative marking, which makes them safer to attempt. Check out the following table for the number of question distributions among CAT 2025 TITA & MCQs.
Final Word
While the CAT 2025 syllabus remains unchanged, subtle yet significant changes in the exam pattern—such as the increase in total questions to 68, modified DILR set structure, and a higher proportion of TITA questions—demand a revised test-taking strategy. Aspirants must focus on efficient time management, accuracy, and sectional balance to adapt to the updated pattern. With easier sections in some slots and rising competition, aiming for higher accuracy with smart question selection will be crucial for success. Staying updated and practising mock tests aligned with the new pattern is key to cracking CAT 2025 confidently.
