CAT Total Marks 2025 play an important role in the preparation strategy for all MBA aspirants. CAT 2025 is expected to be held on 30th November 2025, and will follow a similar pattern to CAT 2024. The total number of questions in the CAT 2025 Exam is 68, with each question carrying three marks. This makes the CAT full marks 2025 equal to 204 marks. The exam is divided into three sections, namely, VARC, DILR, and QA, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Knowing the CAT exam total marks, the marking scheme, and sectional distribution helps aspirants understand how to plan their time and maximise their scores effectively. Continue reading this blog to know more about the total marks of CAT 2025.
CAT Total Marks 2025 Section-Wise Mark Distribution
CAT 2025 will consist of 68 questions across three sections. Each correct answer carries three marks, so the total marks of the CAT exam are 204. Understanding the section-wise mark distribution helps students target the sections better. Each section evaluates different skill sets such as reading, logical thinking, and problem-solving. Check out the following table for the expected section-wise distribution for CAT Total Marks 2025:
CAT Exam Sections | Number of MCQs | Number of Non-MCQs | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 21 | 3 | 24 | 72 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 14 | 8 | 22 | 66 |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | 14 | 8 | 22 | 66 |
Total | 49 | 19 | 68 | 204 |
CAT 2025 Marking Scheme
CAT 2025 Marking Scheme includes negative marking. Each correct answer awards three marks, while a wrong answer in MCQs results in a deduction of one mark. However, TITA Questions have no negative marking. This marking structure allows candidates to attempt TITA questions without the fear of mark deduction. Candidates can check the following table for the marking scheme for CAT 2025:
Type of Questions | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer |
MCQ | +3 | -1 |
Non-MCQ (TITA) | +3 | 0 |
Check CAT 2025 Syllabus
What is the Average Range of Marks for 100th Percentile in CAT 2025?
The CAT total marks 2025 and CAT Score will determine candidates’ percentile rank. Generally, a score of 220+ out of 204 is needed to get the 100th percentile, which includes scaling and normalisation. This percentile indicates that the candidate has scored higher than 99.9% of the test takers. Check out the following table for CAT 2025 approximate range of marks and their corresponding percentiles:
Percentile | Approx. CAT 2025 Score |
100 | 220+ |
99.5 | 170 |
99 | 157 |
98 | 151 |
95 | 128 |
90 | 110 |
85 | 100 |
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern Previous Year Trends
The CAT exam pattern has changed frequently over the years in terms of the number of questions and time duration. While earlier papers had 100 questions, recent exams have had around 66 to 68 questions with a reduced duration to 2 hours. Check out the following table for a comparison of CAT exam patterns over the past few years:
CAT Year | Conducting IIM | No. of Questions | Duration | Difficulty Level |
2025 | To be announced | 68 (Expected) | 2 hours | Moderate (Expected) |
2024 | IIM Lucknow | 68 | 2 hours | Moderate |
2023 | IIM Bangalore | 66 | 2 hours | Moderate |
2022 | IIM Bangalore | 66 | 2 hours | Moderate |
2021 | IIM Ahmedabad | 66 | 2 hours | Moderate to High |
2020 | IIM Indore | 76 | 2 hours | Moderate to High |
2019 | IIM Kozhikode | 100 | 3 hours | Moderate to High |
2018 | IIM Calcutta | 100 | 3 hours | Moderate to High |
Check CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Benefit of Knowing the CAT Total Marks 2025
Understanding the CAT total marks helps candidates prepare smarter and manage their time better during the exam. Some benefits include:
- It helps in setting realistic score targets.
- It allows better time allocation and management per section.
- It helps identify scoring areas and weaknesses as per each section.
- It helps track performance through mock tests.
How to Maximise Total Marks in CAT 2025 Exam?
Scoring well in CAT 2025 requires smart preparation and time management. Understanding the exam pattern and CAT 2025 total marks helps in developing the right test-taking strategy. Follow the following tips to score well in the CAT 2025 Exam. The tips are as given below-
- Practice previous year question papers of CAT exam and take mock tests regularly.
- Focus more on the weaker sections to improve overall balance.
- Attempt TITA questions confidently, as they carry no negative marking.
- Maintain speed and accuracy with timed practice sessions.
- Use the first few minutes of each section to read, understand the questions and plan to answer them accordingly.
Final Thoughts
A clear understanding of the CAT Total Marks 2025 is important for all aspirants. With 204 total marks spread across three major sections, the CAT 2025 exam checks candidates’ aptitude, time management, and strategy. Knowing the CAT marking scheme, section-wise distribution, and previous year trends gives candidates a competitive edge. By preparing accordingly, students can confidently aim for high scores and admission in top B-schools across India.
