The CAT 2025 exam, conducted on November 30, 2025, posed several challenges for candidates across all three slots. With over 2 lakh students appearing at more than 350 exam centers, feedback indicates that the test demanded high levels of analytical reasoning, time management, and problem-solving skills. Each section – Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) – tested candidates in distinct ways, highlighting the importance of strategy and preparation. Exam anxiety and slot-specific stress further added to the difficulty, making CAT 2025 a rigorous assessment of both knowledge and endurance for MBA aspirants.
- Increased Difficulty of Quantitative Ability (QA) in CAT 2025
- Time Pressure Across Sections in CAT 2025
- Complexity of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) in CAT 2025
- Decision-Making in Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) in CAT 2025
- Exam Anxiety and Slot-Specific Stress in CAT 2025
- Conclusion
Increased Difficulty of Quantitative Ability (QA) in CAT 2025
The QA section in CAT 2025 was reported to be slightly tougher than the previous year. Questions were longer and involved multi-step reasoning, requiring candidates to apply advanced concepts in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The section tested accuracy under pressure, making time management a critical factor. Many candidates noted that solving all questions within the allotted 40 minutes per section was challenging, emphasizing the need for strong problem-solving speed alongside conceptual clarity.
Also Check: CAT 2025 Cut-Off Prediction: How Slot 3 May Influence Percentiles
Time Pressure Across Sections in CAT 2025
Time management remained a major challenge in CAT 2025, as candidates had to complete 68 questions in 120 minutes across three sections. Allocating time optimally became crucial, particularly in high-difficulty sections such as Quant and DILR. Students struggled to balance speed with precision, often having to make quick decisions on which questions to attempt first. This pressure not only affected scores but also tested mental stamina and focus.
Complexity of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) in CAT 2025
The VARC section in CAT 2025 had long reading passages with questions that needed careful thinking. Students had to understand the meaning and details of the text correctly. Those who were not used to reading long or difficult passages found it harder to answer quickly and accurately. This section showed that good reading and understanding skills are important for scoring high.
Also Check: CAT 2025 Answer Key: When Will the Official Key Be Released?
Decision-Making in Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) in CAT 2025
The DILR section in CAT 2025 tested candidates’ ability to make quick analytical decisions. Sets and sequences required efficient approaches to solve complex problems. Some questions were ambiguous or allowed multiple solving strategies, increasing cognitive load and testing a candidate’s strategy under pressure. Success in this section often differentiated top percentile scorers from average performers.
Exam Anxiety and Slot-Specific Stress in CAT 2025
With multiple slots, Slot 1 (8:30–10:30 AM), Slot 2 (12:30–2:30 PM), and Slot 3, candidates faced elevated stress and anxiety throughout the day. Managing mental focus under pressure affected both accuracy and time allocation, particularly in the tougher sections. Handling slot-specific stress remains a critical factor in overall performance.
Key Challenges in CAT 2025
Before summarizing, here is a quick bullet overview of the main difficulties:
- Tougher Quantitative Ability questions requiring multi-step reasoning
- Severe time pressure across all sections
- Complex VARC passages with inference-heavy questions
- Strategic decision-making in DILR sets under time constraints
- Increased exam anxiety and slot-specific stress affecting performance
Also Check: CAT 2025 Slot 2 Answer Key and Question Paper Analysis: VARC, DILR & Quant Insights
Conclusion
The top 5 challenges in CAT 2025 reflect the demanding nature of the exam, emphasizing Quant, VARC, and DILR difficulties, time management, and exam stress. Candidates can use this insight to plan future preparation strategies and optimize performance in subsequent MBA entrance exams.
