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CAT Exam Trends
CAT Preparation

Analyzing Latest CAT Exam Trends and Predictions for CAT 2025

Prepare for CAT 2025 with insights on evolving exam patterns and how to tackle complex RCs, DILR sets, and application-driven QA questions.

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CAT 2025 Eligibility
CAT Eligibility

Walk Through CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria & Key Dates

Gear up for CAT 2025 with essential eligibility criteria, key dates, and reservation details. Stay informed and ahead!

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Arun Sharma CAT
Expert Tips

Unwrap CAT Exam with Arun Sharma!

Hear from CAT Exam's seasoned expert "Arun Sharma" unveil tips to crack VARC, DILR & QA with strategic focus.

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Know About CAT

Everything you need to understand the Common Admission Test

CAT Examination Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based test conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their MBA programs and other top business schools in India.

Examination Structure:

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions in 40 minutes
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 20 questions in 40 minutes
  • Quantitative Ability (QA): 22 questions in 40 minutes

CAT is conducted in three sessions on a single day, with a total duration of 2 hours. The exam tests analytical and logical reasoning rather than subject knowledge, making it accessible to students from all academic backgrounds.

Key Details:

  • Computer-based test with no breaks between sections
  • Negative marking: -1 for wrong MCQs, no negative marking for TITA questions
  • Gateway to 20 IIMs and 1000+ other top B-schools
  • Percentile-based scoring system

CAT Syllabus & Pattern

Examination Pattern:

  • Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Number of Sections: 3 sections with separate time limits
  • Total Questions: 66 questions
  • Question Types: MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and TITA (Type In The Answer)
  • Marking Scheme: +3 marks for correct answer, -1 for wrong MCQ, 0 for TITA
  • Total Marks: 198 marks

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):

  • Reading Comprehension: Passages from various domains with 3-4 questions each
  • Verbal Ability: Para jumbles, Para completion, Odd sentence out, Summary questions
  • Key Skills: Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, logical reasoning

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):

  • Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar graphs, Line charts, Pie charts, Caselets
  • Logical Reasoning: Arrangements, Blood relations, Directions, Syllogisms, Puzzles
  • Key Skills: Analytical thinking, pattern recognition, logical deduction

Quantitative Ability (QA):

  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance
  • Algebra: Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Functions, Logarithms
  • Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Mensuration
  • Number System: HCF, LCM, Remainders, Factors, Prime numbers

Eligibility Criteria & Cut-offs

Educational Qualification:

Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

Age Limit:

No age limit for appearing in CAT examination.

Attempt Limits:

No restriction on the number of attempts for CAT.

CAT Cut-offs (IIM Calls):

  • IIM Ahmedabad: 80+ percentile (General), 70+ (OBC), 60+ (SC/ST)
  • IIM Bangalore: 85+ percentile (General), 75+ (OBC), 70+ (SC/ST)
  • IIM Calcutta: 85+ percentile (General), 75+ (OBC), 65+ (SC/ST)
  • Other IIMs: 90-95+ percentile for top IIMs, 80+ for newer IIMs

Sectional Cut-offs:

Most IIMs have sectional cut-offs ranging from 70-80 percentile for each section (VARC, DILR, QA).

Latest CAT Updates

January 2026
CAT 2025 Results Declared
IIM Kozhikode has officially declared CAT 2025 results. Candidates can now download scorecards and check sectional and overall percentiles.
January–February 2026
IIM Shortlisting & PI-WAT Process Begins
IIMs begin shortlisting candidates based on CAT 2025 scores for the 2026–28 MBA/PGP batch. PI-WAT rounds scheduled from January to April 2026.
July 2026 (Expected)
CAT 2026 Notification Expected
CAT 2026 official notification is expected in July 2026, announcing exam date, eligibility, application schedule, and test pattern.
December 4, 2025
Provisional CAT 2025 Answer Key Released
The provisional answer key for CAT 2025 was published allowing candidates to calculate expected scores.
November 30, 2025
CAT 2025 Exam Conducted
CAT 2025 was conducted successfully in three sessions across multiple test centres in India.
November 12, 2025
CAT 2025 Admit Card Released
CAT 2025 admit cards were released on the official website with exam centre, slot, and reporting instructions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about McGraw Hill Edge for CAT preparation.

McGraw Hill Edge Courseware is an end-to-end digital learning solution. It blends traditional strengths of books with cutting-edge digital tools including conceptual videos, interactive eBooks, flashcards, infographics, PYQs with explanations, mock tests, performance analytics, and live sessions with authors.
Yes, all coursewares include highly interactive 4-color e-Books with highlighting, note-making, bookmarking, and customisable display settings.
The CAT Essentials course gives a premium preview of our learning ecosystem — curated content, assessment tools, and essential resources at no cost.
Yes, we conduct multiple live interactive sessions with leading CAT authors. Enrolled students can attend live or access recordings afterward.
Yes! The CAT Previous Years' Papers course covers 20+ years of PYQs organised by section, with detailed explanations and trend analysis.
Yes. Our CAT Mock Test Series provides full-length tests with detailed analysis, performance tracking, and sectional insights to help you identify weak areas.