The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, conducted by IIM Kozhikode on November 30, stands as the most crucial gateway to top-tier management programs across India, including the prestigious IIMs. As test day approaches, a comprehensive understanding of the expected exam structure, difficulty trends, and slot-wise essentials is paramount for maximizing performance.
Around 2.95 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the exam across three slots at 8:30 am, at 12:30 pm and at 4:30 pm. CAT 2025 will be conducted at over 350 test centres in 170 cities across India.
CAT 2025 Exam Analysis (Pre-Assessment & Expected Difficulty)
Based on the latest trends and the history of IIM Kozhikode as the conducting body, the CAT 2025 examination is anticipated to maintain the pattern established in recent years, with a total duration of two hours (120 minutes) distributed across three mandatory sections.
Exam Structure at a Glance
| Section | Full Name | Total Questions | Time Limit (Fixed) | Question Type |
| VARC | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 Minutes | MCQ & TITA |
| DILR | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 22 | 40 Minutes | MCQ & TITA |
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 40 Minutes | MCQ & TITA |
| Total | 68 | 120 Minutes |
Marking Scheme
Correct Answer: +3 Marks
Incorrect Answer (MCQ): -1 Mark (Negative Marking)
TITA (Type-In The Answer) Questions: No negative marking.
Expected Difficulty Level
With IIM Kozhikode at the helm, the overall difficulty for CAT 2025 is expected to be moderate to moderately tough, potentially slightly less challenging than some previous years.
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension): Expected to be the toughest section. Candidates should focus on precision in Reading Comprehension (RC) and Para-based questions (Para Summary, Para Completion, Para Jumble).
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning): This section is generally predicted to range from easy to moderate difficulty. Success depends on selecting the right sets to attempt, such as those based on Tables, Bar Graphs, and logical arrangement.
QA (Quantitative Aptitude): Expected to be moderate in difficulty but likely to be calculation intensive. Key areas to revise include Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry, with time management being crucial.
Slot-wise Key and Recommended Attempts for 95+ Percentile
To secure a strong percentile, candidates must strategize their attempts within the 40-minute sectional limit. The table below outlines the recommended number of “Good Attempts” based on pre-analysis, which is crucial to hitting the high-percentile benchmark:
| CAT Section | Total Questions | Recommended Good Attempts (Target) |
| VARC | 24 | 17 to 18 |
| DILR | 22 | 14 to 15 |
| QA | 22 | 9 to 10 |
Slot-wise Reporting and Exam Schedule
The CAT 2025 is scheduled to be held in three distinct slots across the test day. Candidates must strictly adhere to the designated reporting time, as the entry gates close sharply 15 minutes before the exam commences, with no exceptions.
| CAT Exam Slot | Exam Timing | Reporting Time | Last Entry Allowed |
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM | 12:15 PM |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:15 PM |
Mandatory Day-Zero Checklist (Important Instructions)
Documents and Items to Carry (Dos)
CAT 2025 Admit Card: Carry two printed copies on A4 paper (laser print preferred), ensuring a recent passport-size photograph is affixed to the designated space on both.
Photo ID Proof (Original): Must carry at least one valid, undamaged, government-issued photo identification card. Acceptable IDs include: Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.
Ball Point Pen: A blue/black ball point pen for signing the attendance sheet.
PwD/Medical Documents: Carry relevant certificates or affidavits if applicable.
Prohibited Items (Don’ts)
Strict security measures are in place. Candidates must not carry the following items:
Electronics: Mobile phones, watches (digital or analog), calculators, iPads, Bluetooth devices, earphones, or any other electronic gadget.
Accessories & Apparel: Jewellery or accessories made of metal, caps, hoodies, jackets, or outfits with large pockets. Candidates should avoid closed shoes and thick-soled footwear. Socks are generally permitted.
Stationery & Personal Items: Notebooks, rough papers, bags, wallets, or any valuable items. Use of the keyboard should be avoided as it may lock the screen.
Candidates will be provided with a writing pad and a pen for rough work at the test center. The on-screen calculator feature must be utilized for calculations. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and focus on execution to secure your target percentile.
