CAT Question Paper 2025 PDF With Solutions: Slot 1, 2 & 3, Exam Pattern and Analysis

CAT question paper 2025 is a useful resource for candidates preparing for the CAT examination. It helps them understand the actual exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level. The paper included 68 questions from VARC, DILR, and QA, carrying a total of 204 marks.

Candidates can use the CAT 2025 question paper to:

• Practise questions with solutions and check answers.
• Understand the section-wise exam pattern and marking scheme.
• Identify difficult topics and areas that need more practice.
• Improve speed and accuracy before CAT 2026.

Let’s explore this guide to find the CAT question paper 2025 PDF with solutions, section-wise details, and tips to use the paper effectively.

Essential Reads for CAT 2026 Aspirants:

• ➡️ CAT Exam Books: Expert-Recommended Section-wise Preparation Guide
• ➡️ CAT Study Material 2026: Download Free CAT Study Material PDF for VARC, DILR, and Quant Preparation
• ➡️ CAT Mock Test 2026: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional & Full Tests
• ➡️ Last Minute Preparation Tips for CAT 2026 Exam: Boost Your Final Revision
• ➡️ CAT Previous Year Papers: Download PDFs with Solutions

Download CAT 2025 Question Paper PDF With Solutions

The table below provides slot-wise CAT Question Paper 2025 PDF with Solutions to help candidates practise questions from all three exam slots.

Note: IIM does not officially release the actual CAT question paper. However, some reputed coaching institutes provide memory-based question papers based on candidates’ exam experiences. The question papers shared above have been taken from a reputed coaching website.

CAT Exam Question Paper 2025: Section-Wise Breakdown

The CAT 2025 question paper consisted of three sections. Understanding the section-wise distribution helps candidates prepare a balanced study plan for CAT 2026. Refer to the section below for detailed analysis.

CAT 2025 VARC Section: Exam Pattern

The VARC section had 24 questions carrying a total of 72 marks. Below is a format of VARC section in the CAT 2025 question paper, including the type of questions and major topics asked.

CAT 2025 DILR Section: Exam Pattern

The CAT 2025 DILR question paper included 22 questions carrying 66 marks. The table below explains the CAT 2025 DILR exam pattern, including the number of MCQs and TITA questions, marks, time limit, and topics covered.

CAT 2025 QA Section: Exam Pattern

The CAT 2025 QA question paper included 22 questions for a total of 66 marks. The table below highlights the exam pattern, question types, marking details, time limit, and major topics included in this section. 

How to Use the CAT Exam Question Paper 2025 for CAT 2026 Preparation?

The CAT Exam Question Paper 2025 can help candidates prepare for the CAT 2026 examination. It gives an idea of the actual exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level. Candidates can also use it to check their preparation and find topics that need more practice.

Here are some simple ways to practise with the CAT 2025 question paper.

1. Solve the CAT 2025 Paper in 2 Hours

Start by solving the CAT question paper 2025 as a mock test. Do not check the answers before completing the paper.

• Set a timer for 120 minutes.
• Give 40 minutes to each section.
• Solve the paper without taking breaks.
• Avoid using notes or a calculator during practice.

This practice will help candidates understand how well they can solve questions within the actual CAT exam time limit.

2. Calculate Your Score Using the CAT Marking Scheme

Once the paper is complete, check the answers using the available solutions. Calculate the score for each section separately to understand the performance in VARC, DILR, and QA.

The CAT marking scheme awards 3 marks for every correct answer and deducts 1 mark for every incorrect MCQ. There is no negative marking for incorrect TITA answers.

The section-wise score will help candidates identify their stronger areas and the sections that require more preparation.

3. Find Out Which Topics Need More Practice

After checking the answers, review the questions that were answered incorrectly or left unattempted. Try to understand why the question was difficult.

For example, candidates may need to revise arithmetic formulas, practise reading comprehension passages, or solve more logical reasoning sets.

Make a list of these topics and include them in the CAT 2026 study plan. This will help make preparation more focused.

4. Learn How to Manage Time in Each Section

Time management is an important part of CAT preparation. While solving the CAT 2025 question paper, check how much time is spent on each question.

• VARC: Practise reading passages carefully and answering questions without spending too much time on one passage.
• DILR: Choose sets that can be solved comfortably before attempting more difficult ones.
• QA: Revise basic formulas and practise solving questions accurately within a limited time.

Regular practice will help candidates improve their question selection and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.

5. Keep a Record of Mistakes

Maintain a notebook to record mistakes made while solving the CAT question paper 2025 and other mock tests. Write down the question topic, the reason for the mistake, and the correct method of solving it.

Review these notes regularly and practise similar questions again. This will help candidates identify repeated errors, revise important concepts, and track their progress during CAT 2026 preparation.

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CAT Question Paper 2025: FAQs

Ques: How many questions were there in the CAT 2025 question paper?

Ans: The CAT 2025 question paper had 68 questions divided into three sections: VARC had 24 questions, DILR had 22 questions, and QA had 22 questions. The paper carried 204 marks.

Ques: Where can candidates download the CAT 2025 question paper PDF?

Ans: Candidates can access CAT 2025 question paper archives through education portals and preparation websites. Candidates who appeared for the examination could also access their recorded responses through the official candidate login when the response sheet was available.

Ques: Is the CAT 2025 question paper useful for CAT 2026 preparation?

Ans: Yes, solving the CAT 2025 question paper helps candidates understand the recent exam pattern, practise different question types, and improve time management. It should be used along with mock tests and topic-wise practice.

Ques: How many sections were there in CAT 2025?

Ans: CAT 2025 had three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Ques: What was the marking scheme for CAT 2025?

Ans: Each correct answer carried 3 marks, while an incorrect MCQ resulted in a deduction of 1 mark. There was no negative marking for incorrect TITA questions or unattempted questions.

Ques: When will the CAT 2026 exam be conducted?

Ans: CAT 2026 is scheduled for 29 November 2026. Candidates should check the official website, iimcat.ac.in, for the latest examination updates.

Ques: When will the CAT 2026 result be declared?

Ans: The CAT 2026 result is expected in January 2027. The final declaration date will be confirmed through official updates.

Ques: Which IIM conducted CAT 2025?

Ans: IIM Kozhikode conducted CAT 2025 on 30 November 2025 across three examination slots.