CAT Total Marks , Section-wise Distribution, Marking Scheme & Score Analysis

Latest Updates: 

• The number of DILR questions was increased from 20 to 22.
• Marks of the DILR section were increased from 60 to 66.
• The total marks of the CAT exam were increased from 198 to 204.

The CAT Exam, dedicated to MBA, PGDM, and other courses in the management field, has undergone various changes over the past. 

The CAT 2025 consisted of 68 questions and was of 120 minutes duration, with a 40-minute time limit for each section. The CAT Exam Pattern includes different sections such as Verbal & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).

CAT Pattern 2025: Quick Highlights

The CAT Total Marks are 204. These marks are divided among the three sections as 66 for Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) sections and 72 for the Verbal & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. Each correct answer is rewarded 3 marks, while each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. The table below highlights important exam details:

Also check:

• How to Prepare for CAT Exam

CAT: Section-wise Marking Scheme

The table below demonstrates the marking scheme of each section in the CAT Exam. 

CAT: Negative Marking 

The table below shows the negative marking of the CAT Exam. 

CAT Exam: Scores

Here is a summary of what marks are considered a good attempt and a good score. 

99+ Percentile

• Attempts: 42–48
• Raw Score: 104–114
• Scaled Score: 135–159

95–98 Percentile

• Attempts: 35–41
• Raw Score: 95–100
• Scaled Score: 112–125

90–94 Percentile

• Attempts: 28–34
• Raw Score: 72–89
• Scaled Score: 90–116

The table below gives information on the conversion of marks and percentiles.

Check :CAT Score vs Percentile

CAT Exam: Tips to Score More Marks

Some of the tips, which can assist students to achieve good result in CAT exam, are given here: 

• Strengthen the Basics: It is a significant process to make the basics stronger. In the VARC part, read regularly, in the QA part, practice arithmetic, algebra, geometry, etc, and in the DILR part, practice questions and answers of mental ability.
• Practice: This is often done to get an idea of your weaknesses and strengths so that the following year you can score more marks using the previous year's question papers.
• Time Management: Dividing the syllabus into small segments and making proper use of the time assists you in studying effectively. 
• Pay attention to Accuracy and Marking: Before starting the question paper, find the parts that you are good at and do them first, before picking those that are more time-consuming.
• Keep Calm and Confident: Answer: This is vital as in situations of pressure or stress, you need to remain calm and trust yourself that you are prepared to execute something.

Conclusion

The CAT Exam lasts for 120 minutes, and it consists of 68 questions and 204 marks altogether. The paper will be divided into 3 sections, which include Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (24 questions, 72 marks, 34% weightage), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (22 questions, 66 marks, 33% weightage), and Quantitative Aptitude (22 questions, 66 marks, 33% weightage). All the correct answers will be marked 3 marks, and the incorrect MCQs will be negatively marked (-1). No negative marking in non-MCQs and unattempted questions.

Based on the performance benchmarks, the 99+ percentile requires a raw score of 104-114 (scaled 135-159), the 95-98 percentile requires a raw score of 95-100 (scaled 112-125), and the 72-89 percentile requires a raw score of 72-89 (scaled 90-116). It is possible to achieve a score of 99-percentile with a score of 41+ in VARC, 29+ in DILR and 42+ in QA. A great score in CAT requires good basics, intense training through mocks, time management and accuracy.

FAQs

Ques. How long is the CAT test?

Ans. The CAT exam is 120 minutes, 40 minutes for each part.

Ques. How many questions will be in CAT 2025, and how many marks will there be?

Ans. The exam has 68 questions of 204 marks.

Ques. What are the marking rubrics of CAT?

Ans. Each of the questions will contain 3 marks, and the MCQs will have a penalty of -1 mark, which is awarded in the case of incorrect answers. Non-MCQs and unattempted question(s) are not marked with a negative.

Ques. What is the good score of the 99th percentile in CAT?

Ans. A raw score of 135-159 (scaled 104-114) would be believed to be sufficient to achieve a 99th percentile and more.

Ques. What is the timing of the slots that CAT has?

Ans. The three slots of CAT are Morning (8.30-10.30 AM), Afternoon (12.30-2.30 PM) and Evening (4.30-6.30 PM).

Ques. Which colleges accept CAT Scores?

Ans. All IIMs accept CAT scores and also 1,000+ of the top B-schools in India.

Ques. How long is the CAT Exam Attempt valid for?

Ans. The CAT scores have a lifespan of one year, i.e. they are only valid during the current admission cycle.