CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility, Syllabus & Preparation Strategy
Common Admission Test
CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognised university, or equivalent. The final year students are also eligible to apply for the CAT Exam 2025. Apart from educational qualifications there is no specific age criteria for CAT Exam 2025.
Common Admission Test
CAT Eligibility
The table below further describes the CAT 2025 detailed eligibility criteria.
Parameters | Details |
CAT Exam Educational Qualifications | A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university is required. |
Professional Degrees | Students who have completed professional degrees like CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI are also eligible to appear for the CAT exam, provided they meet the minimum percentage requirement. |
Minimum Marks | Candidates must have secured a minimum of 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) marks or equivalent CGPA in their bachelor's degree. |
CAT Exam Age Limit | There is no upper age limit for CAT Examination |
Common Admission Test
CAT Exam Syllabus
The CAT Exam Syllabus includes a total of 3 sections, i.e. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The table below shows the CAT Exam Structure and Pattern.
Particulars | Details |
Mode | Computer-Based Test |
Duration | 120 Minutes |
Question Types | Multiple Choice (MCQ) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) |
Marking Scheme | +3 marks for correct, -1 mark for incorrect MCQs, no negative for TITA |
Language | English |
Scoring | Percentile-based ranking |
CAT Syllabus 2025
The table below shows the CAT exam syllabus 2025.
Section | Key Topics & Sub-areas (expected) |
VARC | Reading Comprehension (RC): Passages of diverse genres, inference, main idea, tone. |
Verbal Ability: Paragraph completion, jumbled paragraphs, para-summary, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction. | |
DILR | Data Interpretation: Tables, graphs, charts, Venn diagrams, caselets, data sufficiency. |
Logical Reasoning: Sets, arrangements, puzzles, sequences, games, binary logic. | |
QA | Arithmetic: Percentages, profit & loss, averages, ratio & proportion, time-speed-distance, interest, mixtures. |
Algebra: Equations (linear, quadratic), inequalities, functions, progressions, logs. | |
Geometry: Triangles, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry, mensuration. | |
Number Systems: Integers, divisibility, LCM & HCF, bases, factors | |
Modern Math: Permutations & combinations, probability, set theory. |
CAT 2025 Syllabus Vs. CAT 2024 & 2023 Syllabus
The table below shows the past year trends of the CAT Exam syllabus.
Feature | CAT 2025 | CAT 2024 & CAT 2023 |
Syllabus Content | Same (No change) | Same |
VARC Topics | Unchanged | Unchanged |
DILR Topics | Unchanged | Unchanged |
QA Topics | Unchanged | Unchanged |
Total Questions | 68 | 66 |
DILR Questions | 22 | 20 |
Proportion of TITA Questions | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
Structure of DILR Sets | Modified (“notable changes”) | Standardized as in past years |
CAT Exam 2025: Section-wise Weightage
The following table shows the CAT Exam 2025 section-wise weightage.
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time (min) |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | 72 | 40 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 22 | 66 | 40 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 66 | 40 |
Common Admission Test
Preparation
The CAT Exam is a top Management Entrance exam in India. The exam allows you to secure admission to top B-schools in India. The CAT Exam comprises 3 sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. Each of the CAT Exam 2025 sub-section requires extensive preparation. The correct CAT Exam Preparation requires a structured plan and focus for each section. As, per the SYU expert analysis the difficulty level for CAT Exam 2025 can be expected to be medium to difficult.
CAT Preparation Strategy 2025
Students may opt for a coaching centre or may prepare themselves for the CAT Exam 2025. The below mentioned are some topper’s strategies for the CAT Exam 2025.
- Understand the CAT Exam Syllabus 2025. Identify your weaker topics for CAT Exam 2025.
- Understand the CAT Exam Pattern 2025, and start preparing accordingly.
- Collect all the CAT Exam Best Books recommended by experts and other required CAT Study Material.
- Stick to the CAT Prep Strategy 2025. Being consistent is the key to crack CAT Exam 2025.
- Record your progress and work on the weak areas.
How to Prepare for CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section?
The following are the key tips to boost your CAT Exam VARC Preparation.
- Read from diverse and challenging sources every single day.
- Focus on mastering Reading Comprehension, practicing for accuracy before speed.
- Sharpen your logical skills for para-jumbles and summary questions.
- Analyze every mock test in-depth to pinpoint and eliminate your errors.
- Build your vocabulary naturally by learning words in context as you read.
How to Prepare for CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Section?
The following are the key tips to boost your CAT Exam DILR Preparation.
- Solve at least four different types of DILR sets daily to build familiarity.
- Master rapid calculation techniques and approximations for data interpretation.
- Learn to quickly categorize and select the right sets to attempt during the exam.
- Develop a systematic approach of visualizing information using tables or diagrams.
- Thoroughly analyze mock tests to improve your set selection strategy and accuracy.
How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section?
The following are the key tips to boost your CAT Exam QA Preparation.
- Master the fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry before tackling complex problems.
- Solve a variety of problems daily, focusing on understanding the 'why' behind each solution.
- Learn shortcuts and mental math tricks to boost your calculation speed and save time.
- Take regular topic-wise tests to identify and strengthen your weak areas systematically.
- Prioritize round-one questions in mocks to maximize attempts and build your score strategically.
Common Admission Test
Latest News
IIM CAT 2025 Mock Test Link Active on iimcat.ac.in; Direct link here
Jyoti • 1 Mins read • 13 Nov 25
Last Minute Preparation Tips for CAT 2025 Exam: Boost Your Final Revision
Devanshi Joshi • 1 Mins read • 11 Nov 25
CAT 2025 Admit Card Released at iimcat.ac.in – Download Hall Ticket Now
Srijita Saha • 1 Mins read • 11 Nov 25
Common Admission Test
Not sure what you are looking for? Connect with our counsellors.
Login helps you find curated results for your requirement.