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The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 will be conducted on November 30 by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, with nearly 2.93 lakh students expected to participate. The Final Countdown: Setting Expectations for November 30thAccording to Supergrads experts, who have analyzed previous years' patterns, aspirants should be prepared for possible changes in the number of questions per section and the mix of question types, such as an increased focus on TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions and potential shifts in section difficulty.
CAT 2025 will follow the familiar Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, administered
in three distinct shifts across the country to ensure flexibility and
standardization.
Based on expert insights, candidates are advised to
remain adaptable and focus on refining their strategies to handle any surprises
in the exam pattern.
CAT 2025 Pre-Exam Analysis: Expected Exam
StructureFor any CAT aspirant, success depends not just on knowing the concepts
but also on being ready for changes in the exam's style.
While the
official pattern is expected to stay the same, a two-hour exam with three
40-minute sections; candidates must be prepared for the actual nature and
difficulty of the questions.
According to the Previous year's CAT exam
analysis, the exam usually has 66 questions, but in CAT 2024 the total increased
to 68, with the DILR section specifically rising from 20 to 22 questions.
This change reflects the evolving nature of the exam, requiring candidates
to adapt to a slightly different structure and manage their time accordingly.
CAT 2025 exam is expected to follow the same pattern as of CAT 2024
consisting of three sections:
l Section 1: The Verbal Ability & Reading
Comprehension (VARC), This section includes 24 questions, and you get 40 minutes
to complete it.
l Section 2: Next section is the Data Interpretation &
Logical Reasoning (DILR) section, which contains 22 questions with a 40-minute
time limit.
l Section 3: Finally, the Quantitative Ability (QA) section
also consists of 22 questions, and you have 40 minutes allotted for this part.
In total, the exam has 68 questions, and the overall duration is 120 minutes
(2 hours).
What are the Key Expectations for the CAT 2025 Exam?Experts
and recent trends suggest that candidates should always be ready for slight
adjustments or for the surprise elements in the main exam.
So, here are
the possible changes that the CAT exam can show up this year:
Section-Level Difficulty ShiftsOne section may suddenly feel tougher or easier
compared to all your mock tests.
The difficulty level of VARC, LRDI, or
QA can change significantly anytime, so don't rely too much on last year's
trend.
How to stay ready :
Stay flexible. If the first few
questions in a section look tough, move ahead quickly and find the scoring ones.
Don't let a difficult start slow you down.
LRDI Set Structure ChangesThe
number of sets or specific types of puzzles may differ from what you've
practised.
You might even see unusual themes or unfamiliar data
presentation formats.
How to stay ready :
Keep solving varied set
types. Always scan the entire LRDI section before diving into any single set to
identify the most feasible options.
Fluctuating Question CountsThe number
of questions in the DILR or QA sections may vary slightly from the expected 22,
so use the first 30 seconds to check the actual pattern and confirm the number
of questions and non-MCQs. Avoid rushing into the first question--take a moment
to scan and adapt your approach.
How to stay ready :
For QA, use
the ABC approach:
* A (Attempt): Solve questions you are confident about
first.
* B (Backup): Mark questions you can solve with some effort for
later.
* C (Challenging): Leave questions that seem too time-consuming or
unfamiliar.
Quickly scan all questions in the section to categorize them
and prioritize accuracy over attempting every question.
TITA
SurprisesThere may be more (or fewer) TITA questions (Type-In-The-Answer) than
you expected. Even their placement within a section may shift.
How to
stay ready :
Attempt TITA only when reasonably confident. Avoid random
guessing, as there's no multiple-choice option to narrow down the answer, and
thus no "negative marking advantage" for blind attempts.
Odd-Even
Patterning in VARCRC passages can appear in any order, so quickly assess each
and start with the ones you find most familiar.
How to stay ready :
For VA questions, solve familiar types first and maintain a steady pace to
balance time between VA and RC. Focus on accuracy, use elimination for tricky
questions, and avoid spending too long on any single passage or question.
Exam Centre Technical DelaysYou may face issues like login delays, system
lag, or long biometric queues upon entry.
How to stay ready :
Reach early and stay calm. Remember that these delays never reduce your actual
120 minutes of exam time.
CAT 2025 Essentials: The Exam Day
ChecklistSuccess on exam day relies heavily on flawless execution of logistics.
To eliminate any last-minute stress, adhere strictly to this pre-exam checklist:
Documents and Items to CarryThe CAT 2025 aspirants should strictly follow
what is mentioned in the CAT Admit card instructions. They should be well
prepared with the necessary documents to prevent any last-minute problems:
Logistics and Rules for CAT 2025* Arrival Time: Strictly adhere to the
reporting time (1.5 hours before the test) to complete security checks. Gates
closes 15 minutes before the exam starts.
* Rough Work: Rough sheets and
pens are provided at the center. Do not bring any paper from outside.
*
Note-Pad Submission: Write your name and application number on the rough notepad
and submit it upon leaving the test center.
Items Strictly Not Allowed in
CAT 2025 Exam CentreAvoid carrying any of the following prohibited items:
* Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, all types of watches, or calculators.
* Wallets (keep minimal personal items).
* Any form of jewellery (to
ensure faster security clearance.)
* Although shoes are allowed but
ensure they should not be thick soled. Also, it is best to prefer open footwear
like sandals.
* Do not wear heavy jackets with pockets instead, try
simple layering, wear a normal sweater or cardigan.
* Closed footwear
(wear open footwear like sandals).
What Students MUST Do to Be Fully
Prepared for CAT 2025?Focus More on your Reading Habit
Maintain your
reading habit, practice a few questions to stay sharp, and ensure you get
adequate rest to keep your mind calm and ready for exam day.
Master
Scanning Technique
Practice scanning the section immediately after it
opens. Do not start solving Question 1 without first looking around the entire
section to identify the easiest sets or questions.
Use the 10-Second
Recovery Rule
If you hit a tough question or make an error, instantly
apply the 10-second recovery rule: breathe reset move on. Do not dwell on
failure.
Know Your Attempt Strategy
Clearly know your attempt
strategy (how many questions to target) so you don't over attempt (risking
accuracy) or under attempt (missing easy marks).
Revise Core Concepts
Dedicate time to revise formulas, grammar basics, and essential puzzle
types--the unpredictable areas where quick recall is vital.
Prioritise
Sleep and Logistics
Ensure you sleep well in the nights leading up to the
exam. On exam day, carry your ID and admit card, and reach early to avoid
last-minute anxiety.
All the Best!By adopting a flexible mindset and
preparing for these specific surprises, candidates can turn potential
difficulties into successful strategic maneuvers on November 30, 2025. Be
Confident and focused, all the best!
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