CAT 2025 Exam Pattern, Syllabus, and Changes You Must Know

For thousands of management aspirants across India, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is more than just an exam—it’s a gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. But cracking CAT isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about strategy, clarity, and access to the right resources.

As we approach CAT 2025, staying ahead of the curve has never been more important. From subtle changes in exam patterns to the evolving difficulty levels, the CAT continues to test not just what you know, but how well you can apply it under pressure. Whether you're a first-time test-taker or a repeat aspirant, understanding the latest CAT 2025 syllabus, exam format, and key changes is your first—and most critical—step toward success.

To help you navigate this challenge, Career Launcher (CL) and GK Publications (GKP)—two trusted names in competitive exam preparation—have joined hands to provide authentic, exam-aligned, and mentor-backed resources. With expert books like GP Ka Funda and subject-specific guides on VARC, QA, and DILR, aspirants now have access to the very best tools to sharpen their preparation.

In this blog, you’ll discover:

·         The latest CAT 2025 exam pattern

·         An easy-to-follow syllabus breakdown

·         Any new updates or changes introduced

·         Expert-recommended resources by Career Launcher & GKP

·         Tips to stay focused, efficient, and ahead of competition

So, let’s break it down—step by step—and set your CAT 2025 preparation on the right path!

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern: What's New?

CAT 2025 introduces subtle yet significant changes to its structure:

• Total Questions: 68 (up from 66 in previous years)
• Sections:
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 22 questions
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 22 questions
• Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
• Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA)
• Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative marking for TITA questions

CAT 2025 Syllabus Breakdown

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

What’s This Section About?

This section tests your English language skills, especially your ability to understand and analyze written material.

Key Topics to Focus On:

Reading Comprehension (RC) – (4 passages, 16 questions)

·         Passages from fiction, non-fiction, history, politics, science, etc.

·         Questions: main idea, tone, inference, vocabulary, etc.

Verbal Ability (VA) – (8 questions)

·         Para Jumbles: Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a logical paragraph

·         Odd Sentence Out: Identify the sentence that doesn't fit in the paragraph

·         Summary Questions: Choose the best summary of a short paragraph

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

What’s This Section About?

This part checks how well you can analyze data and solve complex logical puzzles.

Two Main Areas:

Data Interpretation (DI)

·         Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs

·         Caselets (paragraphs with data)

·         Mix of graphs + calculations

Logical Reasoning (LR)

·         Seating Arrangements (circular, linear)

·         Puzzles (floor-based, grouping, team formation)

·         Blood Relations, Directions

·         Venn Diagrams, Binary Logic

 3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

What’s This Section About?

This is your Maths section. It focuses on your understanding of basic to intermediate-level mathematics.

Key Areas of QA:

A.     Arithmetic (most important!)

·         Percentages

·         Profit & Loss

·         Time, Speed, and Distance

·         Time & Work

·         Averages, Ratios, and Mixtures

B.      Algebra

·         Linear & Quadratic Equations

·         Inequalities

·         Functions

·         Progressions (AP, GP)

C.      Geometry & Mensuration

·         Lines & Angles

·         Triangles, Circles, Polygons

·         Areas & Volumes

D.     Number Systems

·         Divisibility

·         Remainders

·         LCM & HCF

·         Base Systems

E.      Modern Math

·         Permutations & Combinations

·         Probability

·         Set Theory

Quick Summary Chart

Final Advice on Syllabus

·         Don’t try to “finish” the syllabus in one go — CAT is more about practice and strategy.

·         Work on your accuracy and speed with daily practice sets and timed tests.

·         Review previous year questions using GKP’s CAT Solved Papers 2010–2024, which is a goldmine for understanding patterns.

Recent Changes to Note

·         Question Count: Increased to 68 from 66 in the previous year.

·         TITA Questions: Slight increase in the number of TITA questions, which do not carry negative marking.

·         Sectional Adjustments: Minor changes in the distribution of questions across sections.

Resources by GK Publications 

1. GP Ka Funda Quantitative Aptitude for CAT (Topic-Wise Video Solutions 2017-2023)

If you want to truly understand the logic behind CAT Quant questions, this book is a must-have. Authored with insights from Gautam Puri (GP sir), one of India’s leading CAT mentors, this book offers:

·         Topic-wise solved CAT questions (2017–2023)

·         Step-by-step video solutions for every question

·         Expert shortcuts, strategies, and tips from GP sir

2. CAT 2025: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Guide | Includes Solved CAT Papers (2016-2024) & 5 Sectional Mock Tests 

This book is designed for anyone aiming to ace the VARC section with confidence.

·         Includes solved CAT papers from 2016 to 2024

·         5 sectional mock tests with real exam difficulty

·         Expert-written explanations and video analyses

·         Focus on summary writing, para jumbles, RCs, and more

3. CAT 2025: Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Study Guide | Includes Solved CAT Papers (2016-2024) & 5 Sectional Mocks

An all-in-one book to master Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and more.

·         Solved CAT papers from 2016 to 2024

·         5 sectional mock tests + online practice

·         CAT-level questions and expert tricks for fast solving

·         Helps track your progress and improve time management

4. CAT 2025: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Study Guide | Includes Solved CAT Papers (2016-2024) | 5 Mock Tests

Tailored for the most unpredictable section of CAT – DILR.

·         Solved CAT papers from 2016 to 2024

·         5 full-length sectional mock tests

·         Logical puzzles, DI caselets, sets based on graphs/tables

·         Expert video explanations and test-taking tips

Preparation Strategy

1. Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and the marking scheme.
2. Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Regular Practice: Solve mock tests and previous years' papers to build confidence.
4. Analyze Performance: Review your mock tests to identify and work on weak areas.
5. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official announcements for any changes in the exam pattern or syllabus.

Success in CAT 2025 hinges on a well-structured preparation plan, consistent practice, and staying informed about any changes. Utilize the resources mentioned, and remember to maintain a balanced approach to studying. With dedication and the right strategy, securing a seat in a prestigious B-school is within your reach.

Best of luck with your preparation!