The CAT exam 2025 is set to be held on 30 November 2025 in three slots across India. On the day of the test, we will share the detailed CAT 2025 analysis of all slots here, including the overall difficulty level, section-wise review of VARC, DILR, and QA, along with key highlights and expert insights.
Analyzing the CAT 2025 question paper helps aspirants understand trends, identify changes in question patterns, and estimate expected cut-offs.
To guide your preparation, we have also included the complete CAT exam analysis of previous years, covering 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 in the sections below.
CAT 2025 Analysis: Overview
Let’s first know about the important details about the CAT 2025 exam:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 |
| Conducting Body | IIM Kozhikode |
| Exam Date | 30 November 2025 (Sunday) |
| Number of Slots | 3 (Morning, Afternoon, Evening) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Sections in Exam | 1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Time per Section | 40 minutes each |
| Test Cities | Around 170 cities across India |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2025 Analysis: Slot 1
Find the CAT exam slot 1 analysis:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | RC weightage, para-jumbles, new question type if any |
| DILR | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | Type of sets, logical puzzles, calculation intensity |
| QA | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry mix, tricky areas |
- Overall Difficulty: (To be updated)
- Expected Impact on Cut-Offs: (To be updated)
CAT 2025 Analysis: Slot 2
Find the CAT exam slot 2 analysis:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | Reading comprehension vs verbal balance |
| DILR | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | Data-heavy sets or reasoning-heavy sets |
| QA | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | Key focus areas and surprises |
- Overall Difficulty: (To be updated)
- Expected Impact on Cut-Offs: (To be updated)
CAT 2025 Analysis: Slot 3
Find the CAT exam slot 3 analysis:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | Notable changes from earlier slots |
| DILR | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | Level of sets compared to Slot 1 & 2 |
| QA | (To be updated) | (Easy/Moderate/Difficult) | Toughest/easiest section, student feedback |
- Overall Difficulty: (To be updated)
- Expected Impact on Cut-Offs: (To be updated)
CAT Exam Analysis 2024
Slot 1
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | RC-heavy, para-summary tricky |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | Lengthy sets, time-consuming |
| QA | 22 | Moderate | Arithmetic dominated, algebra manageable |
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Mentor Insight: Students found DILR to be the most challenging, making overall attempts lower.
Slot 2
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | Balanced RC and VA, few tricky inferences |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | Slightly easier than Slot 1 but still lengthy |
| QA | 22 | Moderate | Arithmetic easy, geometry and algebra tough |
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Mentor Insight: Slot 2 was slightly easier in QA compared to Slot 1, but DILR remained tough.
Slot 3
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | Similar to Slot 1, reading comprehension focus |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | No easy sets, heavy calculations |
| QA | 22 | Moderate | Arithmetic scoring, algebra tough |
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Mentor Insight: Consistent with Slot 1; QA saved many students as DILR was again the toughest.
Download Free CAT PYQs
- CAT 2025 Question Paper
- CAT 2024 Question Paper
- CAT 2023 Question Paper
- CAT 2022 Question Paper
- CAT 2021 Question Paper
- CAT 2020 Question Paper
- CAT 2019 Question Paper
CAT Exam Analysis 2023
Slot 1
| Section | Total Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | 16–18 |
| DILR | 20 | Moderate to Difficult | 10–12 |
| QA | 22 | Difficult | 12–13 |
| Overall | 66 | Moderate to Difficult | 38–43 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 1 was challenging, especially for QA, which leaned heavily on advanced arithmetic and algebra. DILR had tricky sets that tested patience. VARC was balanced but demanded strong comprehension. Students who managed time across QA and DILR gained an edge.
Slot 2
| Section | Total Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | 17–19 |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | 10–12 |
| QA | 22 | Difficult | 10–12 |
| Overall | 66 | Difficult | 37–42 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 2 turned out to be the toughest of the day. Both DILR and QA were demanding, leaving little margin for error. VARC was slightly easier compared to Slot 1 but still required sharp accuracy. This slot tested resilience more than speed.
Slot 3
| Section | Total Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| VARC | 24 | Easy–Moderate | 16–18 |
| DILR | 20 | Moderate | 10–11 |
| QA | 22 | Difficult | 12–14 |
| Overall | 66 | Moderate to Difficult | 38–43 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 3 gave some relief in VARC, which was easier compared to the first two slots. DILR was manageable but time-consuming, while QA remained tough. Students who had a calm approach could perform better here compared to Slot 2.
CAT Exam Analysis 2022
Slot 1
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate | 24 | 16–18 |
| DILR | Difficult | 20 | 10–12 |
| Quants | Moderate | 22 | 14–16 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 1 tested logical stamina, especially in DILR, which was the toughest of the day. Students who approached VARC with smart selection and kept calm in Quants could score well. For aspirants, this slot shows the importance of not over-committing to one tough section.
Slot 2
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate to Difficult | 24 | 15–17 |
| DILR | Moderate | 20 | 12–14 |
| Quants | Difficult | 22 | 10–12 |
Mentor’s Insight: In Slot 2, Quant turned into the main challenge with tougher problem-solving. Those who stayed calm and picked the right questions had the edge. This slot reminds us that practicing a wide variety of Quant problems from past CAT papers is non-negotiable.
Slot 3
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate to Difficult | 24 | 15–17 |
| DILR | Moderate | 20 | 10–11 |
| Quants | Difficult | 22 | 12–14 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 3 balanced out with moderate DILR but pushed aspirants harder in Quant again. VARC was reading-heavy, testing patience and comprehension skills. The key learning is that you must prepare to adapt quickly—if Quant feels heavy, secure your score in VARC and DILR.
CAT Exam Analysis 2021
Slot 1
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate to Difficult | 24 | 15–16 |
| DILR | Difficult | 20 | 10–12 |
| Quant | Difficult | 22 | 12–14 |
Slot 2
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate | 24 | 16–18 |
| DILR | Moderate to Difficult | 20 | 10–12 |
| Quant | Difficult | 22 | 10–12 |
Slot 3
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate | 24 | 15–17 |
| DILR | Difficult | 20 | 10–11 |
| Quant | Moderate | 22 | 13–15 |
Explore Additional Free Resources
- Free CAT Mock Test PDF
- CAT VARC Mock Test
- CAT DILR Mock Test
- CAT Quant Mock Test
- CAT Syllabus
- CAT Practice Questions
- CAT Quants Questions
CAT Exam Analysis 2020
Slot 1
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate | 26 | 17–19 |
| DILR | Difficult | 24 | 10–12 |
| Quant | Moderate to Difficult | 26 | 12–14 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 1 was tricky, especially with a challenging DILR section. Many students struggled to find sets worth attempting. Quant demanded conceptual clarity and careful selection of problems. VARC was moderate and became the scoring area. For you, the lesson is to always identify safe scoring zones and avoid over-investing in puzzles.
Slot 2
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate to Difficult | 26 | 15–17 |
| DILR | Moderate | 24 | 11–13 |
| Quant | Difficult | 26 | 10–12 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 2 balanced things slightly, with DILR becoming more approachable compared to Slot 1. However, Quant turned out to be the real hurdle, with many calculation-heavy questions. VARC was mixed, testing comprehension depth. For aspirants, this slot highlights the importance of adapting your section strategy depending on difficulty on exam day.
Slot 3
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate | 26 | 16–18 |
| DILR | Difficult | 24 | 12–14 |
| Quant | Moderate | 26 | 13–15 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 3 was relatively more manageable compared to the first two. Quant was moderate and scoring for those with strong basics. VARC maintained balance with approachable RCs, while DILR still carried a higher difficulty. The key takeaway: if one section feels tough, stay calm and maximize attempts in the others.
CAT Exam Analysis 2019
Slot 1
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate to Difficult | 34 | 22–24 |
| DILR | Difficult | 32 | 16–17 |
| Quant | Moderate to Difficult | 34 | 18–20 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 1 was challenging with Quant being heavy and concept-driven. VARC was slightly tricky, requiring careful reading, while DILR tested logical stamina with complex sets. For aspirants, this slot highlights the need to balance accuracy over attempts and not panic when multiple sections feel demanding.
Slot 2
| Sections | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions | Good Attempt |
| VARC | Moderate | 34 | 23–25 |
| DILR | Difficult | 32 | 16–17 |
| Quant | Moderate to Difficult | 34 | 21–22 |
Mentor’s Insight: Slot 2 was slightly more approachable in VARC, offering scoring opportunities. However, DILR remained tough across the board, and Quant again demanded precision. The key lesson for aspirants is to quickly identify easy wins in VARC and secure marks before tackling tougher DILR and Quant questions.
Key Takeaways & Trends from CAT Exam Analysis
- Shift from 3 Hours to 2 Hours: CAT moved from 180 minutes (2019) to 120 minutes (2020 onwards). This added more time pressure and required faster question selection.
- Reduction in Number of Questions: The paper dropped from 100 questions (2019) to 76 in 2020, and then 66 from 2021 onwards. Despite fewer questions, difficulty per section remained high.
- DILR Became the Toughest Section: From 2020 onwards, DILR consistently emerged as the hardest section. Many students struggled to find even one fully solvable set.
- VARC Remained Moderate: Reading Comprehension (RC) continued to dominate VARC. While passages were lengthy, accuracy was possible with good comprehension skills.
- Quantitative Aptitude Saw Mixed Trends: QA was toughest in 2019, became manageable in 2020–22, and stayed moderate in 2023–24 with arithmetic dominating.
- Overall Difficulty Stable but Time Pressure High: Although the total questions reduced, the relative toughness stayed moderate to difficult. Time management became the key differentiator.
- Cut-Offs Influenced by DILR: Year after year, DILR determined cut-offs, as QA and VARC were relatively more approachable.
Explore More Information Related to CAT
| What is CAT Exam? | CAT Eligibility Criteria |
| CAT Answer Key 2025 | CAT 2025 Exam Analysis |
| CAT Score vs Percentile 2025 | CAT 2025 Admit Card |
| CAT Results 2025 | CAT Cut-off 2025 |
Mentor Tips for CAT 2026 Preparation
1. Master Time Management
CAT is now a 2-hour exam with strict sectional limits. You need to practice solving under time pressure. Attempt mocks regularly and build speed while maintaining accuracy. Focus on leaving time-consuming questions early and maximizing attempts in your strong areas.
2. Prioritize Sectional Balance
Many aspirants ignore weaker sections, but CAT demands balanced performance. Work equally on VARC, DILR, and QA. Online CAT coaching programs often provide structured study plans to ensure you don’t neglect any section while building consistent improvement week after week.
3. Practice with Quality CAT Mock Tests
Mocks are your best preparation tool. Take at least 20–30 full-length CAT mock tests and analyze them deeply. Focus on accuracy, time spent per question, and weak areas. Treat mocks as rehearsals of the real exam to avoid surprises on the test day.
4. Treat DILR as the Game Changer
DILR has been the toughest section since 2020, making it a cut-off decider. Practice multiple sets daily from different difficulty levels. Learn to quickly identify solvable sets in mocks. The ability to crack even one strong set can boost your percentile significantly.
5. Strengthen Basics in QA
Quantitative Aptitude is mostly arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Don’t chase rare advanced topics. Instead, ensure your basics are rock solid. Solve a variety of level-wise problems and revise formulas regularly. This approach ensures accuracy and saves time during the actual exam.
6. Read Daily for VARC Improvement
Reading comprehension dominates VARC. Build a reading habit across diverse topics like business, science, history, and literature. Focus on understanding arguments and tone. Combine this with practice from previous year CAT papers and sectional VARC tests to boost comprehension and inference skills.
7. Leverage Online CAT Coaching Resources
Online CAT coaching offers flexibility, expert mentor guidance, and access to live/recorded lectures. With LPT’s coaching programs, you also get doubt-solving and peer learning, which keeps you on track.
Register for the free live class.
FAQs About CAT Exam Analysis 2025
The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for 30 November 2025. The CAT 2025 analysis of all slots will be updated here on the same day, covering difficulty levels, sectional trends, and expert insights.
CAT 2025 will be conducted in three slots – morning, afternoon, and evening. Separate exam analysis will be provided for each slot.
The CAT exam analysis includes overall difficulty level, slot-wise review, section-wise breakdown (VARC, DILR, QA), surprising elements, and expected cut-offs. Mentor insights are also added to guide aspirants.
The CAT 2024 exam was rated moderate to difficult. DILR was the toughest section across all slots, VARC was moderate, and QA was relatively balanced with arithmetic dominating.
DILR was consistently the toughest section in CAT 2024, just like in CAT 2023 and 2022. Many students struggled to complete even one full set in the given time.
CAT 2020 was the first year of the 120-minute format, reduced from the earlier 3-hour pattern. The total questions dropped from 100 (2019) to 76.
CAT 2019 was the last 3-hour format exam with 100 questions. QA was considered the toughest section, while VARC and DILR were more balanced.
The overall difficulty has remained moderate to difficult, but the time pressure has increased because of the reduced exam duration and strict sectional time limits.
Slot-wise analysis helps aspirants understand if one slot was tougher than the others. It also provides insights into normalization of scores, which is crucial for percentile calculation.
Based on trends, CAT 2025 is expected to be moderate to difficult, with DILR likely to remain the toughest section. Final analysis will be shared after the exam.
By studying previous years’ analysis, aspirants can identify section-wise trends, difficulty levels, and common question types, helping them focus on high-yield areas for CAT 2026.