The CAT exam is conducted in three slots on the same day, and each slot may have slight variations in difficulty. For aspirants, analyzing CAT exam slot-1 is crucial, as it sets the tone for the day and provides insights into question distribution, sectional challenges, and expected cut-offs.
Below, we will cover the CAT 2025 Slot-1 analysis (to be updated on exam day, November 30, 2025), along with analysis of past years (2024–2019) to help you understand the trends.
CAT 2025 Slot-1 Analysis
Below is the analysis of the CAT 2025 question paper for slot-1:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | To be updated | To be updated | Focus on RC/VA balance, surprises if any |
| DILR | To be updated | To be updated | Type of sets, calculation load, time-consuming or approachable |
| QA | To be updated | To be updated | Dominant topics (Arithmetic/Algebra/Geometry), scoring chances |
Overall Difficulty:
To be updated
Expert Insights:
Will be updated on exam day with expert commentary on Slot-1 performance.
CAT Exam Slot-1 Analysis 2024
Below is the analysis of the CAT 2024 question paper for slot-1:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | Reading comprehension dominated, para-summary and odd-one-out were tricky |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | Lengthy sets with complex data; most students could solve only 1–2 comfortably |
| QA | 22 | Moderate | Arithmetic had higher weightage, algebra was mixed, geometry manageable |
Overall Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Expert Insights:
CAT 2024 Slot-1 was a test of composure more than knowledge. VARC gave a fair chance to those who maintained focus during long RC passages, but accuracy became a challenge in inference-based questions.
DILR was again the pressure point — dense sets demanded careful selection, and many students wasted time attempting unsolvable sets. QA, while balanced, required strong arithmetic fundamentals and quick decision-making to maximize attempts.
Compared to Slot-2 and Slot-3, Slot-1 felt slightly tougher in DILR, which means normalisation likely worked in favor of Slot-1 students. Serious aspirants who strategized well could still score competitively.
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CAT Exam Slot-1 Analysis 2023
Below is the analysis of the CAT 2023 question paper for slot-1:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | RC-heavy with 4 passages; para-jumbles tricky but doable |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | Set selection was crucial; most sets were lengthy and calculation-intensive |
| QA | 22 | Moderate | Arithmetic dominated, algebra questions were mixed in difficulty |
Overall Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Expert Insights:
CAT 2023 Slot-1 reinforced the trend of DILR being the toughest section in recent years. Students who approached the section without a smart strategy often lost valuable minutes.
The exam demanded not just conceptual clarity but also the maturity to leave a difficult set quickly. VARC was more predictable, and students with strong reading habits had an edge. QA leaned towards arithmetic, which made it approachable, but the trick lay in managing time across topics.
Overall, Slot-1 required aspirants to stay calm under pressure and balance accuracy with smart skipping. Those who did this well could achieve strong percentiles.
CAT Slot-1 Analysis 2022
Below is the analysis of the CAT 2022 question paper for slot-1:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | Passages from diverse areas; inference-based questions required focus |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | Only 1 set felt approachable; others were lengthy and tricky |
| QA | 22 | Moderate | Arithmetic questions were scoring, algebra was mixed, geometry was time-consuming |
Overall Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Expert Insights:
CAT 2022 Slot-1 highlighted the importance of set selection in DILR. Many aspirants who panicked wasted half the section on one unsolvable set, which drastically affected their scores.
The key learning from this slot was that managing nerves and choosing the right questions mattered more than attempting everything. VARC was consistent with previous years — students with strong comprehension skills could score decently.
QA, though not extremely tough, required speed and precision because of time constraints. Slot-1 was in line with the difficulty levels of 2021, but students who came prepared with a selective approach stood out in performance.
CAT Exam Slot-1 Analysis 2021
Below is the analysis of the CAT 2021 question paper for slot-1:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | RC-heavy, para-summary was scoring, odd-one-out tricky |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | Sets were lengthy and complex, most students solved only 1 set comfortably |
| QA | 22 | Moderate to Difficult | Arithmetic questions were manageable, but algebra and geometry raised difficulty |
Overall Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Expert Insights:
CAT 2021 Slot-1 was the first year with the reduced 66-question, 120-minute format, and students felt the increased time pressure immediately. DILR emerged as the toughest section, forcing aspirants to make quick choices rather than attempt everything.
VARC was balanced — RCs were long but doable if tackled with focus, while VA questions provided scoring chances. QA tilted slightly towards the difficult side, with algebra and geometry causing trouble, although arithmetic remained a safe scoring area.
The real challenge in this slot wasn’t just the difficulty but the mental adjustment to the new format, which separated prepared test-takers from the rest.
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CAT Slot-1 Analysis 2020
Below is the analysis of the CAT 2020 question paper for slot-1:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 26 | Moderate | RC had 4 passages; para-summary and odd-one-out were moderate |
| DILR | 24 | Difficult | Sets were calculation-heavy, most aspirants managed only 1–2 sets |
| QA | 26 | Moderate | Arithmetic was the dominant area, algebra and geometry had tricky problems |
Overall Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Expert Insights:
CAT 2020 Slot-1 was historic as it marked the first shift to a 120-minute format. The reduced time created immense pressure, and aspirants had to adapt instantly.
VARC, though moderate, required faster reading speed to finish RCs on time. DILR was the stumbling block — many students spent too long on one set and lost valuable marks. QA felt approachable due to arithmetic dominance, but tricky algebra questions caught students off guard.
The big lesson from this slot was time discipline: with fewer questions but tighter limits, success depended on speed, question prioritization, and the ability to skip without hesitation.
CAT Exam Slot-1 Analysis 2019
Below is the analysis of the CAT 2019 question paper for slot-1:
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Highlights |
| VARC | 34 | Moderate | RC was dominant with 24 questions, VA had para-summary and odd-one-out |
| DILR | 32 | Moderate | Mixture of easy and challenging sets, smart selection was crucial |
| QA | 34 | Difficult | Arithmetic and algebra were fine, but geometry and higher math pushed up difficulty |
Overall Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Expert Insights:
CAT 2019 Slot-1 was the last 3-hour, 100-question format, and it left a strong impression on aspirants. VARC was relatively approachable if students managed time well across the lengthy RC passages.
DILR offered a fair balance — a few sets were solvable, but others demanded sharp logical thinking and time control. QA, however, became the deal-breaker. The heavy focus on geometry and tougher algebra problems stretched students, making it the most challenging section of the slot.
The test was a reminder that in CAT, strong fundamentals across all three sections matter, but the ability to manage energy and focus for the full three hours is equally critical.
CAT Exam Slot-1 Comparison (2019–2025)
| Year | Duration | Total Questions | VARC Difficulty | DILR Difficulty | QA Difficulty | Key Highlight |
| 2024 | 120 mins | 66 | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate | DILR toughest, QA arithmetic-heavy |
| 2023 | 120 mins | 66 | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate | DILR set selection was crucial |
| 2022 | 120 mins | 66 | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate | Only 1 approachable DILR set |
| 2021 | 120 mins | 66 | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate to Difficult | First reduced-format year |
| 2020 | 120 mins | 76 | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate | First 2-hour CAT, time pressure high |
| 2019 | 180 mins | 100 | Moderate | Moderate | Difficult | Last 3-hour format; QA toughest |
Practice with CAT PYQs:
| CAT Previous Year Papers | 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 |
Key Takeaways from CAT Exam Slot-1 Analysis Trends
- DILR is the Consistent Challenge: Since 2020, DILR has emerged as the toughest section in Slot-1. Most students struggle to solve more than 1–2 sets, making it the cut-off deciding factor year after year.
- QA Became More Balanced Post-2019: In CAT 2019, QA was extremely tough with geometry-heavy problems. From 2020 onwards, arithmetic has dominated, making QA more approachable but still time-sensitive.
- VARC Stability with RC Dominance: VARC has stayed moderate across Slot-1, with Reading Comprehension carrying the bulk of weightage. Inference-based RC questions continue to decide accuracy levels.
- Time Pressure Increased After 2020: The shift from 180 minutes (2019) to 120 minutes (2020 onwards) intensified pressure. Students have had to adapt to faster decision-making and improved accuracy to maintain scores.
- Overall Difficulty Stable but Strategy Matters: Despite fluctuations, the overall Slot-1 difficulty remained moderate to difficult. Success in Slot-1 has always come down to smart selection, composure, and strong basics across all three sections.
Mentor Tips for CAT 2026 Exam
1. Be Mentally Ready for Pressure
Slot-1 often feels tougher because you face the paper without prior feedback from other slots. Go in prepared for surprises and stay calm. Trust your practice and focus on solving questions strategically rather than comparing with expectations.
2. Build Speed Through Mock Tests
Slot-1 demands sharp time management. Regularly take full-length CAT mock tests under exam conditions to simulate the pressure of being the first batch. Analyze your mocks carefully and learn how to pick questions quickly while avoiding time traps.
3. Practice DILR Daily
History shows DILR is Slot-1’s toughest section. Set aside daily practice time for puzzle-solving and data interpretation. Train yourself to identify solvable sets quickly, as even cracking one good set can make a big difference to your percentile.
4. Strengthen Accuracy in VARC
In Slot-1, RC passages are usually dense and inference-based. Accuracy matters more than attempt count. Read diverse articles regularly to improve comprehension speed. Combine this with sectional VARC tests to develop confidence in para-summary, odd-one-out, and inference-style questions.
5. Revise Arithmetic and Algebra for QA
QA in Slot-1 has leaned on arithmetic and algebra in recent years. Master the basics, formulas, and shortcut methods. Revise frequently and practice mixed problem sets. Being solid in these areas will give you scoring opportunities even under exam pressure.
6. Manage Stress of Being First Batch
Remember, Slot-1 isn’t disadvantageous – normalisation balances difficulty. Avoid distractions like early social media reactions. Stay focused on your paper and rely on your strategy. A calm mindset in Slot-1 often translates into higher accuracy and a stronger percentile.
FAQs About CAT 2025 Slot-1 Analysis
CAT 2025 is scheduled for 30 November 2025. The Slot-1 analysis will be updated on the same day after the morning session, covering section-wise difficulty, highlights, and expert insights.
Like CAT 2024, Slot-1 of CAT 2025 is expected to have 66 questions in total – 24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 in QA.
Not necessarily. All slots are designed to be balanced, but small variations exist. Since DILR often feels tougher in Slot-1, normalisation ensures fairness across all three slots.
CAT 2024 Slot-1 was rated moderate to difficult. DILR was the hardest section, VARC was balanced but inference-heavy, and QA was dominated by arithmetic.
In CAT 2023 Slot-1, DILR was the toughest section, with sets requiring heavy calculation and smart selection. QA and VARC were moderate.
Since 2020, DILR has consistently decided cut-offs in Slot-1 because of its high difficulty. Even one well-attempted set could significantly improve percentiles.
Yes. CAT uses a normalisation process across all slots. If Slot-1 is slightly tougher, score adjustments ensure fairness in percentile calculation.
Yes. Slot-1 analysis shows early exam trends each year and highlights recurring patterns in difficulty. Reviewing past Slot-1 papers helps in planning CAT preparation effectively.
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