CAT 2025 Exam Analysis
Slot-Wise Difficulty, Section Breakdown & Expected Percentiles
The CAT 2025 examination was conducted on 30 November 2025, in line with its traditional schedule on the last Sunday of November. The test was administered across three slots, and this year’s exam was conducted by IIM Kozhikode. In this post, we present a comprehensive CAT 2025 Exam Analysis, including the overall difficulty level, slot-wise comparison, section-wise breakdown, and expected percentiles. CAT 2025 followed the established structure of 120 minutes, divided into the three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA with a marking scheme of +3/–1 for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and +3/0 for Type in the Answer (TITA) questions. Notably, there were no changes in the exam pattern compared to CAT 2024. The exam was conducted in three sessions: Morning (Slot 1), Afternoon (Slot 2), and Evening (Slot 3). This analysis offers an in-depth evaluation of all three slots and is based on first-hand exam experience from GradSquare mentors Varun Krishnan and Kushal Bohra, who took the slot -1 exam, Richard who took slot-2 and Ajay Zener, who appeared for Slot-3.
CAT 2025 Pattern
| Section | Questions | MCQ | TITA | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 22 | 2 | 40 mins | 72 |
| DILR | 22 | 12 | 10 | 40 mins | 66 |
| QA | 22 | 14 | 8 | 40 mins | 66 |
| Total | 68 | 48 | 20 | 120 mins | 204 |
CAT 2025 Exam Analysis: Table of Contents
CAT 2025 Analysis (Updated)
Comprehensive analysis of all three slots: The CAT 2025 examination maintained a uniform structure across all three slots, with the overall pattern remaining unchanged. This year, the difficulty level across the slots was largely consistent, offering a balanced testing experience for candidates.
The VARC section was moderately difficult in all three slots, with no major variations. A notable change was the introduction of two TITA-based Parajumble questions, which altered the internal distribution of the eight Verbal Ability questions. The VARC composition featured two questions each from Parajumbles, Sentence Completion, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence/Parajumbles, marking a shift from previous years.
The DILR section had the most variation among the three slots. DILR section of Slot 2 was the easiest, whereas the Slot 3 was the most challenging. Unlike CAT 2024, which featured a fixed pattern of three DI sets and two LR sets across all slots, the 2025 exam saw a variable distribution of DI and LR sets. Graph-based DI questions were fewer this year, and all slots were heavy on number-logic–driven LR questions.
The Quantitative Ability (QA) section remained consistent across slots and was slightly more challenging than CAT 2024. The section was dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra, with a marked reduction in Geometry questions. Among the three slots, the evening slot’s QA was comparatively more difficult, although the overall structure and topic emphasis stayed uniform.
Overall, CAT 2025 presented a consistent pattern across all the three slots, but introduced meaningful changes in question distribution, particularly in VARC and DILR.
CAT 2025 Slot-wise Analysis (Updated)
| Section | SLOT-1 | SLOT-2 | SLOT-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | VA - Moderate RC - Moderate RC Themes - Economics - Statistics - Music - Law Difficulty Moderate (8/10) 99 Percentile 41+ Marks | VA - Moderate RC - Moderate RC Themes - Science (Physics) - Science (Biology) - Science (AI) - Literature Difficulty Moderate (8/10) 99 Percentile 41+ Marks | VA -Moderate RC - Moderate RC Themes - Law (Opinion) - Opinion - Psychology - Science & Ethics Difficulty Moderate (8/10) 99 Percentile 41+ Marks |
| DILR | DILR Themes - Graphical DI (1) - Number Logic (2) - Arrangements (2) Difficulty Moderate (8/10) | DILR Themes | DILR Themes |
| QA | QA Distribution | QA Distribution | QA Distribution |
| Overall | Difficulty Moderate (8/10) | Difficulty Moderate (7.5/10) | Difficulty Moderate (8.5/10) |
CAT 2025 Score Vs Percentile
| Slot | Slot - 1 | Slot - 1 | Slot - 1 | Slot - 1 | Slot - 2 | Slot - 2 | Slot - 2 | Slot - 2 | Slot - 3 | Slot - 3 | Slot - 3 | Slot - 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| %-ile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
| 99.9%ile | 54 | 42 | 42 | 120 | 54 | 45 | 40 | 120 | 54 | 40 | 38 | 118 |
| 99.5%ile | 45 | 36 | 33 | 99 | 46 | 36 | 33 | 100 | 44 | 33 | 33 | 97 |
| 99%ile | 41 | 28 | 30 | 88 | 42 | 30 | 30 | 90 | 41 | 27 | 29 | 87 |
| 98%ile | 35 | 24 | 27 | 73 | 36 | 27 | 27 | 75 | 36 | 24 | 27 | 71 |
| 95%ile | 30 | 21 | 21 | 63 | 30 | 23 | 21 | 65 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 63 |
| 90%ile | 25 | 18 | 18 | 51 | 25 | 20 | 18 | 53 | 25 | 16 | 18 | 50 |
| 85%ile | 21 | 15 | 15 | 43 | 21 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 21 | 12 | 15 | 43 |
| 80%ile | 18 | 12 | 12 | 38 | 18 | 12 | 12 | 38 | 18 | 12 | 12 | 38 |
| 75%ile | 15 | 9 | 9 | 30 | 15 | 9 | 9 | 30 | 15 | 9 | 9 | 30 |
CAT 2025 Slot -1 Analysis
CAT 2025 Slot-1 Analysis: The CAT 2025 examination commenced with the morning slot at 8:30 AM. GradSquare Founders, Varun Krishnan and Kushal Bohra, both appeared for Slot-1, providing first-hand insight into the test’s structure and difficulty level.
A key change in CAT 2025 was the introduction of two TITA parajumble questions in the VARC section, resulting in a change in the internal distribution of Verbal Ability questions. The DILR section was more Logical Reasoning oriented than in CAT 2024, with fewer DI sets, and was generally perceived as tougher than last year. However, mentors noted that all sets were solvable. The QA section was predominantly Arithmetic and Algebra heavy, together accounting for the majority of the questions. Geometry and the remaining topics contributed to fewer than seven questions, further reinforcing the skew towards core quantitative fundamentals.
Overall, CAT 2025 Slot-1 was more difficult than CAT 2024, and students scheduled for Slot-2 and Slot-3 are strongly advised to begin with a quick scan of the DILR and QA sections to identify easily solvable questions. Based on the observed difficulty level and feedback from GradSquare test-takers, a candidate attempting 40–45 questions across all three sections, with approximately 70% accuracy in VARC and around 90% accuracy in DILR and QA would be well positioned to comfortably breach the 99th percentile mark. This CAT 2025 Slot-1 analysis should serve as a guide for aspirants appearing in the afternoon and evening slots, as the structure and difficulty levels are expected to remain consistent with the morning session.
| Section | Questions | MCQ | TITA |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 20 | 4 |
| DILR | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| QA | 22 | 16 | 6 |
| Total | 68 | 50 | 18 |
Further Analysis: The CAT 2025 Slot-1 paper had 18 TITA questions and 50 MCQ questions. VARC section had an increase of two TITA questions due to the introduction of parajumbles question. In the QA section the questions were mostly doable, but many of them were calculation intensive and required the use of the on-screen calculator to save time. Two sets were doable in the DILR section in the allocated time of 40 mins.
CAT 2025 Slot - 1 Analysis - Section-Wise
CAT 2025 VARC Slot - 1 Analysis
The VARC section in CAT 2025 Slot-1 maintained a difficulty level broadly comparable to CAT 2024. Notably, the RC and VA questions were interspersed throughout the section rather than grouped separately. This structure posed a challenge for candidates who preferred attempting the Verbal Ability questions first before moving on to the Reading Comprehension passages.
The Reading Comprehension passages were of medium length, each followed by four questions. While the passages themselves were readable, the questions were largely inferential in nature, with several incorporating critical-reasoning elements. One question tested direct vocabulary. Students with strong reading practice and good preparation were able to comfortably attempt most, if not all, of the 16 RC questions. The topics covered were diverse, including passages on Statistics (“departure from normal distribution during COVID and its economic implications”), Economics (“positives and negatives of income inequality”), Law (“Mental Illness and Law”), and Music (“Electronic Music”).
The Verbal Ability segment featured a shift from previous years with the introduction of two TITA parajumble questions. This change altered the VA distribution to two questions each from Parajumbles, Para Completion, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence Parajumbles. Overall, the Verbal Ability portion can be characterised as moderate to difficult.
In summary, CAT 2025 Slot-1 presented a moderately challenging VARC section, with the VA portion leaning toward the higher end of the difficulty spectrum. An attempt of approximately 22 questions with around 75% accuracy would place a candidate well within the 99th percentile in this section.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 (4 x 4) | Moderate |
| Para Completion | 2 | Moderate |
| Summary Based Questions | 2 | Moderate |
| Parajumbles | 2 | Difficult |
| Odd Sentence Parajumbles | 2 | Moderate |
CAT 2025 DILR Slot - 1 Analysis
The CAT 2025 Slot-1 DILR section represented a clear shift from last year’s DI-heavy structure. While the section retained the CAT 2024 format of five sets comprising 22 questions, two sets with five questions each and three sets with four questions each, the internal composition changed significantly. Slot-1 featured a predominantly Logical Reasoning–oriented mix, with three sets based on numerical logic and only one set drawn from graph-based Data Interpretation. Two additional sets were arrangement-based.
Although all five sets were technically solvable, the 40-minute time constraint made it realistically feasible for well-prepared candidates to complete only two sets comfortably. Widespread student feedback indicated that most test-takers targeted two sets with high accuracy. Unlike the relatively easy DILR section of CAT 2024, the CAT 2025 Slot-1 DILR section was of moderate difficulty, with no set qualifying as outright easy. This made set selection and disciplined time management critical to performance.
Candidates appearing for the afternoon and evening slots are strongly advised to scan all five sets before choosing what to attempt. A performance of approximately nine questions with 100% accuracy, or ten questions with around 90% accuracy, would position a candidate strongly for achieving the 99th percentile in this section.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Tarriff Percentage Graph (DI) | 4 | Easy |
| People Asking Questions (LR) | 4 | Moderate |
| Circular Arrangement (LR) | 4 | Tough |
| Rating of Employees (LR) | 5 | Moderate |
| Train Ticket (LR) | 5 | Moderate |
CAT 2025 QA Slot - 1 Analysis
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2025 Slot-1 was more challenging than the previous year’s paper. The section featured a dominant mix of Arithmetic and Algebra, with approximately 10 questions from Arithmetic and seven from Algebra, accounting for 17 out of the 22 questions. This ensured that the majority of questions stemmed from areas that students typically prepare extensively.
Geometry contributed only three questions, while the remaining two questions came from Modern Mathematics and miscellaneous topics. The Arithmetic problems were largely straightforward and covered familiar themes such as Profit & Loss, Ratios, Time–Speed–Distance, Mixtures & Solutions, Time & Work, Averages, and Simple & Compound Interest. While conceptually easy, several questions were calculation-intensive, testing both conceptual clarity and the ability to apply these fundamentals across varied problem scenarios. The Algebra segment included questions on linear equations, inequalities, logarithms, quadratic functions, and sequences & series. Topics such as remainders, cyclicity, HCF & LCM, and other elements of the number system were entirely absent from the paper.
With almost half the section built around Arithmetic, the QA portion would have been easier to handle for students who are well-prepared. There were no difficult questions, and the section, overall, was of moderate difficulty level. Well-prepared students reported being able to comfortably attempt 8–10 questions, while many strong performers managed 12–13 attempts.
Question selection played a decisive role in this paper. Students appearing for Slot-2 and Slot-3 are strongly advised to select the most approachable questions and avoid spending more than four minutes on any single problem. Use of the on-screen calculator is recommended for longer computations, and candidates should ensure they scan all questions in the section, as several easier problems appeared toward the end.
Given the level of difficulty, an attempt of 12–13 questions with approximately 90% accuracy is expected to yield 30–33 marks, which should comfortably secure a 99 percentile in CAT 2025 Slot-1.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 10 | Moderate |
| Algebra | 7 | Moderate |
| Geometry | 3 | Moderate |
| Others | 1 | Easy |
| Modern Mathematics | 1 | Easy |
CAT 2025 Slot - 1: Overall Analysis
CAT 2025 Slot-1 was a moderately difficult paper that rewarded students who had prepared consistently. All three sections maintained a balanced structure without any overly difficult questions. Among the sections, the QA section leaned slightly easier due to a higher concentration of Arithmetic questions, which are generally more favourable for well-prepared candidates.
Based on the difficulty level and student feedback, the score benchmarks for a 99 percentile in each section are estimated as follows:
- VARC: A score of 40–42 marks
- DILR: A score of 26–28 marks
- QA: A score of 30–33 marks
Considering the overall paper, a total score of 88-91 marks or above is projected to place a candidate at the 99th percentile in CAT 2025 Slot-1.
CAT 2025 Slot -1: Score Vs Percentile
| Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.9%ile | 54 | 42 | 42 | 120 |
| 99.5%ile | 45 | 36 | 33 | 99 |
| 99%ile | 41 | 28 | 30 | 88 |
| 98%ile | 36 | 24 | 27 | 73 |
| 95%ile | 30 | 21 | 21 | 63 |
| 90%ile | 25 | 18 | 18 | 51 |
| 85%ile | 21 | 15 | 15 | 43 |
| 80%ile | 18 | 12 | 12 | 38 |
| 75%ile | 15 | 9 | 9 | 30 |
CAT 2025 Slot - 1 Video Analysis
Watch the CAT 2025 Slot-1 Analysis video by GradSquare Kushal Bohra, who appeared for the first slot of CAT 2025 at the Chennai test centre. In this detailed breakdown, Kushal shares exclusive insights drawn from his own test-taking experience, offering a clear and structured CAT 2025 Exam Analysis. The video covers section-wise difficulty levels, question patterns, smart attempt strategies, and key takeaways that will help aspirants understand the depth and nuances of the CAT 2025 Slot-1 paper.
Detailed Slot 2 Analysis
Will be available on 30th November at 3:30 PM
CAT 2025 Slot -2 Analysis
The CAT 2025 Slot-2 paper turned out to be unexpectedly easier than the previous year, surprising many candidates who anticipated a more challenging exam. A key change this year was the addition of two extra questions in the DILR section, increasing the total number of questions from 66 to 68. Despite the higher question count, students consistently reported that the DILR sets were far more approachable, featuring cleaner logic, shorter setups, and fewer traps compared to previous editions.
Across all three sections, candidates who began with a quick strategic scan of the paper were able to identify several high-accuracy, low-effort questions early on. This approach helped test-takers manage their time effectively while maintaining strong accuracy. The structure of the paper supported well-prepared aspirants in maximizing their attempts through intelligent selection, rather than forcing them into lengthy or overly complex problem-solving.
Drawing from student feedback, performance data, and the observed difficulty levels in CAT 2025 Slot-2, achieving the 99th percentile likely required around 44–50 solid attempts with good accuracy. However, this benchmark could vary slightly depending on overall slot performance and normalization adjustments applied across different sessions.
| Section | Questions | MCQ | TITA |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 19 | 5 |
| DILR | 22 | 17 | 5 |
| QA | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| Total | 68 | 50 | 18 |
Analysis: The CAT 2024 Slot-2 paper was noticeably easier than the previous year, catching many candidates off guard with its unexpectedly student-friendly difficulty level. One of the major surprises was the addition of two extra questions in the DILR section, which increased the total number of questions from 66 to 68. Despite this change, students overwhelmingly reported that the DILR sets were highly approachable, featuring clear logic and minimal ambiguity.
A smart initial scan across all sections would have quickly revealed several straightforward questions that could be answered with high accuracy, offering a strong scoring advantage to well-prepared test-takers. The overall paper rewarded smart selection and accuracy over brute-force attempts. Based on candidate performance and difficulty trends from CAT 2024, attempting around 44–50 questions with good accuracy was generally required to reach the 99th percentile.
CAT 2025 Slot - 2 Analysis - Section-Wise
CAT 2025 VARC Slot - 2 Analysis
In CAT 2025 Slot-2, the VARC section stood out as significantly tougher than what candidates had experienced in CAT 2024. After several years of relatively moderate difficulty levels, Slot-2’s VARC disrupted expectations by demanding far greater precision and deeper comprehension. Instead of serving as a high-scoring section, it required careful reading and deliberate reasoning, as the RC questions were subtler and more inference-driven than usual.
The section featured four medium-length Reading Comprehension passages, each accompanied by four questions. The topics spanned a broad intellectual spectrum, including Behavioural Economics, the extinction of an Australian species, a commentary on Craftsmanship versus Materialism, and a discussion of cultural changes shaped by OTT platforms. Drawing from disciplines such as Economics, Psychology, and Social Sciences, the passages required students to navigate both conceptual understanding and analytical interpretation.
While the passages themselves were not difficult to read, the complexity emerged from the question framing, which often required candidates to distinguish between closely aligned answer choices. Most students found two passages relatively comfortable, but the other two posed a significant challenge due to layered inferences and less-direct questioning. Ultimately, the CAT 2025 Slot-2 VARC section rewarded accuracy over speed, pushing aspirants to read mindfully and avoid hasty selections.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 (4 x 4) | Moderate |
| Para Completion | 3 | Moderate |
| Summary Based Questions | 3 | Moderate |
| Odd Sentence Parajumbles | 2 | Easy |
CAT 2025 DILR Slot - 2 Analysis
In CAT 2025 Slot-2, the DILR section emerged as one of the more approachable components of the exam, providing a welcome contrast to its traditionally demanding reputation. Instead of the convoluted logic structures and large, time-consuming datasets that have often defined this section in previous years, Slot-2 offered sets that were far more structured, logical, and solvable for candidates who approached them strategically.
The section was composed of five sets in total—three sets with four questions each and two sets with five questions each. This balanced distribution enabled students to choose their battles wisely. Those who scanned the section at the start were able to quickly identify the cleaner, more direct sets, allowing them to focus their time on high-yield opportunities. As a result, many Slot-2 test-takers successfully attempted three to four full sets, indicating that the section was more about efficient selection and time discipline than raw difficulty.
For aspirants reviewing the CAT 2025 Slot-2 DILR analysis, the key takeaway is that the exam rewarded candidates who combined clear reasoning with smart pacing. The solvability of the sets meant that a focused attempt of around 13–14 questions, executed with strong accuracy (around 80%), would be sufficient to reach the 99th percentile in this section.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Games & Tournaments (LR) | 5 | Moderate |
| Percentage Based LR | 5 | Moderate |
| Candle Stick Graph (DI) | 4 | Easy |
| Set Theory Based Graph (DI) | 2 | Easy |
| Blogger Based Graph (DI) | 4 | Easy |
CAT 2025 QA Slot - 2 Analysis
Here is a completely restructured, polished, and expanded version of the Quant section analysis for CAT 2025 Slot-2:
In CAT 2025 Slot-2, the Quantitative Aptitude section emerged as one of the most approachable parts of the paper, offering a significant relief to candidates who anticipated a more challenging experience. Test-takers consistently reported that the section felt considerably easier than the previous year, with a strong presence of straightforward, concept-driven questions.
A major highlight of Slot-2 QA was the dominance of Arithmetic, which contributed more than ten questions to the section. Topics such as Ratios, Profit & Loss, Time–Speed–Distance, Averages, and Simple & Compound Interest formed the core of the paper. These questions were direct, required minimal calculation, and were highly accessible to students with strong fundamentals. This heavy emphasis on Arithmetic ensured that even moderate-level aspirants had ample scoring opportunities.
The favourable question distribution translated into higher overall attempts, with many candidates comfortably attempting a substantial portion of the section. This reinforces a long-standing insight about CAT QA: mastery of basic concepts often outweighs complex problem-solving techniques. Slot-2 once again confirmed that CAT rewards clarity of understanding far more than speed or shortcuts.
For aspirants analysing the CAT 2025 Slot-2 QA performance, the key observation is that accuracy was the decisive factor. With clean, well-structured questions dominating the section, students who maintained a high accuracy rate were able to maximise their percentile. An attempt of around 12–13 questions with roughly 90% accuracy would be sufficient to secure a 99th percentile score in this slot.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8 | Moderate |
| Algebra | 6 | Moderate |
| Geometry | 4 | Moderate |
| Number System | 2 | Easy |
| Modern Mathematics | 2 | Easy |
CAT 2025 Slot - 2: Overall Analysis
The VARC section of CAT 2025 presented a noticeable jump in difficulty compared to CAT 2024, breaking the relatively moderate trend of the past few years. Instead of being a scoring section, it demanded careful reading and high accuracy, primarily because the RC questions were more nuanced than usual.
This year’s paper included four medium-length Reading Comprehension passages, each carrying four questions. The themes varied widely—from Behavioural Economics and wildlife extinction in Australia to a reflective piece on Craftsmanship versus Materialism, and an analysis of cultural shifts driven by OTT platforms. These passages drew from diverse disciplines such as Economics, Psychology, and Social Sciences, ensuring that students were tested on both comprehension and interpretation.
Despite the passages being relatively readable, the real challenge lay in the question framing, which demanded strong inferential skills. Students generally found two passages manageable, while the remaining two required deeper thought due to subtle answer choices and less-direct questioning. As a result, the VARC section in CAT 2025 emerged as one where precision mattered more than speed, and even well-prepared candidates needed to approach it with considerable focus.
CAT 2025 Slot -2: Score Vs Percentile
| Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 105+ | 99.5+ |
| 91+ | 99+ |
| 85+ | 98+ |
| 80+ | 97+ |
| 74+ | 95+ |
| 60+ | 90+ |
| 52+ | 85+ |
| 46+ | 80+ |
CAT 2025 Slot - 2 Video Analysis
Watch the CAT 2025 Slot-1 Analysis video by GradSquare Mentor Varun Krishnan, who appeared for the first slot of CAT 2025 at the Chennai test centre. In this detailed breakdown, Varun shares exclusive insights drawn from his own test-taking experience, offering a clear and structured CAT 2025 Exam Analysis. The video covers section-wise difficulty levels, question patterns, smart attempt strategies, and key takeaways that will help aspirants understand the depth and nuances of the CAT 2025 Slot-1 paper.
CAT 2025 Slot -3 Analysis
Detailed Slot 3 Analysis
Will be available on 30th November at 7:30 PM
The CAT 2025 Slot-3 paper delivered a noticeably smoother test-taking experience than many candidates had anticipated. Compared to the previous year, the overall difficulty level felt lighter, allowing well-prepared students to approach the exam with greater confidence. One major structural change in 2025 was the increase in the total number of questions from 66 to 68, driven by the addition of two extra questions in the DILR section. Interestingly, this shift did not raise the difficulty; in fact, many test-takers felt that the DILR sets in Slot-3 were among the most approachable in recent years, with cleaner logic, shorter statements, and far fewer trick-based elements.
A recurring insight from Slot-3 candidates was the importance of starting with a quick scan across all sections. Doing so made it easy to spot high-accuracy, low-effort questions early on, enabling students to build momentum and manage time efficiently. The exam rewarded test-takers who focused on smart question selection rather than attempting to wrestle with the most complex problems. Across VARC, DILR, and QA, the paper’s structure supported a strategy centred on precision and selective attempts, rather than speed alone.
From the performance trends observed in CAT 2025 Slot-3, a strong overall attempt range of 44–50 well-chosen questions—combined with good accuracy—appears sufficient to reach the 99th percentile. This benchmark may shift slightly due to normalization across slots, but Slot-3’s consistency and moderate difficulty have placed it in a favourable position for high scorers.
| Section | Questions | MCQ | TITA |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 19 | 5 |
| DILR | 22 | 17 | 5 |
| QA | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| Total | 68 | 50 | 18 |
CAT 2025 Slot - 3 Analysis - Section-Wise
CAT 2025 VARC Slot - 3 Analysis
In CAT 2025 Slot-3, the VARC section stood out for its unexpected spike in difficulty, marking a clear departure from the moderate trend of recent years. Many candidates who typically viewed VARC as a comfortable scoring area were met with passages and questions that demanded far greater precision, making accuracy the single most important factor in this slot.
Slot-3 featured four medium-length Reading Comprehension passages, each followed by four questions. The paper drew content from a wide range of intellectually rich themes, including Behavioural Economics, the extinction of a species in Australia, a comparative discussion on Craftsmanship versus Materialism, and an analytical take on cultural shifts shaped by OTT platforms. By drawing from fields like Psychology, Social Sciences, and Economics, the exam required candidates to not only read but also interpret ideas with depth and nuance.
Although the passages themselves were not difficult to read, the questions were deliberately crafted to test inference-heavy thinking. Many test-takers reported that while two passages were relatively manageable, the other two required slow, thoughtful reading due to subtle distinctions between answer choices and layered question demands. The overall experience in CAT 2025 Slot-3 VARC made it clear that the section rewarded careful analysis over speed, pushing even strong readers to navigate the paper with heightened focus and discipline.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 (4 x 4) | Moderate |
| Para Completion | 3 | Moderate |
| Summary Based Questions | 3 | Moderate |
| Odd Sentence Parajumbles | 2 | Easy |
CAT 2025 DILR Slot - 3 Analysis
In CAT 2025 Slot-3, the DILR section emerged as one of the most approachable parts of the exam, offering candidates a rare sense of relief in what is traditionally considered the most demanding segment. Unlike earlier years—where long data sets or convoluted logic frequently created bottlenecks—Slot-3 presented clean, well-structured sets that rewarded clarity of thought more than brute-force problem solving.
The section comprised five sets in total:
Three sets with four questions each, and
Two sets with five questions each.
This balanced structure gave students ample opportunity to choose the sets that best aligned with their strengths. Many Slot-3 test-takers noted that by conducting a quick initial scan, they were easily able to identify the most scoring sets, allowing them to complete three to four sets confidently within the available time.
The Slot-3 DILR experience reinforced a predictable pattern for CAT: the exam tends to reward students who combine sound logical reasoning with strategic time management. Instead of attempting all sets, candidates who carefully selected solvable ones and maintained strong accuracy found themselves at a clear advantage.
Based on performance indicators from Slot-3, an attempt of around 13–14 questions with roughly 80% accuracy is expected to be sufficient for securing the 99th percentile in the DILR section.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Games & Tournaments (LR) | 5 | Moderate |
| Percentage Based LR | 5 | Moderate |
| Candle Stick Graph (DI) | 4 | Easy |
| Set Theory Based Graph (DI) | 2 | Easy |
| Blogger Based Graph (DI) | 4 | Easy |
CAT 2025 QA Slot - 3 Analysis
In CAT 2025 Slot-3, the Quantitative Aptitude section offered a comparatively smoother experience, emerging as one of the more approachable parts of the exam. Many candidates reported that Slot-3 QA felt easier than the previous year, with a large number of questions designed around fundamental concepts rather than complex, multi-step problem solving.
Arithmetic played a dominant role in shaping the section. With more than ten questions drawn from this area alone, topics such as Ratios, Profit & Loss, Time–Speed–Distance, Averages, and Simple & Compound Interest formed the foundation of the paper. Students widely noted that these questions were direct, required minimal computation, and could be solved quickly with strong conceptual clarity. This emphasis on core topics meant that candidates with solid basics were able to build confidence early in the section.
As a result of this favourable distribution, many Slot-3 test-takers achieved higher attempt rates than in previous years, tackling a significant portion of the section with accuracy. The pattern reinforced a consistent lesson seen across CAT exams: mastering arithmetic fundamentals remains critical for excelling in QA, regardless of shifts in overall difficulty.
For aspirants evaluating Slot-3 performance benchmarks, accuracy once again proved to be the decisive factor. With the section offering ample scoring opportunities, an attempt of around 12–13 questions with approximately 90% accuracy is likely to place a candidate near the 99th percentile in the Quantitative Aptitude section.
| Topic | Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8 | Moderate |
| Algebra | 6 | Moderate |
| Geometry | 4 | Moderate |
| Number System | 2 | Easy |
| Modern Mathematics | 2 | Easy |
CAT 2025 Slot - 3: Overall Analysis
The VARC section of CAT 2025 presented a noticeable jump in difficulty compared to CAT 2024, breaking the relatively moderate trend of the past few years. Instead of being a scoring section, it demanded careful reading and high accuracy, primarily because the RC questions were more nuanced than usual.
This year’s paper included four medium-length Reading Comprehension passages, each carrying four questions. The themes varied widely—from Behavioural Economics and wildlife extinction in Australia to a reflective piece on Craftsmanship versus Materialism, and an analysis of cultural shifts driven by OTT platforms. These passages drew from diverse disciplines such as Economics, Psychology, and Social Sciences, ensuring that students were tested on both comprehension and interpretation.
Despite the passages being relatively readable, the real challenge lay in the question framing, which demanded strong inferential skills. Students generally found two passages manageable, while the remaining two required deeper thought due to subtle answer choices and less-direct questioning. As a result, the VARC section in CAT 2025 emerged as one where precision mattered more than speed, and even well-prepared candidates needed to approach it with considerable focus.
CAT 2025 Slot -3: Score Vs Percentile
| Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 105+ | 99.5+ |
| 91+ | 99+ |
| 85+ | 98+ |
| 80+ | 97+ |
| 74+ | 95+ |
| 60+ | 90+ |
| 52+ | 85+ |
| 46+ | 80+ |
CAT 2025 Slot - 3 Video Analysis
Watch the CAT 2025 Slot-1 Analysis video by GradSquare Mentor Varun Krishnan, who appeared for the first slot of CAT 2025 at the Chennai test centre. In this detailed breakdown, Varun shares exclusive insights drawn from his own test-taking experience, offering a clear and structured CAT 2025 Exam Analysis. The video covers section-wise difficulty levels, question patterns, smart attempt strategies, and key takeaways that will help aspirants understand the depth and nuances of the CAT 2025 Slot-1 paper.
FAQ's About CAT 2025 Exam Analysis
How difficult was CAT 2025 compared to CAT 2024?
CAT 2025 was similar to that of CAT 2024 across most slots. VARC in particular was a bit more difficult, while DILR was more LR based and solvable, and QA ranged from moderate to easy depending on the slot.
Were there any major changes in the CAT 2025 exam pattern?
CAT 2025 followed the same pattern as CAT 2024—three sections (VARC, DILR, QA), 120 minutes, +3/–1 marking for MCQs and +3/0 for TITA. However, there were two parajubles question in the VARC section. The DILR section was LR heavy as compared to last year.
How many attempts are needed for 99 percentile in CAT 2025?
Based on student feedback and slot-wise analysis, approximately:
Slot-1: 40–45 attempts
Slot-2: Awaited
Slot-3: Awaited
Final percentile may slightly vary due to normalization across slots.
What was the difficulty level of the sections in CAT 2025?
VARC and DILR sections were moderate, and QA section was moderate to easy.
What was the ideal number of attempts in DILR for 99 percentile?
Across slots, 9–10 questions with 90% accuracy was considered sufficient for the 99th percentile.
How many questions came from Arithmetic in QA?
More than 10 questions were from Arithmetic in CAT 2025, making it the dominant area.
Is CAT 2025 normalization expected to be strict?
Yes. Because the difficulty varied across slots, especially in VARC, normalization will play a major role in adjusting final percentiles.
What score corresponds to 85 percentile in CAT 2025?
Using a normal distribution fit from the score vs percentile table, 85 percentile ≈ 50+ marks.
What score corresponds to 75 percentile in CAT 2025?
A score of 37+ marks should be 75 percentile in CAT 2025.
Where can I watch the CAT 2025 video analysis?
Each slot breakdown is covered by GradSquare mentors:
Slot-1 – Kushal Bohra
Slot-2 – Richard
Slot-3 – Ajay Zener
Videos are linked in the respective sections of this page.
How reliable is this CAT 2025 analysis?
This analysis is based on first-hand exam experience from mentors who took all three slots and aggregated feedback from multiple test-takers, making it one of the most accurate breakdowns available.
Thank you sir for your CAT 2025 Analysis. I am scoring about 74 marks in slot – 1. But in DILR section I could do only one set which I am sure is correct. I may get only 12 marks in the section and I am worried. Do you think I will be able to clear the sectional cutoff for DILR.
Supriya, you should be able to get a 75 percentile with 12 marks in the DILR section.