The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 began today, November 30, with IIM Kozhikode successfully conducting the first of three exam slots. The high-stakes exam, which serves as a gateway to the IIMs and other premier management institutes, saw a significant turnout across the country.
The first slot of the computer-based test concluded at 10:30 AM, setting the tone for the day. According to a preliminary analysis by Ramnath Kanakadandi, Senior Course Director at T.I.M.E., the exam largely maintained the structure of CAT 2024 but presented a slightly elevated challenge, particularly in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA) sections.
Exam Pattern:
In a move that provided stability for aspirants, the CAT 2025 Slot 1 paper retained the same structure as the previous year. The test featured a total of 68 questions to be solved within 120 minutes, divided into three sections, each with a 40-minute time limit.
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 22 questions
- Quantitative Ability (QA): 22 questions
A Deep Dive into the Sections
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Candidates generally found the VARC section to be manageable. The section continued the integrated pattern from CAT 2024, where RC passages and VA questions were intermixed.
Reading Comprehension: Four passages were presented, each with four questions. The topics were diverse, including "Income Inequality & Economic Growth," "Electronic Music," "Law & Mental Health," and "Noise & Social Order." While most were of moderate difficulty, one passage was noted to be particularly challenging.
Verbal Ability: This segment marked the return of Para Formation questions. It included two questions each on Para Formation, Para Summary, and Sentence Placement. The Para Odd One Out category featured two distinct formats, one of which required candidates to remove an irrelevant statement and then sequence the remaining ones logically.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The DILR section emerged as one of the more demanding parts of the exam. It contained 22 questions spread across five sets.
The sets covered areas like a Spider + Bar graph, Seating Arrangement, and Quant-Based Reasoning puzzles.
The Spider+Bar graph set was identified as the most accessible and a must-attempt for most test-takers.
Conversely, other Logical Reasoning sets, including those involving train tickets and employee ratings, were reported to be tricky and time-intensive, posing a significant challenge to time management strategies.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
The QA section stuck to the expected syllabus but tested candidates' speed and accuracy with lengthy calculations.
The majority of the 22 questions were from the Arithmetic and Algebra domains.
Geometry was represented by three questions, while Numbers and Modern Math had minimal representation.
Overall, this section was perceived as lengthy and computationally heavy, making it difficult to navigate within the stringent time limit.
Overall Impression and Next Steps
The general consensus among experts and initial candidate reactions point to the CAT 2025 Slot 1 paper being moderately difficult, with a noticeable spike in complexity in the DILR and QA sections compared to the previous year. The consistent pattern, however, provided a familiar landscape for well-prepared aspirants.
Following the conclusion of all exam slots, IIM Kozhikode will release the provisional answer key and response sheets. Candidates will have an opportunity to raise objections during a specified window. The final results will be declared after a thorough review of all challenges by the institute. Aspirants are advised to monitor the official CAT website for the latest updates.
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