CAT 2025 Slot 1 Exam Analysis: Slightly tougher than last year, say students
CAT 2025 Slot 1 was manageable but slightly more difficult compared to CAT 2024 Slot 1, say students
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, began today, November 30, with the first slot concluding at 10:30 am. The national-level entrance exam is being held across three slots throughout the day.
According to Gautam Puri, Co-Founder and MD of Career Launcher, who analysed the paper based on early student reactions, CAT 2025 Slot 1 was manageable but slightly more difficult compared to CAT 2024 Slot 1.
CAT 2025 Exam Structure
The exam followed the familiar pattern with 68 questions to be attempted in 120 minutes, divided into three timed sections:
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension): 40 minutes
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning): 40 minutes
QA (Quantitative Ability): 40 minutes
Puri noted that while the pattern remained unchanged, the overall paper felt trickier than last year.
Section-wise Analysis
1. VARC: Similar to Last Year, Doable
VARC section was not difficult, and the verbal ability questions were particularly easy. Although the reading comprehension passages were dense, questions revolved around central ideas, making the section approachable.
Total Questions: 24 (20 MCQs + 4 TITA)
Difficulty: Similar to CAT 2024 Slot 1
2. DILR: Slightly More Difficult
According to Puri, DILR was the toughest section in Slot 1 and was marginally more difficult than last year. The section demanded higher accuracy and time management due to a significant number of TITA questions.
Total Questions: 22
TITA Questions: 11–12
Good Attempt: Around 10 questions
Difficulty: Higher than CAT 2024
3. QA: On Par With Last Year
The QA section maintained last year’s difficulty level, with a notable emphasis on number-based questions. Students who attempted 11–12 questions with accuracy could gain an advantage.
Total Questions: 22
Doable Questions: 10+
Difficulty: Similar to CAT 2024
Overall Difficulty: Slightly Higher Than 2024CAT 2025 Slot 1 was slightly tougher overall, with DILR emerging as the key differentiator. Strategic question selection played a crucial role for candidates.
As the gateway to admission into 21 IIMs and other top B-schools, CAT 2025 is a pivotal milestone for aspirants across the country.
