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CAT Marking Scheme 2025: Check Detailed Section-wise Weightage

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

November 27, 2024

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Overview: The CAT exam 2024 was conducted on 24 November 2024 in three slots across 170 cities. Knowing the CAT exam marking scheme will help you calculate your CAT scores and percentile and choose your college accordingly!

  • Around 3.29 lakh candidates registered for CAT 2024, just like the CAT exam 2023.
  • Although the CAT exam 2024 was easier than last year, it is important to track your performance to know your estimated CAT score and percentile.

  • To get an idea, you can use the CAT Percentile Predictor tool, which gives a fair idea about your CAT score and percentile.
  • The CAT 2024 consists of 68 questions with (MCQs+ TITA), with +3 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark deducted for a wrong answer.

Let's explore more for an exact and better understanding of the CAT marking scheme 2025 and CAT exam marks.

Check | Participating institutes of IIM

CAT 2024 Slot 1,2 and 3 Detailed Analysis

CAT Marking Scheme 2025

The marking scheme of CAT exam 2025 explains how many points will be given for each correct answer and how many points will be removed if the applicant provides an erroneous response.

  • The CAT 2024 exam reported 68 questions in total, divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
  • Marks for the correct answer in CAT exam:  +3 marks
  • Marks deducted for incorrect answers in the CAT exam: -1 marks
  • Marks for unanswered questions in the CAT exam: No marks awarded

Note* There is no negative marking for the TITA question.

The CAT Marking Scheme 2025 is listed in the following table:

Type of Questions CAT Marking Scheme CAT Negative Marking Scheme
MCQ + 3 marks will be awarded for the correct answer  -1 mark will be deducted for wrong answer
Non-MCQ + 3 marks will be awarded for the correct answer 0

Check | CAT Exam Question Papers

CAT Exam Pattern 2025

The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section has its own sectional timing and weightage. This CAT exam pattern is according to the CAT exam 2024(Slot 1):

CAT Exam Sections Total No. of Questions MCQs Non-MCQs Marks Duration
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 22 2 72 40 min
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) 22 14 8 66 40 min
Quantitative Ability (QA) 22 16 6 66 40 min
Total 68 52 204 120 (2 hours)

Read More | CAT Exam Marks vs Percentile 

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

Learn More | CAT Exam Preparation 2025

CAT Marking Scheme: Sectional Weightage 2025

The sectional weightage of the CAT exam is as follows: 

CAT Exam Sections Number of Questions asked as CAT 2024 Sectional Weightage
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension 24 37%
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 22 30%
Quantitative Ability 22 33%

Changes in the CAT Marking Scheme Over the Years

The CAT exam pattern and CAT marking scheme have been changing over the years. Here is a detailed analysis of the past year's trends for the CAT exam marking scheme:

Years Number of Questions VARC Questions QA Questions DILR Questions
2024 68 24 22 22
2023 66 24 22 20
2022 66 24 22 20
2021 66 24 22 20
2020 76 34 26 24
2019 100 34 34 32
2018 100 34 34 32
2017 100 34 34 32
2016 100 34 34 32
2015 100 34 34 32
2014 100 34 34 32

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

Also Read | CAT Exam Cut Off 2025

Conclusion

CAT Marking Scheme 2025 is the only method to assess every student's performance in the CAT exam. It, along with the CAT Syllabus, is useful for both teachers and students to estimate their final scores even before the actual results are out

Click Here | Enroll on our SuperGrads CAT Online Coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the marking scheme for the CAT exam?

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Is there a negative marking system for the CAT exam?

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What is the minimum score required to pass the CAT exam?

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How is the score for the CAT exam calculated?

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What is the maximum score that can be achieved on the CAT exam?

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How CAT Marking Scheme and Exam Pattern Changed Over the Years?

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How Does the CAT Marking Scheme Compare to Other Management Entrance Tests?

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