CAT 2025 Slot 1 Exam Analysis: The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 kicked off today with Slot 1, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, drawing lakhs of aspiring MBA candidates across India. Held from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, this first shift set the tone for the day, with students reporting a balanced yet challenging paper. Early feedback from test-takers and expert analyses from coaching institutes like Career Launcher, IMS, and Cracku indicate that the overall difficulty level was moderate, but slightly higher than CAT 2024 Slot 1, primarily due to a demanding Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the exam pattern, section-wise insights, good attempts, expected percentiles, and tips for upcoming slots, based on real-time student reactions and expert reviews.
CAT 2025 Slot 1 Exam Analysis, Overview and Pattern
CAT 2025 maintained its traditional structure with no major surprises in the format. The exam consisted of 66 questions divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates had 120 minutes to complete the paper, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes each. The marking scheme remained unchanged: +3 marks for each correct answer, -1 for incorrect Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and no negative marking for Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions or unanswered ones.
Compared to last year, the paper was described as “manageable but with a few curveballs,” especially in DILR, which tested time management and analytical skills more rigorously. The total number of questions was consistent with recent trends, but the distribution emphasized conceptual depth over rote learning. Approximately 70-75% of the questions were MCQs, while the rest were TITAs, adding an element of precision to the test.
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Section-Wise Detailed Analysis
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
VARC emerged as the most approachable section in Slot 1, providing a confidence boost to many candidates right at the start. With 22 questions (18 MCQs and 4 TITAs), this section focused on four Reading Comprehension (RC) passages, each accompanied by 4-5 questions. The passages covered diverse topics such as philosophy, literature, environment, and social issues, with lengths ranging from 300-400 words. Questions were inference-based, testing main ideas, author’s tone, and vocabulary in context.
The Verbal Ability (VA) subset included Para Jumbles (2-3 questions), Para Summaries (2), Odd One Out (2), and Para Completions (2). Students found VA relatively straightforward, with many reporting that the Para Jumbles were non-tricky and lacked excessive red herrings. Overall difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Key Highlights: RC passages were dense but readable, with direct questions. VA questions aligned closely with mocks from institutes like TIME and IMS.
- Good Attempts: 15-18 questions with 85-90% accuracy.
- Expected Score for 99th Percentile: 38-42 marks.
- Student Feedback: “VARC was a relief after last year’s surprises. The passages were engaging, and I managed to attempt 17 with confidence,” shared a candidate from Delhi.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR proved to be the game-changer in CAT 2025 Slot 1, earning the title of the toughest section from most aspirants. Comprising 20 questions across 4 sets (two sets of 5 questions each and two of 5), it leaned heavily on logical puzzles, data sets involving graphs, charts, and arrangements. Topics included seating arrangements, distribution problems, and quantitative-based LR, with a notable increase in calculation-intensive DI sets.
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Around 8-10 questions were TITAs, demanding exact answers without options, which amplified the challenge under time pressure. The sets were described as “lengthy and interconnected,” requiring candidates to solve entire sets to score, rather than picking low-hanging fruits. Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, higher than CAT 2024.
- Key Highlights: One set on “networks and paths” stumped many, while a bar graph-based DI was more approachable. Logical chaining was key.
- Good Attempts: 10-12 questions (focusing on 2-3 complete sets).
- Expected Score for 99th Percentile: 28-32 marks.
- Student Feedback: “DILR felt like a marathon. I could only crack two sets fully, but the third one ate up my time,” noted a Mumbai-based test-taker.
Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA rounded off the paper with a balanced mix, testing foundational concepts without extreme surprises. The section had 22 questions (14 MCQs and 8 TITAs), dominated by Arithmetic (8 questions) and Algebra (7), followed by Geometry (3), Number Systems (2), and Modern Math (2). Questions on ratios, percentages, profit-loss, and equations were prevalent, with a few application-based problems.
While some found the arithmetic questions speedy, algebra ones required deeper manipulation. The absence of overly complex calculus or advanced topics made it accessible for well-prepared candidates. Difficulty: Moderate.
- Key Highlights: Emphasis on speed and accuracy; many questions were direct but time-consuming if not approached strategically.
- Good Attempts: 14-16 questions with high accuracy.
- Expected Score for 99th Percentile: 40-45 marks.
- Student Feedback: “QA was fair – arithmetic saved the day, but I skipped a couple of geometry traps,” said an engineering graduate from Bangalore.
Overall Good Attempts, Expected Cutoffs, and Percentiles
Based on aggregated expert opinions, a good overall attempt in CAT 2025 Slot 1 would be 38-45 questions with 85%+ accuracy, potentially yielding a raw score of 100-120 for top percentiles. Here’s a tabulated summary for quick reference:
| Section | Questions | Difficulty | Good Attempts | Expected Score (99th %ile) | Expected Cutoff (IIMs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 22 | Easy-Moderate | 15-18 | 38-42 | 35-40 |
| DILR | 20 | Moderate-Difficult | 10-12 | 28-32 | 25-30 |
| QA | 22 | Moderate | 14-16 | 40-45 | 35-40 |
| Total | 64 | Moderate | 39-46 | 106-119 | 95-110 |
Percentile projections suggest that a score of 100+ could secure 99+ percentile, while 80-90 might land in the 95-98 range, depending on normalization across slots. Factors like accuracy will play a crucial role, as negative marking can penalize guesswork.
Comparison with Previous Years
CAT 2025 Slot 1 aligns with the evolving trend of emphasizing analytical skills over sheer volume. Unlike CAT 2024, where VARC was trickier, this year’s focus shifted to DILR, reminiscent of CAT 2023 patterns. Experts from Shiksha and India Today note that while the paper was student-friendly overall, the increased TITA count in DILR added unpredictability.
Answer Key and Next Steps
Unofficial answer keys and memory-based question papers have been released by coaching centers like SuperGrads and iQuanta, allowing candidates to estimate scores. The official answer key from IIM Kozhikode is expected by mid-December 2025, with results likely in early January 2026. Objections can be raised during a short window post-release.
For those appearing in Slot 2 or 3, prioritize DILR practice, focus on quick set selection, and revise high-yield QA topics like arithmetic. As one expert from Career Launcher advised, “Stay calm – the paper rewards strategy over panic.”
CAT 2025 Slot 1 has set a competitive benchmark, underscoring the importance of balanced preparation. Stay tuned for updates on subsequent slots as the day unfolds. Best wishes to all aspirants on their MBA journey!
