IIM Kozhikode conducted CAT 2025 in 3 slots. Slot 1 was conducted from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and Slot 2 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. CAT 2025 Slot 3 was conducted from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

• Slot 1 of CAT 2025 was moderate in difficulty level, with section-wise difficulty being VARC- Moderate to Difficult, DILR- Moderate, and QA- Moderate.
• Slot 2 of CAT 2025 was also moderate in difficulty level. CAT VARC and DILR were moderate in difficulty, and CAT QA was moderate to hard.
• Slot 3 was hard in difficulty level with VARC being moderate, DILR and QA being difficult.

The sectional weightage of CAT 2025 was the same as in previous years. CAT VARC carried 24 questions, CAT DILR carried 22 questions, and CAT QA carried 22 questions. The total number of questions asked in CAT 2025 was 68.

Read More

• CAT 2025 Question Paper
• CAT 2025 Cutoff

CAT 2025 Paper Difficulty Level: Section Wise

CAT 2025 was of overall moderate difficulty. However, the difficulty level of some sections varied in different slots as discussed below.

• VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension): VARC was moderate to hard in difficulty in CAT 2025 Slot 1, and moderate in CAT Slot 2 and Slot 3.
• DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning): DILR was moderate in difficulty level in CAT 2025 Slot 1 and Slot 2. CAT DILR was high in difficulty level in Slot 3.
• QA (Quantitative Aptitude): Difficulty of CAT QA in CAT 2025 Slot 1 was moderate, and in Slot 2 was moderate to hard. CAT QA was hard in Slot 3.

CAT 2025 VARC Paper Analysis

CAT 2025 was moderate to hard in difficulty level in CAT Slot 1 and moderate in CAT Slot 2. A total of 24 questions were asked from CAT VARC.

• Out of 24 questions, 20 were MCQ type and 4 were TITA-type. 2 questions were each from Paragraph Summary, Insertion, Jumbles, and Odd One Out.
• RC Passages were based on topics like Economics, Normal Distribution, and Electric Music.

CAT 2025 DILR Paper Analysis

The overall difficulty of CAT DILR in Slot 1 and Slot 2 was moderate. Solving 2-3 sets in each slot is considered a good attempt.

• Type of sets asked were Venn Diagram, 2 Puzzle-based sets, Tabular, and Quant-based.
• A total of 22 questions were asked from this section, evenly distributed between MCQs, and TITA questions.

CAT 2025 QA Paper Analysis

CAT QA was moderate in difficulty in CAT 2025 slot 1. Most questions included lengthy calculations.

• Arithmetic dominated the section and carried around 9-10 questions in each slot.
• Other questions were from Geometry, Algebra, Number Theory, etc.
• Ideal attempts in CAT QA is considered to be around 10-17 questions.

Also Read

• CAT 2025 Topic Wise Weightage
• CAT 2025 Preparation
• CAT Past Year Mock Test

CAT 2025 Paper Analysis: Slot Wise

You can check the CAT 2025 slot-wise paper analysis below.

CAT 2025 Slot 1 Paper Analysis

CAT 2025 Slot 2 Paper Analysis

CAT 2025 Slot 4 Paper Analysis

Also Read

• DILR Paper Analysis
• VARC Paper Analysis
• QA Paper Analysis

CAT Paper Analysis 2024

CAT 2024 turned out to be a well-balanced yet tricky paper. While it wasn’t as brutal as CAT 2023, it definitely tested students on accuracy, time management, and the ability to pick the right questions. Each section had its own flavor - VARC being a mind game, DILR a test of patience, and QA a calculation-heavy hurdle. Here is a simple breakdown of how the paper felt across sections:

CAT Paper Analysis - VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• This section was more approachable than last year, but still required sharp reading and decision-making.
• Reading Comprehension dominated as usual, with some passages being smooth while others had confusing, close answer options.
• Para jumbles were missing, which was a surprise, replaced by para completion, summaries, and odd one out.
• Students felt Slot 1 passages like craftsmanship and entertainment were easier, while the Homo Economicus passage gave them a tough time.
• On average, 14 - 16 solid attempts were enough to feel safe in this section.

CAT Paper Analysis - DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• The section lived up to its reputation, moderate in difficulty but highly dependent.
• Each slot had 4 - 5 sets; out of these, usually 2 were approachable while the rest needed more effort.
• Slot 1 was considered trickier, while Slot 3 gave some breathing space with easier sets.
• Smart test takers picked the right 2 - 3 sets instead of wasting time on lengthy puzzles.
• Around 10 - 11 quality attempts with accuracy could fetch a strong score.

CAT Paper Analysis - QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

• Quant was where many students felt the real challenge kicked in.
• A heavy mix of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Math, no section could be ignored.
• Many questions were calculation-heavy, making time management the real struggle.
• Slot 2 had more formula-based problems, while Slot 3 was slightly more balanced.
• Those who managed 11- 13 accurate attempts were in a good position for high percentiles.

CAT Paper Analysis Slot-wise 2024

CAT 2024 exam was moderately difficult. Slot 1 was tough, with DILR and QA being hard, and VARC was moderately difficult. Slot 2 was comparatively moderate, with a difficult VARC section and moderate DILR and QA sections. Lastly, Slot 3 was the easiest with VARC, DILR, and QA sections being easier compared to all other slots.

CAT Paper Analysis 2024 Slot 1

Slot 1 of CAT 2024 gave students a tough start to the day. While the paper wasn’t impossible, it felt a little heavier compared to later slots. Most candidates walked out saying the real challenge was about picking the right questions instead of trying to solve everything.

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• RCs ruled the section with 4 passages.
• Topics like craftsmanship and entertainment were on the easier side, but the Homo Economicus passage left many scratching their heads.
• Instead of para-jumbles, students got para completion questions, which was a surprise twist.
• Overall - Doable but tricky, with close answer choices that tested focus.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• This was the section where most students struggled.
• Out of the 4 - 5 sets, only 1- 2 felt approachable; the rest were lengthy and ate up time.
• Many called this the make-or-break section of Slot 1.
• Overall - Tough and time-draining, smart set selection was the key.

QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

• Arithmetic and Algebra carried the weight here, while a couple of Geometry questions acted as speed breakers.
• Lots of questions needed detailed calculations, which slowed down attempts.
• Students who focused on quick wins (sitters) managed better scores.
• Overall - Moderate to tough, but manageable with the right strategy.

CAT Paper Analysis 2024 Slot 2

Slot 2 was a sigh of relief for many students compared to the morning session. The paper was still challenging (it’s CAT after all), but it felt more balanced and fair. Students who managed their time well found this slot quite approachable.

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• RCs were of moderate length and more readable than Slot 1.
• Some VA questions, like odd-one-out and summary, required careful thinking.
• Nothing too surprising in terms of format.
• Overall : Balanced and manageable, less tricky than Slot 1.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• Out of 4-5 sets, at least 2 were doable with patience.
• A couple of sets were lengthy but not impossible if you cracked the logic early.
• Students who identified the right sets quickly had an edge.
• Overall - Moderate, smarter than harder.

QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

• Arithmetic once again carried the maximum weight.
• Algebra was present but slightly less challenging than in Slot 1.
• Geometry questions showed up, but weren’t too dominating.
• Overall - Moderate, with a scoring chance if you managed time well.

CAT Paper Analysis 2024 Slot 3

Slot 3 turned out to be the most comfortable slot of the day. Students described it as relatively smooth, especially in DILR, which gave some breathing space. It wasn’t an easy paper overall, but compared to Slots 1 and 2, this was the friendliest.

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• RC passages were straightforward and less confusing than earlier slots.
• VA questions were standard, no unexpected surprises.
• Students found it easier to finish on time.
• Overall vibe: Smooth and readable, best RC experience among the slots.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• This was the highlight of Slot 3.
• At least 2–3 sets were genuinely solvable within time.
• Compared to Slot 1’s difficulty, this felt like a breather.
• Overall - Most student-friendly DILR of the day.

QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

• Balanced distribution across Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
• Less calculation-heavy compared to Slot 1.
• Students who attempted selectively managed well.
• Overall vibe: Moderate and fair, not too punishing.

Also Read

• CAT VARC Question Papers
• CAT DILR Question Papers
• CAT QA Question Papers

CAT Paper Analysis 2023

When students walked out of CAT 2023, the buzz was the same everywhere: "Quants was a bloodbath, but Slot 3 felt the friendliest!” Let’s break it down slot by slot and see how each section played out.

CAT Paper Analysis 2023 Slot 1 - The Tough Start

The morning slot set the tone of the day. Many aspirants felt it was on the tougher side, especially DILR and QA. VARC was decent but needed focus to crack abstract passages.

• VARC - Moderate level, 15-16 good attempts possible
• DILR - Toughest of the day, only 8-9 questions felt safely doable
• QA - Moderate to difficult, 8-9 attempts were manageable with strong basics

Overall, Slot 1 demanded patience and smart question selection.

CAT Paper Analysis 2023 Slot 2 - Balanced Middle Ground

The afternoon slot was smoother compared to the morning. Students agreed VARC was friendlier, and DILR, while still tricky, was slightly better than Slot 1.

• VARC - Easy to moderate, 17-19 attempts possible
• DILR - Moderate level, around 11-13 attempts could fetch a good score
• QA - Moderate to difficult, focused heavily on Algebra and Arithmetic

Slot 2 was all about balance; it wasn’t easy, but smart time management made a big difference.

CAT Paper Analysis 2023 Slot 3 - The Most Comfortable

By the evening, relief came for many test takers. Slot 3 was widely seen as the easiest of the three, especially in VARC and DILR, though Quant still kept its reputation as the hardest nut to crack.

• VARC - Easy to moderate, smooth passages with 16–18 doable attempts
• DILR - Friendliest section of the day, 2-3 sets were clearly manageable (9-11 attempts possible)
• QA - Still moderate to difficult, but 9-11 solid attempts could be managed

Slot 3 felt like a breather compared to the earlier slots, especially for those who were confident in VARC.

Download CAT Previous Year Papers

Practicing and solving previous year’s question papers of CAT is essential for your CAT 2025 Preparation. Here is a link to download the previous years question papers for free:

Also Read:

• CAT Previous Year Papers