The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to India’s most prestigious business schools like the IIMs and other top B-schools. If you are preparing for CAT 2025, understanding the CAT marking scheme is just as important as brushing up on your quant or verbal skills. A good grip on how th epaper is scored can make ahuge difference in your strategy, especially when negative marking is involved. Let us simplify the CAT 2025 marking scheme and help you build a smarter test-taking plan.
CAT 2025 Marking Scheme Overview
CAT typically consists of three sections:
- VARC – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- DILR – Data Interpretation and Reading Comprehension
- QA – Quantitative Ability
Here is a breakdown of how the scoring works:
| Componenet | Details |
| Total Questions | ~66 (may vary slightly) |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +3 marks |
| Negative Marking (MCQs) | -1 for each wrong answer |
| No Negative Marking | Non-MCQs (TITA questions) |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes (40 mins per section) |
| Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| Sectional Time Limit | Yes (no switching between sections) |
How the Marking Scheme Works
Correct Answer
Each right answer gets you +3 marks. This applies to both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions.
Negative Marking
For every incorrect MCQ, 1 mark is deducted. That is why guessing blindly can be risky. However, there is a hack: TITA questions have no negative marking, so there is no harm in attempting them all.
No Partial Marking
CAT does not offer partial credit. So, even if you solve 90% of a question right but mess up one part, you will get a zero. Accuracy > quantity.
Strategy Tips Based on the Marking Scheme
Understanding how the marking scheme works can help you strategize your approach wisely in the exam. A few helpful tips, based on past toppers, are provided below to help you achieve maximum marks:
• Play Safe with MCQs: Avoid wild guessing. Instead, use the elimination method to rule out options and increase the chances of selecting the right answer.
• Try All TITA Questions: Since there is no negative marking here, attempt all of them—even if you are not 100% sure. You have nothing to lose.
• Don’t Rush: Timing of each section. Calm down, don’t panic, and aim for accuracy over quantity. Quality attempts are more likely to yield positive results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only for MCQs. TITA questions in all sections have zero negative marking.
No. CAT includes a mix of MCQs and TITA (non-MCQ) questions.
Yes, but only within the same section. Once the time ends, you can not go back.
Very. One wrong MCQ costs you -1. Ten wrong answers = -10. Accuracy can make or break your percentile.
The marking scheme has remained mostly consistent, although the number of questions can vary slightly. Always check the official notification.
