CAT Exam 2025 : The first slot of CAT 2025 under IIM Kozhikode was conducted on 30 November 2025, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. As per the early feedback and expert reviews, the Slot 1 paper was “moderate to slightly tough” with no major surprises-pattern remained largely the same, but certain sections were more demanding than others.
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Aspirants overall described the test as a fair test the language-based section was doable, whereas the logic/data and quantitative sections required judicious time management and quick thinking. A smart attempt with accuracy could still offer a decent shot at clearing the cutoff.
Overview CAT Exam 2025 Slot 1 – Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Institute | IIM Kozhikode |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Total Questions | 68 (24 VARC + 22 DILR + 22 QA) |
| Total Time | 120 minutes (40 mins per section) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect MCQs; TITA questions – no negative mark |
| Slot 1 Timing | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Gate-closing by 8:15 AM |
Section-Wise Review & Difficulty – CAT Exam 2025 Slot 1
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
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Overall difficulty : Moderate
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RC passages were lengthy but manageable with balanced vocabulary.
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Most questions focused on central idea, inference, and author’s viewpoint – no unexpected pattern changes.
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
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Difficulty level : Moderate to Difficult
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Case-lets were logic-intensive with multi-layered data; solving one set required a high time investment.
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The major challenge for the aspirants was the selection of the right sets instead of attempting everything.
Quantitative Ability (QA)
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Overall difficulty : Moderate
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Majority questions from Arithmetic and Algebra; some tricky word-problems consumed time.
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Speed in the calculation was a major factor in maximizing attempts and accuracy.
Overall Difficulty Summary : The slot 1 paper was considered a moderate to slightly tough paper due to time pressure in DILR and QA. For a good percentile in CAT 2025, accuracy + smart attempt strategy is the key.
Good Attempts & Expected Cutoff (Slot 1)
According to the expert consensus and feedback from students in several coaching analyses:
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Good Attempt Range (with good accuracy) : 45–55 out of 68
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Estimated Safe Score for 90+ Percentile (General) : ~ 38-42 (depending on slot scaling and normalization)
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For 95-99 Percentile (Top IIMs / B-schools) : Likely ~ 45+ (with high accuracy and strong sectional performance)
Note: CAT employs equating/scaling when slots differ in difficulty, so raw scores themselves don’t guarantee percentile-relative performance and the difficulty of slots.
What Students & Future Aspirants Should Take Away
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Time management is key : especially in DILR and QA. Attempt easier sets first, avoid getting stuck on lengthy questions.
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Accuracy over attempts : Avoid guesswork. Wrong answers can cost you due to negative marking.
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Smart sectional strategy : strong VARC + some QA + pick-and-choose DILR sets can yield safe score.
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Be prepared for slot-wise normalization : performance of other test-takers may affect percentile; hence, only attempt what you are sure about.
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Preparation after the exam is important : once the answer keys are out, analyze and compare them to estimate the probable percentile. Next, plan accordingly for interview calls, applications to institutes, etc.
Important Links CAT Exam 2025
| Purpose | Link / Info |
|---|---|
| Official CAT Portal | https://iimcat.ac.in |
| CAT 2025 Notification & Pattern Details | Available under “Notifications” on official site |
| Post-Exam Analysis & Answer Key Updates | Leading coaching portals & news sites |
| CAT Registration & Mock Tests | Appendix via official portal / approved coaching sites |
| Letest News | jobsrecruitment.co.in |
FAQs CAT Exam 2025 Slot 1
1. Was CAT Exam 2025 Slot 1 tough?
CAT Slot 1 was moderate to slightly tough, mainly due to lengthy DILR sets and time-demanding QA questions. VARC was comparatively manageable. The paper rewarded accuracy and smart selection of questions.
2. How many attempts are considered to be good for Slot 1?
The range for a good attempt is around 45-55 questions with high accuracy. Candidates maintaining 75-80% accuracy in this range can easily get a good percentile. After normalization, there can be minor variation in percentile.
3. Which section was the toughest in Slot 1?
For most students, DILR was the toughest because, in sets, heavy reasoning and multi-layered calculations were involved. It was important to select the right sets early; those who got stuck early struggled with time management.
4. What is the expected percentile for 99+ in Slot 1?
Candidates who attempted around 48–52 questions accurately stand a realistic chance of securing 99+ percentile, considering normalization. High accuracy in both DILR and QA will influence final percentile strongly.
5. What should students do now after Slot 1?
Students need to analyze their answers once the answer key is released and get an idea about their projected percentile. Based on these estimates, they should begin shortlisting institutes and preparing for the PI-WAT round rather than waiting for the final results.
Conclusion
CAT 2025 Slot-1 appeared well-balanced but demanding in terms of requiring from candidates conceptual clarity along with accuracy and intelligent time management. There was no shocks in the structure, but the intensity of DILR and the length in some VARC and QA questions made aspirants proceed with the selection of questions rather than trying to attempt the whole paper. Those who kept their nerve and adhered to the strategy regarding preparation fared better on the whole.
According to an early analysis, the candidates who have attempted 45–55 correct questions are well placed for a good percentile. However, this has to be confirmed at the end since the result would depend upon slot-wise normalization and the trends of competition. Now, aspirants can begin self-evaluation by comparing responses with the unofficial answer keys while awaiting the official issuance of scorecards and percentile cut-offs.
For students who start their preparation for next year’s CAT, Slot 1 reinstates a few important takeaways: solidify the fundamentals, develop speed in calculation, improve reading efficiency, and solve high-quality full mocks under realistic exam pressure. Consistency, clarity, and time management remain the three pillars on which CAT success rests. Stay focused and learn from this year’s trends to create a better chance in the next attempt.