IIM Kozhikode recently conducted the CAT 2025 Slot 2 exam from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm across 170 test cities nationwide. Initial candidate feedback indicates the overall paper was moderately difficult. The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section presented a tougher challenge compared to Slot 1.
Candidates reported the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section as manageable. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section featured lengthy questions. The QA section included tricky but solvable problems, with Arithmetic and number system questions consuming significant time, according to Slot 2 candidate Abhimanyu.
Nishank, another candidate, stated the Quant section was the toughest and longest of the three sections. Question complexity was medium. More geometry questions appeared than in most mock tests. In VARC, two reading passages were extensive, while two others were easier. Nishank confirmed no technical issues occurred during the exam.
For context, CAT 2025 Slot 1 was generally considered easy to moderate. Arithmetic questions in Slot 1 were also noted as tricky. The exam pattern remained unchanged for both slots.
CAT 2025 Slot 2: Section-Wise Analysis
Candidate feedback provides a detailed look at each section’s difficulty and structure.
| Section | Total Questions | Allotted Time (Minutes) | Difficulty Level (Candidate Feedback) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 | Moderate |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 | Easy to Moderate (Long Questions) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 | Tough (Tricky, Manageable) |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section contained 24 questions, with 40 minutes allocated. Topics included para jumbles, verbal reasoning, and fill-in-the-blanks. The section’s difficulty was moderate. Some reading passages were lengthy, requiring careful time management.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This section had 22 questions. Most questions were considered easy to attempt, although some were notably long. Candidates had 40 minutes to complete this section.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The QA section comprised 22 questions, also with a 40-minute time limit. This section was generally tougher than Slot 1. Questions were tricky but manageable. Arithmetic and number system questions were particularly time-consuming. More geometry-based questions appeared than anticipated.
CAT 2025 Marking Scheme
The CAT 2025 examination follows a specific marking scheme. Three marks are awarded for each correct response. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for non-multiple-choice questions (non-MCQs). Unanswered questions also do not incur a penalty.
Candidates can use this analysis to understand performance expectations and prepare for future stages of the admission process. The overall moderate difficulty, coupled with a tougher Quant section, will likely influence percentile calculations.