Is CAT Exam Tough?

Is CAT Exam Tough? Difficulty Level, Exam Structure, Marks Distribution

Nov 20, 2025 | CAT

Share it on:

Is CAT exam tough? Yes, CAT is a moderately difficult exam due to factors like time constraints, vast syllabus, and high level of questions. However, you can ace the exam by preparing and following a routine.

Add Getmyuni as a Trusted Source

Yes,the Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most prominent and demanding entrance tests for top-tier business schools, including the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and other top management universities. Thus, the difficulty level of this exam is higher in comparison to other MBA entrance exams.

The CAT exam, which is administered annually, is a standard for assessing your aptitude in quantitative ability (QA), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC) to give MBA admission in top B-schools and IIMS in India.

Is the CAT Exam Tough?

To answer this question, you need to understand the entire structure of the exam. Nevertheless, CAT is among the toughest exams, and the competitive level is generally high. The exam areas include the question pattern, eligibility criteria, and the syllabus.

However, you can crack it with proper preparation and applied knowledge. So if you are wondering, "is CAT exam tough?" let us first understand the structure, marks distribution, and eligibility criteria of the CAT exam to get an answer.

Also Read:

CAT 2025 Exam Structure

CAT exam is held annually in an online mode. As per the CAT 2025 exam pattern, the questions are in the form of MCQs and non-objective types. Moreover, there is negative marking for wrong answers. The questions are covered from namely three areas:

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

The total time allotted for answering the questions is 120 minutes. Thus, 40 minutes can be devoted to each section of questions.

Sections	Topics Included
CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Topics	General arithmetic Algebra Mensuration Percentage Logs Set Theory and Function Simple Interest and Compound Interest Trigonometry Calculus Geometry
CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Topics	Reading comprehension and answering Appropriate vocabulary usage Usage of grammar Phrases and idioms Correction of sentence Reverse analogies or analogies Completion of paragraph Judgment of facts and their interference Use appropriate words to fill in the blanks
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Topics	Bar chart Pie chart Line chart Pie Chart Column Graphs Sense of direction Venn Diagrams Solving puzzles Decoding series Clocks and Calendars Solving data structures Figuring out blood relations Arrangements of numbers Coding-Decoding

Chcek This: CAT 2025 Formula Sheet

CAT Exam Preparation Tip 2025

Well, the CAT exam preparation can be strenuous. To reduce the pressure and to help you achieve desired results, here are some of the tips to prepare for the CAT exam:

Start the preparation by analyzing the syllabus critically and apprehending smart techniques.
Next, create a solid timetable that will focus on the weak areas and have ample time to go through the already known sections.
Afterwards, select the best books in the market, and the topper suggested ones.
Furthermore, observe the evolution of questions from the ten years' question banks.
Additionally, keep some time for revision and appear for mock tests. If possible, get admitted to a good CAT coaching centre in the locality.

Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in CAT for Government Colleges