The CAT 2025 Slot 1 examination, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, concluded successfully at 10:30 AM on November 30, 2025. The exam began at 8:30 AM across multiple centres in India. Aspirants faced a mix of MCQ and TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions across all three sections — VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes each.
As expected, the overall difficulty level of CAT 2025 slot 1 remained moderate, echoing the pattern of previous year exams. While the VARC section was time-consuming, Quant was moderately tough, and DILR was reported as comparatively easier to moderate.
In this article, we present an in-depth CAT 2025 slot 1 exam analysis, memory-based answer key, section-wise difficulty, and key takeaways to help future test takers evaluate their performance and plan ahead.
CAT 2025 Slot 1 Memory-Based Answer Key (Unofficial)
Here are some of the memory-based questions shared by candidates along with verified approximate answers by coaching experts:
🔹 Q1: A 200L solution contains 30% acid and 70% water. 20% of solution is replaced with water and 10% is replaced with acid. What is the approximate percentage of acid in the solution?
Answer: Approximately 27%
🔹 Q2: Solve the following system of equations:
2a – 5b + 11c = 0
11a + 10b – 2c = 5
Answer: The values can be evaluated by substitution/elimination (detailed solution will be published soon).
🔹 Q3: In a class, there were more than 10 boys than girls. After 40% girls and 60% boys left, remaining girls were 8 more than boys. Find the possible total number of students initially.
Answer: Concept based, approximate initial student count can be calculated as per typical algebraic ratio constraints.
🔹 Q4: A trader buys stocks A, B, and C at ₹120, ₹90, and ₹80, respectively. He holds 60 shares of A and a total portfolio value of ₹3300. Find the combined number of shares of B and C.
Answer: Concept based. Expected answer through portfolio calculation.
🔹 Q5: A shopkeeper offers 22% discount on marked price and gives 13 chairs at discounted price of 12 chairs to gain 26% profit. Cost price per chair = ₹100. Find marked price.
Answer: Approximate Marked Price ₹180 (varies slightly based on exact calculation).
🔹 Q6: Algebra
x ≥ y ≥ 3 and x + y ≤ 14.
Answer: Maximum value based constraints = 16
Note: These answers are memory-based and may differ slightly from official answer key. The official CAT 2025 answer key will be released by IIM Kozhikode within a few days on iimcat.ac.in.
CAT 2025 Slot 1 Exam Analysis – Section Wise
CAT 2025 Slot 1 had a total of 68 questions, divided into three major sections.
| Section | Total Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | Moderate |
| DILR | 22 | Easy to Moderate |
| Quant | 22 | Moderate to Tough |
| Overall | 68 | Moderate |
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) Analysis
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, lengthy, and slightly tricky.
- Type of Questions:
- 4 Reading Comprehensions (each with 4-5 questions)
- 2 Para Summary
- 2 Para Jumbles (TITA)
- 2 Para Completion
- 2 Odd One Out
- One RC was based on:
- Electronic musical instruments
- Complex systems
- Inequality and economic growth
- Infinity & law
- Many RC questions were inference-based, demanding strong comprehension skills.
Good Attempts: 15–17 questions with high accuracy.
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) Analysis
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Total Sets: 5 sets, with a mix of DI and LR.
- Question Type:
- 11 TITA questions
- 11 MCQs
- DI was comparatively easy, but LR involved tricky puzzles.
- Popular question types included:
- Bar charts
- Case-based puzzles
- Seating arrangements
- Games and tournaments
Good Attempts: 10–12 questions with accuracy.
Quantitative Aptitude (Quant) Analysis
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Tough
- Topic-Wise Breakdown:
- Arithmetic – 8 questions
- Algebra – 5+ questions
- Geometry – 1 question
- Number System – 1 question
- Profit & Loss – 1 question
- Simple & Compound Interest – 2 questions
- Time Speed & Distance – 1 question
- Mixed MCQs and TITA type questions.
- TITA questions were challenging, requiring step-by-step calculations.
Good Attempts: 12–14 questions with good accuracy.
Overall Difficulty Review – CAT 2025 Slot 1
- VARC: Moderate but lengthy and reading-heavy.
- DILR: Most manageable section for majority test takers.
- Quant: Slightly tougher than last year with more conceptual questions.
- Overall Difficulty: Similar to CAT 2023, slightly tougher than CAT 2024.
Key Highlights of CAT 2025 Slot 1
✔ No major change in exam structure
✔ DI was easy, LR was tricky
✔ VARC was time consuming but manageable
✔ Quant had a mix of conceptual & arithmetic questions
✔ No surprise elements or new question formats
✔ Overall moderate level
CAT 2025 Official Answer Key Release
IIM Kozhikode will release the official CAT 2025 answer key and response sheet within a few days of the exam. Candidates can log in to the official portal iimcat.ac.in using:
🔐 Login Details:
- CAT Registration Number
- Password / Date of Birth
Once released, candidates can download:
✔ CAT 2025 Answer Key PDF
✔ Candidate Response Sheet
✔ Objection Form (if any discrepancies)
What’s Next?
After the provisional answer key is released, candidates will be able to raise objections. Once resolved, the final answer key will be published. CAT 2025 results are expected by January 2026, followed by MBA admission processes by IIMs and top B-schools.
Also Read: CAT 2025 Exam Day Instructions.
Final Thoughts
CAT 2025 Slot 1 maintained the traditional exam pattern without much deviation. While the exam was moderately difficult, smart attempts and accuracy will play a major role in percentile scores. Aspirants are advised to analyze their responses using this memory-based answer key and prepare for upcoming admissions.
Stay tuned to BharatNaukri.com for CAT official answer key update, percentile predictor, and live results coverage.
