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Each IIM is renowned for setting the CAT question paper in its own way. As a result, the difficulty level and approach changes. However, the basics of the exam do not change. Thus, we can’t exactly predict the question level based on how the IIM conducts it. But we can get a general idea about the difficulty. Therefore, let’s take a look at the CAT 2025 conducted by IIM.
Which IIM Will Conduct CAT 2025?
While there hasn’t been any official notification yet, it is expected that IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT 2025. To gain a general understanding of the level of difficulty, let's examine the previous CAT exam paper from IIM Kozhikode. Let's take a look at how IIM Kozhikode had set the last CAT exam paper.
CAT 2025 Difficulty Level Analysis
We expect IIM Kozhikode to conduct the CAT in 2025. So, looking at the CAT question paper set by IIM Kozhikode in 2019, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Quantitative Ability (QA) sections were of moderate level, while the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section was moderately difficult. Therefore, the overall exam level was considered moderate. We can therefore anticipate a similar situation this year as well.
Also Read, CAT Exam Analysis 2024, Slot 1,2,3 Section-wise Analysis
CAT Conducting Body with Difficulty Level
The following table offers a clear oveficulty Level Analysisrview of the difficulty level present in the past year's CAT exam with respect to the IIM colleges conducting it. Take a look:
| Year | IIM | VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) | DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) | QA (Quantitative Aptitude) |
| 2025 | IIM Kozhikode | Moderate (expected) | Moderate/difficult (expected) | Moderate (expected) |
| 2024 | IIM Calcutta | Moderate | Difficult/Moderate | Moderate |
| 2023 | IIM Lucknow | Difficult/moderate | Difficult | Difficult |
| 2022 | IIM Bangalore | Moderate/difficult | Difficult | Moderate/difficult |
| 2021 | IIM Ahmedabad | Difficult/moderate | Moderate/difficult | Difficult/moderate |
| 2020 | IIM Indore | Moderate | Difficult/moderate | Moderate |
| 2019 | IIM Kozhikode | Moderate | Moderate/difficult | Moderate |
| 2018 | IIM Calcutta | Easy/moderate | Difficult | Difficult |
| 2017 | IIM Lucknow | Easy/moderate | Moderate/difficult | Easy |
Also Read, Which IIM Will Conduct CAT 2026? Previous Year Analysis
CAT Exam Difficulty Level Analysis: A Look at 2024, 2023 and 2022
Let’s take a look at the difficulty level of the CAT exam in the past few years:
CAT 2024 Difficulty Level Analysis
IIM Calcutta conducted CAT 2024. The overall difficulty level of CAT 2024 was moderate. This made it more manageable compared to the previous year exam. The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section, remained consistent with past years. The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section was moderately difficult. Moreover, significant changes were observed in the pattern. Further, the Quantitative Ability (QA) section was also on the doable side with a moderate level challenge.
CAT 2023 Percentile-to-Scaled Score Conversion
| Percentile | Marks in 2024 |
| 99.9 | 127 |
| 99.5 | 103.97 |
| 99 | 95.13 |
| 97 | 78.9 |
| 95 | 70 |
| 90 | 58 |
CAT 2023 Difficulty Level Analysis
The CAT 2023 exam was conducted by IIM Lucknow. The Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) sections were challenging, with the QA section being notably more difficult compared to previous years. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section, however, ranged between moderate and difficult.
CAT 2023 Percentile-to-Scaled Score Conversion
| Percentile | Scaled Score |
| 100 | 138.59 |
| 99.95 | 106.95 |
| 99.9 | 101.43 |
| 99.5 | 84.29 |
| 99 | 76.02 |
| 98.5 | 71.15 |
| 98 | 66.68 |
| 97.5 | 63.64 |
| 97 | 61.56 |
| 96.6 | 59.99 |
| 96 | 58.1 |
| 95.5 | 56.41 |
| 95 | 54.86 |
| 94 | 53.32 |
| 93 | 52.35 |
| 92 | 51.95 |
| 91 | 46.13 |
| 90 | 45.16 |
CAT 2022 Difficulty Level Analysis
IIM Bangalore conducted the CAT exam in 2022. It delivered a paper with moderate to difficult challenges in the VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) and QA (Quantitative Ability) sections. Further, The DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section, was very demanding.
CAT 2022 Percentile-to-Scaled Score Conversion
| Percentile | Scaled Score |
| 100 | 145.83 |
| 99.9 | 109.9 |
| 99.5 | 92.87 |
| 99 | 83.64 |
| 98 | 73.88 |
| 95 | 59.75 |
| 90 | 48.44 |
| 85 | 41.32 |
| 80 | 36.02 |
Also Read, How To Get Into IIM With Poor Academics? Check Now
Which IIM Will Conduct CAT 2025: Conclusion
To sum up, the exact difficulty level of CAT 2025 is not confirmed yet, but it is likely that IIM Kozhikode will conduct the exam with a moderate level of difficulty in all three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Looking at previous CAT exams by different IIMs, the difficulty tends to change but usually stays balanced for fairly tested candidates. It’s important for aspirants to prepare well in all sections, especially DILR, which is often the toughest. Keeping track of the latest CAT 2025 updates and understanding any changes in the exam pattern will help you prepare smartly and score higher.
Also Read, IIM Shortlisting Criteria 2025: Composite Score, CAT Percentile
