Is CAT a 2 Hour Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the entrance to the best business schools in India, such as the IIMs. Among the most common questions that are asked by aspirants is: Is CAT a 2-hour exam? Since the format of the exam has changed recently after the pandemic, it is more important than ever to know how the exam is structured, how much time it takes, and how it is divided into sections. This comprehensive guide goes in-depth to all the information you need to know about the exam duration, format, and preparation requirements in 2025.

Understanding the CAT Exam Duration

Until 2019, the CAT was conducted for 3 hours (180 minutes). But since the pandemic, the time has been shortened to 2 hours (120 minutes) since CAT 2020. This new format has been going on for the last couple of years.

So, is CAT a 2-hour exam in 2025?

Yes, according to the latest trends and official notification of CAT 2024, the test is still 2-hour long. It is natural that CAT 2025 must also be structured in the same way unless the IIMs declare a change.

Here’s a quick comparison of the old and current CAT formats:

Section-Wise Time Distribution in CAT

CAT consists of three major sections:

1. VARC – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

2. DILR – Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

3. QA – Quantitative Ability

Each section is allotted exactly 40 minutes, and there is no switching allowed between sections. This makes it imperative to manage your time wisely within each section.

Read More: How to Prepare for CAT DILR: Puzzle Solving Tips & Practice Resources?

Why Was the CAT Exam Duration Reduced?

The first cut from 3 hours to 2 hours was implemented in CAT 2020 as a precautionary measure because of COVID-19. However, even after normalization, the 2-hour format has persisted. According to the experts, this change will facilitate the logistics of carrying out the test in several slots.

In addition, fatigue can be minimized by having shorter exams to enable the candidates to be attentive during the exam. Nevertheless, accuracy and speed are even more important with less time per question. This has greatly affected the way the aspirants prepare their strategy.

How Does the 2-Hour Format Affect Your Preparation?

A shorter exam means:

• Less time per question

• Greater need for mock-based learning

• Higher importance of time management

• More strategic selection of questions

This is where such resources as CAT mock test papers and CAT VARC mock test series come in handy. The most effective method of getting used to the 2-hour format is to practice under time-limited conditions. Further, when you solve the CAT exam previous year question paper, you get a first-hand experience of the pattern and the difficulty of the paper.

Is CAT tougher now that it’s only 2 hours?

Not any harder, but certainly more competitive. The time was decreased as well as the number of questions. As an example, CAT 2019 consisted of 100 questions in 180 minutes, but CAT 2023 only consisted of 66 questions in 120 minutes. However, the test is difficult because of the pressure to maximize the number of attempts within a shorter time.

In order to cope with this shift, aspirants are advised to smartly utilize the CAT preparation books that provide focused practice.

Is it possible to study the CAT 2-hour format in 6 months?

Yes, and it requires regularity and an orderly plan. The mock tests and last year papers must be a part of your strategy with the limited time available. Keep your preparation in line with the following monthly schedule:

Sample 6-Month CAT Preparation Strategy (Time-Optimized)

Month 1-2:

• Cover basic concepts using CAT preparation books

• Focus equally on VARC, DILR, and QA

Month 3-4:

• Begin solving sectional CAT VARC mock test, DILR, and QA mocks

• Analyze mistakes and focus on weak areas

Month 5-6:

• Full-length CAT mock test papers every 3 days

• Practice 2–3 CAT exam previous year question paper sets

• Focus on revision and improving test temperament

Key Insights for 2-Hour CAT Format

• No breaks are provided during the test

• All sections have fixed order and time limit

• Skipping and reviewing questions is allowed within a section, not across sections

• Accuracy is more important than attempting more questions

• Attempting 40–50 questions with 85%+ accuracy can yield a 98+ percentile

Recommended Approach to Each Section (2-Hour Format)

VARC:

• Start with Reading Comprehension

• Focus on inferential questions

• Use the CAT VARC mock test to build speed

DILR:

• Choose sets wisely, avoid wasting time on tough sets

• 2-3 sets with high accuracy can fetch a good score

QA:

• Do a quick scan of all questions

• Attempt easier ones first

• Use CAT preparation books for daily revision

Does the 2-hour CAT affect cut-offs?

The cut-offs are dynamic. The total raw scores needed to achieve high percentiles have decreased with fewer questions and a shorter time scale. Nevertheless, competition is intense and sectional cut-offs continue to play a vital role, particularly in the case of IIMs.

Example: An 85-90 raw score can put you above the 95 percentile depending on the slot and difficulty.

Importance of Mock Tests in the 2-Hour CAT Format

CAT mock test papers help simulate the real exam environment, and this is even more vital with the current format. Here’s how:

• Helps build speed and accuracy

• Aids in identifying strong and weak areas

• Improves time allocation per section

Practicing a wide range of mocks, including sectional ones like the CAT VARC mock test, helps you adapt better.

Is there any chance CAT will revert to 3 hours?

As of now, no official indications have been given about reverting back to the 3-hour format. The 2-hour pattern has been consistent for four consecutive years (2020–2023), and CAT 2024 follows the same model. Unless officially notified, CAT 2025 is also expected to be a 2-hour exam.

The Evolution of CAT Pattern Over the Years

Understanding whether the CAT is a 2-hour exam requires a look at its historical progression. Before 2020, CAT was a 3-hour exam (180 minutes) comprising three sections. However, in response to the pandemic, the IIMs reduced the duration to 2 hours (120 minutes) in 2020 to ensure safe conduct in staggered slots. Since then, the 2-hour format has continued, though subject to change based on administrative decisions by the exam authorities.

This reduction in time has prompted aspirants to rethink their strategy, particularly in time-bound practice using CAT mock test papers. Practicing with updated formats is vital. Many students also refer to CAT exam previous year question paper sets to adapt their approach to the compressed time frame.

Moreover, candidates aiming for a high percentile focus on developing accuracy along with speed—especially in CAT VARC mock test sessions. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section, now given only 40 minutes, demands not only conceptual clarity but also the ability to comprehend and respond quickly.

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Final Thoughts

Yes, CAT is a 2-hour exam, and that’s what aspirants should prepare for in 2025. The format may have evolved, but with focused planning, smart use of CAT preparation books, regular practice of CAT mock test papers, and solving previous year CAT exam question papers, aspirants can stay ahead of the curve.

Success in CAT is not about attempting all questions, but about choosing the right ones and managing your 120 minutes wisely. Practice smart, analyze thoroughly, and stay consistent.