Many students are now wondering whether the CAT exam pattern will change or not. Although there has been no official announcement, the recent IPMAT 2025 exam has created a lot of discussion on this aspect.

IPMAT usually follows the same question pattern as CAT, but this year there has been a big change in the math questions—Geometry has gained more importance instead of Arithmetic.

This has many wondering, will there be any such surprises in CAT 2025? Although there is no guarantee, those who are seriously preparing for the CAT need to be careful now.

Can the CAT 2025 exam pattern change?

The history of CAT exams says that changes in this exam are nothing new. The number of questions, the time limit, and even the importance of each section have changed repeatedly in the last few years. In 2020, there were 76 questions in total to 66 (2021–2023); the number increased to 68 in 2024.

Another big indication of such unexpected changes has come from IPMAT 2025. Where earlier, more emphasis was given to Arithmetic and Algebra, this year, 6-7 questions were from Geometry, while only 2 were from Arithmetic.

There is enough reason to think that some unexpected patterns may come in CAT 2025 as well. CAT always wants to test the candidates' steadiness and intelligence by putting them in difficulty. Therefore, it is wise to be prepared for all kinds of situations rather than relying on any one question pattern.

Why Should You Prepare for a Pattern Change Anyway?

CAT is an exam where "Expect the Unexpected" means reality. If you only study according to the old pattern, then your performance can suffer when there is a sudden change.

However, those who score well in CAT know that it is not how weighty a topic is, but being prepared for everything. Because the more difficult the exam is, the more the difference in score will be in small questions. So even if the pattern changes in CAT 2025, being prepared to handle that surprise is your best weapon.

Strategies to Handle a CAT Exam Pattern Change

a. Prepare All Topics Equally
Many students spend more time on high-weightage topics like Arithmetic or Algebra during CAT preparation. But if the pattern changes, this strategy will not work at all.

The way Geometry has increased in importance in IPMAT this year, it seems that more questions may come from less discussed topics in CAT too. So there is still time—Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System—prepare well on all the topics.

Try to keep each concept clear. Whether it is from your coaching classes, online resources, or reading on your own, cover the entire syllabus. This will help you answer questions with confidence in any pattern.

b. Practice Smartly with Concept-Linked Questions

Just solving questions randomly will not do; understand the concept first. Understand the "why" or "how" behind each question - only then will you be truly prepared.

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You can practice questions on a specific topic if you want. If you are studying Geometry today, then do ten good questions on that topic. This way, even if the question comes from any angle, your head will not be spinning.

c. Take Full-Length Mock Tests
To succeed in the CAT, taking a mock test is mandatory. Give at least 25-30 full mocks before CAT 2025.

Each mock will have 60-70 questions, which will include both high and low-weightage topics. In this, not only question solving, but also time management, question selection, and stress management - everything will be practiced.

After giving the mock test, analyze where you made mistakes, which topic you are making more mistakes on, and where you are taking more time. After understanding these, if you focus on that area, your score will increase step by step.

d. Don’t Skip Low-Weightage Topics

In CAT, it is often seen that easy questions come from the topics that are given less importance.

For example, Set Theory, Modern Math, or Trigonometry—many people skip these. But if this time, 2-3 easy questions come from this topic, then there will be nothing left to do.

So, prepare at least at the basic level for each topic during practice. So that you can answer any question easily if it comes.

e. Focus on Protecting Your Percentile
Sometimes in the CAT exam, if the paper is a little difficult, then you can get a 96-97 percentile by getting only 23-24 marks.

So, without worrying about the number of questions or toughness, your goal should be to solve 7–8 questions with absolute accuracy.

This task will be possible only when you have studied all the topics well. If difficult questions come from common topics, then the easy questions will be from those low-weightage topics.

f. Get Expert Support Through Coaching

Good online coaching will teach you every topic thoroughly, regardless of past score-weightage trends. For example, Rodha’s CAT 2025 program offers live concept classes, in-depth doubt-solving, structured assignments, full-length section tests, and personalized feedback backed by real CAT-taker strategies.

With Rodha’s focused mentorship and smart study plans, you don’t just prepare—you understand how to prepare. So even if the CAT 2025 pattern changes, you’ll be ready with the right mindset and the right methods.

CAT Question Pattern Trend

If you look at the number and distribution of CAT questions in the past years, you can understand how dynamic this exam is. Below is the trend of the CAT question pattern from 2020 to 2024:

Conclusion

It is difficult to say right now whether the pattern of CAT 2025 will change or not. But it is not a good idea to take any risks when it comes to preparation. Study every topic, give regular mocks, and learn from your mistakes.

Even if the pattern changes, your strategy and confidence will keep you ahead of others.