The Common Admission Test (CAT) is not just another aptitude exam—it’s the gateway to India’s most prestigious business schools, including the IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and more. Every mark matters when over 3 lakh aspirants compete for just a few thousand seats.
However, one of the most challenging aspects of CAT is negative marking—a single wrong answer doesn’t just earn you zero marks; it pulls your score down.
In an exam where:
- You get +3 for every correct answer, and
- -1 for every incorrect MCQ,
- a few careless errors can cost you your dream percentile.
Why is Negative Marking in CAT 2025 So Critical?
Let’s take a quick example:
| No. of Questions Attempted | Correct Answers | Incorrect Answers | Net Score |
| 20 | 15 | 5 | (15×3) – (5×1) = 40 |
| 20 | 12 | 8 | (12×3) – (8×1) = 28 |
| 20 | 18 | 2 | (18×3) – (2×1) = 52 |
Observation: Two or three incorrect answers can create a 10–20 mark gap, which could mean the difference between 90 and 99+ percentile.
In this blog, we’ll help you:
- Understand the marking scheme of CAT 2025,
- Decode why students lose marks, and
- Share actionable tips to avoid negative marking, section-wise.
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
To avoid negative marks in CAT 2025, it’s essential to first understand how the exam is structured and how marks are awarded or deducted. The CAT exam not only tests your knowledge but also your decision-making under pressure—making the marking scheme a strategic element in your preparation.
A. CAT 2025 Section-wise Structure
| Section Name | No. of Questions(Expected) | Time Limit | Key Skills Tested |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes | Reading speed, comprehension, verbal logic |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 minutes | Data analysis, logical reasoning, puzzle solving |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems |
Total Duration: 120 minutes
Total Questions: 68
Format: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
B. CAT 2025 Marking Scheme
CAT questions are of two types:
- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) – Have 4 options, one correct
- TITA (Type in the Answer) – You type in the answer; no options are given
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Answer Incorrect | Answer Unattempted |
| MCQ (Objective) | +3 marks | -1 mark | 0 marks |
| TITA (Subjective) | +3 marks | 0 marks | 0 marks |
TITA questions carry no negative marking, so they’re a safe bet when you want to attempt.
C. How Negative Marking Impacts Your Percentile
Even a few incorrect MCQ attempts can significantly drop your score and percentile. Here’s a snapshot of how a slight change in net score can affect your standing:
| Raw Score (Approx) | Expected Percentile (Based on Past Trends) |
| 90-95 | 99+ percentile |
| 70-80 | 95–98 percentile |
| 55-65 | 90–94 percentile |
| 40-50 | 80–89 percentile |
Key Takeaway: Avoiding negative marking can often be more beneficial than increasing attempts.
Why Students Lose Marks: Common Triggers of Negative Marking
Understanding the root causes of negative marking is the first step toward avoiding it. Many CAT aspirants fall into the same traps yearly—not due to lack of preparation, but poor strategy under pressure.
Here are the most common reasons why students lose marks in CAT:
1. Overconfidence and Random Guessing
- Attempting a question “just for the sake of it” can backfire.
- Some students feel they must attempt at least 90% of the paper, which leads to avoidable errors.
- CAT is not about attempting all questions but getting the ones you attempt right.
2. Misreading the Question
- In a hurry, students often skip keywords like “not”, “except”, or “only.”
- In DILR and QA, overlooking units, constraints, or conditions can ruin an otherwise correct solution.
- RC questions are especially tricky: one misread option can lead to a -1.
3. Confusing or Similar Answer Options
- CAT MCQs are designed to test the depth of understanding, not just surface knowledge.
- Options can be close in meaning or numerically similar, especially in VARC and QA.
- Without clear conceptual clarity, this leads to incorrect selections.
4. Poor Time Management
- Spending too much time on 1–2 tough questions creates panic throughout the paper.
- This causes students to rush through the easier ones, leading to careless mistakes.
5. Inadequate Practice With TITA Questions
- Many ignore TITA questions, thinking they are harder.
- But skipping TITA entirely can reduce your safe attempt pool—where there’s no risk of negative marking.
6. Exam Day Anxiety
- Even the most well-prepared students can lose marks due to nervousness or mental fatigue.
- A shaky mind leads to impulse attempts and hasty decisions—exactly what CAT punishes.
Insight: The exam is as much about your mindset as it is about your preparation.
Proven Tips to Avoid Negative Marking in CAT 2025
Now that you know what leads to negative marking, let’s focus on practical strategies that can help you improve accuracy and protect your percentile. These tips are not just theoretical—they’re drawn from toppers’ habits, expert advice, and what we teach at Tarkashastra.
1. Focus on Accuracy Over Attempts
- Don’t try to solve all 68 questions—no one does.
- Choose questions you’re confident in, and avoid uncertain guesses.
- Remember: 15 accurate attempts per section can fetch you a 95–99 percentile, depending on difficulty.
2. Master Sectional Time Management
| Section | Time Allocation | Ideal Attempt Strategy |
| VARC | 40 mins | 4 RCs + 4-5 VA Questions |
| DILR | 40 mins | 2 complete sets + 1 partial |
| QA | 40 mins | 12–15 questions selectively |
- Use set timers while practising mocks.
- Don’t get stuck—move on after 2–2.5 mins per question if stuck
3. Avoid Blind Guessing; Use Elimination Smartly
- If you can’t eliminate at least two options, skip the question.
- When you narrow down to 2 options, consider the following:
- Logic vs. Instinct — trust logic.
- Revisit later if unsure the first time.
4. Read Questions and Options Very Carefully
- Underline keywords in RCs and QA.
- Double-check conditions in DILR sets before jumping to conclusions.
- Misreading = negative marking.
5. Attempt TITA Questions Confidently
- No negative marking = zero risk zone.
- Attempt TITA questions to last when you’ve secured high accuracy on MCQs.
- Use approximate values or educated guesses here if you’re short on time.
6. Practice Full-Length Mocks With Analysis
- Track your accuracy %, not just the total score.
- Maintain an Error Log:
| Mock No. | Question Topic | Type of Error | Correct Logic | Plan to Avoid |
| Mock 3 | QA – Ratio | Misread Q | Used wrong ratio | Read twice before solving |
- At Tarkashastra, we guide students in analysing why mistakes happen—not just the correct answer.
7. Keep Calm on Exam Day
- Build a pre-exam routine: meditation, mock warm-up, revision.
- Don’t panic if the paper feels tough—it’s tough for everyone.
- Mental stability = fewer mistakes = higher percentile.
Section-wise Strategy to Avoid Negative Marking
Each section of the CAT exam presents unique challenges and requires a tailored approach to avoid negative markings. Here’s how to fine-tune your VARC, DILR, and QA strategy.
A. VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
| Key Challenges | Tips to Avoid Negative Marking |
| Similar-looking options | Read all options carefully and eliminate using logic |
| Misinterpreting the passage | Revisit relevant lines before answering inference questions |
| Rushing through RCs | Read slowly and break long paragraphs into key ideas |
| Skipping VA practice | Regularly solve para jumbles, summary, and odd one out sets |
Pro Tip: Avoid inferring beyond what the passage says. Stick to explicit information unless asked otherwise.
B. DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
| Key Challenges | Tips to Avoid Negative Marking |
| Incomplete data interpretation | Don’t attempt unless the set’s logic is 100% clear |
| Confusing variables or terms | Make proper tables or charts for clarity |
| Carrying forward wrong data | Cross-check values before using them in sub-questions |
| Mismanagement of time | Prioritise easier sets; don’t get stuck on one complex set |
Pro Tip: Always verify the base logic before jumping to the sub-questions. One mistake = multiple wrong answers in DILR.
C. QA – Quantitative Ability
| Key Challenges | Tips to Avoid Negative Marking |
| Calculation mistakes | Use rough sheet smartly; double-check final steps |
| Overconfidence in shortcuts | Use tricks only if you’ve mastered them through practice |
| Unit and format errors | Always check if the answer needs to be in %, ratio, etc. |
| Misreading questions | Highlight key phrases in word problems |
Pro Tip: If a question looks familiar, don’t jump in blindly—reread it to avoid trap words or twisted framing.
Customizing your approach per section reduces the chances of silly mistakes and improves your overall exam efficiency.
Tools & Resources to Help You Improve Accuracy
Innovative practice matters more than hard practice to avoid negative marks in CAT 2025. The right tools can help you track performance, spot patterns, and build accuracy across all sections.
Here’s a curated list of Tarkashastra-recommended tools and techniques to enhance your performance:
1. Full-Length Mock Tests (With Analysis)
| Platform | Features | Why It Helps |
| Tarkashastra LIVE Mocks | Closely replicates CAT interface & difficulty | Builds exam temperament and accuracy under pressure |
| Official CAT Mock (IIMs) | Free mock released by IIM each year | Get familiar with real exam UI and question type |
Always review every incorrect and guessed answer post-mock. Understand the “why” behind each mistake.
2. Personal Error Logbook
Maintain an “Error Tracker” to avoid repeating the same types of mistakes.
Sample Format:
| Mock# | Section | Topic | Type of Error | Correction Strategy |
| Mock 5 | QA | Geometry | Misapplied formula | Revise concepts & maintain formula sheet |
| Mock 6 | VARC | RC (Tone) | Misread tone | Practice tone-based questions daily |
| Mock 7 | DILR | Venn Diagram | Wrong diagram drawn | Draw before jumping to options |
Review this log every week during preparation.
3. Topic-Wise Timed Practice
- Use stopwatches or countdown timers while solving sets.
- Start with 10-minute sectional drills, then graduate to 20-minute blocks.
- Focus on accuracy within time, not just completion.
4. Accuracy Tracker (Weekly)
At Tarkashastra, we recommend tracking weekly accuracy rates across mocks:
| Week | VARC Accuracy | DILR Accuracy | QA Accuracy | Target for Next Week |
| 1 | 70% | 55% | 60% | Improve DILR to 65% |
| 2 | 75% | 65% | 68% | Focus on QA geometry |
This helps you move from random attempts to reliable performance.
5. Concept Revision Aids
- Formula Sheets for QA
- Tone & Vocabulary Lists for VARC
- Puzzle Practice Packs for DILR
Tarkashastra offers free downloadable PDFs and live practice sessions on YouTube – perfect for high-accuracy practice.
Final Takeaway: It’s Not About Attempting All Questions
Many CAT aspirants make the mistake of thinking that more attempts = more marks. But the truth is CAT rewards precision, not aggression. The exam is deliberately designed to test your knowledge and your judgment under pressure.
Focus on Smart Attempts, Not Maximum Attempts
| Strategy | Outcome |
| Attempt 45+ questions with 70% accuracy | High risk of negative marking & lower score |
| Attempt 35 questions with 90% accuracy | Fewer negatives, better score & percentile |
It’s better to attempt 28–30 questions accurately than attempt 60 with many wrong answers.
One Wrong Answer = 4 Marks Lost
Let’s break it down:
- One incorrect MCQ = –1 mark
- You also lose the opportunity to get +3 marks elsewhere if time is wasted
- That’s effectively a 4-mark loss per bad decision
Topper Insight: They Leave Questions Too!
Most 99+ percentile scorers:
- Attempt only 50–60% of the total questions
- Spend more time choosing the right questions
- Leave anything that feels ambiguous or tricky
Key Takeaway for CAT 2025 Aspirants
- The exam is a test of selection, not speed
- Don’t chase attempts—chase accuracy
- Learn to let go of doubtful questions
FAQs – Negative Marking in CAT 2025
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by CAT aspirants regarding negative marking, answered by our experts at Tarkashastra:
1. Is negative marking applicable to all questions in CAT 2025?
No.
Negative marking applies only to MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions). TITA (Type in the Answer) questions have no negative marking.
2. What is the penalty for a wrong answer in CAT?
For every wrong MCQ:
- You lose 1 mark (–1)
- For TITA questions: No penalty even if the answer is incorrect
3. Should I attempt TITA questions even if I’m not sure?
Yes
Since TITA questions do not have negative markings, they are risk-free. Attempt them, especially if you can make an educated guess or partial calculation.
4. Can negative marking alone cause a drop in percentile?
Absolutely.
A few incorrect answers can lower your net score by 10–15 marks, which can mean a drop of 5–10 percentile points in a competitive slot.
5. Should I leave a question blank if I’m unsure?
If it’s an MCQ and you’re not confident or can’t eliminate options, it’s better to skip the question. One wrong guess can cost you heavily.
6. Do all three sections have questions with negative markings?
Yes.
Each section—VARC, DILR, and QA—includes MCQs (with negative marking) and TITA questions (without negative marking).
Conclusion
Negative marking is not just a technical detail in the CAT exam—it’s a game-changer. Many aspirants with strong concepts end up with disappointing scores simply because they didn’t control their accuracy or exam temperament.
Let’s quickly recap what you’ve learned:
- Understand the exam pattern thoroughly—know where marks are gained and lost
- Prioritize accuracy over attempts—precision pays off more than speed
- Use TITA questions wisely—they’re free of penalty
- Practice with error logs, mock tests, and time-bound drills
- Stay calm and strategic on exam day
At Tarkashastra, we believe every student can crack CAT—not by working harder, but by working brighter and cleaner. Avoiding negative markings is one of the smartest moves you can make in your CAT 2025 journey.
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