The Common Admission Test (CAT), being one of the top most management exams, is also one of the toughest exams for those who are planning to pursue an MBA and get admissions to prestigious institutions like IIMs. The concept of negative marking in CAT can add to the pressure aspiring candidates fail to perform well. As per the CAT marking scheme, one mark gets deducted for every for an incorrect answer. However, it is important to understand that there are two types of questions in CAT:-
- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
- TITA (Type In the Answer)
There is no penalty for answering an incorrect TITA question. However, if you answer an MCQ incorrectly, one mark gets deducted.
What is Negative Marking in CAT 2025?
To simplify, negative marking in CAT denotes that a candidate loses marks if they attempt an incorrect answer. The negative marking applies to only MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions). One mark gets deducted if they answer an MCQ incorrectly. It is important to note that no marks are taken if a TITA question is answered incorrectly.
One should also note that if you don’t attempt a question, you won’t lose marks.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
|
Overall CAT Marking Scheme
|
Correct Answer: +3 marks |
|
Incorrect Answer (MCQ): -1 mark
|
|
|
Unattempted/Skipped Questions: No penalty
|
|
|
TITA Questions: No negative marking
|
Also Read, CAT EXAM PATTERN 2025
Why Does CAT Have Negative Marking?
The purpose behind negative marking in CAT 2025 is to test your decision making skills under pressure. CAT wants to judge your proficiency in making educated guesses, but it also discourages making wild guesses.
By implementing negative marking, the CAT exam ensures that candidates don’t attempt answers without understanding the underlying concepts. This is also unfair to the student who has prepared well and answered the questions very carefully.
It helps in accessing accuracy, logical reasoning and time management skills, all of which are required to become a skillful manager.
Effective Strategies to Avoid Negative Marking in CAT 2025
Here are some important tips and strategies to follow to avoid the CAT Negative Marking in CAT exam 2025:
Focus on Accuracy, Not the Number of Questions
Try to focus on answering those questions which you are sure about. Avoid guessing answers and risking the penalties. It is advised to answer fewer questions which have higher chances of getting it right.
Avoid the guesswork in the exam
If you are not sure about an answer to its question, it is better to avoid it rather than taking a wild guess
Optimize Your Time Effectively
The penalty for incorrect answers makes time management even more crucial. Spend enough time on each question to ensure you understand it before answering. If you’re unsure, move on.
Use the elimination process
If you can remove at least one or two options in the MCQ, probability of guessing the correct answer increases. This also helps you get close towards the correct answer.
Practice more
The more you engage with mock tests and sample papers, the better you’ll familiarize yourself with the question patterns and refine your approach for answering them accurately.
Avoid overthinking
If a question seems confusing, move on. Put your trust in your preparation and revisit it later when you have more time.
Stay Calm During the Exam
Stress can lead to silly mistakes. Take deep breaths, stay focused, and tackle one question at a time. A calm mind helps you think clearly.
Also Read: How to Start CAT Preparation for Beginners
Benefits of Knowing Negative Marking Scheme in CAT 2025
- Avoid Costly Mistakes
- You lose 1/3 mark for every wrong answer.
- It is advised to avoid wild guesses to prevent losing hard-earned marks.
2. Optimize Attempts
- Focus on questions you’re confident in attempting.
- Avoid attempting risky questions to maximize accuracy.
3. Better Time Management
- Spend time wisely on solvable questions.
- Try avoid getting stuck on difficult problems.
4. Reduces Exam Pressure
- A clear and set strategy boosts confidence.
- Helps you stay calm and focused.
5. Section-Wise Strategy
- Customizing attempts for VARC, DILR, and QA.
- Balance accuracy and risk-taking.
6. Improves Overall Percentile
- Helps in Minimising negative marks to secure a higher score.
- Every mark counts in a competitive exam like CAT.
Also Read: 8 Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Preparation
Does Negative Marking Apply Equally to All CAT 2025 Sections
While this rule applies to all sections—Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA), Negative marking can have a significant impact based on the section’s difficulty and your strengths.
How Negative Marking Plays Out Differently in Each CAT Section
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Why It’s Tricky:
VARC frequently features subjective questions, particularly in Reading Comprehension (RC). Guessing here can be risky because the answers are context-dependent - Strategy:
Prioritize high-accuracy attempts. Skip questions where you’re unsure, as the cost of a wrong answer can outweigh the benefit of a guess.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Why It’s Challenging:
DILR sets are often time-consuming and complex. A single wrong answer in a set can lead to multiple errors, amplifying the impact of negative marking. - Strategy:
Choose your sets wisely. Attempt only those you’re confident about, and don’t rush through calculations to avoid making mistakes.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Why It’s Manageable:
QA questions are more formula-based and objective, making it easier to gauge your accuracy. However, silly mistakes can still cost you. - Strategy:
Double-check calculations and avoid guesswork unless you can eliminate at least two options.
Negative Marking in CAT 2025 FAQs
In the CAT exam, 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in the multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while there’s no negative marking for unanswered questions or for the Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
Yes, there is a negative marking in the CAT exam.
You can lose one marks for a question (MCQ) answered wrong.
Out of the total of 66 questions asked in the CAT exam, and the total marks of 198, For each correct answer, +3 marks will be awarded, while -1 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
There will be no negative marks in the CAT exam for unanswered questions.
If you are unsure about a question, you can skip it.
