How to mark answers in CAT exam 2025?

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Last Date to Apply
13th September, 2025

Ridhima Jindal
Ridhima Jindal

Table of Content

The CAT exam is a renowned and widely popular exam to study MBA from prestigious IIMs and certain other A grade colleges. The CAT 2025 exam is being conducted on 30th November 2025 as an online computer-based-test across 170 centres in India. The CAT exam has both MCQ and TITA questions, and the candidates have certain options to mark the answers in the CAT exam. Either they can submit the answer, mark for review later, or not answer at the moment.

Also read → How to use the CAT on-screen calculator?

This article aims to help the candidates understand these technical colour codes and also know what each of these options mean. The CAT exam will have 66 questions in total and each section is allotted 40 minutes. The CAT exam must be finished within 120 minutes only. Read the article to learn more about the CAT exam and its terminologies.

What are MCQ and TITA questions in the CAT exam?

CAT Preparation - a complete guide for VARC, DILR, and QA

how to mark answers in cat exam

How to mark answers in the CAT exam?

To mark answers in the CAT exam each format - MCQ and TITA have a different method. Read about these methods and terms below.

Download CAT previous year question papers PDF here

For MCQ Questions (Multiple Choice Questions)

  • Each MCQ has four options.
  • Click on the radio button next to the option you believe is correct.
  • You can change your selected answer before submitting or moving to the next question.
  • Click “Save & Next” to save your answer and proceed.

For Non-MCQs / TITA (Type In The Answer) Questions

  • You will not see any answer options.
  • Use the on-screen keyboard to type your answer into the input box.
  • Answers must be numeric or short text, as per the question.
  • Click “Save & Next” after typing your answer.

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CAT Exam Question Palette – Answer Status Indicators

During the CAT exam, you will see a question palette (usually on the right or left side of the screen), showing the status of each question using different colors and symbols. Here is what each indicator means.

Also see → CAT exam pattern

Color / Symbol

Meaning

What You Should Know

Grey (No Color)

Not Visited

You have not opened this question yet.

Red

Not Answered

You opened the question but did not select or type any answer, and moved on.

Green

Answered

You selected or typed an answer, then clicked “Save & Next”.

Purple

Marked for Review

You clicked “Mark for Review”, but did not answer the question.

Purple with a Green Tick (️)

Answered and Marked for Review

You answered the question and then clicked “Mark for Review”. It will be evaluated.

Yellow Highlight (Section Name)

Current Section

Shows which section you're currently in (VARC, DILR, QA).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAT exam and when is CAT 2025 being conducted?

The CAT exam is a popular online computer-based test for MBA admission to top IIMs and other A-grade colleges in India. CAT 2025 is scheduled for 30th November 2025, held across 170 centres. It assesses candidates abilities for management programs. This national-level exam is crucial for aspiring MBA students aiming for premier institutions.

What are MCQ and TITA questions in the CAT exam?

MCQ stands for Multiple Choice Questions, where you choose one correct option from four given choices. TITA means Type In The Answer questions, where you directly type your numeric or short text answer using an on-screen keyboard, as no options are provided. Both formats are part of the CAT exam.

How do I mark answers for MCQ questions in the CAT exam?

For MCQ questions, you need to click the radio button next to the option you think is correct. You can change your selection before moving on. After selecting, click the Save & Next button to confirm your answer and proceed to the next question. This action will save your chosen answer.

How do I answer TITA questions in the CAT exam?

To answer TITA questions, you wont see any options. Instead, you must type your answer into the provided input box using the on-screen keyboard. Ensure your answer is in the correct format, either numeric or short text, as specified by the question. After typing, click Save & Next to submit your answer.

What do the different colors mean on the CAT question palette?

The CAT question palette uses colors to show your answer status. Grey means not visited, Red means not answered after opening, Green means answered and saved. Purple indicates marked for review but not answered, while Purple with a Green Tick means answered and marked for review. Yellow highlights your current section.

What is the total time and number of questions in the CAT exam?

The CAT exam has a total of 66 questions, divided into sections. You are allotted 40 minutes for each section, making the total exam duration 120 minutes or 2 hours. Candidates must complete all questions within this strict time limit to maximize their score.

Can I change my answer or review questions later in the CAT exam?

Yes, you can change your selected answer for an MCQ before submitting or moving to the next question. You can also use the Mark for Review option to revisit questions later. If you answer a question and then mark it for review, that answer will still be evaluated. This flexibility helps manage your time effectively.

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