Big Change in CAT 2020 Exam Pattern; Check Details

As per the new CAT exam pattern, the total time duration is 120 minutes and sectional time-limit is 40 minutes for each section. Check other details related to new CAT exam pattern. 

The IIM Indore, convening body of CAT 2020, has announced a major change in the CAT exam pattern. This year, the exam will be conducted in three slots, instead of two and the time duration will be 120 minutes instead of 180 minutes.

This change in time duration has been brought possibly to ensure the authorities have ample time to conduct the CAT exam with all the Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines in place. However, the change in CAT exam pattern has come as a shock to many aspirants as they have been practicing three-hour long mock tests to prepare for the exam.

Rest of the elements of CAT exam pattern remain the same. There is no change in either the number of questions or marking scheme. IIM Indore may communicate more changes (if any) in the CAT exam pattern post September 20. Tutorials to understand the new CAT exam pattern will be released in the month of October.

Latest news: Official CAT 2020 mock test link acivated; get direct link

New CAT Exam Pattern

More details of CAT exam pattern and marking scheme are summarized below.

CAT 2020 Pattern
Number of sections	1.    VARC 2.    DILR 3.    QA
Duration of exam	40 minutes per section
Number of questions	100
Total marks	300
Language of question paper	English
Number of answer choices	4

Also Read: CAT syllabus

Section-wise break up

The number of questions asked in each section of CAT exam and time allotted to each is summarized in the table below.

CAT 2020 Sections	No. of Questions	Allotted Time
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	34	40 minutes
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI)	32	40 minutes
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	34	40 minutes
Total	100	120 minutes

CAT Marking Scheme

• Total marks of CAT 2020 paper will be 300
• Each question will carry 3 marks
• There will be negative marking of -1 each for a wrong answer
• There will be no negative marking in non-MCQs

CAT 2020: Exam Timings

CAT 2020 Sessions	Shift Timing
Slot 1 - Morning	8:30 AM to10:30 AM
Slot 2 - Afternoon	12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Slot 3 - Evening	4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Changes in CAT exam pattern. What does it mean for aspirants?

Nothing really changes for CAT 2020 aspirants from the preparation point of view. However, they need to reconsider their test-taking strategy. Reduction in time duration, also means that the number of questions will be reduced, and this announcement is expected in a few days.

Now, if we consider the total number of questions is reduced from 100 to 75, then you will have to solve 25 questions in 40 minutes. This means the difficulty level of the question paper could be lower as in this scenario, time per question will be 1.6 minutes.

If we consider the total number of questions is reduced to 60, it will mean 20 questions per section and 2 minutes per question. In this scenario, the difficulty level of the questions is likely to go up.

If there is no change in the total number of questions, which is unlikely, the candidates should stick to solving questions with maximum accuracy rather than trying to solve maximum number of questions in less time.

Also Read: Changes in Top MBA Entrance Exams Due to COVID-19

Changes in CAT Exam Pattern Over Years

CAT has seen a lot of change in the exam pattern in the past one decade. In 2009, CAT moved online and since then, the exam duration and number of sections have been changing. Check the table below for changes in CAT exam pattern since 2010. 

CAT Year	Number of questions	Time duration	Sections
2020	100	120 mins	QA, DILR, VARC
2019	100	180 mins	QA, DILR, VARC
2018	100	180 mins	QA, DILR, VARC
2017	100	180 mins	QA, DILR, VARC
2016	100	180 mins	QA, DILR, VARC
2015	100	180 mins	QA, DILR, VARC
2014	100	170 mins	QA & DI, LR & VARC
2013	60	140 mins	QA & DI, LR & VARC
2012	60	140 mins	QA & DI, LR & VARC
2011	60	140 mins	QA & DI, LR & VARC
2010	60	150 mins	QA, DILR, VARC

CAT 2020 registration process has also been extended from September 16 to September 23. Interested candidates can apply for CAT on the official website. CAT 2020 is scheduled for November 29.

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