CAT 2024 Analysis, Expected Cutoff by CATKing (Available)

CATKing released the CAT analysis for all three slots. CAT 2024 exam has been conducted successfully on November 24. CAT 2024 analysis by CATKing includes the overall difficulty level, expected cutoff, section wise difficulty, and more. By Sumit Singh Gandhi.

CAT 2024 Analysis, Expected Cutoff by CATKing

CAT 2024 Analysis by CATKing: IIM Calcutta has successfully conducted the CAT 2024 exam for all three slots. CATKing has released the exam analysis for slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT 2024 exam. This analysis provides candidates with a detailed breakdown of the CAT exam, including the CAT difficulty level for all three sections.

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As per the CAT 2024 analysis by CATKing, the third slot of the exam had QA section to be on the tougher side than the previous two slots. VARC and DILR sections were of moderate difficulty. DILR section was doable for those who practiced consistently, allowing them to attempt 3 sets. This year, in the third slot of CAT exam, DILR section had a set entirely based on TITA questions. VARC section heavily relied on science and literature topics, with lengthy RC passages.

CAT 2024 Slot 2 had an overall difficulty level of moderate to tough. It was in similar lines with the Slot 1 exam difficulty. However, the DILR section had a slightly tougher if compared to the morning slot. As per the CAT analysis by CATKing, VARC was leagthy with RCs having a word limit of 500 to 600 words. QA was moderate in terms of difficulty level. Candidates found two exactly similar questions from CAT 2023 and 2022 question papers.

The CAT 2024 Slot 1 exam was easier when compared to CAT 2023 and 2022. However, the VARC section was more challenging due to lengthy RCs. The DILR section had 2 additional questions with 22 questions, instead of 20 question in the past session. DILR focused on analytical skills. The QA section was easier than anticipated, despite being set by IIM Calcutta. Notably, no para jumbles questions appeared in the VARC section this year. Given the overall difficulty level to be easier, the cutoffs for IIMs will likely rise.

CAT exam analysis by CATKing will include a slot-wise review, offering insights into the variations in CAT exam difficulty across different time slots. It will also provide a section-wise distribution of topics, highlighting key areas in VARC, DILR, and QA sections of the CAT exam.

Using the CAT exam analysis, candidates can predict the number of good attempts required to achieve a high percentile, along with the expected sectional cut-offs. CAT 2024 expected cutoff by CATKing will guide candidates on the scores required to qualify for the next stages of the admission process.

Scroll down for more details on CAT analysis 2024 by CATKing.

CAT 2024 Analysis by CATKing: Highlights

CAT exam pattern remains the same for all three slots. However, the difficulty level may vary based on the set of questions. The table below mentions the key highlights for each slot of CAT 2024 exam below. 

Also Check: How Scaled CAT Score will be Calculated for Three Slots?

CAT 2024 Slot 3 Analysis by CATKing

CATKing has released the exam analysis for third slot of CAT 2024 exam. VARC and QA sections were easier to tackle with the right strategy. DILR required careful planning and logical thinking. The overall difficulty level was balanced, rewarding consistent preparation and effective time management. Check the section wise CAT slot 3 analysis by CATKing below:

CAT 2024 Slot 3 VARC Analysis by CATKing

The VARC section was moderate in difficulty, with at least two Reading Comprehensions (RCs) being doable. Topics appearing from science, literature, and travel, required critical reading skills. The Verbal Ability (VA) portion included Paracompletion and Parasummary questions, with the Odd-One-Out (OOC) set featuring very close options, demanding precision in selection.

Key Details for Slot 3 VARC:

• RC Themes:
  • Exploration of the solar system – Negative tone.
  • AI's impact on language and culture – Negative tone.
  • Literature-based RC – Long and challenging.
  • Travel-based RC – Easier.
• VA Performance:
  • Paracompletion – 3 questions.
  • Parasummary – 2 abstract and long questions.
  • Odd-One-Out – Tricky with close options.

Good attempts in the VARC section of Slot 3 would range between 12-13.

CAT 2024 Slot 3 DILR Analysis by CATKing

The DILR section had a mix of moderate to challenging sets, which required proficiency in arithmetic concepts, logical reasoning, and visualisation. Whereas some sets involved intricate calculations, others emphasised data analysis and deductive logic.

Key Pointers for DILR:

• Set 1: GDP data comparison across countries (fractions and ratios) – Moderate but calculation-heavy
• Set 2: AC performance analysis based on outside and inside temperatures (graph-based) – Moderate
• Set 3: Nutritional breakdown of food items (LR) – Doable
• Set 4: Routes and network of ATMs (distance and placement) – Moderate

CAT 2024 Slot 3 QA Analysis by CATKing

The Quantitative Aptitude section was dominated by as many as 10 questions from arithmetic. Candidates with good hold in Arithmetic had a good chance to maximise scores. Fewer questions appeared from Geometry, Algebra, and Number System questions. However, it had balanced the section's overall coverage.

Key Pointers for QA:

• Arithmetic (10 questions):
  • TSD problem on alternating workdays were doable.
  • Mileage problem was doable.
• Geometry (2 questions):
  • Octagon problem was doable.
• Algebra (4–5 questions):
  • Problem with (52 + \sqrt{3}) was doable.
  • Functions problem (f(x) + 2) was on the tougher side.
• Number System (2 questions):
  • Remainder problem was doable.

CAT 2024 Slot 2 Analysis by CATKing

CATKing has released the slot 2 exam analysis for CAT 2024 exam. As per the question paper analysis, slot 2 of CAT 2024 had a moderate difficulty level, with unique section-wise challenges. These challenges tested candidates' adaptability and precision. The exam included familiar concepts with subtle variations, providing a balanced assessment experience.

Similar to the first slot, there was an increase in number questions to 68 with 2 additional questions in DILR.

CAT 2024 Slot 2 VARC Analysis by CATKing

The VARC section of CAT 2024 Slot 2 included 24 questions, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. It featured four reading comprehension passages and various verbal ability question types. Candidates found three of the RC passages to be doable, but the Odd-One-Out questions were time-consuming. Effective time management was critical, and the section rewarded clear comprehension and reasoning skills.

CAT 2024 Detailed Analysis for VARC Section

The themes of RC revolved around the following topics:

• Secondary effects of industrial innovations – Doable.
• Carnivores and humans – Moderate difficulty.
• Scientists and anonymous peer reviews – Doable.

Difficulty level across VA topics:

• Parasummary – Doable
• Paracompletion – Doable
• Odd-One-Out – Time-intensive

CAT 2024 Slot 2 DILR Analysis by CATKing

The DILR section balanced complexity and approachability with a moderate difficulty level. The LRDI section of CAT slot 2 exam featured two DI sets and a few LR puzzles. While it posed challenges, test-takers could achieve good scores by solving three sets accurately.

CAT 2024 Detailed Analysis for DILR Section

One set had Product ratings across different days with 3 TITA questions. TITA questions in the Set was found on the tougher note. MCQs in the Set were doable. Another Set was Distance-based gated area problem (Points A to B), and was manageable.
In the DILR section, candidates found a puzzle on routes and network which was doable. Another Set in DILR was Grid-based with numbers 1 to 10 to be arranged.

CAT 2024 Slot 2 QA Analysis by CATKing

The Quantitative Ability (QA) section was a mix of lengthy questions and familiar topics from past year's question papers. Questions from Arithmetic dominated the QA section. Some of the prominent topics in the section included Time, Speed & Distance (TSD), Profit & Loss (P&L), and Averages. Additionally, a question on compound interest vs simple interest tested conceptual clarity of the test takers. On the contrary, Geometry and Logarithms made a minimal appearance in the CAT slot 2 exam.

Here are some of the sub-topics from Arithematic, Geometry among other topics:

Topics under Arithmetic:

• Profit & Loss – 1 question.
• Time, Speed & Distance – 1 question.
• Averages – 1 question.

Additionally, a question on the comparison of CI and SI was doable.

Key topic under Geometry: Candidates found a Trapezium question which was doable in nature.

Other Topics:

• Logarithm – 1 question
• Number system (remainder and divisibility) – 1 question
• CAT 2023 TITA question on mangoes and bananas – Reappeared

CAT 2024 Slot 1 Analysis by CATKing

CATKing has released the slot 1 exam analysis. Candidates can check the section wise analysis for VARC, DILR, and QA. Additionally, candidates can find here the expected cutoff for all slot 1 test takers soon. Along with the expected cutoff, CAT analysis by CATKing includes the number of good attempts, topic wise question weightage, and more.

According to CATKing's analysis, the CAT exam recorded 3.29 lakh registrations this year, a slight decrease from the 3.30 lakh registrations in 2023. This 0.30% decline, equating to about 1,000 fewer candidates, suggests a steady yet slightly reduced participation. Despite this minor drop, the competition remains intense. The first slot of CAT 2024 presented a blend of traditional rigour and new challenges.
Changes in CAT 2024 Test Structure: Increase of total questions from 66 to 68

Overall Difficulty Level of CAT 2024 Slot 1: Moderate

CAT 2024 Slot 1 Section-Wise Analysis by CATKing

The VARC section of CAT Slot 1 exam was the most challenging. The Quantitative Ability (QA) section was relatively easier. While the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section balanced complexity and scoring potential. VARC had 24 questions, DILR and QA had 22 questions each. 

CAT 2024 Analysis for VARC

CAT 2024 slot 1 exam recorded the absence of Para jumbles in the VARC section. Instead, the section focused on Reading Comprehension (RC) with four longer passages. One passage was straightforward, while others covered complex themes such as the impact of artificial intelligence on craftsmanship, an extinct animal (mouse), and a topic related to Netflix. These passages required careful analysis and strong comprehension skills. Many candidates found the VARC section to be the most challenging, testing their reading speed and interpretive abilities.

CAT 2024 Analysis for QA

Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section offered considerable relief with 22 questions, focusing mainly on formula-driven problems from familiar topics such as Time, Speed, and Distance (TSD), Profit and Loss, Roots, and Ratios. Arithmetic had the most questions, nearly 9-11. Algebra in the QA section was straightforward. On the other hand, Geometry had minimal presence. From Modern Mathematics, only one question appeared from Sequence and Series in the first slot of CAT 2024 exam.

There were no questions on Permutation & Combination or Probability, making the section less complex. Candidates who prepared well for the exam found 14-15 attempts comfortably achievable, making QA the most approachable section of the exam.

CAT 2024 Analysis for DILR

The DILR section presented a balanced challenge with 22 questions. It included three Data Interpretation (DI) sets, each with four questions, and two Logical Reasoning (LR) sets, each with five questions. The DI sets covered topics such as a Stock Market Candle Chart (with provided formulas), a Set Theory puzzle on group travel patterns, and a Star Distribution puzzle for judges. The LR sets required methodical and strategic thinking, rewarding those who stayed focused under pressure. Candidates who accurately solved three sets were well-positioned to achieve high percentiles.

Overall CAT 2024 Slot 1 Analysis by CATKing

Slot 1 of CAT 2024 has set a promising tone for the examination season. Despite a slight dip in the total registrations, the new question pattern and varied section challenges highlight CAT's rigor in testing endurance, adaptability, and precision. As candidates prepare for the next slots, this first session offers insight into what to expect.

Previous year’s CAT analysis by CATKing

Check CAT cut offs and predict calls from IIMs and Non-IIMs accepting CAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

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• CAT Cutoff 2024, Previous Years' Cut offs

Sumit Singh Gandhi, CEO Founder CATKing Educare. He completed his MBA from SPJIMR and is a Master of Information Technology from Virginia Tech. He has also pursued SPNM from Havard Business School. Among numerous awards, he's been honoured with Digital Indian of the Year 2016 and Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2015.