Vipra ShrivastavaSenior Manager - Content
CAT exam pattern 2024 has changed a bit. As per the CAT 2024 question paper, there were a total of 68 questions instead of 66. Two extra question appeared in DILR section. Additionally, there were no parajumble questions in VARC. Candidates who appeared for CAT 2024, did not see any other change in the CAT exam pattern. There was no change in topic wise weightage and marking scheme. CAT is a 2-hour exam with sectional time limit of 40 minutes. Read below all about CAT exam pattern 2024.
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CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key PDF
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CAT 2024 Slot 1 answer key PDF question paper analysis
CAT 2024 Slot 2 Answer Key PDF question paper analysis
CAT 2024 Slot 3 Answer Key PDF question paper analysis
CAT 2024 student reactions and reviews
Q: Â What's new in CAT exam?
There has been no change in exam pattern and syllabus of the CAT exam from last year apart from the fee amount which has been increased from INR 2,400 to INR 2,500 for General category candidates and from INR 1,200 to INR 1250 for Reserved category candidates.
Another key change in the latest CAT application form is reduction in the number of test city selection from six to five. The CAT 2024 applicants can only select 5 cities for test centre allotment.
During COVID era,
- Candidates had to mention their COVID-19 vaccination status in the CAT application form.
- Eligibility criteria for CAT was extended for FCAI degree holders. Now, they are also eligible to appear for the CAT.
Q: Â Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?
Q: Â What is the sectional time limit in CAT?
Q: Â Will CAT exam 2024 also be conducted in three shifts?
Yes, the CAT 2024 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Until 2019, CAT was conducted in two shifts and the exam duration used to be 180 minutes. However, in 2020, the number of shifts were increased to three and exam duration was reduced to 120 minutes in order to follow the social distancing guidelines for COVID-19. Since the COVID-9 pandemic appropriate behaviour had to be followed at public places and gatherings, the examination authorities increased the number of exam slots to ensure a limited number of candidates can be accommodated at any exam centre in a given exam slot by following social distancing and seating arrangement with gap. Since then, the CAT is conducted in three shifts - morning, afternoon and evening. In CAT 2024 too, there will be three slots which will be allotted to applicants in no particular order. The CAT exam slot timings will be - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
What is CAT Exam Pattern 2024?
There were three sections in the CAT question paper 2024:
- CAT 2024 VARC section had 24 questions and weightage of 72 marksÂ
- CAT 2024 DILR section had 22 questions and weightage of 60Â marksÂ
- CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude section will had 22 questions and weightage of 66 marksÂ
CAT Pattern 2024
The total marks of CAT 2024 was 204 due to addition of 2 more questions in the DILR section. You can check below some key points of the expected CAT 2024 paper pattern and marking scheme:
CAT Paper Pattern 2024 |
|
---|---|
Mode of CAT exam |
Computer Based Test |
Duration of exam |
|
CAT exam slots |
|
Number of questions |
66 68 |
CAT total marks |
198 204 |
Language of question paper |
English |
Number of answer choices |
4 |
Question Type |
MCQ and non-MCQ |
Also Read:
Q: Â How many questions should I solve to score 99 percentile in CAT exam?
Q: Â What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?
Q: Â Where can I get official CAT mock test?
The official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) provides two official CAT mock tests for free. To access these mock tests, you need to follow these steps: 1. Go to the official CAT website iimcat. AC. In 2. Click on the "Registered Candidate Login" button. 3. Enter your CAT login credentials (User ID and Password) and click on the "Login" button. 4. Click on the "Mock Test" button on the left-hand side of the screen. 5. You will be directed to the page with the links to the official CAT mock tests. 6. Click on the "Mock Test 1" or "Mock Test 2" link to start the test. The official CAT mock tests provide a real exam-like experience and are a great way to assess your preparation level. They also help you get familiar with the exam pattern and test-taking interface. It is recommended that you take these mock tests to get an idea of what to expect on the exam day and identify areas where you need to improve.
Q: Â What is the CAT exam duration? Can I change my exam slot?
Explore subject-wise topics asked in CAT
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Changes in CAT Question Paper Pattern Over The Years
CAT exam has seen several changes in the last 15 years. However, in the last three years, there has been no change in the CAT exam pattern. Until 2019, the CAT was a 3-hour exam, held in 2 shifts. From 2020 onwards, it is being conducted for 2 hours in three shifts. The number of questions was reduced from 100 to 76 in 2020, and since 2021 to 2023, the number of questions was 66. In 2024, the number of questions were increased to 68. Given below is a table indicating changes in CAT exam pattern since 2014:
CAT Year |
Number of Questions |
CAT Exam Time Duration |
CAT Sections |
---|---|---|---|
2024 |
66 68 |
120 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2023 |
66 |
120 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2022 |
66 |
120 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2021 |
66 |
120 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2020 |
76 |
120 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2019 |
100 |
180 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2018 |
100 |
180 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2017 |
100 |
180 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2016 |
100 |
180 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
2015 |
100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC |
2014 |
100 |
170 minutes |
QA & DI, LR & VARC |
2013 |
60 |
140 minutes |
QA & DI, LR & VARC |
2012 |
60 |
140 minutes |
QA & DI, LR & VARC |
2011 |
60 |
140 minutes |
QA & DI, LR & VARC |
2010 |
60 |
150 minutes |
QA, DILR, VARC |
The IIM has tried to modify CAT in such a way that it becomes more non-engineering student friendly. The CAT has been traditionally been considered to be more tilted towards candidates from engineering background. But over the years, the IIMs have strived to increased academic and gender diversity in MBA classrooms. Â
Q: Â What is the sectional weightage of DILR in CAT?
Q: Â From where can I download CAT question papers?
Q: Â What are the benefits of solving CAT question papers?
What is CAT Marking Scheme?
CAT has negative marking, So, there is enough pressure on test takers to mark the correct option only. Thus, candidates must make correct judgement while attempting the questions. Check below key points related to CAT marking scheme 2024:
- Total marks of CAT 2024 was 204
-
Each question carried 3 marks
-
There was negative marking of -1Â for every wrong answer
- It was not mandatory to attempt all the questions
-
There was no deduction of marks for skipping questions
-
Some questions were non-MCQs
- There was no negative marking for non-MCQ questions
The following table summarises CAT marking scheme. Try to attempt 2/3rd of the total questions in every section for a decent overall score.Â
CAT Sections |
Number of Questions |
Marks Per Question |
CAT Negative Marking (Only MCQ) |
---|---|---|---|
VARC |
24 |
3 |
-1 |
DILR |
20 22 |
3 |
-1 |
Quantitative Aptitude |
22 |
3 |
-1 |
Q: Â What is the difference between CAT score and CAT percentile?
CAT score is the total marks a candidate receives out of the maximum marks, calculated by subtracting the marks of incorrect answers from the marks of correct answers. For every correct answer, +3 is given to the candidates, for every incorrect -1 is deducted from the overall score. Apart from this, a candidate's rank is calculated by normalizing the scores of all candidates and placing them on a common scale based on the difficulty and attempts of the candidates. It is important to understand the difference between CAT score and CAT percentile because IIMs and all MBA colleges in India select candidates on the basis of their CAT and other MBA related exam percentiles and not score.
The CAT percentile is referred to as the rank of a candidate against the rest of the test takers. The percentile indicates the total percentage of candidates who scored less than or equal to a particular candidate in CAT.
Suppose,1,000 people take an exam and you bag the top rank, which means 999 candidates scored less than you. Then your CAT percentile will be 999/1000*100 = 99.9.
Q: Â How is the CAT score and percentile calculated?
Q: Â What is the difference between qualifying CAT cut off and final CAT cut off?
CAT Exam Pattern 2024 - Overall and Sectional Time Limit
CAT exam has sectional time-limit. Which means that candidates have to attempt the test in the given time duration and pre-defined order. They are not be allowed to choose any section to start with or switch from one section to another. They have to solve the CAT question paper chronologically. The chronology of the sections is:
- Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading ComprehensionÂ
- Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical ReasoningÂ
- Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude
CAT Exam Time Duration
Aspirants have to complete every section in 40 minutes. After the stipulated 40 minutes are over, the test screen will automatically move to the next section. No changes, corrections or submissions will be allowed after that. Section-wise number of CAT questions and time limit are summarized in the table below:
CAT Exam Sections |
No. of Questions |
Time limit |
Time limit for PwD students |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
24 |
40 minutes |
53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
20 22 |
40 minutes |
53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
22 |
40 minutes |
53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Total |
66 |
120 minutes |
160 minutes |
Important Points About CAT Test Process
-
Use of onscreen calculator will be allowed for computation during the CAT 2024 exam.
-
An onscreen clock will help candidates to keep a check on time during the exam.
- The screen will move to next section as soon as 40 minutes are over. Once the window moves to next section, you will not be allowed to go back.Â
- Candidates must read the instructions mentioned on the first page of the test form on how to save answer, etc.
- To be best prepared for the online test process of CAT 2024, candidates must take the official CAT mock test and check the offiical test guide.
-
Sheets of paper will be provided for rough work, which will have to be submitted before leaving the exam hall.
-
Candidates will not be allowed to start the test before time. They will be allowed to login only after the invigilator's announcement.
-
Candidates must be seated at their designated seats throughout the exam. If found sitting anywhere else, he/she will be disqualified.
- They should aim to complete every section 5-10 minutes before time so that they can go back to questions saved for review.
- The CAT test form will close as soon as the time gets over. Candidates however will have to remain seated until the exit process is started.
Also Read:
Q: Â Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Q: Â What is the section-wise weightage of VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude in CAT Syllabus?
Q: Â What are the important topics of CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked?
CAT Syllabus and Important Topics
CAT syllabus document for VARC, DILR and QA is not released officially by the IIMs. However, by analyzing CAT previous years' question papers, one can decipher the major topics of CAT syllabus. Given below are the main topics of CAT syllabus 2024 based on previous years’ question papers:
CAT Sections |
CAT Syllabus |
---|---|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
Parajumbles, Sentence-Completion, Reading Comprehension, Para-Summary, Inferences |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets, Blood Relation, Venn Diagram, Seating Arrangement and Syllogism |
Quantitative Aptitude |
Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest-Compound Interest, Time & Distance, Averages-Mixtures-Alligations, Numbers, Mensuration, Logarithms, Functions & Graphs, Indices & Surds, Quadratic Equations, Special Equations, Statistics |
CAT Test Pattern 2024: How to Mark Answers?
The CAT exam is conducted in Computer Based Test mode, which means candidates have to enter their answers on a computer system with the help of the computer mouse. Candidates can use the keyboard for only TITA questions. For every CAT question, four options will be given to choose the correct answer. Candidates will have to select the correct answer and click on one of the following options to move to next question:
-
- Save and Next
- Clear Response
- Mark for Review and Next
Whatever option the candidate selects, it will be represented in the following colours:
Free Quantitative Aptitude Bank with Answer Keys |
Free DILR Question Bank with Answer Keys | Free VARC Question Bank with Answer Keys |
CAT Study Material: Free PDFs
- CAT DILR questions with solutions for practice PDFs
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions with solutions for practice PDFs
- CAT VARC questions with solutions for practice PDFs
Check out Shiksha's exclusive and free CAT Mock Test
CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Q: Â Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2024, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2022 and CAT 2023 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
Q: Â What are the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?
Q: Â What are the best books for CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension preparation?
Difference Between CAT Exam Pattern and Other MBA Entrance Exams?
The exam patterns of all MBA entrance exams are similar but have some peculiarities. Check below major differences between CAT exam pattern and other MBA entrance exams such as XAT, CMAT, MAT, GMAT, NMAT and SNAP. This will help you analyse the difficulty level of CAT exam:
Exam Name |
Time Duration |
No. of Questions |
Sections |
Total Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|
CAT |
120 minutes |
66 68 |
3 |
204 |
180 minutes |
95 |
4 |
95 |
|
180 minutes |
100 |
5 |
400 |
|
120 minutes |
150 |
5 |
150 |
|
187 minutes |
70 |
4 |
200-800 |
|
120 minutes |
108 |
3 |
36-360 |
|
60 minutes |
60 |
3 |
60 |
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- How to prepare for CAT 2024-Ultimate tips from expert
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- CAT exam 2024: Simple tips to optimize exam prep
- CAT 2024 preparation - 10 popular myths busted
- CAT Score vs Percentile: How to Calculate?
- Understanding CAT Normalization Process
- 2 months to CAT: These many Mock Tests will optimise your score
- How Scaled CAT Score is Calculated for Three Slots?
Q: Â Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Q: Â What is the sectional weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT?
Q: Â What is the sectional weightage of VARC in CAT?
FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern
Check below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CAT exam pattern 2024:
Q: Â When should I start preparing for CAT exam?
Aspirants should start preparing for CAT exam at least nine months in before the test date. CAT preparation requires long-term planning thus one must start early. The best time to start CAT preparation is in March. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not.
Divide your preparation into two phases -
- Covering the CAT syllabus
- Practicing mock tests, sample questions and revision.
The CAT syllabus includes the following topics:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences, Questions based on passages, para meaning, order of sentences
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism
- Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration.
You can read the following CAT books for exam preparation:
- CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/ Simon and Schuster
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Sharma and Upadhyay
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha.
Q: Â What is the syllabus for CAT exam?
Q: Â What is the difference between CAT score and CAT percentile?
CAT score is the total marks a candidate receives out of the maximum marks, calculated by subtracting the marks of incorrect answers from the marks of correct answers. For every correct answer, +3 is given to the candidates, for every incorrect -1 is deducted from the overall score. Apart from this, a candidate's rank is calculated by normalizing the scores of all candidates and placing them on a common scale based on the difficulty and attempts of the candidates. It is important to understand the difference between CAT score and CAT percentile because IIMs and all MBA colleges in India select candidates on the basis of their CAT and other MBA related exam percentiles and not score.
The CAT percentile is referred to as the rank of a candidate against the rest of the test takers. The percentile indicates the total percentage of candidates who scored less than or equal to a particular candidate in CAT.
Suppose,1,000 people take an exam and you bag the top rank, which means 999 candidates scored less than you. Then your CAT percentile will be 999/1000*100 = 99.9.
Q: Â What is the marking scheme of CAT?
Q: Â Which is the best book of logical reasoning for CAT preparation?
Q: Â Is it beneficial to do MBA after CA and how can I prepare for CAT in my daily routine?
News & Updates
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CAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
No, CAT is not compulsory for admission to PGDM course at  Pillai Business School. As the college accept other national-level exam scores as well, such as MAT/XAT/GMAT/MAT/ATMA/ABSAT. Thus, candidate without CAT score can apply with a valid score in either of the mentioned exam. Further, the final s
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
IILM University helps MBA Specialization studentss stay update with the latest developed reesources. they offer industry visit and seminor in your specialisation by the expert in related field . althrough faculty incourage the student to develope there skills . The university have the good connectio
A
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 3 days ago
With a 70 percentile in CAT and 58% in graduation, admission to BITS Pilani for MBA may be difficult, as they typically have high cut-offs and look for strong academic performance. BITS Pilani usually requires a higher CAT score (above 90 percentile) and a solid academic record. However, it's worth
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
The CAT result date for SIES College of Management Studies typically follows the official CAT result release date, which is usually in the first week of January. Once the results are out, SIES College will shortlist candidates based on their CAT scores for further rounds like Group Discussion (GD) a
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
With a 50-60 percentile in CAT, top IIMs may be out of reach, but there are still several good options for you. Consider institutes like IMS Noida, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Indira Institute of Management, and ITM Business School. Other options include BIMTECH, UPES, and Lovely Professional
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
With a 68 percentile in CAT, getting into one of the new IIMs (like IIM Kashipur, IIM Rohtak, IIM Trichy, etc.) could be challenging, even under the OBC category. While new IIMs generally have slightly lower cut-offs compared to the older ones, they still maintain high academic and professional stan
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
With a CAT percentile of 44.28, getting into top-tier B-schools may be tough, but there are still good options available. You can consider institutes like IMS Noida, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Amity Business School, ITM Navi Mumbai, and LPU Punjab. Other options include Welingkar Institute, B
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
With a 98.07 percentile in CAT, you're in a strong position for calls from top B-schools in India. Based on your profile (Gen CAT, Non-Eng Male, 22 months work experience, 84% in Xth, and 91% in XII), you can expect calls from prestigious institutes like:
- IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Luckn
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
With an 87 percentile in CAT, you have some good B-school options in India. Consider institutes like IILM University (New Delhi, Gurgaon), which offers a strong MBA programme with industry exposure, or Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB), Bhubaneswar, known for its solid curriculum and placements.
R
Contributor-Level 10
1617 Institutes accepting CAT
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- Total Fees: ₹ 25.00 Lakh
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Is CAT compulsory for PGDM admission at Pillai Business School?