Changes in CAT 2020 Exam: Pattern, Duration, Slots, Test Cities

In an unprecedented development, IIM Indore announced key changes in the CAT exam pattern for 2020. Check below, other key changes in CAT 2020 exam.

Although a few changes were anticipated in CAT exam this year due to COVID-19 pandemic, the change in exam duration was one of the least expected changes. What most of the students were expecting in CAT 2020 was possible change in the exam mode from Computer Based Test (CBT) to Internet Based Test (IBT) or increase in the number of test cities and centres, like in other national level common entrance tests.

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

More changes in the CAT exam pattern is expected in the coming days, as the exam authority is keeping a close watch on the developments related to covid-19 pandemic across India.  So, far the following changes have been made in CAT 2020.

Changes in CAT 2020

• The time duration of CAT exam has been reduced from 180 minutes to 120 minutes. For each section, the candidates will get 40 minutes. 
• The number of CAT exam slots has been increased from two to three. Timings of the slots is slot 1 - 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, slot 2 - 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and slot 3 - 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
• CAT application fee has been increased from Rs 1,900 to Rs 2,000 for General category students. For SC/ST/PwD candidates, the fee has been hiked from Rs 950 to Rs 1,000.
• This year, the candidates can select up to six cities for allotment of CAT exam centre. The maximum limit to choose number of CAT test cities was four till last year.
• There is no increase in the number of CAT test cities. The exam will be conducted in 156 cities across India like last year.
• There has been no change in CAT syllabus and marking scheme. CAT will be conducted in CBT mode having three sections – VARC, DILR and QA.
• It is expected that, with reduction in time duration, IIM Indore will reduce the total number of questions in exam too.

Also Read:

• No change in CAT Testing Mode
• Big Change in CAT 2020 Exam Pattern; Check Details
• Preparing for CAT 2020 Amid COVID-19

Changes in CAT Exam Pattern 2020

CAT exam pattern has remained the same since 2014. This is the first time in six year, that the IIMs have revised the test pattern. Check the table below to see the changes in CAT exam pattern from last year.

Features	CAT 2020 Pattern	CAT 2019 Pattern
Number of sections	3	3
Order of sections	1.VARC 2.DILR 3. QA	1.VARC 2.DILR 3. QA
Exam Duration	120 minutes	180 minutes
Sectional time-limi	40 minutes	60 minutes
Number of questions	100	100
Total marks	300	300
Language of question paper	English	English
Number of answer choices	4	4
Number of exam slots	3	2

Also Read:

• Changes in CAT exam pattern over 10 years
• Changes in Top MBA Entrance Exams Due to COVID-19

• CAT 2020: How Scaled CAT Score will be Calculated for Three Slots?

CAT Marking Scheme

The following table summarizes the marking scheme for CAT 2020.

Type of Questions	Correct Answer	Incorrect Answer
MCQ	+3	-1
Non-MCQ	+3	0

Read More:

• CAT Preparation: Tips, Tricks and Strategy
• CAT Questions Papers: 2019, 2018, 2017
• Best Books for CAT Preparation
• CAT Preparation Tips for VARC
• CAT Preparation Tips for DILR
• CAT Preparation Tips for Quantitative Ability