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CAT 2024 exam pattern is presribed by the IIM. As per the CAT exam pattern 2024, the question paper has 3 sections; VARC, DILR, and QA. This year a total of question has been increased from 66 to 68. The VARC section has 22 questions instead of 20. So, the total marks in CAT exam is 204. The total duration of CAT exam is 120 minutes (160 minutes for PwD). Each section will take 40 minutes to solve and 53 minutes, 20 seconds for PwD candidates. As per the CAT slot 1 paper pattern, 22 questions were asked in the DILR section (3-DI, 2-LR). There was a sum based on LR. The questions in the VARC section were in a jumbled order. RC came before VA and there is no parajumbles questions in the CAT slot 1 paper, students found questions were from odd one out, summary, fill in the blanks. In Quant, more questions were asked from Arithmetic and Algebra, 2 questions were in geometry, 1 from sets, and 1 from AP.
Latest: There is a changes in the CAT exam pattern. VARC has 22 questions. A total question in CAT slot 1 is 68. No Para-Jumble questions.
Latest: CAT’24 preparation with experts from CL. Know more
Free Study Material: VARC | DILR | Quant | Chapter-wise Practice MCQs
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In past few years, the CAT exam pattern has been modified several time by the conducting IIMs. However, since 2015, the CAT paper pattern has remain unchanged in terms of total marks, and total time duration. But this year there is a changes in the CAT 2024 exam pattern. The CAT exam 2024 is being held on November 24, 2024 in three different shifts. The CAT exam paper pattern is a mind-driven exam designed to test a candidate's ability to solve reasoning and mathematical questions accurately in the least amount of time.
The CAT exam 2024 is all about using logical reasoning and aptitude skills. Those who are going to take CAT 2024 must familiarise themselves with the updated CAT entrance pattern. It will help them understand the CAT exam structure and the marking scheme. The total marks of the exam is about 204. Read this article to know all about CAT exam pattern and syllabus 2024, including CAT paper timing, sectional time limit, total CAT marks, etc.
What is the pattern of a CAT exam? CAT 2024 is a computer-based entrance exam divided into 3 sections with a total of 68 questions: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section will have a duration of 40 minutes. What is the total score of the CAT exam? For the CAT 2024 exam, the total marks will be 204. As per the CAT marking scheme, each question is worth 3 marks. |
The CAT exam paper pdf will help with better CAT exam preparation. Before going to appear for this national-level MBA entrance exam, one should know what the CAT 2024 pattern is. The CAT pattern and the test procedure will be announced, along with the CAT exam 2024 date and the notification. Candidates planning to opt for CAT 2024 must familiarise themselves with the latest CAT entrance exam pattern along with the CAT syllabus 2024. For the past two years, the CAT exam pattern for MBA include 66 questions. But, this year, it has 68 questions.
Check out the best CAT Study Material
As per the previous year's CAT question paper pattern, the exam will be held in three slots, that is, in the morning, afternoon, and evening on the same day, as the computer-based test (CBT). The CAT exam paper pattern for MBA is summarised in table below.
Particulars | CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus |
---|---|
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD) |
Name of the Section |
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Section-wise CAT exam time duration |
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CAT slot timings |
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How many questions in CAT exam |
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Total marks of CAT exam |
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Mode of the CAT 2024 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme |
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Click here to download the CAT test pattern pdf
The CAT 2024 exam was held in three different shifts with a duration of 120 minutes (2 hours) for each CAT slot. CAT 2024 entrance exam was held on November 24. The CAT exam will be administered in the morning, afternoon, and evening sessions as per the norms. Check out more details about CAT exam 2024 slots.
As per trends and CAT paper patterns, candidates have to solve every section in 40 minutes. After the conclusion of 40 minutes (sectional time limit), no changes or corrections will be allowed after that. Checkout section-wise number of CAT questions and the sectional time limit is listed in the below table.
CAT Exam Sections | Number 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) | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds | |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Total | 120 minutes | 160 minutes |
CAT Exam Slots | CAT Exam Time |
CAT Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
CAT Slot 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
CAT Slot 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
The CAT 2024 exam was conducted in three slots of 2 hours (120 minutes) each on a single day. The CAT total marks is 204 in total. However, candidates cannot switch between the CAT exam sections. The onscreen clock will help candidates to keep a check on the time during the CAT exam.
CAT 2024 qualifying marks will be available with the release of the CAT cutoff for the next academic session. The CAT qualifying marks will be released by the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and by other top MBA colleges that accept CAT scores for MBA/ PGDM admissions. In order to appear for the selection rounds of MBA admission the first criterion is to satisfy the qualifying CAT marks criteria.
How many total marks are in the CAT exam? The total marks for the Common Admission Test (CAT) exam will be 204 marks in total. How many questions in CAT exam? The total number of CAT total questions will be 68. The entire CAT question paper will be divided into three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA). As per the CAT MBA pattern, VARC will have 24 questions, DILR will have 22 questions, and QA will have 22 questions. |
People also search: Download past 10-year CAT question paper
As per the CAT 2024 question paper given below are the section-wise questions covered in the CAT 2024 test pattern.
QA: High on Arithmetic and Algebra. 2 questions on Geometry, 1 sets, 1 AP, etc.
How many times CAT exam is conducted in a year? Indian Institute of Management (IIM) conducts Common Admission Test (CAT) exam once a year. Which slot is easy in CAT? When compared to CAT 2024 slot 1, slot 2 found somehow difficulty. CAT 2024 slot 1 was bit easy. |
CAT test pattern 2024 includes the answer to the searched question "Is there negative marking in CAT?" Under the CAT marking scheme, candidates get to know the CAT exam total marks awarded for each correct answer and how many marks will be deducted if the candidate answers the question incorrectly.
For unanswered CAT questions, no marks will be deducted. Also for Non-MCQs, no marks will be deducted.
The following table summarizes the marking scheme for CAT 2024:
CAT exam section name | Number of questions | Marks per question | CAT Negative Marking (Only MCQs) |
VARC | 24 | 3 | -1 |
DILR | 22 | 3 | -1 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 3 | -1 |
Year | Number of Questions | Sections | Marking Scheme | Duration | Conducting Body |
2024 | Total 68 questions (24 in VARC, 22 in DILR, 22 in QA) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer, No negative for non-MCQs. | 2 hours | IIM Calcutta |
2023 | Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 2 hours | IIM Lucknow |
2022 | Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 2 hours | IIM Bangalore |
2021 | Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 120 minutes | IIM Ahmedabad |
2020 | Total 76 questions (24 in one section and 26 in the other two sections) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 120 Minutes | IIM Indore |
2019 | Total 100 questions (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 180 Minutes |
How many levels are there in CAT exam? As per the CAT MBA test pattern, there are three exam sections including VARC, DILR, and QA. The CAT VARC section includes 24 questions with a weightage of 72 marks. CAT DILR section comprise 22 questions with a weightage of 66 marks and the QA section will have 22 questions with a weightage of 66 marks. Do questions get repeated in CAT? According to CAT 2024 examinees, they found that some questions were asked repeatedly in both slot 1 and slot 2, the data was changed. |
Other Relevant Topics:
CAT Participating Institutes | CAT Cutoff |
CAT Result | How to fill out CAT application form |
CAT notification | CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus |
In last few year's CAT question paper pattern has been changed multiple times. By referring to the below table the candidates will be able to know a clear idea of how the CAT 2024 paper pattern evolved over the years.
Paper pattern of CAT contains three sections such as,
There is no difference in the sections for each year. Also, there is no difference in the CAT question paper pattern for MBA marking scheme.
Year | Number of Question | Difficulty Level | CAT exam time duration | Conducting Body |
2024 | 68 | Easy to Moderate | 2 hours | IIM Calcutta |
2023 | 66 | Difficult | 2 hours | IIM Lucknow |
2022 | 66 | Moderate | 2 hours | IIM Bangalore |
2021 | 66 | Moderate to High (Expected) | 2 hours | |
2020 | 76 | Moderate to High | 2 hours | |
2019 | 100 | Moderate to High | 3 hours | |
2018 | 100 | Moderate to High | 3 hours | |
2017 | 100 | Moderate | 3 hours | |
2016 | 100 | Moderate to difficult | 3 hours | IIM Bangalore |
2015 | 100 | Moderate to difficult | 3 hours | |
2014 | 100 | Moderate to Easy | 2.50 hours | |
2013 | 60 | Moderate to Easy | 2:20 hours | IIM Indore |
2012 | 60 | Moderate to Easy | 2.20 hours | IIM Indore |
2011 | 60 | Moderate | 2.20 hours | IIM Calcutta |
Check out How to Prepare for CAT
CAT conducting body will not release the official CAT exam syllabus. However, based on the CAT MBA exam pattern, candidates can check the topics on which the questions are asked.
Section | Topics |
Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
|
The candidates can take the official CAT Mock Test. CAT conducting body will release the official CAT 2024 mock test on iimcat.ac.in. It will help to face the actual exam without any fear and also help to attend to the questions within the given time.
By appearing in the mock test, the aspirants can get an idea of how to move between different sections. Before appearing in the CAT exam mock test, students must know the CAT test pattern 2024 and they must also go through the CAT sample papers.
Before going to start the CAT exam, the students should have to know how to answer questions. Candidates should use the following options when answering questions:
NOTE: When answering CAT questions, one should use the mouse provided. Using the system keyboard will lock the computer screen.
Panel Colour | What it Indicates |
Red | The question was not answered and is not marked for review. |
Green | The question was answered and not reviewed. |
Grey | Question not viewed or visited. |
Violet | The question is marked for review and not yet answered. |
Violet with Green tick | The question was marked and answered for review. |
As per the CAT paper analysis, the exam was moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty level but the VARC and QA section was moderate in all three slots. QA section was difficult as compared to VARC and DILR. Check below question wise break of the CAT 2024 paper pattern:
CAT Section | Number of Questions | Type | Difficulty Level |
---|---|---|---|
VARC | 24 | 4 Para summary, 4 Passages of 4 Questions each, 2 Para completion, 2 Odd one out | Moderate |
DILR | 22 | 2 Sets of 5 Questions, 3 Sets of 4 Questions | Easy-Moderate |
QA | 22 | Algebra - 5-6, Arithmetic- 10-11, Geometry- 3, Number System- 2, Modern Maths- 1 | Moderate |
Overall CAT Difficulty Level | Moderate |
As per experts, the CAT 2024 was moderate, check out below the CAT score vs percentile 2024 on the basis of CAT cutoff marks vs percentile.
CAT 2024 Slot 1 | ||||
Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
99 | 39-40 | 31-32 | 30-31 | 90 |
95 | 31-32 | 24-25 | 23-24 | 66 |
90 | 25-26 | 19-21 | 17-18 | 56-57 |
85 | 22-23 | 16-18 | 14-15 | 45-46 |
80 | 20-21 | 13-14 | 12-13 | 40-41 |
70 | 16-17 | 11-12 | 10-11 | 35-36 |
CAT 2024 Slot 2 | ||||
Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
99 | 41-42 | 27-28 | 28-29 | 87 |
95 | 33-34 | 22-23 | 22-23 | 63 |
90 | 26-27 | 18-19 | 16-17 | 55-56 |
85 | 23-24 | 15-17 | 13-14 | 44-45 |
80 | 21-22 | 12-14 | 11-12 | 39-40 |
70 | 17-18 | 11-12 | 10-11 | 35-36 |
People also search for;
CAT exam will be held in computer-based mode (CBT) and CAT question paper will be divided into 3 sections and a total of 66 questions will be asked from VARC, DILR, and QA.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) will conduct CAT exam 2024 on November 24, 2024.
Paper pattern of CAT 2024 will consist of three sections:
Section III: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Hello,
Here you can get study material for CAT :
https://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks/cat-quantitative-aptitude-questions-answers-pdf
Hope it helps !
Hello aspirant,
A timetable is essential if you are preparing for the CAT in addition to your college coursework. It will give you an idea of how long it will take you to finish your syllabus and then set aside the appropriate amount of time for revision and mock exams. Without a set timetable, you risk taking your time and not completing your preparation as thoroughly as is necessary.
Thank you
Hope it helps you.
Hello Nikita,
To get into any of the top IIMs, such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, or Indore, a good percentile in CAT is required, although academics play a vital role too. Let's break it down below:
CAT Score: 98+ percentile is an excellent score and makes one competitive.
Academic Scores:
Your 10th score at 84% is quite good.
A 12th score of 65% is on the lower side, which might hamper your chances at some of the top IIMs since they give weightage to past academic performance.
IIM Selection Criteria:
Every IIM has its own weightage for the scores of academics, CAT percentile, work experience, if any, and diversity.
For example, IIM Ahmedabad requires consistent academic records, while IIM Bangalore puts the strongest focus on work experience and diversified profiles.
Graduation: You are currently pursuing graduation, and your performance during that will also be considered in the shortlisting process.
While your CAT score is going to be the major pointer, your academic record-doing in class 12-is going to affect your prospects a bit at IIMs that place significant emphasis on your past performance. Still, you will have a healthy shot, at least at institutes like Lucknow, Kozhikode, and Indore, where a good score in CAT may offset lower marks in academics.
If you have diverse profiled extracurricular activities, leadership roles etc, or work experience, then it can build up your application further.
Hello!
Prep for CAT 2024: Application Pattern
Syllabus: Focus on those areas that fall under the syllabus; for instance, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
Books: Stick to standard books from renowned authors, say, Arun Sharma for Quant, Norman Lewis in vocabulary, and some mock tests available from TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher.
Mock Tests: Take mocks and study the mistakes made.
Time management: F ocus on speed and accuracy.
If you need a more structured approach, consider a coaching institute.
Start early and become a regular.
Wishing you the best! thankyou!
Hello,
While starting your CAT preparation late can be challenging, it's still possible to achieve a good score with focused effort. Prioritize understanding the exam pattern, and focus on key areas like Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
Create a structured study plan, practice regularly with mock tests, and review your performance to identify weaknesses. Use quality study materials and consider joining a coaching class if time permits. Stay consistent and motivated, and remember that dedicated effort in the coming weeks can lead to positive results.
You can refer to the following article for help :
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/last-minute-preparation-strategy-for-cat
Good luck!
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