CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Exam Duration & Marking Scheme

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is considered as one of the toughest and most elite entrance examinations in India- to get admissions in top business schools that include the IIMs. Every year thousands of aspirants try their luck at cracking this examination and hence, a complete understanding of the CAT exam pattern 2024 is important before you start your preparation. 

Hence, in the blog, we are going to discuss every single detail about the CAT exam pattern 2024. We will be covering from the paper pattern to duration to the marking scheme which is required for optimising your preparation strategy. So keep reading to get complete understanding about the CAT exam pattern.

What is the CAT Exam?

The Common Admission Test popularly known as CAT is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) on a rotational basis every year it is a computer-based test, CBT that tests the candidate’s aptitude in three major areas that are as follows:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

This is one of the most crucial exams for those students who are willing  to pursue Masters in Business Administration from the top universities across the country.

CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Overview

There has been no significant alteration in the CAT exam pattern 2024 as compared with last year. Yet, there are few minor changes that have followed to enhance the testing process. 

Here is a general overview of the CAT exam pattern 2024:

The duration of CAT exam is 2 hours long, that is 120 minutes, and the exam is bifurcated into three parts. Each segment has been allocated 40 minutes. Thus, candidates cannot shift to the other segment after the time duration of that particular segment has elapsed.

Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +3 marks
• Wrong Answer (MCQ): -1 mark
• Wrong Answer (Non-MCQ): No negative marking
• Unanswered Question: No negative marking

Type-In-The-Answer questions or Non-MCQs questions carry no negative marking allowing candidates some relief from potential penalties.

Sectional Analysis of CAT Exam Pattern 2024

Since there are mainly three sections in the CAT exam pattern 2024, so we have described  each section in detail for you:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension VARC

The VARC section basically checks whether the student can understand and interpret the comprehension of the text.. It has been categorised in two types of questions:

Reading Comprehension (RC):

• This section has around 16-18 questions.
• The passages vary from economics, literature, to technology, and even sociology etc.

Verbal Ability (VA)

• Usually 6-8 questions.
• The sort of questions include para jumbles, sentence correction, summary questions, and odd sentence out.

Here’s a breakdown of the types of questions you can expect in the VARC section:

2. DILR: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

The DILR section tests your logical reasoning skills. It’s one of the toughest parts of the CAT exam, as the question types are mostly unpredictable here.

Most of the sets have 4 to 6 questions. DI is based on interpretation by numbers, tables, graphs, and charts, whereas LR would be solved through puzzles, sequencing, etc using logical problems.

Here’ the DILR Questions Breakdown:

Candidates should aim to solve sets in this section carefully, as accuracy is critical.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

In the QA section, the mathematical acumen of a candidate is tested. While the questions are mostly high school maths, much problem-solving skill is needed to arrive at the answer in the time that is given to answer that question.

• General areas covered are:
• Arithmetic: percentages, ratios, time and work
• Algebra: equations, functions
• Geometry: circles, triangles, quadrilaterals
• Number systems
• Modern maths: permutations, combinations, probability

Here is a breakdown of topics that can be anticipated from the QA Section:

Changes and Expectations in the CAT Exam Pattern 2024

Just like every other year, to a greater extent, the CAT Exam pattern 2024 is going to be the same. However, there would always be one or two such changes that the candidates would need to stay vigilant for.

• Introduction of more TITA Questions: The past three to four years have slowly and gradually witnessed the entry of non-MCQ type questions. And, the same will be followed in CAT exam pattern 2024, and, this time, around 20% to 25% questions will be of the non-MCQ kind. Now, that is a significant change because questions of the TITA type require much higher-order analytical reasoning and cannot be solved merely by adopting options elimination strategies.
• Difficulty Level- The CAT Exam Pattern 2024 will be on the same difficulty level as has been there from the very start. However, every year does add minute changes depending upon which section it is, but DILR, till date, is one of the most unpredictable and challenging sections
• Adaptive Marking: CAT is not adaptive in the guise that questions get tougher or easier according to your performance, and negative marking can ensure that accuracy is as crucial as speed.

Preparation Strategy for CAT Exam Pattern 2024

It is just the beginning and not more than that. What needs to be handled critically is designing a preparation strategy. So here are some tips to help you prepare better for each section:

For VARC:

1. Focus on improving your Reading Comprehension: The VARC section, mostly contains questions originating from RCs. So you frequently need to practise RC passages from different genres.
2. Improve your Vocabulary and Grammar: Pay close attention to the construction of sentences and keep looking for grammatical mistakes, and moreover be on your guard for improving your vocabulary.
3. Mock Tests: Aim to take the full-length mocks at an interval which will not only improve your speed but will also enhance your accuracy.

DILR:

1. Variety Practice Sets: The DILR problems vary from one mock test to another. So, develop a habit of practising mixed types of questions which might include puzzles, seating arrangements, and data analysis and more.
2. Accuracy is the key: DILR questions can be complicated in many situations. So accuracy becomes very important while solving, also avoid taking in the case of MCQs.

For QA:

1. Command over Arithmetic: As the QA section contains a lot of weightage in arithmetic. So make sure that you have a good command over percentages, ratios, and time and work related problems.
2. Periodic Revision: Develop a habit of revising the algebra concepts and geometric ideas to ensure that you do not forget anything.

General Tips for Preparation:

1. As there are sectional time limits, you ought to have a habit of solving the problems in the stipulated time frame. 
2. Solving regular mock tests strictly can help you analyse your performance and helps you in identifying the weak areas you need to work on. 
3. Practise TITA Questions: As there is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions so give dedicated time practising TITA questions, but always ensure to solve it correctly by spending enough time in trying to understand what the question demands.

Some Important Pointers to Remember:

• Do not change sections: In case you have answered all questions in a single section within the time taken, then you cannot go back to it. You have to manage time correctly for the sections.
• Negative marking: Do not waste much on wrong answers as they would add some unwanted losses. In the case of TITAs, you have quite enough opportunity to get all correct without actually caring for negatives.

Conclusion

As discussed above, the pattern of the CAT exam 2024 is going to be aptitude testing wherein verbal, logical and quantitative skills would be tested. Apart from knowing the said pattern, focused preparation along with consistent practice will support you in securing high percentile. 

In fact, the CAT exam introduces slight changes to keep the test dynamic, but the core structure remains intact. Hence, staying updated with CAT exam pattern 2024 and accordingly doing your preparation is the key to success.

Wishing you good luck for your preparation.