CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
CAT Exam Pattern 2024 – It is crucial for candidates to comprehend every facet of the CAT 2024 exam pattern in order to create a thorough section-by-section plan. The CAT 2024 test pattern is the first and most crucial step in streamlining your action plan in accordance with the CAT syllabus, achieving a 99+ percentile, and increasing your prospects of becoming one of those who enter the gates of India’s top Business Schools.
| CAT 2024 Syllabus & Pattern Components | CAT 2024 Exam Details |
| CAT 2024 Test duration | 2 hrs (120 Minutes) |
| CAT 2024 Test sessions/Slots | 3 (Morning, Afternoon and Evening) |
| CAT 2024 Total questions | 66 |
| CAT 2024 Total score | 198 |
| CAT 2024 Number of Sections in CAT question paper | 3 (VARC; DILR; QA) |
| CAT 2024 Time Allotted for Each Section in CAT exam | 40 Minutes |
| CAT 2024 Total questions in VARC Section | 24 |
| CAT 2024 Total Questions in DILR section | 20 |
| CAT 2024 Total Questions in QA section | 22 |
CAT 2024 Exam Date
| CAT 2024 Exam Date | Sunday, November 24, 2024 |
| CAT Entrance exam sessions | Likely to be Conducted in 3 sessions on same day–
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| CAT 2024 Test Mode | Computer based exam but not an online exam |
| When to Check for CAT 2024 Notification | July 2024 |
| CAT 2024 Start Date for Registration | August 2024 |
| CAT 2024 Last Date for Registration | September 2024 |
| CAT 2024 Admit Card Release Date | October 2024 |
| CAT 2024 Results Announcement | December 2024 |
| Details to Check in CAT 2024 Notification | CAT Exam details, Application fee, Registration dates, MBA courses by IIMs through CAT 2024 |
| Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2024 for MBA admission 2024 | 20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs, IMI, IMT& 1000 other MBA colleges in India |
| How to Apply for CAT 2024? | Application process is online only |
| CAT Official Website for CAT 2024 Form Filling | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2024 Marking Scheme
For questions other than MCQs, 3 marks are assigned for ‘correct answer’ and no marks are deducted for ‘incorrect answer or no attempt’.
- Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks.
- An incorrect answer fetches -1.
- No marks are given or deducted for unattempted questions.
CAT 2024 Negative Marking: IN CAT 2024, 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in MCQ. No negative marking for TITA question format.
| Type of question | Positive marking | Negative marking |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | +3 | -1 |
| Type In The Answer (TITA) | +3 | 0 |
The CAT 2024 exam is computer-based. Therefore, candidates must enter their answers into the computer. Candidates must select one of the options offered when entering an answer-
- Save and Next: Candidates select and save an answer and proceed to the next question
- Delete Answer: Candidates can delete the answer to the question they answered
- Mark for review and continue: Candidates can mark and answer unknown answers for review and proceed to the next question
CAT 2024 Syllabus Overview
CAT syllabus 2024 official website enlists the syllabus in three parts-
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
However, you cannot find the detailed chapter-wise syllabus on the CAT official website. To get the detailed chapter-wise/ topic-wise CAT 2024 syllabus based on expert analysis, you can refer to this page.
Download CAT Syllabus PDF –
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
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CAT Paper Pattern 2024
The CAT 2024 paper pattern consists of three sections, as follows:
- Verbal Ability (Language Proficiency) and Reading (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative ability (QA)
The CAT exam is held as a two-hour computer-based test (CBT). Each section has a separate time limit of 40 minutes. The table below will give you an idea of what you can expect from CAT 2024.
| Sections of exam | No. of questions | Multiple-
choice questions |
Non
Multiple- choice questions |
Important features |
| VARC | 24 | 19 | 5 | 16 RC Questions-Four passages with four questions each.
8 Language Proficiency Questions-Three Para jumbles, Two Odd Sentence Para jumbles, and Three Para summary Questions. |
| DILR | 20 | 15 | 5 | 4 sets in total:
2 sets of 6 questions each 2 sets of 4 questions each Area question: Bar graph, arrangements, missing Data and puzzle (games) |
| QA | 22 | 14 | 8 | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, etc. |
| Total | 66 | 48 | 18 |
CAT Exam Pattern 2024 – Important Points
- During the CAT exam, candidates will have access to an on-screen calculator
- Candidates taking the CAT Exam can see the current time using the digital clock displayed on the screen
- Candidates will be given sheets for draught work that must be submitted following the conclusion of the CAT exam for the MBA
- Aspirants must complete each section before moving on to the next
- You can get the CAT practice test when it becomes available on the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). It reveals the overall and sectional IIM CAT exam structure.
CAT 2024 will be split into three halves, as follows:
- Morning session (8:30 am – 10:30 pm)
- Afternoon session (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm)
- Evening session (4:30 pm – 6:30 pm).
In addition, the CAT test pattern divides the work into three sections, each with a time limit. Candidates cannot choose the order in which they will try the sections. Also, you cannot move back and forth between sections. Therefore, it is important to understand the time limit for each section in order to try the treatise accurately.
| Sections | No. of questions | Weightage | Time allotted |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 36% | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 20 | 30% | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 34% | 40 minutes |
| TOTAL | 66 | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
CAT 2024 VARC Exam Pattern
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension consists of 24 questions and carries 36% weightage in the CAT 2024 exam. Candidates will be allotted 40 minutes to complete this section.
| VARC Topics | No. of questions in CAT exam |
| Inferences, Statements, Arguments | 3-4 Questions |
| Main idea in the RC Passage | 1-2 Questions |
| Author’s assumption | 1-2 Questions |
| Synonyms-antonyms | 2-3 Questions |
| Meaning of the phrase | 2-3 Questions |
| Para Summary | 2-3 Questions |
| Jumbled paragraphs | 2-3 Questions |
| Pick Out of Context Sentence | 1-2 Questions |
| Error Correction in Sentences | 1-2 Questions |
| Sequence of sentences | 1-2 Questions |
| Fill in the blanks | 1-2 Questions |
| Completion of Paragraph | 1-2 Questions |
| Analogies | 1-2 Questions |
| Critical Reasoning | 2-3 Questions |
| Sentence Completion | 1-2 Questions |
| Irrelevant Statements | 1-2 Questions |
| Vocabulary usage | 2-3 Questions |
CAT 2024 DILR Exam Pattern
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning consists of 20 questions and 30% weightage in CAT 2024 exam. Candidates will be allotted 40 minutes to complete this section.
| Data Interpretation for CAT | Number of questions | Type of Questions |
| Problem Set-1: Tables & Charts | 2-3 | Comparison of Data of various years, ages etc. |
| Problem Set-2: Graph, Bar diagram | 3 | Data Analysis, comparison of various years, classes, groups etc. |
| Problem Set-3: Tables, Pie chart | 2-3 | Decoding and finding out the data of missing period, taking clues, interpreting the missing links |
| Problem Set-4: Graphs, Charts | 3 | Making analysis of data and coming to conclusion, making future projections |
| Total questions | 10-12 | MCQs & Non-MCQs |
CAT 2024 Logical Reasoning Exam Pattern
Logical reasoning will comprise of 10 to 16 Questions in CAT. The topic-wise breakup is as follows-
| Logical Reasoning for CAT | Number of questions | Type of Questions |
| Problem Set-1: Arrangements/Rankings/Team Formation | 3-4 | Seating arrangement, Ranks, different type of team formation. Lot of conditions placed to confuse you to put the logical sequence |
| Problem Set-2: Quantitative Reasoning/Puzzles | 2-4 | Based on Arithmetic, Geometrical data, various puzzles on words, letters, arrangements, seating etc. |
| Problem Set-3: Syllogisms/Logical Deduction | 3-4 | Questions based on statements, arguments, |
| Problem Set-4: Venn Diagrams/Binary Logic | 2-4 | Questions on set theory, network diagrams are included – difficult and need more practice |
| Total questions | 10-16 | MCQs & Non-MCQs |
CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude Exam Pattern
Quantitative Aptitude consists of 22 questions and carries 34% weightage in CAT 2024 exam. Candidates will be allotted 40 minutes to complete this section.
| Syllabus Topics in Quant Section | No. of Questions in CAT |
| Averages; Ratio & Proportion | 1-2 Questions |
| Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work | 1-2 Questions |
| LCM and HCF | 1-2 Questions |
| Percentages, Profit and Loss | 1-2 Questions |
| Interest (Simple and Compound) | 1-2 Questions |
| Number System | 2-3 Questions |
| Algebra | 2-3 Questions |
| Geometry/Mensuration | 2-3 Questions |
| Venn diagrams and other topics | 1-2 Questions |
| Linear Equations; Quadratic Equations Complex Numbers | 1-2 Questions |
| Logarithm; Progressions | 1-2 Questions |
| Binomial Theorem | 1-2 Questions |
| Surds and Indices; Inequalities | 1-2 Questions |
| Permutation and Combination | 1-2 Questions |
| Probability Functions | 1-2 Questions |
| Set Theory; Mixtures and Alligations | 1-2 Questions |
| Co-ordinate Geometry | 1-2 Questions |
| Trigonometry | 1-2 Questions |
CAT 2024 Preparation Tips
If you are preparing for the CAT exam then follow the given instructions –
- Know the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
To prepare for CAT, one must be thorough with the syllabus and conducting body. That’s the first step towards preparation. For instance, CAT stands for Common Admission Test and is conducted once a year by IIMs in CBT mode. The exam duration is 120 minutes, and 66 questions are asked.
The exam is only conducted in the English language throughout the country. Therefore, you must know your syllabus by heart and should solve past papers to fully understand the exam pattern and nature of the exam.
- Resources and Practice Papers
After going through the exam pattern, get an idea of the syllabus and collect resources accordingly. Make sure to opt for reliable and certified sources and books to study for the exam. Buy reliable books and revise them repeatedly. It’s better to study one book ten times than to study ten books.
Next, the vital step in CAT preparation is solving the papers at home. Solve past papers to get an idea of the exam, then solve mock papers or enrol yourself in the test series. You can join any test series that suits you best but make sure to join one.
The CAT exam syllabus demands a lot of practice and time management during exams, and the best way to practice is through these mock test series.
- Prepare for Mock Examinations
Preparing for mock examinations is another way to prepare for the CAT exam at home. There are several possibilities for online practice exams. Applicants must take the test to determine their level of expertise.
Furthermore, the CAT sample exams will help students improve their abilities and ready them for the exam while at home.
- Planning and Study Routine
Another essential step in preparation for CAT is an effective strategy. Every human is different so are their situations and learning patterns; you’re different too. So, the topper’s strategy may not work for you; you must note the critical points while preparing and moulding them into your strategy.
Make your study plan and stick to it, keep track of your progress solve test papers to test your knowledge. Another thing to remember is that modifying your study patterns in your routine is okay if the old ones do not give you the best results.
All you need to do is track your progress and make essential changes in the plan; keep in mind no plan or strategy is ideal, and you need to follow what works best for you.
- Previous Year Papers
You’ve solved many papers, now you’re thorough with the exam pattern, and you’ve found your suitable study routine, but the main problem is how to stick to it and be disciplined while preparing when there are so many distractions around.
To execute your study plans correctly, you need to fix a time to study; it could be a late-night study or early-morning productive hours. So find your productive hours to make the most of your day, track your progress, and study hours before bed to keep a hold on your preparation.
Preparing for CAT indeed comes with a lot of sacrifice and determination, so make sure you cut down on distractions and stay determined and disciplined throughout your journey.
- Mistakes to avoid
Many people need to learn from past failures. Make a note of your past mistakes and try to overcome them. Your weak areas require extra attention during preparation time, sharpening your strengths, focusing on your weak areas, and improving them.
- Analyse your mock test.
You need to analyse every mock test you solve to avoid repeating the mistakes you’ve made in them. Your test papers are your mirror, so analyse your paper and surpass your weaknesses.
- Adequate Revision
Not revising enough when the syllabus is vast; one tends to forget easily, so ensure you include regular revision sessions in your study routines.
- Clear Doubts
Not clearing doubts the same day. If you get any doubts while studying, make sure to get rid of all your doubts and not bottle them up. Not asking for doubts will blur your understanding of topics and cost you marks in the main exam.
CAT Exam Pattern FAQs
Q. Is CAT an online examination?
A. CAT is not an online examination. It is a digital or Computer Based Test (CBT); not an Internet-Based Test (IBT); that is, a candidate will not take the examination on an internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.
Q. Can I bring a calculator to the testing centre?
A. Candidates are prohibited from bringing calculators to the testing centre. You may use the onscreen calculator that will be available throughout the exam.
Q. Are there negative marks for questions other than MCQs?
A. No, there are no negative marks for non-MCQ type questions.
Q. Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?
A. You must answer the sections in a pre-specified order and this order will remain the same for all the candidates.
Q. What is the marking/grading scheme for CAT? Is there negative marking for a wrong answer?
A. For questions other than MCQs, 3 marks are assigned for ‘correct answer’ and no marks for ‘incorrect answer or no attempt’.
- Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks.
- An incorrect answer fetches -1.
- No marks are given or deducted for unattempted questions.
Q. What is the pattern for English Comprehension in CAT 2024?
A. It accounts for more than 67% of the questions in the VARC section. (16 out of 24 questions)
Question format: Multiple Choice Questions, including some TITA (Type in the answer) questions.
This section usually has 5 passages (3 majors and 2 minors).
Conclusion
The Highest weightage section in CAT syllabus is VARC followed by QA and then comes DILR. But you need to qualify in each of the three CAT sections. A smart preparation with proper guidance to the syllabus can fetch you a good percentile score and can improve your admission chances in IIMs. This year’s CAT exam will be conducted in November 2024 in three slots with a time duration of 2 hours for each slot.
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