CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Section Wise Pattern and Marking Scheme

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Updated on
March 2, 2024

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern: Check CAT 2024 Exam Pattern and Section-Wise Marks Distribution, Types & Weightage of Questions

Common Admission Test (CAT) is the largest MBA entrance exam for admission in 21 IIMs and majority of other top B-schools. CAT is a computer based test of two hours duration and is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension; Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning; Quantitative Ability. CAT 2024 exam date is Nov 24, 2024 and the CAT exam 2024 will be held in three slots – Morning, Afternoon and Evening. CAT 2024 exam pattern is expected to remain same as last year comprising 66 questions. Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 exam will be conducted by IIM Calcutta.

Latest Updates

  • CAT 2024 Exam date is November 24, 2024
  • The CAT exam is held in 3 slots on the same day
  • Each of the 3 Slots is of 120 Minutes duration
  • The Exam Consists of 3 sections – VARC, DILR, QA
  • Each Section has Individual Time Limit of 40 Minutes
  • Maximum CAT Exam Score is 198 Marks

MBAUniverse.com has provided past CAT papers and model papers as per exact CAT test paper to help you assess your preparation. You can attempt each of these papers free of cost.  Shared below are the key features of revised CAT exam pattern 2024, number of questions in each section, CAT Exam duration, CAT Exam marking scheme, weightage of each section in CAT exam and more  

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Table of Contents

1. What is CAT Exam Pattern?  CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Key Highlights

2. CAT 2024 Test Pattern: Sections, Number & Type of Questions

3. CAT 2024 Sectional Pattern for VARC,

4. CAT 2024 Sectional Pattern for DILR,

5. CAT 2024 Sectional Pattern for QA

6. Previous Year CAT Exam Analysis: Pattern, Difficulty Level

7. CAT Exam Pattern: Key Changes Over the Years

8. CAT Vs Other Top MBA Entrance Exams: Comparative Analysis

9. FAQs on CAT Exam Pattern

1. What is CAT Exam Pattern?  CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Key Highlights

CAT 2024 is the mandatory exam for MBA admission in IIMs and other top B-schools who accept only CAT exam score like FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IITs among others. CAT 2024 Question Paper has 3 broad sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). You need to ensure high score in each of the three sections as there is also a sectional score cut off in IIMs for shortlisting.

CAT Exam Particulars
Key Details
CAT Exam 2024 Full Form
Common Admission Test 2024
Who Conducts CAT Exam?
One of 6 old IIMs conducts CAT every year
CAT 2024 Conducting Institute
IIM Calcutta
CAT 2024 Exam Date
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Total Questions in the Exam
66
No. of sections & Questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: 24 Qs
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: 20 Qs
Quantitative Ability: 22 Qs
Number of Answer Options for MCQs
4
Number of Answer Options for Non-MCQs
No Answer Option; Type In the Answer on Computer screen
Scoring Pattern in CAT exam
+3 Marks for Each Correct Answer
-1 Mark for Each Wrong Answer (Only for MCQs)
0 Mark for Each Wrong Answer or Unattempted Question for Non-MCQs
Exam Slots
Likely to be Conducted in 3 sessions – Morning, Afternoon & Evening on same day
Exam duration
2 hours for each slot
CAT Sectional Time Limit
40 Minutes for Each of the 3 sections
Facility to Choose Order of Sections
No, Must answer the sections in pre defined order from section 1 to 3
Testing Mode
Computer based exam at test centres but not an online exam
CAT 2024 Notification Release
July 2024 Last week
Details to Check in Notification
CAT Exam details, Application fee, Registration dates, MBA courses by IIMs through CAT 2024
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2024 for MBA admission 2025
21 IIMs, FMS, IIFT, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs, IMI, IMT & 1000 other MBA colleges in India
How to Apply for CAT 2024?
Application process is online only
CAT 2024 Registration Fee
Rs.2500
CAT Official Website for Form Filling
Number of CAT 2024 Applicants
3.30 lakhs (CAT Registration Data 2023)
Number of Test Takers in Previous CAT Exam
2.88 lakhs (CAT 2023 test takers)

2. CAT 2024 Test Pattern: Sections, Number & Type of Questions

CAT 2024 Sectional Pattern as given below is based on CAT 2023 pattern. The table shares the CAT exam sectional order from Section-1 to Section-3, number and type of questions in each section, questions with and without negative marking  (Table 8)

Section
No of Questions
MCQ/ NMCQ
Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes)
Scoring Pattern (Negative Marking is only for MCQs)
Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
 
24
19/5
40
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
Section-2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
 
20
15/5
40
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
Section-3: Quantitative Ability (QA)
22
14/8
40
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
Total
66
66
120
198

2.1 Changes in CAT Exam

Key Changes in CAT exam pattern during last few years are as below:

CAT 2023

Section
No. of Questions (MCQs/Non MCQs)
Topics
No. of Questions
VARC
24 (19 MCQs,
5 Non MCQs)
Verbal Ability
4 RC Passages
 8
16
DILR
20 (15 MCQs, 5 Non MCQs)
Data Interpretation (3 Sets)
Logical Reasoning (1 Set)
15
  5
QA
22 (14 MCQs, 8 Non MCQs)
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Modern Math
10
   8
   3
   1

CAT 2022

Section
No. of Questions (MCQs/Non MCQs)
Topics
No. of Questions
VARC
24 (20 MCQs, 4 Non MCQs)
Verbal Ability:
4 RC Passages with 4 Qs Each:
 8
16
DILR
20 (15 MCQs, 5 Non MCQs)
Data Interpretation (3 Sets of 5 Qs)
Logical Reasoning (1 Set of 5 Qs)
15
  5
QA
22 (14 MCQs, 8 Non MCQs)
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
12
  7
  3

CAT 2021

Section
No. of Questions (MCQs/Non MCQs)
Topics
No. of Questions
VARC
24 (19 MCQs,
5 Non MCQs)
Verbal Ability
4 RC Passages
8 Qs
16 Qs
DILR
20 (14 MCQs, 6 Non MCQs)
Data Interpretation (2 Sets with 4 Qs)
Logical Reasoning (2 Sets with 6 Qs)
  8 Qs
 12 Qs
QA
22 (14 MCQs, 8 Non MCQs)
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Modern Math
 10 Qs
   5 Qs
   3 Qs
   4 Qs

CAT Exam Pattern FAQs

 

Q. In how many days CAT exam 2024 will be conducted?
A. CAT 2024 will be conducted in a single day

 

Q. In how many sessions will CAT 2024 exam be conducted?
A. Like previous years, CAT 2024 will be conducted in three slots of 2 hours duration for each slot

 

Q. What is the Mode of CAT 2024 exam?
A. CAT is a computer based test and is conducted at test centres. Last year CAT 2023 was conducted in more than 160 test cities. 

 

Q. Is CAT a difficult exam?
A. Yes, to some extent CAT is a difficult exam. Last year, CAT 2023 was considered most difficult during previous 5-6 years with Quant & DILR very difficult.

 

Q. Can I attempt any section in CAT within over all time limit?
A. No, while the overall time limit to attempt CAT exam is 2 hours, its each section has individual time limit of 40 minutes.

CAT Exam Pattern: Toppers Tips

 

“Attempt 80% Questions with 80% accuracy. It is much better than 100% attempt with 50% accuracy. Learn and use better methods to solve any particular LRDI Set instead of focusing on all” - Shubham Bajaj; CAT Topper 99.98%, IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23

 

“VARC is one section which requires existing acumen and little of current preparation. I made a point of attempting every question in this section, unless I can’t understand the meaning of a problem” Nandan Goel, CAT Topper 99.95%, IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23

3. CAT 2024 Sectional Pattern for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

CAT pattern for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension with syllabus is as below:

3.1 CAT VARC Section Syllabus & Number of Questions

CAT Syllabus for VARC Topics
Syllabus
No of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023  
Verbal Ability
Para Summary; Jumbled paragraphs; Out of Context Sentence; Error Correction in Sentences; Sequence of sentences; Fill in the blanks; Completion of Last Sentence of Paragraph; Analogies; Critical Reasoning; Sentence Completion
8
Reading Comprehension
RC Passages on Literature, Current Affairs, Social, Economic, Business issues followed by questions based on
Inferences, Statements, Arguments, Main idea in the RC Passage;  Author’s assumption; Synonyms-antonyms; Meaning of the phrase; Vocabulary usage
16

3.2 VARC Topics & Type of Questions Appeared in CAT

CAT VARC Topic
Type of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023  
Verbal Ability
Para Jumbles (2 Qs); Para Summary (2 Qs); Out of Context Sentence from jumbled Paragraph (2 Qs); Completion of Last Sentence of Paragraph (2 Qs)
Reading Comprehension
4 RC Passages followed by 4 Questions on True False Statement, Argument, Inference, Main Idea, Interpretation of Phrase as used in RC; Author’s Thought Process; Passage Title.

Passages were based on Second-hand Shopping and Fast Fashion; Translated Streaming on Netflix in Europe; Why Liberalism Failed (Book Review); What is Historical Fact.

3.3 Toppers Tips for VARC Preparation

Topper Tips

“I started with 10 Books, a mix of fiction and notification books for VARC Preparation and then switched to CR practice over free resources like the GMAT club. Also, I enrolled for GEJO's VARC 1000 that helped me know the techniques or strategies I was missing” Ekansh Gupta, CAT Topper 99.91%; IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23

 

“VARC is one section which requires existing acumen and little of current preparation” Nandan Goel, CAT Topper 99.95%, IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23

 

“I used to give practice all the three sections consistently. I never skipped a particular section, say VARC, because I had to focus on Quants. Learning to strike a balance between three sections is really necessary.”

4. CAT 2024 Sectional Pattern for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

CAT pattern for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning with syllabus is as below:

4.1 CAT DILR Section Syllabus & Number of Questions 

Topic

Syllabus

No of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023

Data Interpretation (DI)

Bar charts - Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts; Pie charts; Caselets; Data Analysis; Data comparison from Table; Graphs; Line Graphs; Data Sufficiency. Comparison of Data of various years, ages, classes, Groups; Decoding and finding out the data of missing period, taking clues, interpreting the missing links; Analysis of data and coming to conclusion, making future projections

15

Logical Reasoning (LR)

Direction sense, Team formation, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Clocks, Calendars, Binary logic, Logical Sequence, Assumption, Premise, Conclusion, Linear and matrix arrangement, Input-Output, Series, Syllogism, Cubes, Rows, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams. Seating arrangement, Ranks, different type of team formation, puzzles on words, letters, statements, arguments

5

4.2 DILR Topics & Questions Appeared in CAT 2023

Topic
Type of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023
Data Interpretation (DI)
3 DI Problem sets of 5 questions on each problem set.
Questions in CAT 2023 were based on 5 firms raised funds in consecutive years; Drawing Competition; Nine Boxes puzzle of sudoku type; Two days average of Arrangement score; Company starting/closing years-Table on Missing Values; Grid Based problem set with 3x3 table (Mean, Mode, Median based questions)
Logical Reasoning (LR)
5 Questions on one problem set based on 3 friends visited a park, took many rides.

4.3 Toppers Tips for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Preparation

“For DILR, I completed the Arun Sharma book end to end. It really improved my way of tackling the sets. I used to get my doubts clarified if I couldn’t solve a set. Again, I practiced via sectional tests as well, as you need to monitor the time as well. I took coaching from TIME, so their booklets were useful as well to solve high level sets. DILR needs a lot of practice. You need to be able to formulate the right approach” - Srishti Yadav, CAT Topper 99.69%, IIM Kozhikode MBA 2023-25
 
“Out of 80 pager collation of all DILR cases covering different types of cases that can come up in CAT, I tried to solve them all. With this, I also understood which cases to select and which to avoid (really important as we typically end up solving 1-2 cases in DILR)” – Pooja Sudhakar, CAT Topper 99.11%, SPJIMR PGDM 2023-25
 
“My key focus areas in DILR preparation were Data Familiarity to get comfortable with different types of data sets and formats; Solved a variety of DILR sets from previous CAT papers; Focused on solving sets quickly while maintaining accuracy; Learned to classify and organize data effectively; Enhanced logical deduction skills for complex problems; Collaborated with peers to solve DILR sets together; Took full-length mock tests to simulate real exam conditions and Allocated time wisely to different sets based on difficulty levels” - Akshat Agarwal, CAT Topper 99.44%, IIT Delhi MBA 2023-25

5. CAT 2024 Sectional Pattern for Quantitative Ability

CAT pattern for Quantitative Ability with syllabus is as below: 

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5.1 CAT Quantitative Ability Section Syllabus & Number of Questions

Topic
Syllabus
No of Questions Appeared
Arithmetic
Averages; Ratio & Proportion; Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; LCM and HCF; Percentages, Profit and Loss; Interest (Simple and Compound); Number System;
10
Algebra
 
Linear & Quadratic Equations; Inequalities; Functions; Progressions; Algebraic Expressions to Polynomials; Complex numbers; Sequences and series; Permutations and combinations
8
Geometry/
Mensuration
Triangles, Lines and Angles (Supplementary, Complementary, Obtuse, Acute, and Right), Quadrilaterals, Circles; Theorems (Pythagoras, Midpoint, Apollonius, Basic Proportionality, Internal and External Angular Bisector), Co-ordinate Geometry, Quadrant System, Areas of Hexagonal Polygon, Triangle, and Rectangle. Square, Rhombus, Trapezoid, Volume, Total Surface Area, and Lateral Surface Area of Different Solids like Cubes, Cuboids, Cylinders, Pyramids, Cones, Spheres, Hemispheres, and Frustum
3
Trigonometry
Trigonometric ratios, identities, and heights and distances, Sine, Cosine
0
Modern Math
Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Probability, Permutation & Combination
1

5.2 QA Topics & Questions Appeared in CAT

Topic
Type of Questions Appeared  in CAT 2023
Arithmetic
  • Time Speed Distance- (2 Qs),
  • Time & Work (1Q);
  • Ratio (1Q);
  • Simple Interest/ Compound Interest (3Qs);
  • Profit & Loss (1Q);
  • Mixture (1Q);
  • Clock (1Q)
Algebra
  • Log (1Q);
  • Equations (3 Qs);
  • Surds (1Q);
  • Sequence & Series (2Qs)
Geometry/Mensuration
  • Triangle (1 Q);
  • Quadrilateral (1Q);
  • Circle (1Q)
Modern Math
  • Permutation & Combination (1 Q)

5.3 Toppers Tips for Quantitative Ability Preparation

“For Quantitative Ability preparation, I worked on knowing my basic concepts and working on solving the questions that I already know would be solved quickly especially on the questions and concepts which became familiar to me. This built up my skills and strengths, improved speed and accuracy” – Kirti Goyal, CAT Topper 99.1%, IIM Kozhikode MBA 2023-25

 

“First of all, I brushed up all the topics in initial few months. Then appeared in mock tests. My strategy for this section was to keep myself cool and not to get influenced by the performance in other two sections, as this being the last section, there are chances of mishap easy questions if other two sections have not gone well. I was doing one after another from start in sequence. My confidence grew with each questions I could solve and I left a few, which were time consuming” – Soumik Banerjee, CAT Topper 99.95%, IIM Calcutta 2023-25

 

“For QA preparation, my focus areas were to build a strong foundation in math concepts, Solved a variety of math problems daily, Memorized key formulas and shortcuts, Took full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, Managed time effectively during the QA section, Identified and leveraged strong math areas, Worked on improving weaker Math topics, Enhanced mental calculation skills for quicker solutions” - Akshat Agarwal, CAT Topper 99.44%, IIT Delhi MBA 2023-25

6. Previous Year CAT Exam Analysis: Pattern, Difficulty Level

CAT 2023 exam surprised test takers and experts with its high difficulty level especially in Quantitative Ability and DILR sections. Below is shared the Slot wise CAT exam analysis for the 2023 exam:  (Table 5)

Topics
Number of Questions in CAT 2023 Slot-1
Number of Questions in CAT 2023 Slot-2
Number of Questions in CAT 2023 Slot-3
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Reading Comprehension (4 RC Passages)
16
16
16
Para Jumbles
2
2
3
Para Summary
2
2
3
Odd Sentence Out
2
2
2
Para Completion
2
2
 
Quantitative Ability (QA)
Arithmetic
10
12
12
Algebra
  8
  7
  7
Geometry & Mensuration
  3
  3
  3
Number System
  -
0
0
Modern Math
 1
0
0
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DI (3 Sets)
15
15
15
LR (1 Set)
  5
  5
15

Read in detail Complete CAT previous year Analysis 

FAQs

 

Q: Will CAT 2024 be more difficult than last year?

A: It is not necessary. CAT 2024 may be easier than last year or have similar or higher difficulty level.

Q: If CAT 2024 remains a high difficulty level exam and I score low, what are my chances to be shortlisted by IIMs?

A: Higher difficulty level exam leads to high percentile at low score and vice versa. A difficult exam is difficult for all and the score normalization process awards equal opportunity for all test takers

7. CAT Exam Pattern: Key Structural Changes Over the Years

From 2015 to 2019 IIM-CAT remained a three hour exam and was conducted in two slots on the same day. However, during Covid pandemic IIMs changed the CAT exam pattern which became 2 hours exam with reduced number of questions and three slot exam. Following are the key changes in CAT pattern over the years:

CAT Exam Year
Name of Sections
Total Questions
Time Duration
2023
VARC, DILR, QA
66
120 Minutes
2022
VARC, DILR, QA
66
120 Minutes
2021
VARC, DILR, QA
66
120 Minutes
2020
VARC, DILR, QA
76
120 Minutes
2019
VARC, DILR, QA
100
180 Minutes
2018
VARC, DILR, QA
100
180 Minutes
2017
VARC, DILR, QA
100
180 Minutes
2016
VARC, DILR, QA
100
180 Minutes
2015
VARC, DILR, QA
100
180 Minutes
2014
QA & DI; VARC & LR
100
170 Minutes
2013
QA & DI; VARC & LR
  60
140 Minutes
2012
QA & DI; VARC & LR
  60
140 Minutes

8. CAT Vs Other Top MBA Entrance Exams: Comparative Analysis

CAT exam pattern 2024 Vs other exams pattern have many similarities as well as differences. A brief comparison between CAT and other exams is shared below:

8.1 CAT 2024 Vs XAT 2025 

IIM CAT 2024 and XAT 2025 have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronise their sectional and overall exam preparation. A comparative analysis between both the exams is shared below:

Component
 IIM CAT 2024
XLRI – XAT 2025
Total questions
 66
100
Overall time limit to attempt the exam
 2 hours
3 hours
Type of questions
MCQs, and Non-MCQs
MCQs
Answer options for each MCQ
4
5
Marks awarded for each correct answer
3
1
Negative marking
MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs
75 MCQs with 1/4 negative marking; No negative marking for 25 MCQs on GK
Exam difficulty level
Comparatively high
High
Number of sections
3
3 (Main sections)
1 (GK score not counted)
Name of section-1 with number of questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension -24
English Language & Logical Reasoning- 26
Name of Section-2 with number of questions
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning-20
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation- 28
Name of Section-3 with number of questions
Quantitative Ability-22
Decision Making-21
Facility to choose order of sections
No, has to follow pre defined sectional order
Any question from any section within overall time limit
Individual Sectional time limit
Each section with 40 Minute time limit
No
Top MBA colleges accepting exam score
21 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IITs, XIMB
XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, XIMB

8.2 CAT 2024 Vs NMAT 2024

IIM CAT 2024 and NMAT by GMAC have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronise their sectional and overall exam preparation. A comparative analysis between both the exams is shared below:

Component
 IIM CAT 2024
NMAT Exam Pattern 2024
Total questions
 66
108
Overall time limit to attempt the exam
 2 hours
 2 hours
Type of questions
MCQs and Non-MCQs
All MCQs
Answer options for MCQs
4
5
Marks awarded for each correct answer
3
1
Negative marking
MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs
No negative marking
Exam difficulty level
Comparatively high
Moderate
Number of sections
3
3
Name of section-1 with number of questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: 24
Language Skills-36
Name of Section-2 with number of questions
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning:20
Logical Reasoning-36
Name of Section-3 with number of questions
Quantitative Ability: 22
Quantitative Skills-36
Facility to choose order of sections
No, has to follow pre defined sectional order
Yes, but once chosen has to follow
Individual Sectional time limit
Each section with 40 minute time limit
Yes, varying time limit of 28 minutes to 62 minutes
Top MBA colleges accepting exam score
21 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IITs, XIMB
NMIMS, VIT, XIMB

8.3 CAT 2024 Vs SNAP 2024 

CAT 2024 and SNAP have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronise their sectional and overall exam preparation. A comparative analysis between both the exams is shared below

Component
IIMs CAT 2024
SNAP 2024
Total Questions
66
60
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam
 2 hours
 1 hour
Type of Questions
MCQs, non MCQs
60 MCQs
Answer Options for MCQs
4
 4
Marks Awarded for each Correct Answer
3 for All questions
 1 for all questions
Negative Marking
MCQs with 1/3 negative marking;
25% for all questions
No negative marking for Non-MCQs
NA
Exam Difficulty Level
Difficult
Moderate
Number of Sections
3
3
Section-1: Name and Number of Questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: 24
General English, RC,VR,VA-15
Section-2: Name and Number of Questions
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning:20
Analytical & Logical Reasoning-25
Section-3: Name and Number of Questions
Quantitative Ability:22
Quant, DI, Data Sufficiency-20
Facility to Choose Order of Sections
No, has to follow pre defined sectional order
Yes, any question from any section within overall time limit
Individual Sectional Time Limit
Each section with 40 minute time limit
No
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score
21 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, IITs, TAPMI, XIMB and hundreds of other B-schools. Read More
SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune, SIIB Pune, SIBM Bangalore & all other Symbiosis institutes. Read More

8.4 IIMs CAT Vs MAT

CAT 2024 and MAT have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronise their sectional and overall exam preparation. A comparative analysis between both the exams is shared below

Component
 IIM CAT 2024
MAT 2024
Total Questions
66
200
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam
 2 hours
 2½ hours
Question Format
MCQs, and Non-MCQs
All MCQs
Answer Options for MCQs
4
 4
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer
3
 1
Negative Marking
MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs
0.25 mark
Exam Difficulty Level
Difficult
Easy to Moderate
Number of Sections
3
5
Section-1: Name and Number of Questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension:24
Language Comprehension: 40
Section-2: Name and Number of questions
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning:20
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 40
Section-3: Name and Number of Questions
Quantitative Ability:22
Data Analysis & Sufficiency: 40
Section-4: Name and Number of Questions
Not Applicable
Mathematical Skills: 40
Section-5: Name and Number of Questions
Not Applicable
Indian & Global Environment: 40
Facility to Choose Order of Sections
No, should follow pre defined sectional order
Yes, any section/question within overall time limit
Individual Sectional time limit
Yes, each section with 40 minute time limit
No, Candidate to complete the test in 150 minutes
Top MBA colleges accepting exam score
21 IIMs, FMS, MDI, NITIE, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, IITs, TAPMI, XIMB and hundreds of others
Christ University, NDIM, DSIMS, IPE, IESMCRC, FIIB among 600 MBA colleges

9. FAQs on CAT Exam Pattern

Q. What is CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
Ans. CAT 2024 is a computer based test. It is likely to have 66 questions divided into 3 sections of VARC, DILR and QA

 

Q. What is the CAT 2024 exam date?
A. CAT 2024 exam date is November 24, 2024. The exam will be conducted in three slots morning, afternoon and evening

 

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). A candidate will not take the examination on an internet site.

 

Q. Will IIMs allow to take the examination from any computer?
A.
No, the candidates will appear in CAT exam on a workstation assigned at the test centre, based on the test cities selected while registering for CAT. The test centre details are printed on the Admit Card.

 

Q. Will IIMs provide some model test to understand CAT exam pattern?
A. Yes, a practice test will be available on the CAT website: www.iimcat.ac.in  in October last week or November first week 2024. You can familiarize yourself with the functionality and navigation of the actual exam.

 

Q. How many sections are there in CAT 2024?
CAT 2024 will have three sections:

  • Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
  • Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
  • Section III: Quantitative Ability

Q. Do the non-MCQ type questions carry equal marks as MCQs?
A.
Yes, all questions carry equal marks. However, for non-MCQ type questions, you must type the answer.

 

Q. Can I bring a calculator to the CAT exam centre?
A.
No, Candidates are prohibited from bringing calculators to the testing centre. You may use the onscreen calculator that will be available throughout the exam.

 

Q. How many non-MCQs are there in each section?
A. IIMs do not disclose the number of NON-MCQ questions. They may vary from section to section from year to year.

 

Q. Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?
A. Yes, you must answer the sections in a pre-specified order and this order will remain the same for all the candidates. However, you cannot attempt second section before the time limit of 40 minutes is over for the first section. 

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