Updated By Shivangi Ahirwar on 19 Sep, 2024 07:30
Registration Starts On August 01, 2024
The CAT 2024 exam will consist of 66 questions (MCQs and TITA) from three sections: QA, VARC, and DILR. The total duration of the exam will be 120 minutes, with each section having a time limit of 40 minutes. For every correct answer, 3 marks will be awarded while for every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted.
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Predict My CollegeThe CAT exam pattern 2024 will likely be the same as that of last year. CAT 2023 had 66 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from three sections, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
The exam lasted for a total of 120 minutes, with each section having a time limit of 40 minutes. The QA section comprised approximately 24 questions, the VARC section had 22 questions, and the DILR section contained 20 questions. Each question was worth 3 marks, and a penalty of minus one mark was applied for each incorrect answer. Additionally, candidates will not incur any mark deductions for skipping questions. The total marks allocated for the CAT exam 2024 is 198.
The CAT 2024 will be held on November 24, 2024, in three shifts in computer-based test (CBT) mode. Test takers must familiarize themselves with the CAT 2024 exam pattern and the CAT syllabus before beginning their preparation for the exam. Check the detailed section-wise CAT exam pattern 2024 and all other important details here.
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Attempt nowCandidates can view the key highlights of the CAT exam pattern 2024 in the image below:
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Duration | 2 hours or 120 Minutes |
Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes |
Number of Sections | 3 (Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Exam Timings | Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
Exam Mode | Computer Based Test |
Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions and Type in the Answer (TITA) |
Total Number of Questions | 66 |
Total Marks | 198 |
Marking Scheme |
|
Candidates must be aware of the section-wise in the CAT exam pattern in addition to the overall pattern. Candidates will get 40 minutes per section in the CAT exam 2024. The exam authority does not allow candidates to switch sections or change the order of the question paper. The number of questions asked in each section of the exam and the time allotted to each section are provided below.
CAT 2024 Section | No. of Questions | Types of Questions | Time Duration | Time Duration for PwD Candidates | Expected Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | Reading comprehension passages with multiple-choice questions, sentence completion, and verbal reasoning questions | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds | Difficult |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 | Data interpretation based on tables, charts, graphs, and logical reasoning problems | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds | Moderate to Difficult |
Quantitative Ability | 22 | Mathematics and quantitative problems from various topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and data sufficiency | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds | Easy to Moderate |
Total | 66 | - | 120 Minutes | 160 Minutes | Moderate to Difficult |
Also Read:
| CAT Admit Card 2024 | |
|---|---|
| CAT Syllabus 2024 PDF |
The VARC section of CAT evaluates candidates' English language proficiency and their ability to comprehend and extract core ideas from given passages. Here's the CAT 2024 VARC exam pattern.
Topic | No. of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | 16 | 68% |
Para Jumbles | 3 | 12% |
Para Completion/Para Summary | 3 | 12% |
Odd Sentences | 1 | 4% |
Sentence Correction, Word Usage, Fill in the Blanks | 1 | 4% |
Total | 24 | 100% |
CAT's Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section tests a candidate's ability to interpret data and understand logical assumptions. Questions for the DI LR section are not fixed in the CAT exam pattern. However, candidates can check below to get an idea about the expected questions from the DI LR section.
Topic | No. of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Graphs | 6 | 30% |
Arrangement | 4 | 20% |
Data Sufficiency | 3 | 15% |
Tables and Caselets | 2 | 10% |
Blood Relation | 1 | 5% |
Puzzles | 1 | 5% |
Clock and Calendars | 1 | 5% |
Assumptions and Binary Logic | 1 | 5% |
Syllogism and VennDiagram | 1 | 5% |
Total | 20 | 100% |
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT covers topics such as Basic Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Geometry & Mensuration, and Modern Maths. Candidates can check the expected topic distribution in the CAT 2024 QA section here.
Topic | No. of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Arithmetic | 8 | 36% |
Algebra | 6 | 28% |
Geometry & Mensuration | 4 | 18% |
Number System | 2 | 9% |
Modern Mathematics | 2 | 9% |
Total | 22 | 100% |
Also Read:
| CAT 2024 Preparation Tips | |
|---|---|
| CAT 2024 Coaching Institutes |
The Types of Questions in CAT 2024 comprises mainly two types of questions i.e. multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and non-MCQs.
Type of Question | No. of Questions | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) | 48 | These types of questions will comprise the text that you have to read and find the answer to. You will be given four options from which you will have to choose the correct answer. |
Type in the Answer (TITA/ Non-MCQs) | 18 | These will comprise question texts that you will have to read to understand the question and type your answer in the box provided on the screen. |
Aspirants must know the number of questions asked in each section of the CAT exam 2024 question paper to attempt the questions timely. Time management and maintaining a faster solving speed throughout the exam are essential to scoring well in the CAT exam. A proctored mock test will help you understand the CAT exam pattern 2024 better.
Also Read:
| CAT Previous Year Question Papers | |
|---|---|
The candidate needs to be aware of the marking scheme of the CAT exam 2024 under the CAT exam pattern.
| Type of Question | Marks Awarded for Correct Answer | Marks Deducted for Incorrect Answer |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ | +3 | -1 |
| Non-MCQ or TITA Questions | +3 | 0 |
Also Read:
| How to Prepare for CAT DI & LR | |
| 15+ CAT 2024 Percentage Questions |
Efficiency is paramount when tackling the CAT exam. Mastering time management is crucial for candidates as they tackle the CAT questions. Here are some essential considerations for candidates to keep in mind during the CAT exam:
Check the table provided below to know what color on the panel indicates in the CAT 2024 exam pattern:
| Icon | Color on the Panel | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Grey | The question has not been viewed or visited |
| Red | The question has not been answered nor has it been marked for review |
| Green | The question has been answered and not marked for review |
| Violet | The question has been marked for review and not answered |
| Violet with a green tick | The question has been marked for review and answered |
The computer screen of the CAT 2024 exam will be provided with the following options. Candidates can access these options while answering the questions in the CAT exam pattern 2024:
Candidates should note that they will not be allowed to use the keyboard while answering the questions in the CAT exam. They can answer the questions using the mouse only.
The CAT exam pattern 2024 is different from all other MBA entrance exams. Candidates can check the comparison between all the major MBA entrance exams from the infographics provided below.
Here is the comparison between CAT paper pattern and XAT exams pattern.
Component | CAT | XAT |
|---|---|---|
Conducting Body | IIMs | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Total Questions | 66 | 105 |
Type of Questions | MCQs and Non-MCQs | MCQs |
Time Limit | 2 hours | 3 hours 30 Minutes |
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer | 3 | 1 |
Exam Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult |
Negative Marking | -1 mark for every incorrect answer (No negative marking for Non-MCQ) | 0.25 (¼) Negative Marking for every incorrect answer 0.10 (1/10) Negative Marking for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions (No negative marking for MCQ on GK) |
Number of Sections | 3 | 5 |
Individual Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes for each section | No sectional time limit |
Check the table below to know the difference between the CAT exam pattern and NMAT.
Component | CAT | NMAT |
|---|---|---|
Conducting Body | IIMs | GMAC |
Total Questions | 66 | 108 |
Type of Questions | MCQs and Non-MCQs | MCQs |
Time Limit | 2 hours | 2 hours |
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer | 3 | 3 |
Exam Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate |
Negative Marking | -1 mark for every incorrect answer (No negative marking for Non-MCQ) | No negative marking |
Number of Sections | 3 | 3 |
Individual Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes for each section | The time limit varies from 28 minutes to 52 minutes |
Provided below is the comparison between SNAP and CAT exam patterns.
Particulars | SNAP | CAT |
|---|---|---|
Total Sections |
|
|
Section-wise Time Limit | None |
|
Total Questions | 60 | 66 |
Sectional Division of Questions | General English - 15 Qs Quant, DI & DS - 20 Qs Analytical and Logical Reasoning - 25 Qs | VARC -24 Qs DILR- 20 Qs QA -22 Qs |
Duration of Exam | 1 hour | 2 hours |
Type of Questions | MCQs only | MCQs (80%) and TITA (20%) |
Negative Marking | -0.25 for every wrong answer | -1 for MCQ-type questions No negative marking will be there for Non-MCQ type questions. |
Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate-Difficult |
Check the table provided below to know the difference between the exam pattern of MAT and CAT paper pattern.
Particulars | CAT | MAT |
|---|---|---|
Total Sections | 3 | 5 |
Section-wise Time Limit | None |
|
Total questions | 66 | 200 |
Marks awarded for each correct answer | 3 | 1 |
Duration of Exam | 2 hour | 2.5 hours |
Type of Questions | MCQs and non-MCQ’s | MCQs |
Negative Marking | -1 for every wrong answer | -0.25 for incorrect answer |
Overall Difficulty Level | Difficult | Easy to Moderate |
Also Read: CAT vs CMAT, NMAT, XAT, SNAP, IIFT & Other MBA Entrance Exams
The CAT exam pattern has undergone several changes over the years. Here are the changes that took place in the CAT pattern in the past ten years. Candidates can go through this table and find out the minute changes in the CAT paper pattern which has been made in the past few years.
| Year of Examination | Section | Marking Scheme | Duration | Total Questions | Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 66 | IIM Lucknow |
| 2022 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 66 | IIM Bangalore |
| 2021 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 66 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| 2020 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 76 | IIM Indore |
| 2019 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Kozhikode |
| 2018 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Kolkata |
| 2017 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Lucknow |
| 2016 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Bangalore |
| 2015 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Ahmedabad |
| 2014 | QA&DI, VARC&LR |
| 2.50 Hours (170 Minutes) | 100 | IIM Indore [2-day Test window] |
| 2013 | QA&DI, VARC&LR |
| 2.20 Hours (140 Minutes) [2-day Test window] | 60 | IIM Indore |
| 2012 | QA&DI, VARC&LR |
| 2.20 Hours (140 Minutes) | 60 | IIM Kozhikode |
| 2011 | QA&DI, VARC&LR |
| 2.20 Hours (140 Minutes) | 60 | IIM Calcutta |
| 2010 | QA, VARC, DILR |
| 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes) | 60 | IIM Lucknow |
Many aspirants, when planning to appear for the CAT exam, often make the mistake of assuming that the CAT exam is an Online Test. Although there are similarities between an Online Test and a Computer Based Test, the CAT exam falls into the latter category. According to the exam conducting body of CAT the IIMs, “CAT is not an online exam. It is a digital or Computer Based Test (CBT); not an Internet-Based Test (IBT); that is, a candidate will not take the exam 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.”
Despite being a computer-based exam, the CAT is not an online test and with the intention of elaborating on the unique characteristics of the CAT exam, the Indian Institutes of Management further mention, “In the computer-based format, the candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer. Additionally, the timer on the computer screen tells you the remaining time to complete the current section.”
After the significant transition to turning green in 2009, the CAT exam structure and pattern underwent numerous revisions in terms of the number of sections, questions per section, time allotted for each part, difficulty level, type of questions, scoring scheme, and testing window. The 2015 Common Admission Test (CAT) was administered by IIM Ahmedabad, which changed the format of the exam by adding Non-MCQs and increased the number of CAT sections from 2 to 3. After that, the CAT exam pattern significantly stabilized. In addition, instead of a lengthy testing period of 30 to 40 days, the exam is now conducted on a single day in three different sessions.
Want to know more about CAT
The CAT 2024 exam pattern is as follows-
CAT 2024 Section | No. of Questions | Time Duration | Time Duration for PwD Candidates |
VARC | 24 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
DILR | 20 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
QA | 22 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Total | 66 | 120 Minutes | 160 Minutes |
No, there is no change in the CAT 2024 pattern from previous years as of yet. CAT 2024 will follow the same three-section format: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). It will consist of 66 questions with a total duration of 120 minutes.
According to the most recent CAT exam marking scheme, candidates gain 3 marks for each correct answer while they lose 1 mark for every wrong response. Moreover, no marks will be deducted for questions left unanswered and non-MCQs.
You can answer the questions of CAT 2024 in any order. However, you can not move ahead to the other sections before 40 minutes. The link for all questions will be available on the right side of your screen. You can click on the box to skip a particular question.
The time limit for each section is 40 minutes, resulting in a total exam duration of 120 minutes. The CAT exam has a sectional time limit, allowing candidates a fixed duration to attempt each section. For PwD candidates, the CAT sectional time limit will be 53 minutes and 20 seconds.
As per the CAT 2024 exam pattern, almost 14-15 of the 66 questions will be non-MCQs, with 5-6 questions each in the VA-RC and Quants sections, while DI-LR will have 5-6 questions. The good news is that TITA Questions do not have negative markings.
Yes, CAT 2024 has a negative marking. Three marks (+3) will be granted for each right answer. One mark (-1) will be deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions. Also, no marks will be deducted for non-MCQs.
The total duration of the CAT 2024 exam will be 2 hours (120 minutes). There will be a sectional time limit of 40 minutes. PwD candidates with a locomotor disability or cerebral palsy will have a sectional time limit of 53 minutes and 20 seconds.
The current CAT exam pattern 2024 includes two types of questions: MCQ-based and TITA-based (type in the answer). Candidates will be given four options for MCQs and must type their answers for Non-MCQs. For each incorrect response, the MCQ type deducts one point (-1). There is no negative marking on the TITA questions.
For CAT 2024 MCQ-type questions, candidates will be awarded 3 marks for each correct answer. However, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer. Unanswered questions do not carry any marks or penalties. It is essential for candidates to be cautious while attempting MCQs to avoid unnecessary deductions.
CAT exam pattern 2024 for the DILR section includes the following:
CAT exam pattern 2024 for the Quant section will conclude the following:
Dear Aspirant,
Writing your full name instead of your first name in the 'First Name' field on the CAT 2024 application form is unlikely to cause a significant problem unless there are spelling errors. IIMs don't allow candidates to make changes to their names once the application form is submitted. During the CAT application form correction, you can only edit your test city preferences, photograph, and signature. It's always recommended to follow the specific instructions provided by the exam authority. As per the CAT 2024 registration guidelines, the candidate's name should be the same as mentioned on the 10th/SSC …
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