IIM CAT Exam Difficulty Level Analysis
If you were searching about the difficulty level of CAT exam, then your search finally ends here! By understanding the overall and section-wise difficulty level of CAT exam will help you to develop effective strategies to tackle the exam with confidence.
When we do an IIM CAT exam difficulty level analysis, we see that it used to be largely regarded as a test of conceptual comprehension, emphasising the candidate's capacity for analysis and problem-solving. But as the test has gone on, there has been an apparent shift in the type of questions asked: more data-driven and quantitative. Many students now view the CAT as more challenging as a result of this change, especially given the increased focus on mathematic concepts. Notably, the 2020 CAT exam stood out as one of the toughest in recent years, featuring a mix of moderate to difficult questions across all sections.
Also Read: CAT Quant 2024 Expected Difficulty Level based on Previous Years' Analysis
Is the CAT Exam Difficult?
CAT is one of the toughest entrance exams people take to get into one of the top MBA colleges in India. Students who have completed their engineering, and science, and especially those who have done their commerce or arts background try to attempt this exam. Students with different educational backgrounds have relatively dissimilar experiences with this exam. Let's examine closely how students from these different disciplines experience the difficulty of the CAT exam.
Background | VARC | DILR | QA |
|---|---|---|---|
Engineers | Difficult | Moderate | Easy |
Science | Difficult | Moderate | Moderate |
Commerce | Difficult | Difficult | Moderate |
Arts | Easy | Difficult | Difficult |
CAT Difficulty Level from 2019 to 2023
Let us now check out the IIM CAT difficulty level in the past few years:| Year | VARC | DILR | QA |
| 2019 | Moderate | Difficult | Easy |
| 2020 | Difficult | Moderate | Difficult |
| 2021 | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate |
| 2022 | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate |
| 2023 | Medium | Medium | Difficult |
Section-wise Difficulty Level of CAT Exam
Here is a summary of the section-wise difficulty level of CAT exam:
Sections | Verbal Ability (VA) | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Quantitative Ability (Quant) |
|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Challenging | Moderate to Challenging | Moderate |
Trends | Increasing level of difficulty, especially for engineers | Questions becoming difficult for most candidates | Questions still maintain a balanced mix of difficulty levels, making it manageable for engineers. |
Verbal Ability
The VARC section has a moderate to challenging difficulty level in CAT exam, and it gets harder for many people, especially engineers, to score well because of its steady increase in difficulty. A solid command of vocabulary and grammatical fundamentals, as well as regular reading of high-quality content, are necessary to score well in this portion, even though it is still easier than exams like GMAT and XAT. It is possible to achieve a high percentile in the VA section despite the difficulty if you prepare properly.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
The difficulty level of CAT exam or this section ranges from moderate to challenging. Because DI and LR questions are long, intricate, and time-consuming, many people find them to be more difficult. It is important to effectively manage your time and prevent spending too much time on a single question. This section is ideal for people who love puzzles and are very good at solving problems. Maintaining pace and a positive outlook are essential for success here. Practising with different puzzles and issues is the best method to improve your DILR score.
Quantitative Ability
The difficulty level of this section in CAT exam typically falls in the moderate difficulty range. Quantitative questions often balance out to moderate difficulty, but they frequently blend different levels of difficulty, giving the impression that they are tough. Because they are accustomed to working with numbers, many engineers find this section manageable. Quant section can be difficult for non-engineers, but it is by no means impossible. To increase your score, concentrate on answering easier questions first. For those who are less confident in their maths skills, preparation and regular practice are a must.
CAT Success Rate for Different Categories of Candidates
Each candidate category has a different chance of passing the CAT. Instead of passing the exam being the primary requirement for admission, cut-off scores provided by the IIMs and other prestigious business schools serve as important benchmarks for weeding out applicants who have reached the cut-off. The cutoffs for the general category are typically in the 95th to 100th percentiles, which is extremely high. It is therefore very competitive.
This can be a little lower than the cut-off marks for students in the general category for candidates in the reserved categories, which include SC, ST, OBC, and EWS. Since these categories typically have greater achievable standards, this also increases the success rates for these categories.
Category | Cutoff Percentile Range | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
General | 95-100 | Lower |
Scheduled Castes (SC) | Lower than General | High |
Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Lower than General | High |
Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Lower than General | High |
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Lower than General | High |
What Makes the CAT Exam Difficult?
The CAT is regarded as one of the most difficult exams in India for several reasons as mentioned below:
- Level of Difficulty: The exam is becoming increasingly difficult. Questions range from being somewhat challenging to tough, making it quite hard for many candidates to pass.
- Time Pressure: There are 100 questions to be solved within just 180 minutes. Time is, therefore, a pertinent challenge, which requires candidates to balance speed with accuracy to complete the test within time.
- Extensive Syllabus: The syllabus encompasses an exhaustive range of subjects. Thus, understanding all basics is essential as most questions test the depth of knowledge across several domains.
- High Competition: Lakhs of students sit for the CAT every year; this makes the competition very tough. Much tougher it is to stand apart or crack a highly-scoring one when so many are trying it.
To sum up, the difficulty level of CAT exam is subjective and different for every section. The exam is among the top MBA entrance exams in India. It is intended to assess a candidate's abilities in mathematical analysis, logical thinking, and reading comprehension. Although achieving a high percentile can be difficult, it is undoubtedly possible with a dedicated attitude and the right approach to preparing. Candidates can set themselves up for success in this difficult exam with the correct preparation and focus.
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FAQs
Is the CAT exam considered difficult?
The difficulty level of CAT exams is pretty challenging in itself. Factors that made it difficult are strict timing and immense competition. Also, the number of questions is of so diverse nature that it requires testing one's analytical skills. As such, CAT aspirants will need to be better prepared to clear it.
What factors contribute to the difficulty of the CAT exam?
There are several reasons why the CAT exam is difficult. First of all, it draws a large number of applicants, intensifying the competition. The exam also contains time constraints that require rapid thinking. To evaluate various skills, it uses a variety of question forms, giving conceptual knowledge precedence over memorisation. Success requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
How does the difficulty level of the CAT exam vary across sections?
The CAT exam has varying degrees of difficulty levels for different sections. Those who struggle with maths could find the Quantitative Aptitude part challenging. In the meanwhile, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension sections could be just as difficult for those who have language difficulties. The complexity of data sets and their distinct approaches to problem-solving make data interpretation and logical reasoning challenging as well.
Is the CAT exam more difficult than other MBA entrance exams like GMAT or XAT?
In comparison to other MBA entry exams like the GMAT and XAT, the difficulty level of CAT exam is frequently thought to be more challenging. Its unique question styles are one factor contributing to this impression. Furthermore, the exam closely matches the unique requirements of Indian business schools, and the level of competitiveness is rather high. The GMAT and XAT both require strong problem-solving skills, but the CAT emphasises speedy thinking and accurate responses more than the XAT does.
Does the difficulty level of the CAT exam fluctuate from year to year?
Every year, the difficulty level of CAT exam can change. The primary reason for this shift is that the test adjusts based on a candidate's performance. You may come across more difficult questions if you respond well, but they may also become simpler if you struggle. Furthermore, the topics covered and the cut-off scores for that year can change the overall difficulty as well.