A Look at CAT Previous Years' Paper Pattern
The CAT exam pattern has witnessed numerous changes over the years, but the most significant modifications were introduced in 2020 and 2021. However, from 2014 to 2019, the pattern remained unchanged.
CAT Previous Years' Paper Pattern: The CAT exam pattern has undergone several changes over the years. However, it was changed majorly in 2020 and 2021 and the same remained unchanged from 2014 to 2019.
As of today, the CAT exam comprises a total of 66 questions divided into three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). As CAT 2023 approaches, find out the changes in CAT exam pattern over the years.
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Changes in CAT Exam Pattern Over the Years
In 2020, the exam duration was shortened from 180 to 120 minutes while the sectional time-limit was reduced from 60 to 40 minutes. The total number of questions was also reduced from 100 to 76. Furthermore, the number of exam slots was increased from two to three, providing candidates with more flexibility.
Despite these changes, the exam structure remained consistent, featuring three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. In CAT 2021, the number of questions was further reduced to 66. These modifications were implemented to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the CAT exam while maintaining its fundamental structure.
CAT Previous Years' Paper Pattern
Check out the CAT exam pattern previous year trends to understand its evolution over the past few years.
Year | Number of Questions | Duration of Exam | Sections | Difficulty Level |
2022 | 66 | 120 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Moderate |
2021 | 66 | 120 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Moderate to Difficult |
2020 | 76 | 120 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Difficult |
2019 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Easy to Moderate |
2018 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Moderate to Difficlut |
2017 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Moderate to Difficult |
| 2016 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Moderate |
| 2015 | 100 | 180 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Easy to Moderate |
| 2014 | 100 | 170 minutes | QA, DILR, VARC | Moderate to Difficult |
Understanding the previous year's CAT exam pattern provides valuable insights for CAT 2023 aspirants. By reviewing the pattern in a glance, candidates can devise effective study strategies and focus on their weak areas to crack the exam and secure admission to their dream B-schools.
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