CAT 2024: Detail About CAT Exam Pattern 2024

The Common Admission Test, also known as CAT, is an important test through which students pursue entry into one of the top business schools in India known as the Indian Institutes of Management or IIMs. The examination tests the various skills starting from verbal ability to quantitative reasoning and ensures that the product will be well-rounded in all disciplines required for management studies. CAT for 2024 should be placed on a similar pattern as those in the past years. However, here’s a very detailed break of the CAT exam pattern 2024:

1. Mode of Test:

CAT is a CBT or computer-based test from any of its registered test centers across the country. Questions will appear on the screen; answers will be selected or typed in through mouse and keyboard, respectively.

This mode is beneficial for those who are accustomed to computer-based tests. Candidates should, though, train themselves on similar online applications before the test to avoid system failures or awkwardness during the exam process.

2. No. of Sections:

The CAT test is delivered through three separate sections that assess diverse skill sets:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

A focus for each section is presented, which will be further elaborated upon below. It should also be mentioned that the sections have a different time set for each of them, and the candidate has to complete each within this designated time.

3. Total Time:

The total time consumed during the CAT exam is 120 minutes, which is equivalent to 2 hours. This is divided into 40 minutes each for all sections. It is structured in a way that after the time of a particular section is over, the candidate is not allowed to go back to that section, even if he or she has remaining time in another one.

For instance, in CAT exam pattern 2024 when 40 minutes are over for VARC, the students move to the DILR section and cannot revisit VARC even if there is remaining time. So, it creates a strong time management pressure under which a candidate has to use his time effectively in each section.

4. Type of Questions:

The CAT exam contains two kinds of questions:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): In this type of question, four options are given, and one answer needs to be chosen from the four. Negative marking is applicable for inappropriate responses for MCQs.

Non-MCQs TITA: Type in the Answer The candidates need to type in the answer as choices are not given. There is no negative marking for the TITA type of question. With no negative marking, they offer the candidate an opportunity to acquire marks without the risk of losing penalties

 5. Total Number of Questions:

The questions in CAT are usually between 66 and 70. The questions have a very distorted distribution in the three sections, sometimes the ratio may deviate little but recently has followed this CAT exam pattern 2024 :

• VARC: 22-24 questions
• DILR: 20-24 questions
• QA: 22-26 questions

These are approximate what should exist in the actual exam, though the numbers may differ marginally each year.

6. Marking Scheme:

The marking scheme of the CAT exam ensures that it gives marks for every correct answer while deducting marks for an incorrect one.

• For each correct response
• For every wrong response in MCQs

Non-MCQ questions-TITA do not carry negative markings. Candidates can attempt these questions without the fear of losing marks on wrongly answered questions.

This marking scheme makes it imperative that candidates answer carefully, especially in MCQs, where haphazard guessing may lead to deterioration in their score.

7. Section Wise Distribution:

7.1 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

• No. of Questions: 22-24
• Time Limit: 40 minutes
• Type of Questions: MCQs and non-MCQs

Focus Areas:

Reading Comprehension (RC): It generally contains 4-5 passages with questions based on understanding, inference, and interpretation.

Verbal Ability (VA): Questions comprise para jumbles, para summaries, and odd sentence identification.

The VARC section test checks how much command a candidate has over the use of the English language, besides comprehension skills and logical structuring. Daily practice for the reading comprehension exercise, especially from various sources, will be helpful in scoring.

7.2 DILR :

• Questions: 20-24
• Time: 40 minutes
• Questions Types: MCQs and Non-MCQs

Focus areas:

Data Interpretation (DI): Data interpretation from tables, graphs, charts, and caselets and answering questions based on trends and comparisons.

LR: Puzzles, seating arrangements, team selections, etc.

The DILR section tests how useful a candidate can critically analyze and interpret data and solve logical puzzles. Students should go through a wide range of problem sets while dealing with this section, which is sure to leave them with much confidence.

7.3 QA:

• Qs: 22-26
• Time: 40 minutes
• Q type: MCQs and non-MCQs

Focus Areas :

Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Time, Speed and Distance, Time and Work, etc.

Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, Inequalities.

Geometry and Mensuration: Properties of triangles, circles, quadrilaterals. Find area and volume.

Number System: Factors, Multiples, Divisibility rules.

Modern Math: Permutations and Combinations, Probability

QA section tests the mathematical concepts learned in high school. Conceptual clarity and practice of as many types of questions as possible are essential to scoring well in the QA section of this aptitude paper.

8. Sectional Time Limits:

The time limit for the sectional allotment in the CAT exam is as follows:

• 40 minutes for each section.
• Candidates are not allowed to shift sections, though.
• Once time expires in a particular section, candidates are mechanically shifted to another section.

This will check how self-disciplined they are towards time management and not wasting too much time on a particular question or even more so on a particular section of questions.

Conclusion

The CAT Exam Pattern 2024 focuses on testing various skills such as logical reasoning, verbal ability, and quantitative skills. There are three sections with the test lasting for 120 minutes, and containing MCQs and non-MCQs, so the candidates have to work extensively prepare well in advance, and build time management with proper practice to score well. By knowing more about the pattern of the exam, an aspirant can make an effective study schedule, keeping in mind their strengths as well as dealing with their weakness areas. It will naturally help well in passing CAT 2024, through regular practice, mock tests, and analyzing past performance.