CAT Exam Pattern 2024
CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Check Exam Duration, Total Marks & Marking Scheme
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern: The IIMs have prescribed the CAT exam pattern 2024. According to the official notification, the CAT 2024 exam will include 66 objective-type questions (MCQ and TITA) to be completed within 120 minutes. These 120 minutes are divided into three sections, with 40 minutes allocated to each section. As a speed-based exam, candidates are expected to solve questions quickly. Read below to learn all about the CAT exam pattern 2024.
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
Before starting your preparation, it is crucial to understand the exam pattern. The CAT 2024 admit card will be available online only. Candidates can review the CAT 2024 exam pattern below:
- Exam Mode: CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted in 156 cities.
- Sections: The Common Admission Test consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
- Type of Questions: The question paper includes both MCQ and non-MCQ type questions.
- Number of Questions: The exam consists of a total of 66 questions.
- Duration of Exam: The total exam duration is 120 minutes (2 hours), with 40 minutes allocated to each section.
| CAT Paper Pattern 2024 | |
| Mode of CAT exam | Computer Based Test |
| Duration of exam |
|
| CAT exam slots |
|
| Number of questions | 66 |
| CAT total marks | 198 |
| Language of question paper | English |
| Number of answer choices | 4 |
| Question Type | MCQ and non-MCQ |
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern - Section wise Weightage of Question
Below we have mentioned the section wise weightage of questions of CAT 2024 exam-
| Sections | Number of Questions |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 20 |
| Quantitative Ability | 22 |
| Total | 66 |
Also Check: CAT Exam Dates 2024
CAT Marking Scheme
The CAT 2024 exam has a negative marking system, where a wrong answer results in a deduction of marks. Therefore, candidates should carefully judge their answers to optimize their performance and achieve better scores. Key points related to the CAT marking scheme 2024 include:
- The total marks for CAT 2024 will be 198.
- Each question will carry 3 marks.
- There will be a negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer.
- It is not mandatory to attempt all the questions.
- There will be no deduction of marks for skipping questions.
- Some questions in the QA section can be non-MCQs.
- There will be no negative marking for non-MCQ questions.
The table below summarizes the CAT marking scheme. In the exam, aim to attempt about two-thirds of the total questions in each section for a decent overall score.
| CAT Sections | Number of Questions | Marks Per Question | CAT Negative Marking (Only MCQ) |
| VARC | 24 | 3 | -1 |
| DILR | 20 | 3 | -1 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 3 | -1 |
Also Check: CAT Registration 2024
CAT Exam Time Duration
| CAT Exam Sections | No. of Questions | Time limit | Time limit for PwD students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| Total | 66 | 120 minutes | 160 minutes |
CAT 2024 Syllabus and Important Topics
The IIMs do not officially release a CAT 2024 syllabus document for VARC, DILR, and QA. However, by analyzing previous years' CAT question papers, one can identify the major topics covered. The CAT is primarily an aptitude test, with a significant focus on quantitative aptitude. Despite this, many candidates find the English section challenging. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions are also tough to tackle. Below are the main topics of the CAT syllabus for 2024 based on past question papers:
| CAT Sections | CAT Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Parajumbles, Sentence-Completion, Reading Comprehension, Para-Summary, Inferences |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets, Blood Relation, Venn Diagram, Seating Arrangement and Syllogism |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest-Compound Interest, Time & Distance, Averages-Mixtures-Alligations, Numbers, Mensuration, Logarithms, Functions & Graphs, Indices & Surds, Quadratic Equations, Special Equations, Statistics |
Difference Between CAT Exam Pattern and Other MBA Entrance Exams?
| Exam Name | Time Duration | No. of Questions | Sections | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | 120 minutes | 66 | 3 | 198 |
| XAT | 210 minutes | 105 | 5 | 105 |
| CMAT | 180 minutes | 100 | 5 | 400 |
| MAT | 120 minutes | 150 | 5 | 150 |
| IIFT | 120 minutes | 110 | 4 | 300 |
| GMAT | 187 minutes | 70 | 4 | 200-800 |
| NMAT | 120 minutes | 108 | 3 | 36-360 |
| SNAP | 60 minutes | 60 | 3 | 60 |
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Frequently Asked Questions on CAT Exam Pattern 2024
Ans. IIM Lucknow is set to conduct CAT 2024.
Ans. The total number of questions in CAT 2024 is expected to be around 66-70.
Ans. The CAT 2024 exam awards 3 marks for each correct answer and deducts 1 mark for each incorrect answer.