Table of Contents
- CAT Exam Pattern 2024 Highlights
- CAT 2024 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise
- CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Expected Slot Wise Highlights
- CAT Exam Time Duration
- CAT Marking Scheme 2024
- CAT Paper Pattern 2024: Important Points
- How CAT Exam Pattern Evolved Over the Years?
- How to Answer Questions in CAT 2024?
- CAT Exam Pattern Vs Other MBA Entrance Exams
CAT Exam Pattern 2024 includes three sections - VARC, QA and DIlR. The total duration of CAT exam is 120 minutes. Verbal & reading comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) are the three sections of the CAT paper pattern 2024. A total of 66 questions are asked in the CAT exam.
IIM Lucknow sets the CAT exam format every year. As per the CAT pattern, 40 minutes are given for each section. The overall marks of CAT online exam is 198 marks. Candidates face 66 questions as per the CAT question pattern 2024 in MCQ and subjective format.
For each correct answer, candidates are awarded 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response in CAT written exam.
CAT Exam Pattern 2024 Highlights
CAT 2024 slot timings have also been mentioned in the tabular below. Some of the highlights related to the CAT 2024 exam pattern are tabulated below.
| Elements | Details |
| Duration of CAT Exam | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Name of CAT Section |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Section-Wise Duration |
40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA). 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section. |
| CAT 2024 Slot-Timings |
Slot 1: 8:30 am - 10:30 am (Morning Session) Slot 2: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session) Slot 3: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Evening Session) |
| Number of Questions | 66 Questions |
| CAT Exam Total Marks | 198 marks |
| Mode of CAT 2024 Exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
| CAT Marking Scheme |
For every right answer, +3 will be awarded For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted No negative marks for Non-MCQs |
Practice Now: CAT Previous Year Question Paper
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise
CAT exam pattern 2024 has three sections. For each section candidate gets 40 minutes to complete the section. The section-wise highlights as per the CAT 2024 exam pattern are tabulated below.
| Section as per IIM CAT Exam Pattern 2024 | Total Questions |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 22-26 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 14-18 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22-26 |
| Total | 66 |
Download:
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Pattern
Per the CAT exam pattern, the Quantitative Aptitude portion will only include 22-26 numerical-based questions from various Mathematical disciplines.
Below is a full description of the topics as per the CAT paper pattern for the Quantitative Aptitude section.
| Topics Under QA | Topics Under QA |
| Basic Arithmetic | Number System |
| Algebra | Geometry & Mensuration |
| Modern Maths | |
Attempt: Free CAT Mock Tests 2024
CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Pattern
This year's CAT 2024 will include 26 questions from the VA-RC segment. There will be 8 questions in the CAT Verbal Ability section this year. The key topics covered in the Verbal Ability section as per the CAT exam pattern are as follows:
| Topics Under VARC | Topics Under VARC |
| Sentence Correction | Questions from the reading comprehension |
| Completion Summary based on paraphrasing | Vocabulary-based questions. |
CAT Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation Pattern
There will be 22–24 questions in this section altogether. This year, the Logical Reasoning component of the CAT will contain 18–20 questions. Inequalities, Symbol Operations, Direction Sense Tests, and other topics are included in the problems.
The DI section has a number of perplexing data cases, with graphs given for most of the data visualization.
Did You Know?
CAT was originally administered using pen and paper, but in 2009, it was replaced by a computer-based test or CBT. The American firm 'Prometric' built the software for the first CBT.
The contract with Prometric ran from 2009 to 2013, and the software for the exam has been provided by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) since 2014.
Don't Miss:
CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Expected Slot Wise Highlights
- VARC sections: 18 MCQs are spread throughout 4 RC sections in the VARC section, and the remaining 8 non-MCQ questions are broken down into context sentences, Paraphrases, and para Jumbles.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: 14 Questions, 10 Questions, all in sets of 6 & 4 Questions
- QA: Strong in Arithmetic; average in Geometry, Algebra, Logarithms, Roots, etc.
CAT Exam Time Duration
The CAT 2024 exam time has been specified by the conducting body. The total CAT exam time duration is 120 minutes or 2 hours. Each segment of the test has a set time limit as per the CAT exam pattern 2024. According to the most recent paper pattern, the CAT exam timing and slot details are listed below.
| Sections | CAT Sectional Time |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 40 Minutes |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 120 Minutes |
Important:
Did You Know?
The 180-minute CAT exam from 2015 and 2016 had 100 questions in total, 34 from the QA section, 34 from the VARC section, and 32 from the DILR section. Beginning with CAT 2020, the exam will take two hours, with 40 minutes allocated to each section.
CAT Marking Scheme 2024
CAT marking scheme is part of the exam pattern. Some important points related to the marking scheme of the CAT exam pattern are listed below.
- A total of 3 marks will be given for each correct response.
- 1 mark will be taken away for each incorrect response.
- No points will be deducted for questions that go unanswered.
- No points will be deducted for non-MCQ questions either.
| Is CAT Exam Tough? | How to Crack CAT Exam? |
The marking system for CAT 2024 is listed in the following table:
| Marking Criteria | MCQ | Non-MCQ |
| Correct Answer | 3 | 3 |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 | 0 |
| Non-attempted Questions | 0 | 0 |
CAT Paper Pattern 2024: Important Points
As per the CAT Exam Pattern 2024, candidates may perform calculations using an on-screen calculator. Candidates can check their time by using an on-screen clock. Candidates will be given rough worksheets, which must be submitted after the CAT exam for the MBA.
Candidates will not be permitted to answer questions in one part and then move on to another. The official CAT mock test will be available on the CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.
Practice Now:
How CAT Exam Pattern Evolved Over the Years?
The CAT exam pattern has undergone numerous changes. The applicants will be able to have a good understanding of how the CAT exam format changed over time by consulting the table below.
| IIMs and CAT Year |
Number of Question | Duration | |
| IIM Bangalore 2022 |
66 | 2 hours | |
| IIM Ahmedabad 2021 |
66 | 2 hours | |
| IIM Indore 2020 |
76 | 2 hours | |
| IIM Kozhikode 2019 |
100 | 3 hours | |
| IIM Calcutta 2018 |
100 | 3 hours | |
| IIM Lucknow 2017 |
100 | 3 hours | |
| IIM Bangalore 2016 |
100 | 3 hours | |
| IIM Ahmedabad 2015 |
100 | 3 hours | |
| IIM Indore 2014 |
100 | 2.50 hours | |
| IIM Indore 2013 |
60 | 2:20 hours | |
| IIM Indore 2012 |
60 | 2.20 hours | |
| IIM Calcutta 2011 |
60 | 2.20 hours | |
Suggested:
- When is the Best Time for CAT 2024 Preparation?
- CAT 2024 Topic-wise Weightage for VARC, Quant, and DILR
How to Answer Questions in CAT 2024?
The candidates should be familiar with answering questions before beginning the CAT exam. When responding to questions, candidates should choose from the following options:
- Candidates should choose the response, save it, and then go on to the following question.
- Clear Answer: Candidates can choose to remove their response to a question.
- Mark for Review and Next: If a candidate is unsure about the response, they may mark it as a review, and then give their explanation before moving on to the next question.
Note: Use the provided mouse when responding to questions. The computer screen will be locked if the system keyboard is used.
| How to Prepare for CAT without Coaching? | Advantages of CAT Exam |
CAT Exam Pattern Vs Other MBA Entrance Exams
See below the key distinctions between the CAT paper pattern and those of other MBA admission tests, like the XAT, CMAT, MAT, IIFT, GMAT, NMAT, and SNAP. This will aid in your analysis of the CAT exam's level of difficulty:
| Exam Name | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
| CAT | 66 | 198 |
| XAT | 100 | 100 |
| CMAT | 100 | 400 |
| MAT | 200 | 200 |
| IIFT | 110 | 300 |
| GMAT | 70 | 200-800 |
| NMAT | 108 | 36-360 |
| SNAP | 60 | 60 |
Important:
FAQs on CAT Exam Pattern
Q: What is the CAT exam pattern 2024?
A: As per the CAT exam pattern for 2024 candidates will face 66 questions in MCQ and subjective nature in three different sections. The three sections are Verbal & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). Each section will be of 40 minutes, and for every correct answer, applicants will be rewarded with 3 marks.
Q: What is CAT total mark?
A: CAT total score will be 198 marks.
Q: What are the CAT minimum marks?
A: The minimum marks to pass CAT 2024 have not been announced yet. IIM Lucknow will be providing the information about the same. CAT 2024 will also have sectional cut offs.
Q: Is there any sectional time limit in CAT 2024?
A: As per the CAT exam pattern for 2024, candidates will have to complete each section in or under 40 minutes. Total CAT time is 120 minutes.
Q: What are the subjects in CAT exam 2024?
A: Verbal & reading comprehension (VARC), quantitative aptitude (QA), and data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR) are the three subjects as per CAT exam pattern 2024.
Q: How many sections are there in CAT 2024?
A: According to CAT exam pattern 2024, there are three sections - Quantitative Ability (QA), Logicial Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC).
Q: How many questions are on the CAT 2024 exam?
A: The total questions in CAT exam are 66. The paper will have both MCQ and SAQ (also called TITA). Most of the questions will be MCQ-based.
Q: Does CAT exam have negative marking?
A: According to the official CAT Exam Pattern, +3 marks will be awarded for each right answer for both MCQs and Non-MCQs. However, negative marking is only available for MCQ questions, with a -1 mark lost for each incorrect response. There is no negative marking for TITA or questions that are not attempted.
