CAT Exam Analysis 2024: Slot 1, 2, 3 Paper Analysis, Check Difficulty Level, Question Paper

Paras Attri
Paras Attri

Updated on - Jan 20, 2025

CAT exam analysis 2024 for all three slots has been shared below. The candidates can get an idea of the CAT exam slot 1 analysis along with slots 2 and 3, based on the student's review and the coaching centres.

The CAT Slot 1 Exam 2024 commenced at 8:30 am and ended at 10:30 am. The CAT slot 2 paper was held from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and slot 3 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

The previous year paper analysis for all the rounds is shared below for the candidate's ease. The candidates are advised to keep a check on the main reasons why aspirants fail the CAT Exam

CAT 2024 analysis will provide the candidates with slot-wise and section-wise information related to the level of difficulty, types of questions, number of good attempts, and more. Applicants will receive vital knowledge by understanding the CAT 2024 exam analysis. 

Check CAT Section wise Paper Analysis 2024:

CAT Exam Analysis 2024: Slot-wise

The CAT exam paper analysis slot wise will help the candidates judge the difficulty level of each paper and the expected cut off. The CAT exam 2024 was held in three slots, starting at 8:30 am. The CAT slot 1 paper analysis 2024 is provided below for the candidates's reference.

The paper analysis will help the candidates understand the difficulty level of the exam to judge the CAT cut off 2024. The candidates can check the CAT qualifying marks to for different colleges.

CAT Exam Slot 1 Analysis 2024
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam Moderate
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Difficulty Level Moderate
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Difficulty Level Moderate to Difficult
Quantitative Aptitude Difficulty Level Moderate
Was Slot 1 Question Paper Lengthy? Moderate
Total number of good attempts

VARC: 19-20 questions

DILR: 8-10 questions

Quant: 10-13 questions

List of Important Topics asked in the exam

QUANT : Arithmetic, Simple Interest, Geometry , Numbers , Area of graph

VARC : Lengthy RC, Para summary, Odd one out, Fill in the blanks

DILR : 1 Stock Market-based Set, 1 Games and Tournaments-Based Set, Candle stick, Formula-based questions, Table questions 

CAT Exam Slot 1 Analysis 2024: Section Wise

The CAT slot 1 Exam 2024 has concluded. The exam had multiple choice questions from different sections such as Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

CAT 2024 Sections

Total Questions

CAT Exam Difficulty

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

24

Moderate to Difficult

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

22

Easy to Moderate

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

22

Easy to Moderate

Overall

66

Moderate

CAT 2024 Slot 1 Paper Analysis: VARC Questions

The details of the difficulty level of the questions asked in the CAT 2024 slot 1 exam from the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section are shared below:

Question Type Total Questions Difficulty Level
Reading Comprehension RC 1 Easy
RC 2 Easy
RC 3 (Inference evaluation-based) Tricky
RC 4 (Inference evaluation-based) Tricky
Parasummary 3 Easy to Moderate
Para Completion 3 Easy to Moderate
Odd-One-Out (TITA) 2 Easy to Moderate

CAT 2024 Slot 1 Paper Analysis: DILR Questions

The details of the difficulty level of the questions asked in the CAT 2024 slot 1 exam from the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section are shared below:

Set No. of Questions Difficulty Level
Set 1 (DI) 4 Moderate
Set 2 (DI) 4 Moderate
Set 3 (DI) 4 Moderate
Set 4 (LR) 5 Moderate
Set 4 (LR) 5 Moderate

CAT Exam Analysis 2024 Slot 1: QA

The details of the difficulty level of the questions asked in the CAT 2024 slot 1 exam from the Quantitative Aptitude section are shared below:

Topic No. of Questions Difficulty Level
Mixture and Alligation Easy-Moderate
Arithmetic 8-10 Easy
Ratio 2-3 Easy-Moderate
Profit and Loss 1 Easy-Moderate
Geometry (Finding Radius) 1 Easy-Moderate
P&C 1 Easy-Moderate
Logarithm  1 Easy-Moderate
Inequality-based  1 Easy-Moderate
Quadratic Equation 1 Easy-Moderate
AP 1 Easy-Moderate
Average 1 Easy-Moderate
Time and Distance 1 Easy-Moderate
Percentage  1 Easy-Moderate

CAT Slot 1 Ideal Attempts

The ideal CAT score based on the experiences of the CAT aspirants is expected to be around 90-92. The rough idea of the CAT idea attempt and score is shared below:

CAT 2024 Slot 1 Sections Number of good attempts Ideal score attempt
VARC 14-16 40
DILR 10-12 33
Quantitative Aptitude 10 35
Total 37 91

Cat Slot 2 Paper Analysis 2024

The CAT slot 2 exam 2024 has concluded and the candidates can check the paper analysis in the sections below.

CAT Exam Slot 2 Analysis 2024
Overall Difficulty Level of CAT Slot 2 Examination 2024 Moderate
Overall Difficulty Level of Slot 2 VARC Section Moderate
Overall Difficulty Level of Slot 2 QA Section Moderate
Overall Difficulty Level of Slot 2 DILR Section Moderate to Difficult
Number of Good Attempts (VARC Section) 12-14 questions out of 24 questions
Number of Good Attempts (QA Section) 14-15 questions out of 22 questions
Number of Good Attempts (DILR Section) 10-12 questions out of 22 questions
Topic-wise questions in QA section Geometry (3)
Number System (1)
Average (1)
SI/CI (1)
TDSC (1)
Time and Work (1)
Profit and Loss (1)
Mixture (1)
TDSC (1)
Modern Maths (1)
Students' Remarks on the Exam
  • The Slot 2 exam pattern is similar to Slot 1.
  • In the Slot 2 examination, only the DILR section was lengthy.
  • The English section was easy to moderate in difficulty.
  • The Logical reasoning questions under the DILR section were difficult and lengthy.
  • The Algenra part in Slot 2 was similar in difficulty to Slot 1.
More Updates on the Questions Asked
  • Remainder questions were very easy.
  • The SICI question was similar to the CAT 2023 question.
  • In RC, questions on technology, human rights, and colonisation were asked.
  • There was one question on 'h base' on the Ratio topic.
  • A question on a right-angled triangle was asked in coordinate geometry.
  • The question and the value questions were similar to the CAT 2023 question.
  • There was one question asked on inverse proportionality (time is inversely proportional to speed) for the Speed, Distance and Time topic.
  • In the VARC section, questions on colonisation, scientists, and physicists, and spices, states of India have been asked.
  • In DILR, there was a question asked on '3 people named Dhiraj, Saman, Nitesh, visited 3 counties....'.
  • A question was asked on 'Fill 10 numbers in a grid' in the DILR section. This was a very easy question for students.
  • There was an arrangement question (10 players, 3 coaches) in LR. It is similar to PYQ.
  • A bubble graph question in DI was asked.
Important Topics Asked in Slot 2

QUANT: Profit and Loss, Coordinate Geometry, Remainder, Logarithm, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Speed, Distance and Time, Number System, Ratios, Mixture, Time and work, Function, Ages
VARC: Odd one out, Para completion, Para summary, RCs, True or false, Critical Reasoning
DILR: Reading-based puzzle, Average based graph, Percentage, Taxes, Daily average. Mod bar graph, Bubble chart, Training schedule, Puzzle, Candlestick chart

CAT Slot 2 Paper Analysis 2024: Section Wise

The section-wise details of the CAT slot 2 Exam 2024 have been shared below for reference.

Section No.

Section Name

Duration

MCQs

TITA

Total

I

VARC

40 min

22

2

24

II

DI and LR

40 min

12

10

22

III

QA

40 min

14

8

22 

Total

120 min

46

22

68

CT Slot 2 Ideal Attempts 2024

Based on the students reviews collected, the analysis in the CAT ideal attempts for slot 2 are as follows:

Section Difficulty Level Good Attempts Good Score for 99 Percentile
VARC Moderate 11-14 36-42
DILR Moderate 11-14 33-38
QA Moderate to Difficult 10-12 32-36

Relevant Link Related to CAT Exam 2024:

CAT Slot 3 Paper Analysis 2024

The CAT slot 3 Exam 2024 concluded at 6:30 p.m. The details for the candidates who took the exam are in the table below.

CAT Exam Slot 3 Paper Analysis 2024: Section-wise

The section-wise details of the CAT exam slot 3 2024 are shared below.

CAT Slot 3 Paper Analysis 2024
Overall Difficulty Level of CAT Slot 3 Examination 2024 Moderate
Overall Difficulty Level of Slot 3 VARC Section Moderate
Overall Difficulty Level of Slot 3 QA Section Moderate to Difficult
Overall Difficulty Level of Slot 3 DILR Section Easy to Moderate
Number of Good Attempts (VARC Section) 14-15 questions out of 24 questions
Number of Good Attempts (QA Section) 8-12 questions out of 22 questions
Number of Good Attempts (DILR Section) 13-14 questions out of 22 questions
Topic-wise questions in QA section Algebra (7)
Arithmetic (8)
Geometry (3)
Number System (4)
Modern Math (1)
Students' Remarks on the Exam
  • For many candidates, the Quant section ranged from moderate to difficult. However, for students who were well-prepared in this area, they considered it to be the easiest set of Quant questions in recent years.

  • In the slot 3 exam, only the Quant section was lengthy.
More Updates on the Questions Asked
  • For RC, 5 sets were there where the topics were based on languages, artificial intelligence (AI), literary culture, government policies related to liquor, and space exploration (NASA, Mars colonisation)
Important Topics Asked in Slot 3 QUANT: Trigonometry, Geometry, Logarith, SDT, Work, Profit and Loss
VARC: Fill in the blanks, AI, ChatGPT, Para jumbles, Forecasting, Odd one out, Para summary, Para completion
DILR: Varignon principle, Line chart, Bar chart, 

CAT Slot 3 Ideal Attempts 2024

Based on the reviews and the unofficial exam analysis, the ideal CAT score for slot 3 is as follows:

Section Number of Questions Difficulty Level Good Attempts
VARC 24 Moderate to Challenging 12-16
DILR 22 Moderate 12-14
QA 22 Moderate to Challenging 9-12
Total 66 Moderate to Challenging 32-36

CAT Exam Analysis 2023

CAT 2023 exam was conducted on Nov 26, 2023, in three shifts. CAT slot 1 was conducted from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, slot 2 CAT was held from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, while slot 3 was conducted from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

CAT Exam Analysis 2023 for Slot 1, 2 and 3 for all three slots have been released. Based on the CAT review, the overall difficulty level of the CAT slot 1 exam was moderate. In comparison, CAT slots 2 and 3 were considered moderately difficult.

CAT 2024 Exam Analysis - PDF Download

The detailed CAT 2023 exam analysis for all slots has been provided as PDF files for candidates' references. Students are advised to check some of the essential points about the CAT exam for this year are pointed out below.

  • The length of CAT 2024 was 120 minutes, with a 40-minute sectional time limit as per the CAT Paper Analysis 2024. 
  • There were 66 questions in the CAT 2024 exam paper overall.
  • 24 questions will be in the VARC portion. The section had the most RC questions possible.
  • There were 20 questions from tables and charts in the DILR portion. There were 22 questions in the QA part, mostly in algebra and arithmetic.

Candidates can access the in-depth paper analysis in PDF format in the tabular below. 

Slots Exam Analysis
CAT 2023 Slot 1 Download
CAT 2023 Slot 3 Download

CAT 2023 Exam Analysis Slot 1

CAT 2023 slot 1 analysis was released after the exam is conducted. Candidates can find the in-depth exam analysis for CAT 2023 slot 1 paper.

CAT Features Number of Questions

Difficulty Level

Topics with High Weightage

Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam 66 Moderate -
Difficulty Level of VARC 24 Moderate to Easy Passage
Literature
Difficulty Level of DILR   20 Moderate to Difficult Mean, Median, Mode
Arrangement
Puzzle 
Difficulty Level of  QA 22 Moderate to Easy Algebra (6-7 Questions)
Coordinate Geometry
Functions
P&C
Number System
Time and Work
Profit-Loss
Arithmetic (8-9 Questions)
Geometry (Triangle, Quad, Circle)
Clock (Angle-Based)

CAT 2023 Paper Analysis Slot 2

CAT 2023 slot 2 was conducted from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The following table is updated with CAT 2023 slot 2 analysis.

CAT Features Number of Questions

Difficulty Level

Topics with High Weightage

Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam 66 Moderate to Difficult -
Difficulty Level of VARC 24 Moderate

Passage

Literature

Difficulty Level of DILR   20 Difficult

Mean

Mediam

Mode

Percentage

Arrangement

Puzzle 

Difficulty Level of  QA 22 Moderate to Difficult

Algebra (5-6 Questions)
Coordinate Geometry ( 2 Questions)

Sequence ( 2-3 Questions)
Number System (1 Question)
Time and Work
Profit-Loss
Arithmetic (6-7 Questions)
Geometry (Triangle, Quad, Circle)
Clock (Angle-Based)

CAT 2023 Paper Analysis Slot 3

Slot 3 CAT 2023 exam was held from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The following tabular entails a detailed CAT 2023 slot 3 analysis.

CAT Features Number of Questions

Difficulty Level

Topics with High Weightage

Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam 66 Moderate to Difficult -
Difficulty Level of VARC 24 Moderate

Colonialism and Pollution
Rationalization
Romanticism
History
Para jumbles
Parasummary
Para Completion

Difficulty Level of DILR   20 Moderate to Difficult Routes and Network
Contradictory Conditions
Grouping, Students, Project Scores, and Test Scores 
Difficulty Level of  QA 22 Moderate to Difficult, Lengthy Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Numbers/Miscellaneous

CAT Exam Analysis 2022

At 10:30 AM, the first slot of the Common Admission Test (CAT 2022) ended. Candidates can now view the exam analysis for Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3 of CAT 2022. IIM CAT exam slot 2 times from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, and slot 3 times from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

CAT 2022 Paper Analysis Slot 1

CAT 2022 slot 1 was conducted on Nov 27, 2022, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, by IIM Bangalore. Here is the in-depth CAT 2022 exam slot-by-slot analysis.

CAT Features Number of Questions Difficulty Level Topics with High Weightage Ideal CAT Score
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam 66 Moderate -  98 (An ideal score of 99%ile)110 (An ideal score of 99.5%ile)
Difficulty Level of VARC 24 Easy to Moderate RC passages, Summary based questions 40-42
Difficulty Level of DILR   20 Easy to Moderate No questions on bar graphs and pie charts, Logical Reasoning had a higher weightage  28-30
Difficulty Level of  QA 22 Moderate to Difficult Arithmetic 36-38

CAT 2022 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 1

  • The VARC section has the same easy to moderate level of difficulty as the previous year. In total, 24 questions were to be answered in the allotted 40 minutes.
  • There were 3 non-MCQ questions. Each RC paragraph contained between 300 and 350 words. 2 passages were simple, while 2 were challenging.
  • The removal of the odd-sentence-out questions and the inclusion of the para-completion part in the VA section came as a surprise.
  • A final score of 38 to 40 can be regarded as sufficient for the 99%ile.

CAT 2022 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 1

  • There were 4 sets of 5 questions in the DILR portion, totaling 20 questions.
  • In comparison to the CAT 2021 DILR part, CAT 2022 DILR was more challenging.
  • There were six non-MCQ questions. There were roughly 8–10 questions that may be answered.
  • For a 99+ percentile in DILR, a score of 28–30 points is ideal.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 1

  • The QA portion of the CAT 2022 was easy to moderately difficult, as was to be expected.
  • In 40 minutes, 22 questions had to be answered. There were 8 non-MCQs in the section. Arithmetic dominated this part as one could assume.
  • The optimal score for a 99+ percentile on the QA part of the CAT 2022 is between 36 and 38.

Important Links for CAT Exam 2024:

CAT 2022 Paper Analysis Slot 2

CAT 2022 slot 2 was conducted on Nov 27, 2022, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, by IIM Bangalore. Here is the in-depth CAT 2022 exam slot-by-slot analysis.

CAT Features Number of Questions Difficulty Level Ideal CAT Score
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam 66 Moderate to Difficult  97-99
Difficulty Level of VARC 24 Moderate 37-39
Difficulty Level of DILR   20 Easy to Moderate 27-30
Difficulty Level of  QA 22 Difficult 40-42

CAT 2022 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 2

  • The CAT 2022 VARC section of Slot 2 continued to be easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. There were a total of 24 questions to be attempted in 40 minutes.
  • 6 questions were Non-MCQs. The RC passages were around 500 words each. 2 were easy to read. Since there were 4 passages, 11-14 questions would have been an ideal attempt.
  • Overall, a score of 40-42 can be considered enough for a 99+%.

CAT 2022 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 2

  • Slot 2 DILR was challenging. Similar to slot 1, the DILR part featured four sets of five questions apiece.
  • Once more, there were 6 non-MCQs. 2 sets were simple to solve, and a 12–13 attempt was recommended for this phase.
  • For a 99+ percentile in DILR, a score of 30-32 points is ideal.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 2

  • CAT 2022 Slot 2's QA part was identical to last year's. 15 of the 22 questions were the best for the section to attempt.
  • There were 8 non-MCQs in the section. Arithmetic continued to dominate the Slot 2 QA section of the Slot 1 QA, followed by Algebra.
  • For a 99+ percentile in the QA section of the CAT 2022 Slot 2 exam, a score of 30-34 is ideal.

CAT 2022 Paper Analysis Slot 3

CAT 2022 slot 3 was conducted on Nov 27, 2022, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, by IIM Bangalore. Here is the in-depth CAT 2022 exam slot-by-slot analysis.

CAT Features Number of Questions Difficulty Level Topics with High Weightage Ideal CAT Score
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam 66 Moderate to Difficult - 93-95
Difficulty Level of VARC 24 Moderate to Difficult Para jumbles Summary Para completion 40-42
Difficulty Level of DILR   20 Moderate to Difficult

Computer Science-Ratios

Covid Cases

Blue & pink- male female-graph

26-27
Difficulty Level of  QA 22 Moderate

Arithmetic

Algebra

30-33

CAT 2022 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 3

  • Comparatively speaking to the slots before, the portion was simpler in slot 3. There were a total of 24 questions to be answered in 40 minutes, following the VARC of Slots 1 and 2.
  • There were 3 non-MCQ questions. Each RC chapter contained about 500 words. 2 of the passages were simple to read, 1 was moderately difficult, and 1 was challenging.
  • The VA portion included the new topics of para completion and para jumbles. One question on each of the three themes was challenging to answer.
  • The section's questions were inference-based frequently and could be challenging. A final score of 40 to 42 can be deemed sufficient for a 99 % in VARC Slot 3.

CAT 2022 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 3

  • In terms of LOD, Slot 3 DILR was more challenging than Slot 2 and Slot 1 DILR. There were 4 sets of 5 questions in the DILR portion, totalling 20 questions. Once more, there were 6 non-MCQs. There was only 1 easy set out of the 4 sets in the section.
  • For a 99+ percentile in DILR, a score of 26–27 points is ideal.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 3

  • The QA portion of CAT 2022 Slot 3 was extensive and more challenging. In 40 minutes, 22 questions had to be answered. There were 8 non-MCQs in the section. Arithmetic and algebra continued to dominate the Slot 3 QA portion, as was the case in Slots 1 and 2.
  • For a 99+ percentile in the QA section of the CAT 2022 Slot 3 exam, a score of 30-33 is ideal.

Read More: CAT Exam Analysis 2022

CAT 2022 Slot Wise Students' Reaction

Candidates can read along to understand the slot-wise reaction of students who appeared for the CAT 2022.

Students' Reaction to Slot 1 Exam

  • Quant: As stated by Mridula, a candidate for CAT 2022 slot 1, Quant was challenging, most of the questions required logical reasoning, and she considered the diagram problems to be challenging. The CAT exam as a whole was average.
  • VARC: The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension portion were rated as moderate by one of the students.
  • QA: Navyashri, a CAT exam taker, finds verbal, historical, logical junction train, class of boys and girls, and event questions challenging. In the CAT slot 1 paper, there are questions on profit and loss, ratios, and logs.
  • A participant taking the CAT 2022 exam from a Patna testing site said that the question paper's structure differed from the CAT practice test. The bar graph and pie chart don't raise any issues. Geometry was the subject of three questions, and VARC contained five paragraphs and three summary questions.
  • DILR: DILR was unclear. The CAT slot 1 exam as a whole was simple. Each CAT segment had a 40-minute time limit, and the entire test took 2 hours to complete.

Students' Reaction to the Slot 2 Exam

  • The CAT exam was generally considered to be of a moderate difficulty level by the CAT aspirants. According to the student CAT exam analysis, the CAT 2022 exam's overall difficulty level was moderate.
  • VARC: The verbal ability and reading comprehension components of the exam were easier than the DILR and QA sections (VARC).
  • The variety of questions was also unexpected. Unexpected subjects were brought up in the questions. 
  • Candidates who took the CAT exam in slot 2 examined the question paper and concluded that it was also a somewhat challenging exam. The CAT slot 2 exam was a little challenging because the majority of the questions were from number systems, according to a CAT 2022 candidate.
  • QA: The Verbal (VARC) component of the CAT exam was easy to moderately difficult for the pupils, however, the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section was challenging.

Students' Reaction to the Slot 3 Exam

At 6.30 PM, the final CAT exam slot for 2022 came to an end. According to responses from students who took the CAT exam in slot number three in 2022, this slot was slightly more difficult than slots one and two.

  • DILR: The DILR part was the easiest to moderately difficult of the three.
  • QA: In the quantitative skill part, several of the problems were more challenging.
  • VARC: Most of the questions in VARC were of a medium difficulty level.
  • There were two lengthy paragraphs in RC. Overall, the CAT exam slot 3 was moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty.

CAT Paper Analysis 2021

Candidates can read along to understand the slot-wise CAT paper analysis 2021 from the sections below.

CAT Paper Analysis 2021 Slot 1

CAT slot one exam was conducted on 28 November by IIM Indore Pan India between 8.30 AM and 10.30 AM. COVID guidelines were followed strictly during the examination. 120 minutes were given to the students to answer 66 questions, which is 10 questions lesser than last time. The exam went smoothly. For the slot one session, time was essential in order to answer the questions. The pattern was similar to that of the last year's. 

CAT 2021 Slot 1: Paper Pattern and Difficulty Levels

The exam was Moderately-Difficult but it was lengthy. 

  • Marking Scheme - There is no negative marking for TITA-based questions, however, for the MCQs, 3 marks are awarded for the right answer, and 1 mark is deducted for the incorrect one.
  • GetMyUni Ratings - 7/10 in terms of difficulty. 

Section-Wise Breakdown Of The CAT 2021 Slot 1 Exam

Below is a breakdown of the number of questions asked concerning the time given for the three sections of CAT slot 1 exam 2021. 

Sections No. of questions Difficulty level Marking Scheme Score for 99%ile
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 Moderate +3/-1 (For MCQs)
+3/-0 (For Non-MCQs)
37-39
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 22 Easy 40-42
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 Moderate to Difficult 27-30
Sections (Total) 66 Moderate to Difficult Approximately: 96-99

Note - The total time given to answer was 40 minutes per section.

Section Wise CAT Paper Analysis 2021 for Slot 1

Difficulty levels of the different sections in the CAT Examination are given below.

CAT 2021 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 1

  • The candidates reported that it was moderate to solve. However, if a student had a good grasp of reading, vocabulary, and verbal ability, he/she could score decent marks. 
  • Types of questions and topics asked
    • MCQ Type - It included Summary and Reading Comprehension based questions. 4 Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages were asked which were the MCQ type. All 4 passages in the RCs had 4 questions. Hence, the total number of questions asked from the RCs was 16 out of 24. RC passages were around 470 to 500 words each.
    • TITA type questions - These included questions on Verbal Ability. These included Out of Context Sentences, Para Jumbled Statements, Para Summaries, and more on these lines. The section was lengthy. Verbal Ability comprised of 5 non-MCQs out of 24.
    • Verbal Ability
      • This section included 8 questions.
      • Para Formation - 3 questions - Moderate to Difficult
      • Para Summary - 3 questions - Easy to Moderate
      • Odd One Out - 2 questions - Moderate
  • Required Marks - The approximate marks a candidate needs to score in the VARC section are between 37-39 in order to get the 99 percentile.

CAT 2021 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 1

  • Although the most feared section on the CAT exam, in 2021, the QA section was easy similar to CAT 2018 and 2020. In fact, candidates reported it to be the easiest out of the three sections.
  • Types of questions and topics asked
    • The sections which had the maximum number of questions were based on Algebra and Arithmetic. Other sections included topics such as Roots, Geometry, Log, and more. 2-3 questions were taken from the Number System. 8 Type in the Answer (TITA) questions were asked and the remaining 14 questions were MCQ type.
  • Breakdown of the QA subjects
    • Arithmetic - 11 Questions
    • Algebra - 5 Questions
    • Number System - 2 Questions
    • Geometry - 3 Questions
    • Modern Math - 1 Question
  • Required Marks - The marks required in the QA section are 40-42 in order to get a 99 percentile.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 1

  • This section was moderate in terms of difficulty. Time was a crucial factor in understanding DI&LR, however, it was doable. Some questions were difficult.
  • Types of questions and topics asked
    • The total questions asked from LR is 14 and from DI is 6. This section had 4 sets. Out of 4 sets, two had 4 questions and two had 6 questions, but only 2 of these 4 sets were manageable.
  • Breakdown of the DI&LR topics
    • Bar Graph - 4 Questions - 3-4 Ideal Attempts
    • Arrangement - Researchers, Publishing - 6 Questions - 2-3 Ideal Attempts
    • Smoothies- DI - 4 Questions - 1-2 Ideal Attempts
    • Arrangement - Friends, Strangers, Acquaintances - 6 Questions - 2-3 Ideal Attempts
  • Required Marks - The marks required for the DI&LR section are around 27-30 to get you in the top percentile.
  • CAT 2021 Good Attempts and Required Score for Slot 1
    • The ideal expected score a candidate must get is between 96-99 according to our CAT Paper Analysis 2021. This score will allow a person to get admitted into the IIMs and other top-rated Business Schools in India and a few abroad. 

CAT Paper Analysis 2021 Slot 2

The CAT exam slot two was conducted between 12:30 PM to 2.30 PM. Below is all the information from experts and students on the type of questions, difficulty level, changes in the paper pattern, ideal attempts, and more.

CAT 2021 Exam Paper Pattern and Difficulty Levels for Slot 2

The candidates reported that the Slot 2 CAT exam was 'Moderately Difficult', but easier than 2020. The paper was lengthy and difficulty levels were different in three sections as compared to slot 1.

  • Marking scheme - The marking scheme remains the same as Slot 1.
  • GetMyUni Ratings for Slot 2 - 7.5/10 in terms of difficulty.

Section-Wise Breakdown Of The CAT 2021 Slot 2 Exam

Below is a breakdown of the number of questions asked to the time given for the three sections of CAT slot 2 exams 2021. 

Sections No. of questions Difficulty level Marking Scheme Score for 99%ile
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 Easy +3/-1 (For MCQs)
+3/-0 (For Non-MCQs)
37-39
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 22 Moderate 39-42
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 Difficult to Moderate 29-32
Sections (Total) 76 Moderate Approximately: 96-99

Note - The total time given to answer was 40 minutes per section.

Section Wise CAT Paper Analysis 2021 for Slot 2

Difficulty levels of the different sections in the CAT Examination are given below.

CAT 2021 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 2

  • The candidates reported that it was a slightly tricky section. If a student had a good grasp of reading, vocabulary, and verbal ability, he/she could score decent marks. The question pattern was the same as that of Slot 1.
  • Types of questions and topics asked
    • The types of questions were again similar to that of Slot 1. RC consisted of 4 passages. Each of these passages had 4 questions each - Attempting 2 would have been ideal and 4 would have been risky. The ideal Score would be 12 with 8 to 9 attempts.
  • Verbal Ability
    • It included 8 questions. The non-MCQ type included 3 Para Jumbles and 2 Odd Sentence Para jumbles. The MCQ type included 3 Para Summary Questions. The TIFA questions were a little more tricky as compared to the MCQ type. Hence, the total number of questions in VA was 8 out of 24.
    • 3 Questions (Moderate - Difficult) - Para Jumbles
    • 2 Questions (Moderate - Difficult) - Odd One Out
    • 3 Questions (Easy-Moderate) Para Summary 
  • Required Marks - The approximate marks a candidate needs to score in the VARC section are between 37-39 in order to get the 99 percentile.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 2

  • The QA section was slightly more difficult than Slot 1. The pattern was similar to Slot 1 as Algebra and Arithmetic dominated the paper.
  • Types of questions and topics asked
    • The maximum number of questions were asked from Arithmetic and Algebra, numbering 16 out of 24 questions asked in QA.
  • Breakdown of the QA subjects
    • Maximum questions - Algebra, Time and Distance, Work, Speed, Arithmetic, and Geography. The level was moderate.
    • Number System - 2 questions of Moderate Difficulty
    • Modern Math - 1 question
  • Required Marks - The marks required in the QA section are 39-42 in order to get a 99 percentile. 

CAT 2021 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 2

  • This section was moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty, much similar to Slot 1. Maximum questions were asked again from Logical Reasoning and the pattern was also similar to Slot 1.
  • Types of questions and topics asked
    • There were 6 questions in 2 sets and 4 questions in the other 2 sets. Hence, there were a total of 4 sets with 20 questions. The number of Non-MCQ was 5 out of 20 and the MCQ-based questions numbered 15 out of 20.
  • Breakdown of the DI&LR topics
    • Assignment (Value perception of different products) - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempt: 3-4
    • Games & Tournament - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempt: 4
    • Ravi the delivery man - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempt: 3-4
    • Bar Chart (DI) - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempt: 4
  • Required Marks - The marks required for the DI&LR section are around 29-32 to get you in the top percentile.
  • CAT 2021 Good Attempts and Required Score for Slot 2
    • The ideal expected score a candidate must get is between 96-99 according to our CAT Paper Analysis 2021. Attempting around 42-45 questions should help to get into the top Business Schools.

CAT Paper Analysis 2021 Slot 3

The third session of the exam was conducted from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The time limit for answering the questions per section wise remains the same, i.ei 40 minutes. The total number of questions is also the same as slots 1 and 2, i.e., 66 questions, which is 10 questions lesser than last time.

CAT 2021 Slot 3: Paper Pattern and Difficulty Levels

With the end of the third session, the CAT Exam for 2021 officially comes to an end. Many candidates reported that the Slot 3 CAT exam was 'Moderately Difficult'. The question paper was a bit lengthy, a few questions were tricky but the pattern remained similar to that of slots 1 and 2. DILR seemed the easier out of the three sections. VARC was moderate and the QA section was moderate.

  • Marking scheme - The marking scheme remains the same as Slot 1 and Slot 2. +3 for correct answers (both MCQ and Non-MCQ), no negative marking for incorrect answers in the case of TIFA questions but -1 for MCQ type questions if the answer is incorrect. 
  • GetMyUni Ratings for Slot 3 - 7.3/10 in terms of difficulty.

Section-Wise Breakdown Of The CAT 2021 Slot 3 Exam

Below is a breakdown of the number of questions asked with respect to the time given for the three sections of CAT Slot 3 Exam 2021. 

Sections No. of questions Difficulty level Marking Scheme Score for 99%ile
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 26 Moderate +3/-1 (For MCQs)
+3/-0 (For Non-MCQs)
36-39
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 22 Moderate 34-37
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 Easy-Moderate 30-33
Sections (Total) 76 Moderately Difficult Approximately: 93-97

Note - The total time given to answer was 40 minutes per section.

Section Wise CAT Paper Analysis 2021 for Slot 3

Difficulty levels of the different sections in the CAT Examination are given below.

CAT 2021 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 3

  • This section was moderate according to the candidates. It was similar to the previous 2 exam slots and the exam pattern also remained the same.
  • Types of questions and topics asked
    • The questions which appeared in the third session were similar to that of Slot 1 and Slot 2.
    • Reading Comprehension (RC) consisted of 4 passages. All 4 of the passages had 4 questions. Hence, the overall questions from RC were 16 out of 24. The difficulty levels of these questions were moderate. Each RC passage was approximately 500 words in length.
  • Verbal Ability Questions Breakdown - MCQ and TITA Type
    • It included 8 questions. The non-MCQ type carried 3 Para Jumble questions and 2 Odd Sentence Para Jumbles. The MCQ type included 3 Para Summary Questions. Hence, the total number of questions in VA was 8 out of 26.
    • 3 Questions (Moderate) - Para Jumbles
    • 2 Questions (Moderate-Difficult) - Odd One Out
    • 3 Questions (Easy-Moderate) - Para Summary 
  • Required Marks - The approximate marks a candidate needs to score in the VARC section are between 36-39  in order to get the 99 percentile.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 3

  • The QA section for the third slot was lengthy and time-intensive thus making it difficult. The pattern was similar to the previous slots as Algebra and Arithmetic dominated the paper.
  • Types of questions and topics asked 
    • This section once again was dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra questions. However, Algebra was increased in this slot unlike the 1st two. It also had a good number of questions from different topics, making the paper quite diverse and similar to the previous slots.
  • Breakdown of the QA subjects
    • Geometry and Mensuration - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 2
    • Modern Math - 1 Question - Ideal Attempts: 1
    • Arithmetic - 11 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 7-8
    • Algebra - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 2-3
  • Required Marks - The marks required in the QA section are 34-36 in order to get a 99 percentile. 

CAT 2021 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 3

  • This section was similar to Slot 1 DILR and easier than Slot 2 DILR. The maximum number of questions were asked from LR.
  • Types of questions and topics asked
    • The pattern remained the same for this section. There were 6 questions in 2 sets and 4 questions in the other 2 sets. Hence, there were a total of 4 sets with 20 questions.
    • The number of Non-MCQ was 5 out of 20 and the MCQ-based questions numbered 15 out of 20. The TITA questions showed a slight difference as compared to the previous slots.
  • Breakdown of the DI&LR topics 
    • Following is the topic-wise breakdown of the questions asked in this section.
    • Bar Chart - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 3-4
    • Pure & Impure Solutions - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 3-4
    • Javelin Tournament - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 2-4
    • Review of Academic Qs - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 2-4
  • Required Marks - The marks required for the DI&LR section are around 30-33 in order to get you in the top percentile.
  • CAT 2021 Good Attempts and Required Score for Slot 3
    • The ideal expected score a candidate must get is between 93-97 according to our CAT Paper Analysis 2021.
    • This score will allow a person to get admitted into the IIMs and other top-rated Business Schools in India and a few abroad.

CAT Paper Analysis 2020

CAT Paper Analysis 2020 states that the exam had a 120 minutes total time restriction and was divided into 40 minutes for each section. The CAT marking scheme was not changed. Three points were awarded for each accurate answer. 

Some of the important points related to the CAT paper analysis of 2020 are as follows.

  • The VARC portion had 26 questions
  • The DILR section contained 24 questions
  • The QA section of CAT 2020 had 26 questions
  • The RC questions dominated the VARC segment. There were two DILR sets in the DILR section.
  • According to CAT Paper Analysis 2020, the questions in the QA part were mostly from Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Modern Math.
Section Name Time Limit Ideal Score Total Questions
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 40 Minutes 40-42 26
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) 40 Minutes 32-34 24
Quantitative Ability (QA) 40 Minutes 46-48 26
Total 120 Minutes 105-110 76

FAQs on CAT Paper Analysis

Q: What is CAT exam's overall difficulty level?

Q: How many slots are there in CAT 2024 exam?

Q: What is considered to be good attempt in CAT?

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Q: Is the CAT 2024 slot 1 paper analysis out?

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