CAT Exam Pattern PDF Download

CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Check Exam Duration, Total Marks & Marking Scheme

CAT Exam Pattern Overview

• CAT 2024 exam consists of 66 objective type questions to be completed in 120 minutes.
• The exam is divided into three sections, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
• There is a negative marking of -1 for each incorrect answer in the MCQs.

Changes in CAT Exam Pattern

• CAT exam structure has remained consistent since 2021.
• Fee amounts have been revised for General and Reserved category candidates.
• New requirements include mentioning COVID-19 vaccination status and extended eligibility for FCAI degree holders.

CAT 2024 Exam Slots

• CAT 2024 will be conducted in three shifts: morning, afternoon, and evening.
• Shift timings are 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

CAT Sectional Division

• CAT VARC section: 24 questions, 72 marks
• CAT DILR section: 20 questions, 60 marks
• CAT Quantitative Aptitude section: 22 questions, 66 marks

CAT Pattern 2024 Details

• Mode of CAT exam: Computer Based Test
• Exam duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
• Number of questions: 66
• Total marks: 198
• Language of question paper: English
• Number of answer choices: 4
• Question Type: MCQ and non-MCQ

Official CAT Mock Tests

• The official CAT website provides two free mock tests for registered candidates.
• Mock tests offer a simulated exam experience and help in preparation.

Subject-wise Topics in CAT

• Select your preferred subject to explore topics.

Changes in CAT Question Paper Pattern Over The Years

CAT exam pattern has undergone significant transformations over the years, reflecting adjustments in structure and duration. These alterations have influenced the overall testing experience for aspirants. Let's delve into the evolution of the CAT exam pattern since 2010.

Main Changes in CAT Exam Pattern:

Educational institutions and students closely monitor these changes to adapt their preparation strategies effectively in response to the evolving CAT exam pattern.

What is CAT Marking Scheme?

• Total marks of CAT is 198
• Each question carries 3 marks
• There is negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer
• There is no deduction of marks for skipping questions
• Some questions in the QA section may not be of multiple choice type, thus the answers will have to be typed on the screen

The following table summarizes the CAT marking scheme. When making the CAT 2024 exam day plan, candidates must consider the marking scheme for the choice of questions.

Q: What is the difference between CAT score and CAT percentile?

Answer here...

Q: How is the CAT score and percentile calculated?

Answer here...

Q: What is the difference between qualifying CAT cut off and final CAT cut off?

Answer here...

Summary of CAT Exam Pattern 2024

CAT exam in 2024 will follow a sectional time-limit format, requiring candidates to solve the paper in a specific order and within designated time durations. It is crucial to adhere to the predefined sequence of sections without the option to switch between them. The sections are structured as follows:

• Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
• Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
• Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude

CAT Exam Time Duration

According to the official CAT exam pattern, candidates must complete each section within the allocated time limit. Once the time for a section elapses, the screen will automatically transition to the next section, prohibiting any further changes, corrections, or submissions. The section-wise distribution of questions and time limits is detailed in the table below:

Important Points About CAT Test Process

• Usage of calculators is permitted for computational purposes during the exam.
• An on-screen clock is provided to help candidates monitor their time effectively throughout the exam.
• Candidates are supplied with sheets of paper for rough work, which must be submitted before exiting the exam hall.
• Candidates are strictly prohibited from initiating the test before the designated time. Login is only permitted following the invigilator's announcement.
• Candidates are required to remain seated at their assigned locations throughout the exam. Any deviation may lead to disqualification.

CAT Syllabus and Important Topics

• CAT Sections
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
  • Sentence-Completion
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Para-Summary
  • Inferences
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
  • Tables
  • Graphs
  • Data Caselets
  • Blood Relation
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Syllogism
• Quantitative Aptitude
  • Percentages
  • Profit & Loss
  • Time & Distance
  • Averages-Mixtures-Alligations
  • Numbers
  • Logarithms
  • Functions & Graphs
  • Indices & Surds
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Special Equations
  • Statistics

CAT Test Pattern 2024: How to Mark Answers?

The CAT exam is conducted in Computer Based Test mode, which means candidates have to enter their answers on a computer system with the help of the computer mouse or keyboard. For each CAT question, there will be four options. Candidates will have to select an option and click on one of the following options to move to the next question:

• Save and Next
• Clear Response
• Mark for Review and Next

Whatever option the candidate selects, it will be represented in the following colors:

CAT question status

CAT Study Material:

Check out EduRev's exclusive and free CAT Mock Test

The most important things to keep in mind are:

• CAT exam mode is online
• Each question carries three marks
• There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts

The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:

Q: What are the best books for CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension preparation?

Q: What are the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

Difference Between CAT Exam Pattern and Other MBA Entrance Exams

• Exam Name:
  • CAT
  • XAT
  • CMAT
  • MAT
  • IIFT
  • GMAT
  • NMAT
  • SNAP
• Time Duration:
  • 120 minutes
  • 210 minutes
  • 180 minutes
  • 150 minutes
  • 120 minutes
  • 187 minutes
  • 120 minutes
  • 60 minutes
• No. of Questions:
  • 66
  • 105
  • 100
  • 200
  • 110
  • 70
  • 108
  • 60
• Sections:
  • 3
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
• Total Marks:
  • 198
  • 105
  • 400
  • 200
  • 300
  • 200-800
  • 36-360
  • 60

CAT Preparation Articles:

• Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
• What is the sectional weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT?
• What is the sectional weightage of VARC in CAT?

CAT Exam Preparation Guide

CAT Exam Pattern Overview

• CAT exam preparation should start at least nine months before the test date.
• Divide your preparation into two phases: covering the syllabus and practicing/revision.

CAT Syllabus

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension:
  • Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion, and Inferences
  • Questions based on passages, para meaning, order of sentences
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning:
  • Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram
  • Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets, Syllogism
• Quantitative Aptitude:
  • Geometry, Algebra, Number System
  • Arithmetic, Mensuration

Recommended Reading Materials

• CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
• Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
• How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
• How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
• 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/ Simon and Schuster
• High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
• How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
• Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
• Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha

Additional CAT Preparation Tips

• Consistent daily practice is key to success in CAT exam.
• Regularly revise concepts and practice mock tests.
• Focus on time management during the exam.

MBA after CA and CAT Preparation

• Doing an MBA after CA can be beneficial for career growth.
• To prepare for CAT in your daily routine, allocate specific time slots for study and practice.

CAT Score vs. CAT Percentile

• CAT score is the actual marks obtained in the exam.
• CAT percentile indicates the percentage of candidates who scored less than you.

CAT Marking Scheme

• CAT exam follows a marking scheme that includes both correct and incorrect answers.
• Each section may have different marking weights.
• There may be negative marking for incorrect answers.

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Student Forum

• Answered 2 days ago
• Yes, you can get Delhi School of Management, DTU, MBA with 88 percent in CAT. The previous cutoff of Delhi School of Management, DTU for MBA was 85 CAT percentile for the general category. You also require a minimum of 60 percent in graduation for the minimum eligibility criteria of Delhi School Ma
• Beginner-Level 4
• Answered 3 days ago
• The Delhi School of Management (DSM) of Delhi Technological University (DTU) uses CAT scores for admission to its MBA program. The CAT cutoff for 2023 is 85% for all specializations. However, the cut-off percentage for DSE MBA IB ranges from 90-95% depending on your previous studies and profile.
• Beginner-Level 4
• Answered a week ago
• Yes, the Great Lakes Institute of Management accepts CAT scores for admissions. Apart from CAT, GLIM also accepts exams like XAT, CMAT, GMAT.
• Contributor-Level 8
• Answered a week ago
• JIMS Kalkaji offers two courses PGD in IB and Management. The selection process is based on merit from selected exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, ATMA. The minimum CAT score varies with the exam difficulty each year, but through an easy analysis, it could be suggested that a score of nearly 30-45 would be
• Beginner-Level 5
• Answered a week ago
• Yes, JIMS Kalkaji, Delhi accepts CAT as well as results from XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA for both courses in Management and Business. The cutoff marks for each exam vary. They accept a CAT, XAT, or ATMA composite score of above 500 with at least 50% graduation score. Now, it may vary each year, but this
• Beginner-Level 5
• Answered a week ago
• Admission process through CAT 2023 exam score into IIMs and other management institutes will be online. Immediately after CAT 2023 result announcement, the IIMs will begin the shortlisting process of candidates for WAT-PI. In this process, candidates will have to upload their CAT scores on the offic
• Beginner-Level 5
• Answered a week ago
• Yes, SOIL Institute of Management accepts CAT scores for admission to its MBA program. The cutoff for the CAT exam is yet to be released for admission to the MBA course in 2024. The institute also accepts other exam scores such as XAT, NMAT, and MAT for admission to its management programs.
• Beginner-Level 5
• Answered 2 weeks ago
• For MBA is based on the CAT 2023 exam. IIM Mumbai will be releasing two types of CAT cutoffs, namely the Qualifying CAT cutoff and the Final CAT cutoff. For IIM Mumbai admissions 2024, the Qualifying cutoff is set at more than or equal to 80 Percentile, while the sectional cut
• Contributor-Level 10
• Answered 2 weeks ago
• SAIU CATExam Particulars
• SAIU CAT2024 Details
• SAIU CAT Full Form
• Sai University Common Admission Test
• Conducting Institute for 2024
• Sai University
• Exam Level
• National
• SAIU CAT Entrance Exam Frequency
• Once a year
• Contributor-Level 10

EduRev: Insights on MBA Institutes Accepting CAT Scores and Upcoming Exam Dates

1585 Institutes accepting CAT

• Vastrapur, Ahmedabad
  • Placements: 4.6
  • Infrastructure: 4.6
  • Faculty & Course Curriculum: 4.6
  • Crowd & Campus Life: 4.7
  • Value for Money: 4.5
  • Total Fees: ₹25.00 Lakh
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Program: Full Time
• Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore
  • Total Fees: ₹24.50 Lakh
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Program: Full Time
• Joka, Kolkata
  • Placements: 4.7
  • Infrastructure: 5.0
  • Faculty & Course Curriculum: 4.7
  • Crowd & Campus Life: 4.7
  • Value for Money: 4.3
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Program: Full Time
• Kozhikode
  • Placements: 5.0
  • Infrastructure: 5.0
  • Faculty & Course Curriculum: 5.0
  • Crowd & Campus Life: 5.0
  • Value for Money: 5.0
  • Total Fees: ₹20.50 Lakh
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Program: Full Time

Upcoming MBA Exam Dates

• Stay tuned for upcoming MBA exam dates to be announced soon.