Every year, over 200,000 candidates go head-to-head in the Common Admission Test (CAT), all competing for admission into India’s top universities. To get ahead, you need to know the CAT exam pattern inside out. Understanding the CAT exam structure, sections, and how the scoring works will help you focus your preparation where it matters most.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the CAT exam pattern and share strategies to help you plan, prepare, and perform at your best.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. This prestigious and highly competitive exam is a gateway to the top management programs in India. It assesses candidates on core competencies like reading comprehension, logical reasoning, data analysis, and mathematical concepts, making it essential for MBA aspirants to understand the exam pattern thoroughly.
The CAT Exam format is divided into three major sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Ability (QA)
The breakdown of questions across the sections is as follows:
The CAT exam duration is a total of 120 minutes (2 hours), with strict sectional time limits that test both knowledge and time management skills. Candidates must allocate 40 minutes per section, and once the time is up, the system will automatically lock the section and move to the next one. This constraint makes efficient use of time essential to maximise scores, as the CAT exam total marks is 198, distributed across the three sections.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the sectional time limits and question distribution:
Section
Time Limit for General Candidates
Time Limit for PwD Candidates
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
40 minutes
53 minutes and 20 seconds
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
40 minutes
53 minutes and 20 seconds
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
40 minutes
53 minutes and 20 seconds
Total
120 minutes
160 minutes
CAT Exam Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
The CAT exam marking scheme plays a crucial role in determining how your final score is calculated. Understanding how the marks are allocated and the implications of incorrect answers can help candidates strategise effectively during the test. Below is a detailed explanation of how the marking system works:
Marking Scheme:
Question Type
Marking Scheme
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
+3 marks for every correct answer.
-1 mark for each incorrect answer (negative marking applies).
0 marks for questions left unanswered.
Non-MCQ (TITA)
+3 marks for each correct answer.
No negative marking for incorrect answers.
0 marks for unanswered questions.
Implications of Negative Marking
CAT negative marking applies only to MCQs, where 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Therefore, candidates need to be cautious when answering MCQs, as guesswork could lead to a drop in the final score if incorrect answers accumulate.
Non-MCQ (TITA) questions do not carry negative markings, making them relatively safer to attempt. Even if you're unsure of the answer, it’s better to give it a try, as there is no penalty for incorrect responses.
Breakdown of the CAT Marking Scheme
Question Type
Marks for Correct Answer
Marks for Incorrect Answer
Unanswered
MCQs
+3
-1
0
Non-MCQs (TITA)
+3
0
0
By understanding the CAT exam marking scheme, candidates can balance accuracy with speed and ensure that they avoid losing marks due to incorrect answers, particularly in MCQs.
Here are the estimated cutoff percentiles for CAT 2024, based on the observed difficulty level of the CAT 2023 exam. This information can be useful for understanding the scoring trends:
CAT Sectional Cutoffs
CAT Percentile
VARC Score
DILR Score
QA Score
Overall Score
99.9th Percentile
48
36
48
106
99.5th Percentile
44
32
32
89
99th Percentile
40
28
28
80
98th Percentile
36
25
24
71
95th Percentile
30
19
19
57
90th Percentile
25
16
15
49
85th Percentile
21
13
12
40
80th Percentile
19
11
10
36
These cutoffs reflect the scores typically required to advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Preparation Tips Based on CAT Paper Pattern
The CAT exam pattern gives candidates a clear structure to develop an efficient preparation strategy. Below are essential tips based on the CAT paper pattern:
Equal Weightage for Sections:
Since each section (VARC, DILR, and QA) has almost equal weightage, it’s crucial to give equal importance to all sections during preparation. Focus on building a solid foundation across all topics rather than excelling in just one area.
Importance of Mock Tests:
Mock tests are pivotal in shaping your preparation. By regularly taking mocks, you can evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and identify which sections you are more comfortable with and which need more work.
Strategic Focus Based on Mock Results:
Category
Description
Strengths
The section where you score the most reflects where your concepts are strongest. Reduce the time spent on these areas while keeping them polished.
Weaknesses
Focus on the sections where you score lower. Devote more time to these areas, revisiting basics and practising more questions.
Tracking Progress
Continuously monitor your performance through mocks to ensure steady improvement in weaker sections while maintaining your performance in stronger areas.
Milestone-Based Approach:
This approach allows you to continuously track your performance and adjust your preparation strategy as the exam date nears. You can fine-tune your focus and effort based on the areas needing attention.
Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis, Reasoning, Global Environment
120 minutes
150
+1 for correct, no negative marking
No negative marking, available in both CBT and paper-based formats
Understanding the CAT exam pattern is essential for your success. Familiarise yourself with the structure, total questions, and marking scheme to create a smart study plan. Stay focused, practice regularly, and don’t hesitate to tackle challenging sections. With the right approach, you can ace the CAT and step confidently toward your dream MBA program. Start your journey today!
How does the CAT exam pattern impact my preparation strategy?
The CAT exam pattern consists of three sections—VARC, DILR, and QA—each with equal importance. Since each section has equal weightage, your preparation strategy should focus on building a strong foundation in all areas. Relying on one section won't guarantee success, so balance your preparation across sections, focusing on both speed and accuracy. Regular mock tests will help fine-tune your approach based on performance in different sections.
How should I manage time within the 40-minute sectional time limit?
The sectional time limit of 40 minutes makes time management crucial. The best approach is to:
Prioritise questions you are most confident in.
Leave the harder or time-consuming questions for the end.
For reading comprehension and DI sets, practice skimming techniques to quickly identify key information. Regularly practising with time-bound mock tests will help you get accustomed to these time constraints and develop an effective pacing strategy.
Should I attempt all the Non-MCQ (TITA) questions since there’s no negative marking?
While there is no negative marking for Non-MCQ (TITA) questions, it’s essential to attempt them only if you feel confident in your approach. Attempting non-MCQs blindly could waste valuable time, but because there’s no penalty, they are worth attempting with educated guesses if time allows. Prioritise accuracy with MCQs first, and then move on to TITA questions.
What’s the best way to identify which section I need to focus more on?
After taking multiple mock tests, review your mock test performance to analyse which sections you are consistently scoring higher in and which sections need more attention. If your scores are significantly higher in one section (e.g., VARC) but lower in another (e.g., QA), adjust your study plan to focus more on the weaker areas. However, don't neglect your stronger sections; keep practising to maintain your edge.
Can focusing on one section give me an advantage in the overall score?
No, since CAT has sectional cut-offs, you need to perform reasonably well in all sections to clear the overall and sectional cut-offs set by top IIMs and other B-schools. If you are exceptionally strong in one section but perform poorly in another, it may hurt your chances of meeting the cut-offs. Aim for a balanced approach where you can achieve decent scores in all sections.
How many questions are there in the CAT exam?
The CAT exam consists of a total of 66 questions. These questions are spread across three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section has a specific number of questions to be answered within a 40-minute time limit.
How does the reduction in total questions from 100 to 66 affect my preparation?
With the reduction to 66 questions, the emphasis is now on quality rather than quantity. This change means that speed and accuracy are even more crucial. The reduction in questions has made time management more important, as you have fewer opportunities to compensate for incorrect answers. Focus on high-accuracy attempts and avoid unnecessary risks, especially with MCQs.
Is it a good strategy to skip difficult questions to save time?
Yes, skipping difficult questions is a smart strategy. Focus on easier questions first and return to harder ones if time allows, especially in QA and DILR. Prioritise accuracy.
How can I improve my performance in the DILR section given its unpredictable nature?
The DILR section is known for its unpredictability in terms of difficulty. The best way to prepare is by practising a wide variety of DI sets and logical puzzles. Focus on puzzle-solving speed and critical thinking skills by attempting a mix of different problem sets (seating arrangements, Venn diagrams, etc.). Timed mock tests are also crucial for practising how to handle tougher DI sets under pressure.
How does the CAT exam pattern compare to other MBA entrance exams like XAT or GMAT?
The CAT exam has 3 sections and focuses on aptitude, reasoning, and quantitative skills, with 66 questions over 120 minutes. Other exams like XAT include additional sections like Decision Making, while the GMAT is an adaptive test where question difficulty changes based on previous answers. Each exam requires a tailored preparation strategy.
Are calculators allowed in the CAT exam?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is available during the exam to help with calculations. However, it’s recommended to practise mental maths or quick calculation methods to save time.
Is it necessary to attempt all questions in CAT to score well?
No, attempting all questions is neither necessary nor advisable, especially given the CAT exam pattern. With negative markings in play, attempting questions you’re unsure about can lower your score. Focus on attempting questions that you are confident about and leave the ones you’re unsure of. For TITA questions, since there’s no penalty for wrong answers, make educated guesses if you have the time.
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