Preparing for the CAT Exam 2024? Welcome to your go-to guide for understanding the exam pattern! The CAT isn’t just a test; it’s a journey where your skills are spotlighted.
The CAT exam for 2024 is going to take place on November 24, 2024. The official notification for CAT 2024 is released on 30th July 2024.
In this guide, we break down the CAT Exam Pattern for 2024. We’ll discuss each section and how marking works, and give tips for tackling the challenges. Whether you’re dealing with numbers in Quantitative Aptitude, working through language in Verbal Ability, or decoding patterns in Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation – we’ve got you covered.
Think of this guide as your roadmap, helping you navigate the CAT Exam successfully. Let’s dive in, unravel the sections, and make your CAT journey less mysterious!
CAT Exam Pattern 2024
CAT Exam Pattern |
|
| CAT Exam 2021 Highlights | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes- (40 minutes for each section) |
| Type of Question | Multiple choice type and Type in the Answer type |
| No. of Questions | 66 |
| Marking Scheme | 3 marks will be awarded for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer for the MCQs |
| Total Marks | 198 |
| Section Names |
|
Section-Wise Weightage of Question
Expected Section-wise CAT 2024 exam paper pattern details are tabulated below.
| CAT Exam Pattern 2024 | No. of Questions | CAT Exam Pattern 2024 – MCQs | TITA Questions | CAT Exam Marks Pattern | Duration |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 21 | 3 | 72 | 40 min |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 14 | 6 | 60 | 40 min |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 14 | 8 | 66 | 40 min |
| Total | 66 | 49 | 17 | 198 | 120 (2 hours) |
The CAT Exam was held in three slots in the previous year, each lasting two hours: morning (8:30 – 10:30 am), afternoon (12:30 – 2:30 pm), and evening (4:30 – 6:30 pm).
Details regarding the CAT exam duration and pattern are presented in the table above.
Noted for its elevated difficulty level, the examination necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus and adept problem-solving skills.
In the preceding year, the CAT Exam comprised three sessions, each lasting two hours: morning (8:30 – 10:30 am), afternoon (12:30 – 2:30 pm), and evening (4:30 – 6:30 pm).
CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude Exam Pattern
The Quantitative Aptitude segment of the CAT exam features exclusively numerical-based questions spanning various mathematical concepts.
The anticipated number of questions for this year in quantitative aptitude is 26.
The question pattern is expected to look like this.
| Question Type | Expected Number of Questions |
| Arithmetic | 8-9 |
| Algebra | 6-7 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 4-5 |
| Number Systems | 1-2 |
| Modern Mathematics | 1-2 |
The detailed pattern for the quantitative aptitude section encompasses the following five fundamental topics:
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Partnership, Trigonometry, Cube Root, Square root, Probability, |
| Algebra | Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms, Arithmetic Progression, Binomial Theorem, |
| Geometry | Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (2D and 3D). |
| Number Systems | Divisibility Rules, Factors and Multiples, Prime Numbers, Remainders, HCF and LCM, Base System, Digits |
| Mathematics | Permutations and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Sequences and Series, Complex Numbers, Matrices and Determinants, Mean, mode, median |
CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Section
The CAT VARC section evaluates your English language proficiency and ability to comprehend and interpret passages effectively. You will have 40 minutes to solve 24 questions, and the question pattern is as follows.
| Question Type | Expected Number of Questions |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 |
| Verbal Ability | 8 |
The detailed syllabus is as follows.
Verbal Ability:
- Grammar
- Synonyms, Antonyms
- Para Jumbles (Rearranging sentences to form a paragraph)
- Para Summary ( Summarising a paragraph)
- One word Substitution
- Sentence Correction
- Odd Sentence Out
- Parts of speech
- Preposition
- Idioms
- Articles usage
Reading Comprehension: This section will test your reading and analytical skills with passages and questions on it.
CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation Section
The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR) section assesses your data analysis and logical reasoning skills. This section is expected to have 22–24 questions.
The LRDI syllabus is expected to be divided into the following sections.
Logical Reasoning:
- Seating Arrangement
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Order & Ranking
- Dices
- Clocks
- Data Sufficiency
- Directions and others
- Logical Sequence
- Coding and Decoding
- Calendars, Cubes, and Clocks
Data Interpretation
- Tables
- Bar Graphs
- Charts
- Caselets
- Line Graphs
- Pie Charts
The CAT The Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation question paper is expected to be as follows.
| Question Type | Expected Number of Questions |
| Logical Reasoning | 15 |
| Data Interpretation | 5 |
CAT Marking Scheme and Weightage 2024
Understanding the CAT marking scheme is crucial before attempting the test. The CAT 2024 exam is anticipated to have a total score of 198, with each question carrying three marks (+3). Negative marking applies, with a deduction of one mark for each incorrect response (-1). However, there is no negative marking for TITA questions.
No points will be deducted if a candidate chooses not to attempt a question. Some questions in each section may not be multiple-choice, requiring candidates to provide written responses.
The CAT exam 2024 marks pattern summary in the table:
| CAT Exam Pattern 2024 – 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 |
| Total | 66 | 198 | – |
Conclusion
It is critically important to be aware of the exam pattern you are applying for to shape your preparation accordingly. With just months away from the exam we hope this article is going to help you forge a structured plan for your preparation.
We wish you all the best for your exam!
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FAQs for CAT Exam Pattern 2024
1. What is the CAT exam pattern for 2024?
The CAT exam for 2024 will consist of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
2. How many questions will be there in each section?
A candidate will have to tackle 66 questions in 120 minutes. With the VARC section consisiitn of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 questions, the Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) to contain 20 and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) to have 22 questions.
3. What is the marking scheme for CAT 2024?
Each correct answer typically carries 3 marks, and -1 for every incorrect answer. However, the Type in the Answer questions carry no negative marking.
4. Is there a negative marking in CAT 2024?
Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. Typically, 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response. However, there is no negative marking for the TITA.
5. How much time will be allocated for each section?
Candidates will typically have 40 minutes for each section, resulting in a total exam duration of 120 minutes (2 hours).
6. Can I switch between sections during the exam?
No, candidates are generally not allowed to switch between sections. They must attempt each section in the order provided.