CAT 2025 Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Candidates planning to undertake the CAT 2024 Entrance Test must be aware of the CAT 2024 Exam Pattern. It will help the candidates to understand the complete structure of the CAT 2024 Question Paper as well CAT 2024 marking scheme. IIMs prescribe the CAT Exam Pattern every year. The examination authority will soon update the Exam Pattern of CAT 2024 and the CAT 2024 Syllabus on its official website. It is expected that IIM will retain the exam pattern of 2021 for this year too. Official confirmation is yet to be updated.

• Until 2019, the CAT examination duration was restricted to 180 Minutes (3 hours), the section time limit was 60 minutes, and the CAT exam paper consisted of 100 questions.
• But, the CAT 2020 Exam pattern was revised. As per the revised CAT Pattern, The duration of the exam is 120 minutes (two hours), and the section time is limited to 40 minutes. While the number of questions was reduced to 76 from 100.
• Previously, PWD students used to get an extra 20 minutes for each section. But, now, the extra time is limited to 13 minutes.
• The CAT 2024 exam paper is divided into three sections. The exam contains three main subjects. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Aptitude are the subjects.
• CAT is a computer-based exam (online mode) with multiple-choice questions (MCQ). Some of the questions would be of the subjective variety.
• Three points will be awarded for each correct answer, and one point will be deducted for each incorrect answer. Henceforth, Negative Marking is applicable for CAT 2024 Examination.

CAT 2024 Section Wise Exam Pattern

• Quantitative Aptitude-  In the QA section, there will be 26 questions from diverse disciplines of mathematics subject. There will be more non-MCQs in this section.
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension- In the VARC section, RC holds 70% weightage. Test takers have to answer 26 questions, and it is for 78 marks.
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning- The DILR section is predicted to be the toughest. This section consists of 24 questions. Overall, Marks carries 72.

CAT 2024 Exam Patter: Number of MCQ & Non-MCQ type of questions

Final Year Students Can Cover CAT Syllabus Easily

Before taking the CAT entrance test, detailed preparation for CAT and dedication are required. Students in their final year of graduation are eligible to take the exam due to eligibility criteria. It has been observed that such candidates have a distinct advantage in terms of preparation.

1. Attending coaching classes

College students, as opposed to working professionals, can attend coaching classes. Coaching can be spent alongside regular classes. Though it should be noted that attending coaching is not required for all students, it does aid in scheduling and streamlining preparation.

2. Preparation will be easier because the syllabus is similar

Preparing concurrently along with graduation is advantageous because there are some similarities between the course syllabus and the CAT 2024 syllabus. Students studying Btech, BSc, and BCom degrees will have an advantage because some subjects in their degree programmes are similar to the CAT Quantitively Aptitude Syllabus. Aspirants pursuing a degree in Humanities have an advantage in English and language, comparable to the CAT VALR syllabus.

3. No need for a gap year

The ideal time to prepare for the CAT is 9 to 12 months. If candidates in their graduation accelerate their preparation appropriately, there is a chance they will not need to take a gap year and will be selected in one go.

CAT 2024 Syllabus

CAT 2024 Syllabus is very comprehensive, and it includes various topics. Before starting CAT 2024 Exam Preparation, candidates must ensure the Syllabus of the CAT. It will be helpful for the test takers to get an idea about the appropriate topics. For the past 10 years, CAT Syllabus has remained the same. No changes have been introduced so far, even though the CAT exam pattern was revised. The CAT 2024 exam syllabus and pattern enhance the knowledge for better preparation for the CAT Exam. Going over each topic that is likely to be covered in the CAT syllabus will assist each individual in developing their record of strengths and weaknesses and preparing a study plan for CAT 2024.

From the past few years, the topics given below are those from which max questions will be asked in CAT Exam. During CAT 2024 Preparation, you have to prioritize these topics.

CAT 2024 Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

In CAT 2024 Question Paper, the first section will be VARC. The section is divided into Verbal Ability & RC.

Difficulty Level of VARC Chapters

CAT 2024 Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude

The final section of the CAT question paper is Quantitative Aptitude. It must be completed in the final 40 minutes of the exam.

Difficulty Level of QA Chapters

CAT 2024 Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) is the second portion of the CAT question paper and must be completed after the VARC portion. This section consists of two subtopics: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.

Difficulty Level of DILR Chapters

FAQs

Q1. Is switching between other sections allowed in CAT 2024?

In CAT 2024, switching between sections is not permitted. Candidates must complete each section in the allotted time, as they cannot return to the section to make changes.

Q2. Can I crack CAT 2024 without coaching?

Yes, you can crack CAT without coaching. You can do very well in the CAT with self-study if you are committed and focused on your preparation. Find reliable study resources and limit your reading to a few books. CAT 2024 Mock tests should be taken regularly, and your performance in each section should be evaluated. Create your own strategies for acing the exam based on your pluses and minuses.

Q3. Can I leave a few topics while studying for the exam?

It is recommended that no topic be left out of the CAT syllabus because there is no usual weightage. Because the quantitative section of the CAT is regarded as unpredictable, It is recommended that the CAT test-takers cover all topics for better results.

Q4. What are my possibilities of passing the exam if I attempt 15 questions from each section of the DI, QA, and RC?

This is completely determined by the level of difficulty and the minimum CAT cutoff for each section. However, we recommend you to answer at least 30 questions correctly in each section.

Q5. In CAT, does the negative marking scheme applicable for Non-MCQ?

Ans.  No, Negative Marking is not applicable for Non-MCQ/TITA Type of Questions. It is applicable for only MCQ questions. For incorrect answers, 1 mark will be deducted.

Q6. I graduated from a Hindi-medium college. I am not fluent in English. Can I administer the CAT exam in my native language or Hindi?

No, the CAT exam is only available in English.

Q7. How can I boost my CAT score in a short period?

Solving 1 or 2 CAT mock tests each day is the best way to analyze your performance. Before you begin preparation, please review all of the topics and analyze it. Then start working on it. Also, we recommend you solve the previous year CAT question paper.

Q8. What is the percentage weightage for MCQ and non-MCQ topics in the CAT syllabus?

There is no precise weightage of the CAT authorities' MCQ and non-MCQ syllabus. As a result, prepare all segments equally well.

Q9. Which among MCQ and Non-MCQ helps in scoring well in CAT 2024?

As per the CAT Exam Paper analysis, Compared to the Non-MCQ, the percentage of MCQ is high. But, negative marking is applicable only for MCQ types. While no negative marking for Non-MCQ types. So Non-MCQ doesn't reduce the marks if you have written the wrong answer. Henceforth, candidates may secure a good score if they answer all the Non-MCQ correctly.

Q10. Am I able to undertake CAT 2024 from any computer?

No, candidates have to attend the exam at the designated exam center. Candidates are not allowed to take the exam on their personal laptop/computer.