CAT 2024 Exam Pattern: Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Chapter Wise Weightage, Duration

Updated By Shivangi Ahirwar on 15 Oct, 2024 13:09

26 days Remaining for the exam

The CAT 2024 exam pattern has been prescribed by IIM Calcutta. The exam will consist of 66 questions (MCQs and TITA) from the QA, VARC, and DILR sections. The total duration of the exam will be 120 minutes, with each section having a time limit of 40 minutes. 3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect response.

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CAT Exam Pattern 2024

The CAT exam pattern 2024 is same as the last year as no change has been introduced by IIM Calcutta. The exam will have 66 questions (MCQs & TITA) from three sections, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). The QA section will have 22 questions, VARC will have 24 questions, and DILR will comprise 20 questions. The overall duration of the CAT 2024 exam will be 120 minutes, with each section having a time limit of 40 minutes.

For every correct answer, you will be awarded 3 marks and for every incorrect MCQ, 1 mark will be deducted. There will be no penalty for the unattempted questions. The CAT 2024 exam will be held on November 24, 2024, in three shifts in computer-based test (CBT) mode. If you are preparing for the exam, you must understand the CAT 2024 exam pattern to familiarize yourself with the question format, marking scheme, time allocation, and weightage of topics in each section. Check the detailed section-wise CAT exam pattern 2024 and all other important details on this page.

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CAT 2024 Exam Pattern Highlights

Take a look at the highlights of the CAT exam pattern 2024 provided in the table below.

Particulars

Details

CAT 2024 Sections

  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Total No. of Questions

66

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions and Type in the Answer (TITA)

Total Marks

198

Marking Scheme

  • +3 marks for each correct answer
  • -1 for every incorrect answer
  • No negative marking for non-MCQs
  • No negative marking for unattempted questions

Exam Duration

2 Hours or 120 Minutes

Sectional Time Limit

40 Minutes

Exam Timings

  • Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test

Related Questions

Ques: How has the CAT exam pattern changed since the pandemic?

Ans: Since the pandemic, the CAT exam pattern has changed in terms of duration and number of questions. In 2020, the number of questions was reduced to 76 from 100 and the exam duration was decreased to 120 minutes from 180 minutes. In 2021, the number of questions was reduced to 66. The CAT exam pattern has been the same since 2021.

Ques: Do IIMs surprise candidates by changing the CAT paper pattern on the exam day?

Ans: IIMs generally don't surprise students by changing the CAT paper pattern on the exam day. If any changes are introduced in the exam pattern, IIMs notify them beforehand. The types of questions and the topics of weightage may sometimes catch them by surprise. 

Section-wise CAT 2024 Exam Pattern

Check out the section-wise CAT exam pattern 2024 provided below.

Section

No. of Questions

Types of Questions

Duration

Duration for PwD Candidates

Expected Difficulty Level

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

24

Reading comprehension passages with multiple-choice questions, sentence completion, and verbal reasoning questions

40 Minutes

53 minutes and 20 seconds

Difficult

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

20

Data interpretation based on tables, charts, graphs, and logical reasoning problems

40 Minutes

53 minutes and 20 secondsModerate to Difficult

Quantitative Ability

22

Mathematics and quantitative problems from various topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and data sufficiency

40 Minutes 

53 minutes and 20 seconds

Easy to Moderate

Total

66

-

120 Minutes

160 Minutes

Moderate to Difficult

Also ReadCAT Weightage Chart 2024

CAT 2024 VARC Paper Pattern

The VARC section of CAT evaluates your English language proficiency and the ability to comprehend and extract core ideas from given passages. Here's the CAT 2024 VARC exam pattern.

CAT VARC Paper Pattern

Topic

No. of Questions

Weightage

Reading Comprehension

16

68%

Para Jumbles

3

12%

Para Completion/Para Summary

3

12%

Odd Sentences

1

4%

Sentence Correction, Word Usage, Fill in the Blanks

1

4%

Total

24

100%

Related Questions

Ques: Is CAT exam easy or difficult?

Ans: The CAT exam is definitely difficult as it is conducted for admission to prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools in India. The difficulty level of each section varies every year as the questions are kept unique. MBA aspirants need to dedicate 4-6 months to rigorous preparation to crack the exam.

Ques: When was the CAT exam pattern last changed?

Ans: The CAT exam pattern was last changed in 2021 when the number of questions was reduced to 66 from 76. Since then, IIMs have introduced no changes in the exam pattern which has been a great relief for students as they can take reference from previous years’ question papers.

Top Management Colleges :

CAT 2024 DILR Paper Pattern

CAT's Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section tests your ability to interpret data and understand logical assumptions. Questions for the DI LR section are not fixed in the CAT exam pattern. Check below to get an idea about the expected questions from the DI LR section.

CAT DILR Paper Pattern

Topic

No. of Questions

Weightage

Graphs

6

30%

Arrangement

4

20%

Data Sufficiency

3

15%

Tables and Caselets

2

10%

Blood Relation

1

5%

Puzzles

1

5%

Clock and Calendars

1

5%

Assumptions and Binary Logic

1

5%

Syllogism and VennDiagram

1

5%

Total

20

100%

Also Read:

CAT 2024 Preparation Tips

CAT 2024 Mock Test

CAT 2024 QA Paper Pattern

The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT covers topics such as Basic Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Geometry & Mensuration, and Modern Maths. Check the expected topic distribution in the CAT 2024 QA section here.

CAT QA Paper Pattern

Topic

No. of Questions

Weightage

Arithmetic

8

36%

Algebra

6

28%

Geometry & Mensuration

4

18%

Number System

2

9%

Modern Mathematics

2

9%

Total

22

100%

Related Questions

Ques: As per the latest CAT exam pattern, how many questions will be in each section?

Ans: As per the latest CAT exam pattern, the QA section will have 22 questions, VARC will have 24 questions and DILR will comprise 20 questions. The total number of questions will be 66, out of which 48 are expected to be MCQs and 18 will likely be non-MCQs or TITA questions.

Ques: Will there be any negative marking in CAT exam?

Ans: Yes, there will be a negative marking in the CAT exam. For every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQs and unattempted questions. The negative marking can impact your overall score; thus, guesswork is not a good option.

CAT 2024 Marking Scheme

If you are appearing for the exam, you must be aware of the CAT 2024 marking scheme so that you can make better judgements while attempting each question.

Type of Question

Marks Awarded for Correct Answer

Marks Deducted for Incorrect Answer

MCQ

+3

-1

Non-MCQ or TITA Questions

+3

0

Types of Questions in CAT 2024

The following types of questions will be asked in CAT 2024 exam.

Type of Question

No. of Questions

Details

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

48

These types of questions will comprise the text that you have to read and find the answer to. You will be given four options from which you will have to choose the correct answer.

Type in the Answer (TITA/ Non-MCQs)

18

These will comprise question texts that you will have to read to understand the question and type your answer in the box provided on the screen.

Related Questions

Ques: What are the significant changes in CAT exam pattern over the last decade?

Ans: In the past decade, there have been significant changes in the CAT exam pattern. The exam was conducted over a 2-day test window in 2013, with only two sections. The duration of the exam was 140 minutes, and the number of questions was 60. In 2014, the duration was 170 minutes, and 100 questions were asked. The number of questions was reduced to 76, and the duration was decreased to 2 hours in 2020. IIM Ahmedabad reduced the questions to 66 in 2021, and since then, the pattern has not been changed.

Ques: How is CAT paper pattern different from other MBA entrance exams like XAT and CMAT?

Ans: The CAT paper pattern differs from other MBA entrance exams in terms of sections, number of questions, marking scheme, and more. XAT has 95 questions from Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation,  and General Knowledge sections and the duration is 180 minutes. CMAT has 100 questions on Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections and the exam duration is 180 minutes.

How to Navigate Between the CAT 2024 Sections

While attempting the CAT 2024 exam and navigating between the different sections, you must take care of the following things:

  • Follow the instructions displayed on the computer screen during the CAT exam.
  • Note the timer located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen upon exam commencement.
  • Switching between sections during the exam is not permitted.
  • Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes.
  • Once the 40-minute limit for a section is reached, you cannot answer additional questions from that section.

Also Read:

CAT 2024 Syllabus

CAT Previous Year Question Papers

CAT Sample Papers

Best Books for CAT 2024 Exam

What Each Colour on the Palette Indicates in CAT 2024?

Check the table provided below to know what colour on the panel indicates in the CAT 2024 exam pattern:

IconColour on the PanelWhat It Indicates

Question Not Visited in CAT 2020

GreyThe question has not been viewed or visited

Question Visited But Not Answered in CAT 2020

RedThe question has not been answered nor has it been marked for review

Question Answered and Saved in CAT 2020

GreenThe question has been answered and not marked for review

Question Marked for Review and Not Answered in CAT 2020

VioletThe question has been marked for review and not answered

Question Answered and Marked for Review in CAT 2020

Violet with a green tickThe question has been marked for review and answered

Related Questions

Ques: What is the impact of changes in CAT exam pattern on MBA aspirants?

Ans: The changes in the CAT exam pattern have a significant impact on MBA aspirants. They need to adapt their preparation strategies to align with the new pattern, focusing on different question types and time management. Understanding the updated pattern and practising accordingly becomes crucial for success in the exam.

Ques: Is the exam pattern of CAT mock tests similar to actual exam?

Ans: Yes, the exam pattern of CAT mock tests is simile to the actual exam. The mock tests will also have 66 questions from the QA, VARC, and DILR sections. The duration will be 120 minutes and the marking scheme will be the same.

How to Answer Questions in CAT 2024?

The computer screen of the CAT 2024 exam will be provided with some options which you need to choose while answering the questions. These options are:

  • Save and next: This option will allow you to choose the correct answer and skip to the next question.
  • Clear response: This option allows you to clear the response to the question that you have answered.
  • Mark for review and next: This option allows you to mark the questions for which you are not sure about the response. You can answer the questions marked as "Mark for review" after completing the rest of the questions.

Note: You will not be allowed to use the keyboard while answering the questions in the CAT exam. You can answer the questions using the mouse only.

Also Read: 

Tips to Answer LR Questions in CAT 2024

Mistakes to Avoid in CAT 2024 RC Questions

How to Prepare for CAT DI & LR

Word List for CAT Vocabulary

Section-wise Time Management Tips for CAT 2024

15+ CAT 2024 Percentage Questions

CAT Computer Based Test Format

Many aspirants, when planning to appear for the CAT exam, often make the mistake of assuming that the CAT exam is an Online Test. Although there are similarities between an Online Test and a Computer Based Test, the CAT exam falls into the latter category. According to the exam conducting body of CAT the IIMs, “CAT is not an online exam. It is a digital or Computer Based Test (CBT); not an Internet-Based Test (IBT); that is, you will not take the exam on an internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer sheet, you will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.” 

Despite being a computer-based exam, the CAT is not an online test and with the intention of elaborating on the unique characteristics of the CAT exam, the Indian Institutes of Management further mention, “In the computer-based format, the candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer. Additionally, the timer on the computer screen tells you the remaining time to complete the current section.”

After the significant transition to turning green in 2009, the CAT exam structure and pattern underwent numerous revisions in terms of the number of sections, questions per section, time allotted for each part, difficulty level, type of questions, scoring scheme, and testing window.  The 2015 Common Admission Test (CAT) was administered by IIM Ahmedabad, which changed the format of the exam by adding Non-MCQs and increased the number of CAT sections from 2 to 3. After that, the CAT exam pattern significantly stabilized. In addition, instead of a lengthy testing period of 30 to 40 days, the exam is now conducted on a single day in three different sessions.

Related Questions

Ques: Will CAT 2024 exam pattern be the same as the last year?

Ans: Yes, CAT 2024 exam pattern will be the same as the last year as IIM Calcutta has announced no changes during the notification. The question paper will have 66 questions which have to be solved in 120 minutes. The exam will be conducted in computer-based test mode in three slots on November 24, 2024.

Ques: Is the CAT question paper pattern unpredictable every year?

Ans: The CAT question paper used be be unpredictable a few years ago but it has been constant for the last 3 years and is expected to be the same this year too. The variations in the exam pattern earlier used to surprise students and impact their overall performance.

CAT Exam Pattern Previous Year Trends

The CAT exam pattern has undergone several changes over the years. Here are the changes that took place in the CAT paper pattern since 2010.

Year of ExaminationSectionMarking SchemeDurationTotal Questions

Conducting Body

2023QA, VARC, DILR
  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ

2 Hours (120 Minutes)

66IIM Lucknow
2022

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ

2 Hours (120 Minutes)

66IIM Bangalore
2021

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ

2 Hours (120 Minutes)

66IIM Ahmedabad
2020

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ

2 Hours (120 Minutes)

76IIM Indore
2019

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ
3 Hours (180 Minutes)100IIM Kozhikode
2018

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ
3 Hours (180 Minutes)100IIM Calcutta
2017

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ
3 Hours (180 Minutes)100IIM Lucknow
2016

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ
3 Hours (180 Minutes)100IIM Bangalore
2015

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ

3 Hours (180 Minutes)

100IIM Ahmedabad
2014QA&DI, VARC&LR
  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer

2.50 Hours (170 Minutes)

100IIM Indore
[2-day Test window]
2013QA&DI, VARC&LR
  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer

2.20 Hours (140 Minutes)

[2-day Test window]

60IIM Indore
2012QA&DI, VARC&LR
  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer

2.20 Hours (140 Minutes)

60IIM Kozhikode
2011QA&DI, VARC&LR
  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer

2.20 Hours (140 Minutes)

60IIM Calcutta
2010

QA, VARC, DILR

  • +3 for Correct Answer
  • -1 for Incorrect Answer
  • No Negative Marking for Non-MCQ

2.5 Hours (150 Minutes)

60IIM Lucknow

Want to know more about CAT

FAQs about CAT Exam Pattern

What is the CAT 2024 exam pattern?

The CAT 2024 exam pattern is as follows-

CAT 2024 Section

No. of Questions

Time Duration

Time Duration for PwD Candidates

VARC

24

40 Minutes

53 minutes and 20 seconds

DILR

20

40 Minutes

53 minutes and 20 seconds

QA

22

40 Minutes 

53 minutes and 20 seconds

Total

66

120 Minutes

160 Minutes

Is there any change in the CAT 2024 pattern from previous years?

No, there is no change in the CAT 2024 pattern from previous years as of yet. CAT 2024 will follow the same three-section format: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). It will consist of 66 questions with a total duration of 120 minutes.

What is the marking scheme of CAT 2024?

According to the most recent CAT exam marking scheme, candidates gain 3 marks for each correct answer while they lose 1 mark for every wrong response. Moreover, no marks will be deducted for questions left unanswered and non-MCQs.

How to answer the questions of CAT 2024?

You can answer the questions of CAT 2024 in any order. However, you can not move ahead to the other sections before 40 minutes. The link for all questions will be available on the right side of your screen. You can click on the box to skip a particular question.

What is the sectional time limit for the CAT exam?

The time limit for each section is 40 minutes, resulting in a total exam duration of 120 minutes. The CAT exam has a sectional time limit, allowing candidates a fixed duration to attempt each section. For PwD candidates, the CAT sectional time limit will be 53 minutes and 20 seconds.

How many non-MCQs will be covered in CAT 2024?

As per the CAT 2024 exam pattern, almost 14-15 of the 66 questions will be non-MCQs, with 5-6 questions each in the VA-RC and Quants sections, while DI-LR will have 5-6 questions. The good news is that TITA Questions do not have negative markings.

Is there any negative marking in CAT 2024?

Yes, CAT 2024 has a negative marking. Three marks (+3) will be granted for each right answer. One mark (-1) will be deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions. Also, no marks will be deducted for non-MCQs. 

What will be the total duration of CAT 2024?

The total duration of the CAT 2024 exam will be 2 hours (120 minutes). There will be a sectional time limit of 40 minutes. PwD candidates with a locomotor disability or cerebral palsy will have a sectional time limit of 53 minutes and 20 seconds.

What type of questions will be asked in CAT 2024?

The current CAT exam pattern 2024 includes two types of questions: MCQ-based and TITA-based (type in the answer). Candidates will be given four options for MCQs and must type their answers for Non-MCQs. For each incorrect response, the MCQ type deducts one point (-1). There is no negative marking on the TITA questions.

What is the marking scheme for CAT 2024 MCQ-type questions?

For CAT 2024 MCQ-type questions, candidates will be awarded 3 marks for each correct answer. However, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer. Unanswered questions do not carry any marks or penalties. It is essential for candidates to be cautious while attempting MCQs to avoid unnecessary deductions.

What is the CAT exam pattern 2024 for the DILR section?

CAT exam pattern 2024 for the DILR section includes the following:

  • There will be 3-4 sets of 5 questions each.
  • The other 2 sets will each have four questions.
  • The most frequently questioned sections include bar graphs, arrangements, missing data, and puzzles (games).

What is the CAT exam pattern 2024 for the Quant section?

CAT exam pattern 2024 for the Quant section will conclude the following:

  • There are 22 questions in this section.
  • There are no sub-sections in this section, and all of the questions focus on the candidates' mathematical abilities.
  • Based on previous trends, Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the problems, which also include Geometry.

View More
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-Chahak AgarwalUpdated on October 04, 2024 04:52 PM
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Jayita Ekka, Content Team

Dear student,

Certainly. Collegedekho can help you get admission in a college that offers specialisation on MBA in HR and Marketing in MBA. You can connect with us at hello@collegedekho.com or call us at 18005729877 for admission. 

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Are best of 5 and sports marks not considered in IIM PI forms? Also, I graduated from Telangana State where 12th marksheet contains both Inter 1st and 2nd yr marks, so what marks should I fill in the form?

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Dear Student,

The extracurricular achievements (sports, organizational, and social) at school, college, state, national, and international levels are considered in the IIM Personal Interview Form. However, the criteria and weightage vary as per the IIM. While some IIMs consider the best of 5, some only consider the best of 3 achievements. When filling out the personal interview form for the IIMs you are interested in, make sure to check all the details and requirements as specified.

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Dear Aspirant,

Writing your full name instead of your first name in the 'First Name' field on the CAT 2024 application form is unlikely to cause a significant problem unless there are spelling errors. IIMs don't allow candidates to make changes to their names once the application form is submitted. During the CAT application form correction, you can only edit your test city preferences, photograph, and signature. It's always recommended to follow the specific instructions provided by the exam authority. As per the CAT 2024 registration guidelines, the candidate's name should be the same as mentioned on the 10th/SSC …

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