CAT Exam Pattern 2024-25: Check Exam Duration, Total Marks & Marking Scheme

CAT Exam Pattern 2024-25

The IIMs set the CAT exam format for 2024-25. According to the official pattern, CAT 2024 will consist of 66 objective-type questions (MCQ and TITA) that candidates must solve within 120 minutes. This time will be evenly distributed, with each section allocated 40 minutes. Previously, the CAT exam duration was 180 minutes, but it has been reduced to 120 minutes since 2020.

• The CAT exam pattern assesses candidates' ability to solve mathematical and reasoning problems under time constraints accurately.

• The test primarily focuses on mathematical aptitude and logical reasoning skills.

• Candidates preparing for CAT 2024-25 should thoroughly understand the latest exam pattern to familiarise themselves with the question paper structure and marking scheme.

The CAT 2024 question paper will consist of three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)  - Contains 24 questions with a total weightage of 72 marks.

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - Includes 20 questions with a total weightage of 60 marks.

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA) - Comprises 22 questions with a total weightage of 66 marks.

The table below shows some of the key highlights of the CAT 2024-25 Pattern.

Changes in CAT Question Paper Pattern Over The Years

It may be noted that the CAT exam pattern has changed and been reshaped many times in the last decade. Data Interpretation (DI) was a component of the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section conducted a decade ago. Later, DI and LR were combined, and QA emerged independently. Previously, until 2019, the examination was conducted for three hundred and sixty minutes, split into two sessions. But from December 2020, it became a 2 hours exam undertaken in three different shifts. Also, the number of questions in the exam has gradually been reduced in recent years. 

CAT Marking Scheme

• CAT 2025 will have a total of 198 marks. 

•  Each of the correct answers will attract three marks. 

•  Any wrong answer will cost the candidate a -1 mark, the same way any right answer will earn the candidate a +1 mark. 

•  Candidates do not have to answer all of the questions; questions do not have to be answered at all, and if answered, they will not be penalized in any way. 

•  Sometimes, the questions in Quantitative Aptitude (QA) can be of the Non-MCQ type, which means solving aimed at a specific, non-multiple number choice outcome. 

•  The non-MCQ section does not have a negative marking system in place. 

•  To have a fighting chance of getting a good overall score in CAT 2024, trying about 2/3 rd of the total questions in each section is advisable.

CAT Exam Time Duration

According to the official CAT exam pattern, candidates must complete each section within a strict time limit of 40 minutes. Once the allocated time for a section ends, no further changes, corrections, or submissions will be permitted. The following table summarises the number of questions per section and their respective time limits:

CAT 2024-25 Total Marks and Exam Structure

The CAT 2024-25 exam will be conducted in a single day, divided into three time slots, with each slot lasting for 2 hours (120 minutes). The total score for the exam is 198. Candidates should note that section-switching during the test is not permitted. To help manage time, an onscreen timer will be visible throughout the exam.

CAT 2024-25 Qualifying Marks

The required scores for qualifying in CAT 2024-25 will be announced with the official cutoff, released by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other institutions accepting CAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions. To be eligible for further admission rounds, candidates need to meet these minimum scores.

Key Points for the CAT 2024-25 Exam Process

1. Onscreen Calculator: Candidates can use an onscreen calculator for calculations during the exam.
2. Onscreen Timer: A timer on the screen helps candidates keep track of time.
3. Automatic Section Transition: Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes. Once this time is up, the test will automatically shift to the next section, with no option to return to the previous one.
4. Instructions on First Page: It's essential to read all instructions provided on the initial page of the test, including how to save answers.
5. Mock Test and Guide: To get familiar with the online exam format, candidates are encouraged to take the official CAT mock test and consult the test guide.
6. Rough Sheets: Paper for rough calculations will be provided, which must be handed in before leaving the exam room.
7. Login and Start: Candidates can only log in after the invigilator’s announcement, ensuring everyone starts the test at the same time.
8. Designated Seating: Candidates must remain at their assigned seats throughout the test. Sitting elsewhere may lead to disqualification.
9. Time Management: It’s recommended to finish each section 5-10 minutes early to review marked questions.
10. End of Exam: The exam will close automatically when time is up, but candidates should stay seated until the exit process is completed.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, candidates can navigate the CAT 2024-25 exam process smoothly.

Evolution of the CAT Exam Pattern Over the Years

The CAT exam pattern has changed multiple times over recent years. As of 2024-25, the exam consists of three sections:

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

Although the section structure has remained consistent, the number of questions, difficulty level, and duration have varied over the years. Here’s a summary of the recent changes:

How to Tackle Questions in the CAT 2024-25 Exam Paper

Before starting the CAT exam, candidates should familiarize themselves with the system for answering questions. The interface provides several options to help manage responses effectively:

• Save and Next: Select your answer, save it, and proceed to the next question.
• Clear Response: If you need to remove an answer you've submitted, this option allows you to clear your response.
• Mark for Review and Next: If uncertain about an answer, you can mark it for review to revisit later, answer it for now, and continue to the next question.

Note: To answer questions, use the provided mouse. Using the keyboard on the system will result in a screen lock.

Panel Colors and Their Meaning

The panel uses colour codes to indicate the status of each question:

Analysis of CAT Exam Patterns from Previous Years

Based on last year’s CAT analysis, the exam was challenging across all three-time slots. Here’s a breakdown of the sections and their characteristics:

• VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension): Comprised of 24 questions, with 16 focusing on Reading Comprehension and 8 on Verbal Ability, marked as difficult.
• DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning): Consisted of 20 questions, split between two DI sets (4 and 6 questions each) and two LR sets (4 and 6 questions each), with difficulty ranging from moderate to challenging.
• QA (Quantitative Aptitude): Included 22 questions, heavily featuring Arithmetic (11 questions) and Algebra (5 questions), with a moderate level of difficulty.