CAT 2019 Exam: Marking Scheme and Test Structure
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CAT 2019 pattern and marking scheme is the same as last year, i.e. three marks will be awarded for each right answer and one mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
CAT 2019 is scheduled to be held on November 24, 2019. Candidates planning to appear for the exam must ensure that they understand the CAT exam pattern and marking scheme well to utilize their 3 hours to maximize their performance.
CAT 2019 pattern and marking scheme is the same as last year, i.e. three marks will be awarded for each right answer and -1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs or un-attempted questions.
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Each section of CAT 2019 exam will contain 30+ questions in both MCQ and non-MCQ formats. The non-MCQ format questions will require the candidates to type in their answer (TITA) from the virtual keyboard. Given below is the table indicating CAT 2019 marking scheme:
CAT 2019 marking scheme
| Type of Questions |
Correct Answer |
Incorrect Answer |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ |
+3 |
-1 |
| Non-MCQ |
+3 |
0 |
CAT exam pattern and test structure
- CAT 2019 will be conducted online in two slots. First slot will be held from 9 am to 12 pm and second slot will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm.
- CAT 2019 question paper will be divided into three sections - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). Also check: CAT syllabus
- There will be sectional time-limit of 60 minutes for each section. The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes.
- The moment 60 minutes of a particular section will get over, the computer screen will move to the next section. The candidates will not have the option to go back to previous section
- The candidates will be required to solve the CAT question paper in the sequence as given, i.e. Section 1: VARC, Section 2: DILR and Section 3: QA
CAT 2019 pattern: Break up of questions and allotment of marks
| Sections |
Number of questions |
Total marks |
|---|---|---|
| VARC |
34 |
102 (34x3) |
| DILR |
32 |
96 (32x3) |
| QA |
34 |
102 (34x3) |
| total |
100 |
300 |
The only major change that is expected in CAT 2019 exam pattern, is the distribution of type of questions in each section. In CAT 2018, there were more TITA-type questions than in CAT 2017. Take a look at the tables below for distribution of questions in each section of both the sessions of CAT 2018.
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CAT 2018: First slot
| Sections |
Number of MCQs |
Number of TITA questions |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
28 |
7 |
34 |
| DILR |
24 |
8 |
32 |
| QA |
22 |
12 |
34 |
CAT 2018: Second slot
| Sections |
Number of MCQs |
Number of TITA questions |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
28 |
7 |
34 |
| DILR |
24 |
8 |
32 |
| QA |
22 |
12 |
34 |
CAT 2019 registrations is currently underway and the last date to apply is September 18, 2019. If you plan to appear for the exam, take a look at some exam preparation articles below:
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Student Forum
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In case of mistakes in the fields mentioned on the CAT admit card, candidates must contact the official CAT helpdesk via email or phone to get it rectified before the exam date.
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Candidates need to log in using their CAT User ID and Password to download CAT admit card. These login credentials are generated at the time of registration.
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Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
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