CAT 2023 Exam Analysis and Expected Cutoff by CATKing

Check out CAT 2023 exam analysis slot 1, slot 2 and slot 3 by CATKing. Also know what will be considered good attempt, slot wise difficulty levels and expected CAT cut offs.

By Sumit Singh Gandhi (CATKing)

CAT 2023 exam was held on November 26, 2023 in three slots. CAT Analysis by CATKing expert is available here. According to the CAT exam analysis, the CAT 2023 paper slot 1, 2 and 3 were of moderate difficulty level. Read below in-depth CAT 2023 analysis which includes section-wise distribution of topics, difficulty levels, number of good attempts, sectional cut off and expected scoring pattern.

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Remark: No changes to the Paper pattern, it was same as last year 66 Questions overall with same Paper structure as CAT 2022

CAT 2023 Slot 1 brought forth a mix of familiar patterns and intriguing challenges, with a total of 66 questions divided among Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Let's delve into the insights and nuances of each section.

The CAT VARC section presented a mix of inference-based questions, with a focus on reading comprehension from diverse topics such as philosophy, history, languages, and knowledge perception. The Verbal Ability segment included a variety of question types, challenging candidates with parajumbles, paragraph summary, and paragraph completion exercises.

This breakdown gives a clearer understanding of the perceived difficulty levels for each set in the CAT DILR section, ranging from moderate to difficult and easy. Candidates needed to strategize their approach based on these difficulty levels to optimize their performance in this section.

The CAT QA section included a significant focus on Algebra, which was described as tough for majority of students but basic for those well-prepared. Arithmetic questions covered various topics, with a mix of difficulty levels, more or less easy to moderate. Geometry and Number System questions were also part of the section. Overall, the section required candidates to navigate through a diverse set of questions with varying complexities.

CAT 2023 Exam Analysis: Exam Highlights

Given below are the key highlights of CAT exam. The pattern will be common to all the three sessions.

Section	No. of Questions
VARC	24 Questions
DILR	20 Questions
QA	22 Questions
Total	66 Questions

Also Read:

• CAT cut offs
• CAT answer key
• CAT result
• CAT syllabus
• CAT exam pattern
• CAT exam preparation

CAT Exam Analysis 2023: Slot 1 Difficulty Level

Overall the CAT 2023 exam was doable and not very tough when compared to 2022. VARC was more inference based, but had Reading Comprehension passages all from the predicted topics. DILR was moderate in difficulty terms but felt a little time consuming and lengthy.

CAT 2023 tested students not on speed but on logic and analytical skills, a sincere student with well-rounded preparation of concepts and a good practice of mocks would make their way to the IIMs. CAT exam 2023 tested students on their actual knowledge instead of mere guesswork. Like the expected pattern videos and analysis done on Sanjeet Sir, Convenor of CAT 2023, today’s paper was influenced by his expertise and inclination of Statistics, Algebra, Geometry and Statistical Models.

Negative marking existed for the Multiple choice questions; 1/3^rd ie 0.33 negative marks. Type in The Answer TITA) questions didn’t have any negative marking similar to the CAT 2022. The CAT 2023 slot 1 paper was not very difficult, it was manageable provided your concepts were clear. CAT has always been an ardent lover of concepts and logic than calculations, speed and time when compared to other competitive exams this has come out more prominently this year. Overall Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Analysis VARC (24 Questions)

Reading Comprehension was dominated in the verbal section. There were 4 passages with 4 questions each. More inference-based questions and not factual, there were close options too so it needed little focus while solving.

TITA Verbal ability was overall moderate.

• 2 Out of Context (OOC) Questions, involving 5 statements with tricky connections.
• 2 Parajumbles Questions, each with 4 statements.
• 2 Parasummary Questions, with options that were easy but closely related.
• 2 Paragraph Completion Questions, which were very easy to solve.

Summary of Questions

Reading Comprehension 16 Questions

The Reading comprehension was based on the following themes:

Passage 1: Jungle and Economy, Hunter-Gatherers, Wolf Conservation

Passage 2: Oceans and Territories

Passage 3: Lifestyle Comparison of Old and New Generations

Passage 4: Comparison of South and North Korea, with a focus on clothing differences

Ideal Attempts in VARC Section: 15 Questions

Module	Total Questions	Difficulty Level
Reading Comprehension	16 Questions | 4 RC Passages	Moderate to Tough
Parajumbles	2 Questions	Easy to Moderate
Parasummary	2 Questions	Easy to Moderate
Parajumbles - Out of Context	2 Questions	Moderate to Tough
Paracompletion	2 Questions	Easy
Total	24 Questions	Good Attempts 15+

Also Read:

• CAT 2023 Slot 1 Answer Key and question paper analysis
• CAT 2023 Slot 2 Answer Key and question paper analysis
• CAT 2023 Slot 3 Answer Key and question paper analysis
• CAT 2023 question paper PDF

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Analysis DILR (20 Questions)

The DILR section presented a challenging set of questions, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right set for maximum efficiency. Most candidates found two sets doable. The REAL CAT mocks had very similar sets.

Summary of Questions

Set 1: Professors and Departments - Candidates were required to choose a candidate to vote for, with constraints such as not selecting more than two candidates.

Set 2: VISA Office - Ten applicants until 2 pm with 15-minute slots, and two booths processing visas for three countries. Questions focused on slot distribution and the number of visa processes possible for each country within the given slots.

Set 3: Similar to Slot 1 of CAT 2022 Routes - Involving a colony with six houses, pricing conditions, and road allotment. This set was of moderate difficulty.

Set 4: Statistics-based set on restaurant table set ratings, involving average-rated tables.

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Analysis Quantitative Aptitude (22 Questions)

The CAT QA section was rated as moderate to tough, with a higher level of difficulty compared to CAT 2022. Even candidates with weaker quantitative abilities managed to attempt around 8 questions, while those with a stronger background could answer 10-12 questions.

• Arithmetic covered questions on profit and loss, mixtures, simple interest and compound interest (SICI), time-speed-distance, and time and work.
• Algebra posed tougher challenges, including questions on algebraic expressions (3-4 questions), logarithms, and geometry.
• Geometry included questions on right-angle triangles, coordinate geometry, and an area-finding scenario in an arithmetic progression.
• Modern Maths introduced permutation and combination, while probability was absent.
• Algebra (7 questions) were more basic and not considered tough.
• Mixture and Alligation: 1 question.
• Venn Diagram (VPAR): 2 questions.
• Time, Speed, and Distance (TSD): 2 questions (1 easy, 1 lengthy).
• Modern Maths & Percentage mixed question: 1 question.
• Clocks & Calendars: 1 question.
• Geometry questions and Number system questions were present.

Module	Total Questions	Difficulty Level
Algebra	7 Questions	Moderate to Tough
Mixture and Alligation	1 Questions	Easy to Moderate
Time Speed and Distance	2 Questions	Easy to Moderate
Modern Maths & Percentage	1 Question	-
Clocks and Calendar	1 Question	-
Geometry	-

Conclusion

CAT 2023 Slot 1 presented a comprehensive blend of challenges across VARC, DILR, and QA. Aspirants navigated through intricate passages, tackled challenging logical scenarios, and grappled with a diverse range of quantitative problems. The analysis provides a holistic view for aspirants to reflect upon their performance and strategize for future attempts.

Stay tuned for more detailed analyses and insights as we continue to decode the layers of CAT 2023. Wishing all CAT aspirants the best in their preparations and future endeavors!

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Summary

Considering the difficulty level of the paper, aiming for a 99 percentile would ideally require attempting 45 or more questions with a strong 90% accuracy.

CAT 2023 Slot 2 Analysis

CAT 2023 Slot 2 Remark: No changes to the Paper pattern, it was same as last year 66 Questions overall with same Paper structure as CAT 2022. Compared to the previous year definitely the paper was on the tougher side , one notch higher than CAT 2022.

CAT 2023 slot 2 examination proved to be a moderate affair, standing in stark contrast to the challenges encountered in Slot 1. Let's delve into a comprehensive analysis of each section.

The Verbal Ability section was relatively straightforward, with a mix of diverse passages. The questions were predominantly inference-based, with a few testing factual knowledge. Overall, the Verbal Ability section leaned more towards the manageable side.

The DILR section in CAT 2023 Slot 2 ranged from moderate to difficult. While the questions were not overly conditional, solving the set was crucial for answering all questions accurately.

Quantitative Aptitude in CAT 2023 Slot 2 the section was tougher than last year and the morning slot. The questions, while lengthy to read, were generally easy to solve for those whose concepts are clear. The exam started up with All Algebra 7 Questions coming together back to back intimidating the students who feared Algebra Module. Notably, the Geometry questions were limited to two, deviating from the past trend. CAT 2023 Slot 2 displayed a fair mix of question types, presenting a balanced challenge to the candidates on the conceptual front. Selecting the questions that don’t eat up your time was inevitable.

CAT Exam Analysis 2023: Slot 2 Difficulty Level

Overall the CAT 2023 slot 2 was moderate and a little tough when compared to 2022. VARC was more inference based, but had Reading comprehension passages all from the predicted Topics. DILR was moderate in difficulty terms but felt a little time consuming and lengthy.

CAT 2023 slot 2 exhibited a moderate difficulty level overall, contrasting with the challenges faced in slot 1. The Verbal Ability section was manageable, with a mix of easy and difficult passages, while the DILR section ranged from moderate to difficult. The QA section maintained a moderate difficulty level with questions resembling the previous year's paper. Despite some complexity in topics like geometry and mathematical reasoning, the paper provided a balanced mix of challenges and familiar concepts, requiring candidates to showcase adaptability and problem-solving skills. Overall, CAT 2023 slot 2 presented a fair and well-rounded assessment for aspirants.

Negative marking existed for the Multiple choice questions; 1/3^rd ie 0.33 negative marks. TITA questions didn’t have any negative marking similar to the CAT 2022.

CAT 2023 Slot 2 Analysis VARC (24 Questions)

Overall Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Reading comprehension was dominated in the verbal section. There were 4 passages with 4 Questions each. More inference-based questions and not factual, there were close options too so it needed little focus while solving.

• TITA Verbal ability was overall Moderate.
• 2 Out of Context (OOC) Questions, involving 5 statements with tricky connections.
• 2 Parajumbles Questions, each with 4 statements.
• 2 Parasummary Questions, with options that were easy but closely related.
• 2 Paragraph Completion Questions, 1 Question was tricky and 1 was doable out of the two.

Summary of Questions

Reading Comprehension: 16 Questions

The Reading comprehension was based on the following themes:

Passage 1: Netflix in Europe (Cultural Shift): Easy to Read

This passage offered a straightforward exploration of how Netflix is changing in Europe, focusing on cultural shifts. The ease of comprehension made it accessible to candidates.

Passage 2: History Based: Doable

Marked by difficult vocabulary, this history-based passage posed a challenge for candidates. It tested not only comprehension skills but also the ability to navigate through intricate language.

Passage 3: Self-Care Type: Little Tricky

The passage, centered around self-care, introduced a degree of trickiness. Candidates needed to navigate through nuanced content, requiring a careful understanding of the context.

Passage 4 - Liberalism: Difficult

This passage delved into liberalism and presented a challenge with very long compound sentences. Comprehending the content proved difficult, and familiarity with Aeon might have provided an advantage.

In terms of other question types, the parajumbles were easy, as were the Out of Context questions. Para Summary questions were also on the easier side. Para Completion(Fill in the Blank) consisted of one tricky and one easy question, evaluating candidates' understanding of the passages' structure.

Overall, the VARC section offered a diverse set of challenges, requiring candidates to navigate through passages of varying complexity and showcasing their reading and comprehension skills. The questions had hints of inferences which required students to understand the author’s arguments and what strengthened and weakened it.

Ideal Attempts in VARC Section: 16-18 Questions

Module	Total Questions	Difficulty Level
Reading Comprehension	16 Questions | 4 RC Passages	Moderate
Parajumbles	2 Questions	Easy to Moderate
Parasummary	2 Questions	Easy to Moderate
Parajumbles - Out of Context	2 Questions	Moderate to Tough
Para Completion	2 Questions	Easy
Total	24 Questions	Good Attempts 16+

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Analysis DILR (20 Questions)

The DILR section in CAT 2023 Slot 2 presented a mix of moderate to difficult sets, demanding candidates' analytical prowess and time management skills. Let's delve into the specifics of each set.

Summary of Questions

Set 1: Ride - 3 Girls Taking Ride: Moderate

This set revolved around three girls taking rides at four different time slots, each associated with a different price.

Set 2: 3x3 Grid Box with Coins Placement: Difficult

A 3x3 grid box where coins were placed in rows, requiring calculations involving mean, median, and mode. This set posed a challenge due to its calculation-intensive nature. Candidates had to navigate through intricate computations to determine the placement of coins accurately.

Set 3: Competition with Numbered Balls 1-9: Very Easy

Three individuals in a competition taking out balls numbered 1-9. This set was comparatively straightforward, testing candidates on basic logical reasoning. It provided a breather amid more complex sets.

Set 4: Start and End of 5 Companies: Moderate

Involving the start and end of five companies with the amount raised in each year. This set introduced many complex conditions but was overall manageable. 1 Crore Revenue was mentioned

The DILR section in CAT 2023 Slot 2 demanded a balanced approach from candidates, testing their ability to handle both moderately complex and challenging scenarios with the need for strategic decision-making on which sets to tackle first.

CAT 2023 Slot 2 Analysis Quantitative Aptitude (22 Questions)

CAT 2023 Slot 2 brought forth a dynamic mix of questions in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section, consisting of 22 questions. Here's a summarized breakdown of the crucial observations:

General Observations:

• Questions exhibited a striking resemblance to the previous year's paper, reflecting a consistent trend in QA.
• Geometry saw a reduction in weightage, with only 2 questions dedicated to this topic.
• The questions in this slot did not encompass a blend of concepts but demanded intricate calculations involving numerous multiplication factors.
• Functions, including graphs, assumed a pivotal role, receiving higher weightage in this slot.

Sectional Overview of CAT 2023 Slot 2, Quantitative Aptitude

Topic	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Easy Questions( Must Attempt)
Arithmetic	Multiple Questions	Moderate	Scenario involving Pipe A B C, demanding calculation-intensive tasks
Algebra	Roots Question	Moderate	Distinct roots scenario
Geometry	Mixed Questions	Moderate	Combination of triangles, circles, and a mensuration question
Modern Math	Geometric Progression	Moderate	A question centering on Geometric Progression
Numbers/Miscellaneous	Not Applicable	NA	No specific questions categorized under this domain

The initial set of 7-8 questions predominantly delved into Algebra before transitioning to Arithmetic questions. Four Type-in-the-Answer (TITA) questions were embedded within the section.

Question Distribution:

• The overall difficulty level of QA was assessed as moderate, with an emphasis on intricate calculations.
• Algebra emerged as a prominent focus, featuring 3-4 sequence and series questions.
• Geometric progressions were also seen
• Geometry, though reduced in weightage, retained significance with 2 questions.
• The section's likeness to CAT 2017 was notable, suggesting a degree of continuity in the examination pattern.

Conclusion:

CAT 2023 Slot 2 unfolded with a diverse array of challenges spanning VARC, DILR, and QA. As candidates delved into complex to easy passages, navigated through intricate logical scenarios, and confronted a range of quantitative problems, the examination posed a thorough test of their skills and acumen.

Summary of Questions:

Considering the overall difficulty level of the paper, aiming for a 99 percentile would ideally require attempting 45 or more questions with a robust 90% accuracy.

CAT Exam Analysis 2023: Slot 3 Difficulty Level

CAT 2023 Slot 3 has taken CAT itself to another level with every student stepping out and only saying what was this? Why is it so difficult? Agonised, dissatisfied with their performance most students are extremely disappointed with the extreme shift in gears.

In summary, CAT 2023 Slot 3 presented a moderate to challenging difficulty level, featuring a balanced mix of question types across sections, testing candidates' adaptability and problem-solving skills.

The Verbal Ability section was relatively straightforward, primarily comprising diverse passages. The questions were predominantly inference-based with a few testing factual knowledge.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning questions ranged from moderate to difficult. Questions were not overly conditional, but solving the set was crucial for accuracy. This section, felt a little time-consuming and lengthy.

Quantitative Aptitude section of Slot 3 was tougher than last year's morning slot. There were 7 consecutive algebra questions. This section posed challenge requiring candidates to select questions wisely.

CAT 2023 Slot 3 Analysis VARC (24 Questions)

Overall Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The verbal section was predominantly focused on Reading Comprehension, with 16 questions in total. The passages spanned a range of themes, each presenting its own set of challenges.

Reading Comprehension Breakdown (16 questions):

1. Passage 1: Colonialism and Pollution - This passage was rated as doable
2. Passage 2: Rationalization -It was considered easy in terms of language and overall doable
3. Passage 3: Romanticism - Easy
4. Passage 4: History - Moderate

Verbal Ability (8 questions)

- Parajumbles: There were 2 questions, both of which were rated as doable. This implies that while they required some effort to solve, they were not excessively challenging.

- Out of Context (OOC): These 2 questions were considered moderate, indicating a balanced level of difficulty. Candidates needed to identify tricky connections among the statements.

- Parasummary: The 2 questions in this category were labeled as doable, suggesting clarity in options and a moderate level of challenge.

- Para Completion: This section consisted of 2 questions, both categorized as 'Difficult'. This indicates that these questions were challenging, likely testing the candidates' deep understanding of the passage structures and contexts.

Overall Summary:

The VARC section provided a diverse array of questions, ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult. This section tested candidates' abilities to comprehend and interpret various themes and styles of writing. It required a keen understanding of not only the textual content but also the underlying arguments and nuances presented in the passages. The questions were designed to gauge candidates' inference skills and their ability to understand and analyze different types of texts effectively.

Ideal Attempts in VARC Section: 16-18 Questions

Module	Total Questions	Difficulty Level
Reading Comprehension	16 Questions | 4 RC Passages	Easy to Moderate
Parajumbles	2 Questions	Easy to Moderate
Parasummary	2 Questions	Easy to Moderate
Parajumbles - Out of Context	2 Questions	Moderate to Tough
Para Completion	2 Questions	Difficult
Total	24 Questions	Good Attempts 16+

CAT 2023 Slot 3 Analysis DILR (20 Questions)

The DILR section in CAT 2023 Slot 3 presented a mix of moderate to difficult sets, demanding candidates' analytical prowess and time management skills. Let's delve into the specifics of each set.

Summary of Questions

Set 1: Routes and Network - Doable (2 Hidden Conditions):Moderate

This set involved routes and network calculations with two hidden conditions. While manageable, candidates needed a keen eye for hidden patterns.

Set 2: Contradictory Conditions - ACs Scenario: Tricky

This set, involving contradictory conditions related to air conditioners, raised doubts among candidates. The conditions seemed inconsistent, impacting the overall feel of the set.

Set 3: 12 Months Students Subscribed: Easy to Moderate

This set required candidates to calculate mean and median based on students' subscriptions for offline and online exams over 12 months. It was generally manageable with a moderate difficulty level.

Set 4: Grouping, Students, Project Scores, and Test Scores - Weighted Average - Difficult

This set involved complex aspects such as grouping, students, project scores, and test scores with a focus on weighted averages. It posed a significant challenge, demanding a high level of analytical thinking.

CAT 2023 Slot 3 DILR section presented a mix of challenges, with some sets demanding a considerable amount of time and others causing confusion. Candidates were tested not only on their analytical skills but also on their ability to navigate through intricate scenarios within a limited timeframe.

CAT 2023 Slot 3 Analysis Quantitative Aptitude (22 Questions)

CAT 2023 Slot 3 QA section lived up to its reputation of being very difficult. Candidates encountered challenging problems across various topics, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of quantitative concepts and effective problem-solving skills.

Sectional Overview:

Topic	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level
Arithmetic	7	Tough
Algebra	8	Tough
Geometry	3	Difficult(Mixture of concepts)
Numbers/Miscellaneous	4	Tough

Algebra

Complexity: Algebra is perceived as complicated.

Difficulty: Students find algebra challenging.

Arithmetic

Starting Point: Understanding the beginning of arithmetic is difficult.

Mixtures of Topics (Geometry +Permutations and Combinations)

Integration: The combination of geometry and permutations/combinations poses challenges.

Complexity: Dealing with mixed topics can be intricate.

In summary, there are difficulties in Algebra due to its complexity, challenges in understanding the starting point of Arithmetic, and a mix of topics (Geometry and Permutations/Combinations) presents its own set of complexities.

Conclusion

CAT 2023 Slot 3 unfolded with a diverse array of challenges, encompassing Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). As candidates navigated through complex to easy passages, tackled intricate logical scenarios, and grappled with various quantitative problems, the exam presented a thorough test of their skills and acumen.

Summary of Questions

Considering the overall difficulty level of the paper, aiming for a 99 percentile would ideally require attempting 45 or more questions with a robust 90% accuracy.

CATKing's Predictions and Insights

CATKing's predictions, including expectations of data interpretation and stats-based sets, route-based questions, and the significance of algebra and geometry, resonated with the actual paper.

Aspirants are encouraged to stay tuned to the CATKing Youtube Channel for the 10 pm session, where a detailed analysis of each section, overall cut-offs, college recommendations, and strategic preparation guidance will be provided.

Take a moment to relax, unwind, and take a break, as it is well-deserved after the dedicated efforts put into exam preparation. Trust the process and let karma play its role. Celebrate tonight, recharge, and return with enthusiasm for the series of upcoming exams. Remember, a single exam does not define aptitude or dictate your entire career path.

All the Best to all MBA Aspirants!

Also Read:

• CAT score vs percentile and marks vs percentile
• Understanding CAT normalization process
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Sumit Singh Gandhi, CEO Founder CATKing Educare. He completed his MBA from SPJIMR and is a Master of Information Technology from Virginia Tech. He has also pursued SPNM from Havard Business School. Among numerous awards, he's been honoured with Digital Indian of the Year 2016 and Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2015.

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