CAT 2024 Analysis by Career Launcher and TIME (Slot 1, 2, & 3)
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT Form Correction
5 Oct '26 - 6 Oct '26
CAT 2024 analysis - The CAT 2024 paper analysis has sectional difficulty level, topic wise weightage, number of good attempts and expected CAT cut offs for MBA admission. Check out CAT 2024 exam analysis for slot 1, 2, and 3 by Career Launcher and TIME.
CAT 2024 analysis
CAT 2024 analysis by Career Launcher and TIME – The CAT 2024 exam was conducted today at over 400 exam centres in three slots. As per the CAT exam analysis 2024, IIM Calcutta set a moderate paper. The CAT question paper 2024 of first slot was moderately tough, so was the question paper of second slot. The CAT 2024 slot 3 question paper was also moderate. Section-wise, CAT 2024 exam analysis reveals that VARC and DILR questions were easy to moderate whereas CAT Quantitative Aptitude section was slightly tougher n comparison to the other two sections. There were no parajumbles in the VARC section of CAT 2024. DILR had 22 questions in all the slots. In-depth, CAT analysis has been share here by Career Launcher and TIME.
Read More:
CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key PDF
CAT 2024 question paper PDF download slot 1,2,3
CAT 2024 Slot 2 Answer Key PDF question paper analysis
CAT 2024 Slot 1 answer key PDF question paper analysis
- CAT 2024 Analysis: Key Highlights
- CAT 2024 Exam Analysis by Career Launcher
- CAT 2024 Analysis: Slot 2
- CAT slot 2 analysis 2024: VARC
- CAT 2024 Analysis: Slot 3
- CAT 2024 Exam Analysis by T.I.M.E
CAT 2024 Analysis: Key Highlights
Check the key highlights of CAT exam below. The CAT exam pattern has changed. There were 68 questions in CAT 2024, instead of 66. In VARC, there were no parajumble questions.
| CAT 2024 Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions |
68 |
| Difficulty level |
Moderate |
| Sectional break up |
VARC: 24 DILR: 22 QA: 22 |
| Total marks |
204 |
| Good attempt |
98-99 for 99%tile |
Also read:
Commonly asked questions
In CAT 2025, the following changes were seen:
- The fee amount increased from INR 2,500 to INR 2,600 for General category candidates and from INR 1,250 to INR 1300 for Reserved category candidates.
- In DILR section, number of questions increased from 20 to 22.
- Total marks of CAT DILR section increased from 60 to 66.
- Total marks of CAT exam increased from 198 to 204.
- Candidates can select five cities instead of six.
In CAT exam, each candidate gets 120 minutes to solve the paper. There are three sections in CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. For each section 40 minutes are allotted as sectional time limit. For PwD candidates, the sectional time limit is 53.20 minutes per section. Candidates have to complete each section within the given time limit. Since the CAT is an online mode exam, the test screen will move from first section to the next section automatically as soon as the time limit gets over. Thus candidates have to be mindful of the on-screen timer and pre-decide the number of questions to solve in each section. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of CAT has 24 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section has 22 questions and Quantitative Aptitude section has 22 questions. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions in CAT so candidates can devise a strategy to use 40 minutes per section as per their strength and weakness.
CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.
CAT 2024 Exam Analysis by Career Launcher
Read below CAT 2024 paper analysis by Career Launcher. Read to know the key highlights of the exam this year by expert.
| CAT 2024 slot 1 sections | Number of good attempts | Ideal score attempt |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | 14-16 | 40 |
| DILR | 10-11 | 32 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 10 | 35 |
| Total | 36 | 90 |
CAT Slot 1 Analysis 2024: VARC
The RC passages were around 400-450 words each. 2 questions were Non-MCQs or TITA questions. Odd-sentence-out questions and para completion were both included in the section this year.
| Passage Topic/ Area |
No. of Questions |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
16 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Para summary |
4 |
|
| Para completion |
2 |
|
| Odd one out |
2 |
Check below the break up of RC section of CAT 2024 slot 1:
| RC Passages |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility & Human Economics |
4 |
2 |
Moderate |
| Entertainment/ Netflix |
4 |
3 |
Easy |
| Australian Spices |
4 |
4 |
Easy |
| Craftsmanship |
4 |
4 |
Moderate |
Check below the break up of VA section of CAT 2024 slot 1:
| Question type |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parasummary |
3 |
3 |
Easy |
| Odd Sentence |
2 |
2 |
Easy |
| Para completion |
3 |
3 |
Easy |
CAT Slot 1 Analysis 2024: DILR
DILR section was comparatively easier, even though there were 2 extra questions from previous years. There were a total of 10 non-MCQs in CAT DILR slot 1.
| Question type |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candlestick – Shares based |
4 |
4 |
Easy |
| Games and Tournament |
5 |
4 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Bar Graph- Blogger based |
4 |
2-3 |
Moderate |
| Bar Graph-Set theory based |
4 |
2-3 |
Moderate |
| Caselet- percentage based |
5 |
3-4 |
Moderate |
CAT Slot 1 Analysis 2024: Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2024 slot 1 had 8 non-MCQs questions. And as always, Arithmetic dominated the section followed by Algebra.
| Sections |
Units |
Number of questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System |
Remainder, Indices |
2 |
Moderate- Difficult |
| Algebra |
Log, Equations, Functions, Maxima-Minima, Sequence & Series, Algebraic Expression |
8 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
TSD, T&W, SI-CI, Percentage, PLD, Mixture, Averages, Ratios |
8 |
Easy |
| Modern Math |
P&C |
1 |
Moderate- Difficult |
| Geometry |
Circle, Cuboid/Square, Coordinate Geometry |
3 |
Moderate |
CAT 2024 Analysis: Slot 2
CAT slot 2 analysis 2024 reveals that the question paper was similar to slot 1 paper, i.e. easier that CAT 2023. There were no parajumbles in CAT 2024 slot 2 as well. A score of 90-92 will be ideal for CAT slot 2 test takers.
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
CAT slot 2 analysis 2024: VARC
The RC passages were of 400-450 words. Out of 24 questions, 2 were non-MCQ type. Parajumbles were absent in the second slot of CAT 2024 too. Check details below:
| Passage Topic/ Area |
No. of Questions |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
16 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Para summary |
4 |
|
| Para completion |
2 |
|
| Odd one out |
2 |
Check below the break up of RC section of CAT 2024 slot 2:
| RC Passages |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spices Trade |
4 |
2 |
Moderate |
| Peer Review |
4 |
3 |
Easy |
| Externalities |
4 |
4 |
Easy |
| Carnivore-Human Conflict |
4 |
2 |
Moderate |
Check below the break up of VA section of CAT 2024 slot 2:
| Question type |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parasummary |
3 |
3 |
Easy |
| Odd Sentence |
2 |
2 |
Moderate |
| Para completion |
3 |
3 |
Moderate |
CAT Slot 2 Analysis 2024: DILR
CAT 2024 DILR section too had 22 questions. There were 5 sets with 4-5 questions each. Check below the break up of CAT DILR section of slot 2:
| Question type |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Graph - Frequency Distribution/ Average Based |
5 |
2 |
Moderate-Difficult |
| Two Scatter Plot (x/y axis- PAT/ES) |
5 |
3 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Grid Based (Row/Column- Number Arrangement) |
4 |
2 |
Moderate |
| Roots and Network (Maxima-Minima) |
4 |
2 |
Moderate-Difficult |
| Data Arrangement(7 Students, 3 Coaches/ Rating Based) |
4 |
2 |
Easy-Moderate |
CAT Slot 2 Analysis 2024: Quantitative Aptitude
In the Quantitative Aptitude of CAT 2024 slot 2, there were 22 questions in total, out of which 8 were non-MCQ type. This slot was also dominated by Algebra and Arithmetic.
| Sections |
Units |
Number of questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System |
Remainder, Indices |
2 |
Moderate- Difficult |
| Algebra |
Log, Sequence & Series, Functions, Inequalities, Mod/Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations |
8 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
TSD, T&W, SI-CI, PLD, Mixture, Averages, Ratios |
8 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Modern Math |
P&C |
1 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Geometry |
Circle, Trapezium, Coordinate Geometry |
3 |
Easy-Moderate |
CAT 2024 Analysis: Slot 3
CAT slot 3 analysis 2024 suggests that the paper was moderate. There were no parajumbles in CAT 2024 slot 3 as well. A 41-42 correct attempts will be enough in this slot.
CAT Slot 3 Analysis 2024: VARC
In CAT 2024 slot 3 too, there were no parajumbles. There were 2 non-MCQs and the overall difficulty level was moderate. Check below CAT VARC Slot 3 break up.
| Passage Topic/ Area |
No. of Questions |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
16 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Para summary |
3 |
|
| Para completion |
3 |
|
| Odd one out |
2 |
Check below the break up of RC section of CAT 2024 slot 3:
| RC Passages |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact of AI |
4 |
3 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Languages |
4 |
2 |
Moderate |
| Chinese Moutai |
4 |
3 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Saving outer space and other planets |
4 |
2 |
Moderate |
Check below the break up of VA section of CAT 2024 slot 3:
| Question type |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parasummary |
3 |
3 |
Easy |
| Odd Sentence |
2 |
2 |
Easy |
| Para completion |
3 |
3 |
Easy |
CAT Slot 3 Analysis 2024: DILR
DILR section of CAT 2024 slot 3 also had 22 questions. It was slightly more difficult than CAT slot 1 and slot 2. Check the sectional break up and difficulty level below:
| Question type |
Number of questions |
Number of doable questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient –Food Grain (Table based) |
4 |
3-4 |
Easy Moderate |
| GDP (Table based) |
4 |
3-4 |
Easy-Moderate |
| AC Temperature (Line Graph) |
5 |
2-3 |
Moderate-Difficult |
| OTT (Bar Graph) |
4 |
3-4 |
Easy-Moderate |
| ATM Network |
5 |
4-5 |
Easy-Moderate |
CAT Slot 3 Analysis 2024: Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2024 slot 3 also had 8 non-MCQs questions. Similar to slot 1 and slot 2, Arithmetic dominated the section followed by Algebra.
| Sections |
Units |
Number of questions |
Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System |
Remainder, Indices |
2 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Algebra |
Log, Equations, Functions, Sequence & Series, Integer Solution, Maxima Minima |
8 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
TSD, T&W, SI-CI, Percentage, PLD, Mixture, Averages, Ratios |
8 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Modern Math |
P&C |
1 |
Easy |
| Geometry |
Circle, Polygon, Triangle |
3 |
Easy-Moderate |
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
20 Aug '26 - 10 Oct '26
14 Oct '26 - 17 Oct '26
24 Oct '26
15 Sep '26 - 22 Nov '26
21 Aug '26 - 25 Nov '26
24 Oct '26 - 28 Nov '26
30 Nov '26
12 Dec '26
14 Dec '26
13 Dec '26
CAT 2024 Exam Analysis by T.I.M.E
Read below CAT 2024 paper analysis by T.I.M.E. Read to know the key highlights of the exam this year by expert.
CAT 2024 Analysis: Sectional Breakup
| Section |
Number of Questions |
Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|
| VARC |
24 |
40 Minutes |
| DILR |
22 |
40 Minutes |
| QA |
22 |
40 Minutes |
| Total |
68 |
120 Minutes |
CAT 2024 analysis: VARC
The questions in VARC section of CAT 2024 were similar to last three years. The surprise element was absence of parajumbles. There were 16 RC questions, 3 para summary questions, 2 odd one out questions and 3 from sentence fillers.
CAT 2024 analysis: DILR
There were a total of 22 questions, including 2 sets of 5 questions each and 3 set of 4 questions each. The questions were overall doable.
CAT 2024 analysis: Quantitative Aptitude
There was no change in the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2024. The questions in Quant section were a bit easier than last year’s slot 1. Algebra and Arithmetic dominated this section.
To be updated.
Read More:
- CAT score vs percentile
- CAT normalisation process
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score range of 50-60 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score range of 60-70 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score range of 70-80 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score range of 80-90 percentile
- MBA colleges accepting CAT score range above 85 percentile
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
15 Jul '26 - 6 Dec '26 | XAT 2027 Registration |
Oct '26 | XAT 2027 Form Correction |
21 Aug '26 - 25 Nov '26 | SNAP 2026 Registration Process |
7 Dec '26 | SNAP 2026 admit card session 1... |
20 Aug '26 - 10 Oct '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
20 Aug '26 - 22 Oct '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
14 Dec '26 | MAT December 2026 PBT Registra... |
17 Dec '26 | MAT December 2026 PBT admit ca... |
18 Jun '26 - 1 Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration Test 1... |
24 Oct '26 | IBSAT 2026 Mock Test |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
Yes, NISM offers scholarship on not just CAT percentile score but also on XAT, CMAT & MAT entrance scores. Currently they offer 50% scholarship on 1st year tuition fees if you score more than 75 percentile on CAT/XAT. For CMAT & MAT, the percentile score should be above 80 percentile. These may chan
D
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 6 days ago
Dedicate one focused hour in the morning to QA formulas or an RC passage, one hour in the evening to DILR sets, and reserve weekends for full-length mocks and thorough review.
L
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
It is not too late, provided you adjust your scope. Focus directly on core topics, start taking sectional tests immediately, and spend time learning through mock test analysis.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
Focus on formula sheets, mental math tables, grammar pointers, and your accumulated test error log. Avoid attempting full-length tests during the final three days before the exam.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
Enrolling in a classroom programme is rarely practical with two months left. However, a dedicated mock test series or a targeted crash course for specific weak subjects can provide structured practice material.
D
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
A beginner can build a respectable attempt by focusing strictly on high-yield areas such as Arithmetic, Algebra, core DI arrangements, and Reading Comprehension, rather than attempting the entire syllabus.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
Taking 12 to 18 full-length mocks across the 60-day window is generally sufficient. Candidates must scatter these mocks into phases and dedicate at least three to four hours to analysing each test.
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, 60 days is adequate if you have a basic understanding of mathematics and reading skills. It provides sufficient time to revise concepts, complete timed sectional practice, and take 12 to 15 full mocks.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
FIIB provides scholarships based on the merit and need of the students. Students with more than 60 percentile in CAT exam can apply for scholarships offered by Fortune Institute of International Business Delhi.
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
IIM Indore will release CAT admit card 2026 on November 4. Candidates will be able to download the admit card of CAT exam 2026 until the exam date, i.e. November 29.
R
Contributor-Level 7
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
Read Full Bio