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Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Nov 24, 2024 21:16 IST
CAT 2024 analysis has been shared here for all three slots. The CAT 2024 paper analysis will have 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. Read more.

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

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 2024 has been share here by Career Launcher and TIME. 

Latest: CAT 2024 live updates: Slot wise analysis, question papers, reviews, cut offs

CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key PDF

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CAT 2024 Slot 2 Answer Key PDF question paper analysis

CAT 2024 Slot 1 answer key PDF question paper analysis

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CAT 2024 analysis by CATKing

Table of contents
  • 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 2024 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:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What's new in CAT exam?
A: 

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.
Q:   What is the sectional time limit in CAT?
A: 

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.

Q:   Does CAT have negative marking?
A: 
Yes, the CAT exam has negative marking for wrong answers. However, the marks are deducted only for the wrong MCQ-based answer and not for non-MCQ-based answers. The latest marking scheme for the CAT exam is as follows: 1. The total number of questions is 76, and the time allotted is 120 minutes. 2. Total Scores: 228 3. The number of questions per section: VARC-26, DILR-24 and QA-26 4. Three marks are given for every correct answer. 5. Around 1/3, I. e. , 1 mark is deducted for every wrong MCQ answer. No mark is deducted for wrong non-MCQ-based answers.
Q:   What is the marking scheme of CAT?
A: 

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

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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.

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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

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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 Percentile predictor prepared by Shiksha.com helps students to get their predicted CAT 2024 percentile on the basis of their expected exam score. So, predict your CAT 2024 score by clicking the link below:

CAT Percentile Predictor

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Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content

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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Answered 10 hours ago

IIT Madras CAT cutoff 2025 is generally not released to the public and is instead only visible to students with login credentials.

 Based on the previous year's estimated CAT cutoff for the General AI category, the overall CAT percentile was 85.11


Note: The cutoff data provided is not official. It i

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 11 hours ago

No, you cannot get direct admission to the MBA course based on the CAT score. A valid CAT score only gets you eligible to apply for the management course.

To secure your spot for the course, you have to first attain the accepted CAT cutoff and get shortlisted for the multi-stage selection process, wh

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, CAT is not a mandatory entrance exam for MBA admissions at Pratibha Institute of Business Management. Candidates who want to apply for MBA courses cal also appear for MH -CET, XAT, MAT, GMAT and CMAT. However, appearing in any one of these exams is a mandatory requirement for MBA at Pratibha Ins

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

To get admission at IIT Kanpur for the MBA/PGDM course, candidates have to secure a CAT percentile of at least 90 if they belong to the General AI category. 

Candidates who clear the exam cutoff are then eligible to take part in the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Students who pass

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

IIT Kanpur provides the MBA course based on the student's performance in the CAT exam. In 2025, the overall CAT percentile was 90 for the General AI category candidates. For more information, refer to the table below. The cutoff provided below is for the General AI category. 

SectionIIT Kanpur MBA cutoff 2025
Overall90
Quants50
VA-RC50
DI-LR50

 

Note: The cutoff provid

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

No, to get admission at IIT Roorkee for the MBA/PGDM course, students have to first attempt the CAT entrance examination and attain a valid percentile. Those students who clear the cutoff are then eligible to move to the second round of admission, which involves PI (Personal Interview). 

Students who

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N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Aspirants must have more than 70 percentile in CAT for admission in MBA programme of Department of Management Studies, NALSAR University. Such aspirants do not have to appear for NMET (PG) conducted by DoMS for admission.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 3 days ago

The actual required CAT percentile is only visible for candidates with login access. But, based on previous years' estimated CAT cutoff for the General AI category, 90 percentile would be required overall and 50 percentile sectionally for the previously-mentioned category.

 

Note: The actual cutoff da

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

 IIT Kharagpur CAT cutoff 2025 is not released publicly. It is only visible to candidates with login details. But, based on the the closest estimated cutoff percentile of previous years for the General AI category, the CAT cutoff percentile was 90 overall and 50 sectional. 

 

Note: The actual cutoff d

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Symbiosis Skills and Professional University MBA usually conducts the SKILL-CAT entrance exam in June. This is a key date for all aspirants to remember. You should aim to finish your application well before this month starts. The university announces the exact dates on its official website early in

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Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9