CAT Exam Analysis: On the day of the examination, CAT exam analysis 2024 will be provided here. For each of the three slots, Cracku will offer a thorough CAT Paper Analysis so that candidates may evaluate their performance. The CAT 2024 analysis will go into great detail about the section CAT cut off, test structure, changes (if any), difficulty level of the sections, and topic weighting. On November 24, 2024, you can view the analysis of the CAT exam. Here in this article, we have provided the CAT last 5 years paper analysis for the reference of the candidates
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We have offered a thorough analysis of the trends in the CAT last 5 years paper analysis, covering significant factors such sectional patterns, topic-wise weightage, difficulty level, and question structure.
With a focus on the most relevant subjects from previous years, this analysis will help candidates in better understand the dynamic nature of the CAT exam and helping them prepare. Aspirants can learn which areas and topics have received greater attention by examining these trends, and they can then adjust their preparation for next CAT exams.
Also Read, CAT Response Sheet 2024, Release Date, Download Link
Our CAT section-wise paper analysis offers an in-depth breakdown of the exam across all three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). We analyse the types of questions, difficulty level, and topic-wise distribution for each section, helping candidates identify important areas to focus on.
Overall, the format and level of difficulty of the paper for every slot were same to those of CAT 2022 except for VARC, In VARC number of questions were same but there were 2 para-insertion question which were new in VARC section . The CAT slot 3 Quant section in 2023 was more difficult than slots 1 and 2. The Quantitative Aptitude portion was more difficult in all three positions compared to VARC and DILR. The CAT question paper was more challenging at IIM Lucknow than it was at other IIM Colleges.
Hence, below we have provided the CAT 2023 Paper Analysis for all the three slots -
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 24 | 16-18 |
DILR | Moderate to difficult | 20 | 10-12 |
Quants | Difficult | 22 | 12-13 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 24 | 17-19 |
DILR | Moderate | 20 | 10-12 |
Quants | Difficult | 22 | 10-12 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 24 | 16-18 |
DILR | Difficult | 20 | 10-11 |
Quants | Moderate | 22 | 12-14 |
The CAT 2022 Question Paper's format was same to the CAT 2021 and did not have changes in any way. There were 66 questions altogether from the three exam sections, with a moderate overall difficulty level. In DILR section there were 4 sets of 5 questions each, whereas in CAT 2022 there were 2 sets of 6 questions and 2 sets of 4 questions each.
Hence, below we have provided the CAT 2022 Paper Analysis for all the three slots -
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 24 | 16-18 |
DILR | Difficult | 20 | 10-12 |
Quants | Moderate | 22 | 14-16 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate to difficult | 24 | 15-17 |
DILR | Moderate | 20 | 12-14 |
Quants | Difficult | 22 | 10-12 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate to difficult | 24 | 15-17 |
DILR | Moderate | 20 | 10-11 |
Quants | Difficult | 22 | 12-14 |
The entire set of questions was of a moderate difficulty. The analysis indicates that the Reading Comprehension passages were challenging to pass. Candidates had a difficult time deciding which of the four passages to take on because just one of the passages was simple. There were four portions in the DILR segment, and selecting only one was challenging because only one set was simple.
In reality, during the previous few years, the set on bar graphs was the simplest across the CAT DILR. However, the portion on quantitative aptitude with its simple and easy-to-understand questions was surprising.
Hence, below we have provided the CAT 2021 Paper Analysis for all the three slots -
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate to difficult | 24 | 15-16 |
DILR | Difficult | 20 | 10-12 |
Quants | Difficult | 22 | 12-14 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 24 | 16-18 |
DILR | Moderate to difficult | 20 | 10-12 |
Quants | Difficult | 22 | 10-12 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 24 | 15-17 |
DILR | Difficult | 20 | 10-11 |
Quants | Moderate | 22 | 13-15 |
IIM Indore administered the CAT 2020, with a 120-minute time limit and a total of 76 questions on the exam. Overall, the paper was moderate to difficult for all the candidates. It was a sudden shift from 3 hour format to 2 hour format. Not only that earlier CAT used to be in 2 slots i.e in morning and evening, but from 2020 is one more shift was introduced . i.e overall 3 shifts.
Hence, below we have provided the CAT 2020 Paper Analysis for all the three slots -
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 26 | 17-19 |
DILR | Difficult | 24 | 10-12 |
Quants | Moderate to Difficult | 26 | 12-14 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate to Difficult | 26 | 15-17 |
DILR | Moderate | 24 | 11-13 |
Quants | Difficult | 26 | 10-12 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 26 | 16-18 |
DILR | Difficult | 24 | 12-14 |
Quants | Moderate | 26 | 13-15 |
The CAT 2019 paper was moderate to difficult, with the Quantitative Aptitude section being the toughest. Verbal Ability was manageable, while Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning posed moderate challenges. It was held in 3 hours format. It was held in 2 Shifts.
Hence, Below we have provided the CAT 2019 Paper Analysis for all the three slots -
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate to Difficult | 34 | 22-24 |
DILR | Difficult | 32 | 16-17 |
Quants | Moderate to Difficult | 34 | 18-20 |
Sections | Difficulty Level | No of Questions | Good Attempt |
VARC | Moderate | 34 | 23-25 |
DILR | Difficult | 32 | 16-17 |
Quants | Moderate to Difficult | 34 | 21-22 |
On the last five years of CAT exams, certain CAT important topics have been key to successful preparation. In quantitative aptitude, areas like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry are common. For VARC, reading comprehension often covers subjects like philosophy and history, while DILR tends to include puzzles and data interpretation. If you're looking for free CAT preparation resources, you can check the below-given table, where we have mentioned some of the important topics according to the CAT syllabus.
VARC Section | DILR Section | Quantitative Aptitude Section |
Philosophy | Arrangements | Arithmetic |
Psychology | Puzzles | Algebra |
History | Data Interpretation | Geometry |
Science and Technology | Games and Tournaments | Number system |
In conclusion, the CAT exam analysis highlights varying difficulty levels each year, with specific sections posing more challenges. Candidates must focus on improving time management, accuracy, and sectional performance.
Regular practice, mock tests, and understanding exam patterns are crucial for success. A strategic approach tailored to individual strengths and weaknesses can significantly improve CAT performance.
To analyze your CAT score, assess your sectional performance, compare percentile rankings, and identify areas needing improvement.
The cutoffs for students in the reserved group are 85–95, whereas the minimum CAT cutoff for IIMs in the general category is typically 95–99.5+. The CAT percentile varies by campus for admission to IIMs.
This one is challenging. It is not possible to attempt a specific amount of questions in the CAT and achieve a 99 percentile; however, you should try to accurately answer two thirds of the total questions in each section.
IIM Ahmedabad is widely regarded as the best IIM for MBA, known for its rigorous curriculum, top-tier faculty, excellent placements, and strong alumni network.
The CAT exam can be difficult, but even an average student can pass it with the right study techniques and preparation.
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