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CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023: Which exam was tougher? The CAT exam sets a new yearly benchmark, and the 2023 and 2024 editions were no different. The highly competitive CAT 2024 exam that tests a candidate's quantitative ability, data interpretation and logical reasoning, and verbal ability and reading comprehension took place on 24th November 2024. CAT 2024 exam took place in 3 slots across 173 cities in India.
In this blog, we will delve deep into the difficulty levels of CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023 and provide overall analysis on both the exams. From CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023 Exam Pattern Changes to expected CAT cut off, this article will serve as the guide to all CAT aspirants.
CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023: Difficulty Level
- CAT 2024: Generally perceived to be easier than CAT 2023.
- CAT 2023: Considered to be a challenging exam, especially the DILR and Quant section.
| Feature | CAT 2023 | CAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Difficulty | Tougher than CAT 2022, especially Slot 3 | Easier than CAT 2023, similar to CAT 2021 |
| Number of Questions | 66 | 68 |
| DILR Section | Equally tough across all slots | Easier than 2023, more questions (22 vs 20) |
| QA Section | Slot 3 tougher than slots 1 and 2, Overall Toughest in past 5yrs. | Easier than 2023 |
| VARC Section | Slot 3 tougher than slots 1 and 2, but easier than 2022 | Similar difficulty to 2023 |
| Expected Cutoffs | High percentile at lower raw score | Higher |
| Percentile vs. Score | Low score required for same percentile | Higher score required for same percentile |
Check slot-wise CAT exam analysis on the below-given links:
| CAT Slot-wise Exam Analysis | ||
| CAT 2024 Slot 1 Analysis | CAT 2024 Slot 2 Analysis | CAT 2024 Slot 3 Analysis |
CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023: Section-Wise Analysis
Let's break down the section-wise CAT difficulty levels of both exams:
| Section | CAT 2023 | CAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | Moderately | Moderately Difficult |
| DILR | Difficult | Easy-Moderate |
| QA | Difficult | Moderate |
VARC:
- CAT 2023: The RC passages were lengthy and complex, and the verbal ability questions were challenging. VA part was on slightly easier side.
- CAT 2024: While the RC passages were still lengthy, the overall difficulty level was slightly higher. The pattern has changed a little bit with the removal of 2 para jumbles, instead of that CAT included 1 para summary and 1 para insertion.
Difficulty Level
| Topic | CAT 2023 | CAT 2024 |
| Reading Comprehension | Moderate | Moderate -Difficult |
| Para Summary | Easy-Moderate | Moderate -Difficult |
| Para Jumbles | Moderate | x |
| Para Insertion (Fill in the Blank) | Easy-Moderate | Moderate -Difficult |
| Odd one Out | Moderate | Moderate -Difficult |
DILR:
- CAT 2023: The DILR section was the toughest of the three sections. The sets were complex and required a high level of analytical skills.
- CAT 2024: The DILR section was relatively easier compared to the previous year. The sets were more straightforward, and the number of questions per set was reduced. Overall number of questions were increased from 20 to 22.
Difficulty Level
| Topic | CAT 2023 | CAT 2024 |
| Logical Reasoning | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate |
| DI | Easy-Moderate | Easy |
Quantitative Aptitude:
- CAT 2023: The QA section was of moderate difficulty, with a mix of moderately difficult questions. QA in 2023 was significantly difficult than in past 5 years.
- CAT 2024: The QA section was also of easy- difficulty, with a focus on arithmetic and geometry. Some of the questions were absolutely sitters but some were very difficult. There were very few moderate questions.
Difficulty Level
| Topic | CAT 2023 | CAT 2024 |
| Arithmetic | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate |
| Algebra | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate |
| Geometry | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate |
| Number System | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate |
| Modern Maths | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate |
CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023: Exam Pattern Changes
While the fundamental structure of the CAT exam pattern has remained consistent over the years, there have been subtle changes in recent years, including between 2023 and 2024.
1. Number of Questions:
- CAT 2023: 66 questions
- CAT 2024: 68 questions
2. Question Pattern:
- CAT 2023: The pattern remained relatively consistent with previous years, with a mix of MCQs and TITA (Type-in-the-Answer) questions.
- CAT 2024: The pattern was similar, with a mix of MCQs and TITA questions, however, there was a slight increase in the total number of questions.
3. Section-wise Analysis:
- VARC: Both years focused on reading comprehension, para-jumbles, para summaries, and odd one out. However, the difficulty level and the specific topics of the RC passages might have varied.
- DILR: The DILR section in both years tested data interpretation and logical reasoning skills. However, the complexity of the sets and the time required to solve them might have differed.
- QA: Both years covered topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern math. However, the weightage given to different topics and the difficulty level of the questions might have varied.
Overall, the CAT 2024 exam was slightly longer and more challenging than the previous year. Candidates who were well-prepared and could manage their time effectively were able to perform well.
Factors Affecting Perceived Difficulty of CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023
Several factors can influence the perceived difficulty of an exam:
- Slot Variations: The difficulty level can vary significantly across different slots.
- Individual Strengths and Weaknesses: A candidate's strengths and weaknesses can influence their perception of the exam's difficulty.
- Exam-Day Stress: Stress and anxiety can impact performance and make the exam seem tougher.
- Changing Exam Pattern: Changes in the exam pattern, such as the removal of parajumbles and DILR pattern change in CAT 2024, can affect the perceived difficulty.
CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023: Expected Cutoffs
| Percentile | Score 2023 | CAT Score 2024 |
| 100 | 142.9 | 160 |
| 99.9 | 101 | 120+ |
| 99.5 | 84.29 | 97-100 |
| 99 | 76.15 | 85-87 |
| 95 | 54.86 | 65-70 |
| 90 | 46 | 56-60 |
| 80 | 34.56 | 44-46 |
CAT 2024 vs CAT 2023: Conclusion
While CAT 2024 was generally perceived to be easier than CAT 2023, it's important to remember that the actual difficulty level can vary significantly across different sections and slots. Ultimately, the key to success in the CAT exam is consistent practice, strong fundamentals, and effective time management.
By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both exams, aspirants can better prepare for future CAT exams and increase their chances of success.
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