CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Marking Scheme & Question Format for Common Admission Test

Understand the CAT exam pattern 2024, marking scheme, and question format for effective Common Admission Test preparation.

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COMMON ADMISSION TEST (CAT) EXAMINATION PATTERN 2024

There is no defined CAT exam pattern. The questions in the CAT Exam Pattern are primarily from the following areas and are typically divided into following three sections-

Section I: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA)

  • Mode of Examination – Computer-Based Exam (CBT)
  • Total Number of Sections – Three (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension ,Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude)
  • Types of Question – Multiple choice Question type (MCQ) and Non-MCQ
  • Total number of question – 66 (Expected)
  • Total Marks – 198 (Expected)
  • Exam Duration for Paper –120 Minutes (40 Minutes Sectional Time Limit )
  • Language of Question Paper - English

Marking Scheme

  • Marks for Correct Answer–3 marks
  • Marks for unattempt question - Zero
  • Negative Marking :-1 for each incorrect MCQ answer and No negative marking for Non- MCQ Questions

CAT EXAMINATION PATTERN 2024

Name of the Section

Total No. of MCQ

Total No. of Non- MCQ

Total (MCQ & Non-MCQ )No. of Questions

Maximum Marks

Exam Duration

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

(VARC)

21

3

24

72

40 minutes

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

14

6

20

60

40 minutes

Quantitative Ability (QA)

14

8

22

66

40 minutes

Total

49

17

66

198

2 hours (120 min)

FAQs related CAT Exam Pattern 2024-

What is the format of the CAT Exam?

The CAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT) comprising three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

How many questions are there in the CAT Exam?

The number of questions can vary each year, but typically there are around 66 questions divided among the three sections.

What is the duration of the CAT Exam?

The total duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allocated for each section.

Is there a sectional time limit in the CAT Exam?

Yes, each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes. Candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam.

What types of questions are included in the CAT Exam?

The CAT exam includes both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs, also known as Type in the Answer (TITA) questions.

Is there negative marking in the CAT Exam?

Yes, there is negative marking for MCQs. Each incorrect answer in the MCQs results in a deduction of 1 mark. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs.

How is the CAT Exam scored?

Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks. The overall score is the sum of the marks obtained in all three sections, adjusted for any negative marking.

Can I navigate between questions within a section?

Yes, candidates can navigate between questions within the same section, but they cannot move to another section before completing the current one.

Is there an option to review and change answers during the CAT Exam?

Yes, candidates can review and change their answers within the same section before the time for that section runs out.

What are the marking schemes for different types of questions in the CAT Exam?

For MCQs, each correct answer gets 3 marks, and each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. For non-MCQs, each correct answer gets 3 marks, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

What is the language of the CAT Exam?

The CAT exam is conducted in English.

Can I use a calculator during the CAT Exam?

No, candidates cannot use physical calculators. However, an on-screen calculator is provided during the exam.