The CAT 2024 exam has come and gone, and as always, it has left aspirants with a mix of emotions. Some candidates found the test challenging, while others felt confident. With varying opinions circulating, it’s essential to understand the key elements of the paper, including its difficulty level, question types, and overall structure. Whether you aced the exam or are looking for insights to improve your strategy for the next attempt, it’s crucial to assess every aspect of the paper in detail. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the CAT 2024 exam, sharing feedback on the sections, question distribution, and key trends, along with tips for future aspirants. Make sure to go through the entire article for an in-depth understanding of the CAT 2024 paper and how to best approach your preparation moving forward.
Increased Number of Questions
In CAT 2024, there was a noticeable increase in the total number of questions, rising from 66 in previous years to 68 this year. This change reflects a slight shift in the exam’s structure, potentially increasing the overall challenge for aspirants. The questions were distributed across three sections as follows: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) with 24 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) with 22 questions, and Quantitative Ability (QA) with 22 questions. The addition of two extra questions has sparked varied reactions among candidates, with some finding it manageable, while others felt the pressure of completing the paper within the time constraints. This shift underscores the need for a more strategic approach to time management and thorough preparation across all sections.
Section-wise Breakup
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Difficulty– Difficult
Total Number of Questions – The total number of questions in VARC was 24.
Reading Comprehension (RC)- 4 passages with 4 questions each = 16 questions
Heavy focus on inference based questions
Para-jumbles– None; Para-completion- 2; Summary- 4 ; Odd one out- 2; TITA Questions- Only 2
Structure- The structure of the VARC section in Slot 2 of the CAT 2024 exam appeared to be somewhat haphazard, with the Reading Comprehension (RC) and Verbal Ability (VA) questions not following a clear, logical order. The RC passages and VA questions were interspersed unpredictably, making it difficult for some candidates to maintain a smooth flow while attempting the section.
Topics- Artificial Intelligence, Health and Medicine, Beverages in China
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Difficulty- Moderate
Total Number of Questions- The total number of questions in DILR was 22
Sets- 3 sets ( 4 questions each); 2 sets ( 5 questions each)
DI Based on Topics– Tabled Based Set
Reasoning Based DI- Bar Chart Reasoning Set. Serials (Calculation Based Tablet Set),
Sets of Reasoning based on Topics- Games & Tournament, Selection & Distribution & Voting including a Sudoku based set
Reasoning Based Sets- Vertical Roads, ATM Sets, AC Temperature Set (Line Graph based Reasoning)
Quantitative Ability (QA)
Difficulty level- Easy & Doable
Total Number of Questions- 22
Topic Distribution- Arithmetic: 7-8 questions based on TSD, Averages, Mixtures, Time & Work, Profit & Loss
Algebra: 7-8 questions (Moderate to Difficult) ; Geometry: 3- 4 questions; Number System: 1-2 question; PnC & Probability: 0 questions
CAT 2024 Slot 3 Paper Analysis
The CAT 2024 Exam Slot 3 paper presented a mix of challenges across its sections. The VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section was notably tougher and more complicated compared to previous years, with several intricate passages and tricky questions that demanded deeper reading and analysis. The DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section, while time-consuming, was generally doable, though it required careful attention to detail and effective time management to complete. The Quantitative Ability (QA) section was mostly manageable, with a mix of straightforward questions, but the algebra questions added a layer of complexity, demanding more advanced problem-solving techniques. Overall, while the paper was challenging, it offered opportunities for well-prepared candidates to perform well with careful planning and execution.
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