CAT 2024 Examination Pattern
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam pattern/format, which includes information regarding the structure of the question paper, including the types of questions given, the scoring system, and subjects, is released on the official website of CAT - https://iimcat.ac.in/
The CAT Exam Pattern underwent several revisions in the past years. Because no more modifications were made to the pattern in 2021 and 2022, the CAT Exam Pattern 2024 is expected to be the same as the previous two years' exams.
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Category
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Details
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Mode
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Computer Based Test (CBT)
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Duration
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Other Candidates - 2 hours (120 mins)
PwD Candidates - 2:40 hours (160 mins)
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Types of Questions
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MCQs and non-MCQs
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Total no.of Questions
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66
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Total Sections
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3
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Total Marks
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198
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Marking Scheme
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MCQs: +3 for correct answers
-1 for incorrect answers
Non-MCQs: +3 for correct answers
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Language
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English
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CAT Exam Sections and Duration:
The CAT has a set time limit for each section. On completion of the set time limit, the timer would reach ‘Zero’, the section will be locked and auto-submitted, and the candidate will be taken to the next section.
As per the most recent CAT Exam Pattern, the sectional timings and slot-by-slot information are given below for reference:
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Morning session: 8:30 am – 10:30 pm
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Afternoon session: 12:30 am – 2:30 pm
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Evening session: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
(Candidates are not allowed to appear in more than one session/shift. Candidates who take the test more than once will be disqualified from the selection process.)
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Section
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Topic
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Duration
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No. of Questions
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Section 1
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Ability and Reading ComprehensiVerbalon (VARC)
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Others - 40 mins
PwD - 53 mins 20 secs
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24
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Section 2
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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Others - 40 mins
PwD - 53 mins 20 secs
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20
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Section 3
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Quantitative Ability (QA)
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Others - 40 mins
PwD - 53 mins 20 secs
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22
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While answering the questions in each section, the candidates are allowed to use the following options:
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Save & Next - Saves answer and moves to next question
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Clear Response - Clears the selected answer for the specified question only
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Mark for Review & Next - Would mark the question for review later (either to be answered/not answered)
A virtual keyboard would be displayed on the screen for answering a non-MCQ question. The use of an external/physical calculator is prohibited; however, a virtual calculator would be available for the candidates.
