The CAT 2024 Question Papers and the official Answer Keys for Slot 1, Slot 2, and Slot 3 are now available for download in PDF format. This provides candidates with a comprehensive view of the exam's difficulty level, question distribution, and the areas they should focus on for future attempts.
CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF Download
The CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF are an essential resource for candidates to analyze their performance post-exam and to prepare for the CAT 2025 Exam. Here are the links to download the question paper and answer key of the subject slot-wise.
CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF (VARC)
| CAT VARC Slot | Question Paper PDF | Answer Key PDF |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 1) – VARC | Download PDF | Click Here |
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 2) – VARC | Download PDF | Click Here |
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 3) – VARC | Download PDF | Click Here |
CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF (DILR)
| CAT DILR Slot | Question Paper PDF | Answer Key PDF |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 1) – DILR | Download PDF | Click Here |
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 2) – DILR | Download PDF | Click Here |
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 3) – DILR | Download PDF | Click Here |
CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF (QA)
| CAT QA Slot | Question Paper PDF | Answer Key PDF |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 1) – QA | Download PDF | Click Here |
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 2) – QA | Download PDF | Click Here |
| CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer key (Slot 3) – QA | Download PDF | Click Here |
CAT 2024 Paper Analysis: Slot 1 vs Slot 2 vs Slot 3
Rahul Sir discusses the various factors that influenced student’s performance in CAT exam, highlighting key aspects that they should be aware of for better preparation and strategy.
- The Quantitative Ability section had a mix of familiar topics and some advanced questions, and the difficulty level varied slightly across slots.
- The VARC section had higher number of dual RC passages, increasing complexity and time demands. The AI-themed RC with a difficult para-summary question increased the overall difficulty.
- The DILR section had a focus on traditional DI and LR questions. It was manageable for students familiar with charts, graphs, and logical puzzles, although it demanded good time management to attempt all sets effectively.
CAT 2024: Exam Pattern and Section-Wise Distribution
The CAT 2024 question paper followed the established format of 66 questions distributed across three sections, each with a 40-minute time limit:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 3 | 72 | 36% |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 3 | 60 | 30% |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 3 | 66 | 34% |
| Total | 66 | - | 198 | 100% |
Section-Wise Breakdown of CAT 2024: Major Topics and Expected Question Distribution
Here is the Section-wise Breakdown of CAT 2024 along with the major topics and the expected number of questions.
| Section | Major Topics | Expected Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | Reading Comprehension (RC), Para-Jumbles, Summary-Based Questions | RC: 16, Others: 8 |
| DILR | Logical Puzzles, Data Tables, Graphs, Caselets | 4 Sets of 5 Questions Each |
| QA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math | Arithmetic: 50-55%, Algebra: 25%, Geometry: 15% |
Section-Wise Analysis: CAT 2024 Key Topics
| Section | Key Topics | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension (RC), Para-Jumbles, Summary-Based Questions, Odd-Sentence-Out | Focus on RC for scoring; tackle VA non-MCQ questions for accuracy as they have no negative marking. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | DI: Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables; LR: Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Caselets | Manage time effectively; solve DI calculations carefully and focus on logical clarity for LR puzzles. |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Time-Speed-Distance), Algebra (Equations, Progressions), Geometry (Triangles, Circles), Modern Math | Prioritize arithmetic for high accuracy; attempt algebra and geometry after securing easier arithmetic questions. |
Expected Difficulty Levels of CAT 2024
Analyzing the expected difficulty levels from 2023 to 2020 provides valuable insights into trends and preparation strategies.
Looking to analyze previous years’ trends? Download the CAT 2023 Question Paper PDF: Complete with Solutions to understand the pattern, difficulty level, and question types as you prepare for CAT 2024.
| Year | VARC Difficulty | DILR Difficulty | QA Difficulty | Overall Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2024 (Expected) | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| CAT 2023 | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| CAT 2022 | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| CAT 2021 | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| CAT 2020 | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult |
Comparative Analysis of CAT 2024 with Previous Years' Question Papers (2023–2020)
Analyzing the CAT 2023-2020 question paper to understand the comparative trend of 2024 for aspirants aiming to understand trends and strategize their preparation effectively.
Explore CAT Previous Year Papers & Answer Keys: Download to Boost Your Preparation for insights into question patterns, difficulty levels, and the best strategies to tackle each section.
Exam Structure and Question Distribution
Here is the summarized exam structure and the number of questions in each section from 2020 to 2024(Expected):
| Year | Total Questions | VARC Questions | DILR Questions | QA Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 76 | 26 | 24 | 26 |
| 2021 | 66 | 24 | 20 | 22 |
| 2022 | 66 | 24 | 20 | 22 |
| 2023 | 66 | 24 | 20 | 22 |
| 2024 (expected) | 66 | 24 | 20 | 22 |
The section-wise question distribution in CAT (2020-2024). It shows a reduction in the number of questions across all sections—VARC, DILR, and QA—from 2020 to 2021, after which the distribution stabilized.
“In 2020, the total number of questions was 76, with a higher count in each section. From 2021 onwards, the total number of questions were reduced to 66, maintaining this structure through 2024.”
Topic-Wise Distribution
The distribution of topics within each section has shown consistency:
- VARC: Approximately 70% of questions are from Reading Comprehension, with the remaining from verbal ability topics like para-jumbles and summaries.
- DILR: Typically includes 4 sets of 5 questions each, covering data interpretation and logical reasoning equally.
- QA: Predominantly features arithmetic (50-55%), followed by algebra (25%), and geometry (15%).
Understanding the topic-wise weightage is crucial for efficient preparation. Check out: CAT Topic-Wise Weightage 2024: Detailed Section Analysis to identify high-priority topics and allocate your study time effectively.
Time Allocation
The CAT 2024 question paper follows a structured and time-bound format, making efficient time management a critical skill for aspirants, ensuring that candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam. This sectional time allocation aims to test candidates’ ability to solve problems under pressure while maintaining focus within a limited timeframe.
Time Allocation Section - Wise
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted (Minutes) | Average Time per Question (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 | ~1.67 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 | ~2.00 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 | ~1.82 |
| Total | 66 | 120 | ~1.82 |
Insights:
- VARC questions require quick reading and comprehension skills, with less than 2 minutes per question.
- DILR sets typically demand longer time for interpretation and logical reasoning, giving candidates about 2 minutes per question.
- QA questions require balanced speed and accuracy, as the time per question is slightly less than 2 minutes.
Marking Scheme
Check out the CAT Marking Scheme 2024: Understand the Scoring System to learn how marks are awarded and deducted for correct and incorrect answers.
The marking scheme has been uniform:
- +3 marks for each correct answer.
- -1 mark for each incorrect answer (applicable to multiple-choice questions).
- No negative markings for non-MCQs.
What is the Good Score in CAT?
A good score in CAT depends on the percentile you aim to achieve and the institute you target. For top-tier management institutes like the IIMs, a good score typically corresponds to a 99+ percentile, while for other reputed B-schools, a 95+ percentile can suffice. The definition of a good score varies based on factors like the exam’s difficulty level, number of candidates, and sectional performance.
Percentile and Raw Score Relationship:
- A 99+ percentile often requires a raw score of 105–120, depending on the exam's difficulty.
- For a 95–98 percentile, a raw score between 90–104 is generally sufficient.
- For a 90–94 percentile, aspirants need a score of 70–89.
| Raw Score Range | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|
| 105–120 | 99+ |
| 90–104 | 95–98 |
| 70–89 | 90–94 |
| 50–69 | 80–89 |
| 35–49 | 70–79 |
“Candidates targeting older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta typically need a 99+ percentile, whereas newer IIMs and other top B-schools often accept 95–98 percentiles.”
CAT 2024: Requirements for a Good Percentile
| Section | Number of Questions | Good Raw Score | Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 36–42 | 95+ |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 30–36 | 95+ |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 30–38 | 95+ |
| Total | 66 | 90–104 | 95–98 |
For aspirants wondering about the score they need to aim for, you can check out this guide on What is a Good Score in CAT? for more detailed insights.
How to Define a Good Score for Specific Colleges
| Institute | Expected Percentile for General Category | Raw Score |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ | 105–120 |
| IIM Bangalore | 99+ | 105–120 |
| IIM Calcutta | 99+ | 105–120 |
| FMS Delhi | 98–99 | 100–110 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 95–98 | 90–104 |
| MDI Gurgaon | 94–96 | 85–100 |
“Older IIMs and institutes like FMS and SPJIMR demand higher percentiles, correlating with raw scores above 90–105. For Tier-2 B-schools, a raw score of 70–89 (90–94 percentile) is often sufficient.”
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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