Nov. 24, 2024 | 10:20 PM IST
Join us for an exclusive
CAT 2024 Exam Analysis with Career Launcher's top experts: Gejo Sreenivasan (IIM Calcutta Alumnus), Gautam Puri (IIM Bangalore Alumnus), Gautam Bawa (Senior Vice President), and Sazeal Shah (AVP - Head of MBA Business).
Nov. 24, 2024 | 8:55 PM IST
What are the possible marks you could get and the possible percentiles you could achieve in CAT 2024? What was the overall difficulty level of CAT 2024 across the three slots? What would likely be the B-school cutoffs for different IIMs and other top schools? To help you get an idea of all the above and more, we have partnered with Dr. Shashank Prabhu from Point99 to conduct a detailed session on the CAT 2024 exam analysis!
Nov. 24, 2024 | 8:45 PM IST
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Total Questions: 24 (16 Reading Comprehension, 8 Verbal Ability)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Key Features:
- Reading Comprehension (16 Questions):
- Topics included the success of Chinese liquor brand Moutai, space contamination, endangered languages, and the need to regulate AI.
- Two passages were easy to moderate, while the remaining two required careful reading.
- Around 12 RC questions were doable with high accuracy.
- Verbal Ability (8 Questions):
- Question Types:
- Paragraph Completion (3 MCQs): 1 Easy, 2 Moderate
- Summary Questions (3 MCQs): 1 Easy, 1 Moderate, 1 Difficult
- Odd Sentence Out (2 TITA): 1 Easy, 1 Difficult
- There are no Paragraph Jumbles this year, making the section more predictable.
Ideal Attempts for High Percentile:
- 10-11 questions with ~60% accuracy could fetch ~85th percentile.
- 12-13 questions with ~70% accuracy could fetch 95+ percentile.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Total Questions: 22 (12 MCQs, 10 TITA)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Key Features:
- Set Structure:
- 2 sets with 5 questions each.
- 3 sets with 4 questions each.
- Topics Covered:
- Bar Graph on App Subscription (4 Questions): Easy
- Line Graph on AC Room Temperature (5 Questions): Easy to Moderate
- Network of Roads and ATMs (4 Questions): Medium to Difficult
- Proteins and Carbohydrates in Food Items (5 Questions): Easy to Moderate
- Table-Based GDP Data of 10 Countries (4 Questions): Medium
Ideal Attempts for High Percentile:
- 9-10 questions with ~80% accuracy could fetch ~85th percentile.
- 12-13 questions with ~85% accuracy could fetch 95+ percentile.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
Total Questions: 22 (14 MCQs, 8 TITA)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Key Features:
- Dominant Topics:
- Arithmetic (8 Questions): Covered Time-Speed-Distance, Ratios, Percentages, Mixtures, and Profit & Loss. Straightforward and scoring.
- Algebra (7 Questions): Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, and Sequences. Moderate in difficulty.
- Geometry (3 Questions): Covered Circles, Quadrilaterals, and Spheres.
- Modern Math (3 Questions): Logarithms, Permutations, and Combinations.
- Numbers (1 Question): Focused on Remainders and Indices.
Ideal Attempts for High Percentile:
- 7-8 questions with ~80% accuracy could fetch ~85th percentile.
- 9-10 questions with ~85% accuracy could fetch 95+ percentile.
Percentile Predictions for CAT 2024 Slot 3
| Percentile |
VARC Score |
DILR Score |
QA Score |
Overall Score |
| 99.9 |
48 |
46 |
48 |
118-123 |
| 99.5 |
40 |
40 |
43 |
103-108 |
| 99 |
36 |
37 |
35 |
92-95 |
| 98 |
25 |
30 |
24 |
68-71 |
| 95 |
19 |
27 |
18 |
55-57 |
Disclaimer: Percentile predictions are based on initial analysis and may vary after official CAT response sheets are released.
Overall Analysis of CAT 2024 Slot 3
- VARC: Moderately difficult with predictable changes like the removal of Paragraph Jumbles. RC topics were manageable, and Verbal Ability questions required critical reasoning.
- DILR: Easier than Slot 3 of CAT 2023, with well-structured sets. Logical sets on ATMs and GDP data were slightly trickier but doable.
- QA: Comparatively the easiest section, dominated by Arithmetic and straightforward Algebra questions.
Nov. 24, 2024 | 8:35 PM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 3 vs Slot 2 vs Slot 1: Ideal Attempts By Career Launcher
| Section |
Ideal Score (Slot 3) |
|
| VARC |
42-44 |
Similar |
| DILR |
30-32 |
Comparable |
| QA |
30-32 |
Slightly easier |
| Overall |
90-92 |
Consistent |
Nov. 24, 2024 | 8:33 PM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 3 vs Slot 2 vs Slot 1: Difficulty Comparison By Career Launcher
| Section |
Difficulty Level Slot 3 |
Slot 2 |
Slot 1 |
| VARC |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| DILR |
Moderate-Difficult |
Moderate-Difficult |
Moderate |
| QA |
Easy |
Easy |
Easy |
Nov. 24, 2024 | 8:30 PM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 2 Detailed Analysis By Career Launcher:
CAT 2024 Slot 3 Detailed Analysis by Career Launcher: Section-Wise Breakdown
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Total Questions: 24
Breakdown:
- Reading Comprehension (16 Questions):
- Topics: Impact of AI, Languages, Chinese Moutai, Saving Outer Space
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Doable Attempts: 10-11 questions
- Passage Length: 450-500 words each
- Verbal Ability (8 Questions):
- Question Types: Para Summary (3), Para Completion (3), Odd Sentence Out (2)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Key Changes:
- RC passages were concise and straightforward, with topics that aligned well with the aspirants’ preparation.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Total Questions: 22
Structure:
- Sets:
- Nutrients in Food Grains (Table-Based Analysis)
- GDP Data (Table-Based Analysis)
- AC Temperature Trends (Line Graph)
- OTT Viewership (Bar Graph)
- ATM Network Analysis
- Non-MCQs: 10
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Doable Attempts: 10-11
Highlights:
The section required logical analysis and quick decision-making. Table-based sets on nutrients and GDP were relatively easier, while the line and bar graph sets were time-consuming but manageable. Prepared candidates found the section approachable but slightly more challenging compared to Slot 1.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
Total Questions: 22
Breakdown:
- Topics:
- Arithmetic (10-11 Questions): Covered TSD, Ratios, Percentages, and Averages. Straightforward and scoring.
- Algebra (5-6 Questions): Moderate, featuring Quadratic Equations, Sequences, Functions, and Inequalities.
- Geometry (3 Questions): Moderate, focusing on Circles, Triangles, and Polygons.
- Modern Math & Number Systems (2 Questions): Slightly challenging, covering Permutations and Combinations, Remainders, and Indices.
Difficulty: Easy
Doable Attempts: 13-15
Key Takeaway:
Arithmetic dominated the section, providing ample scoring opportunities, while Algebra and Geometry required a solid conceptual grasp. The section overall was easier compared to the previous year, making it a scoring area for well-prepared candidates.
Overall Slot 3 Analysis
CAT 2024 Slot 3 was
balanced and moderately challenging, with sections like QA providing scoring opportunities. DILR required time management, and VARC was straightforward for candidates with consistent RC practice. Slot 3 was easier than CAT 2023 and comparable to Slots 1 and 2 in difficulty.
Ideal Good Attempts: 30-35 questions
Estimated 99 Percentile Score: 90-92
Do check out the following:
- InsideIIM's CAT 2024 Percentile and Interview Shortlist Predictor
- OMETs Prep: Take SNAP Mock Tests Here and XAT DM Mock Tests Here!
- Start Your WAT-PI Preparation Early! Check Out InsideIIM's MBA Admissions Bootcamp - WAT-PI Edge S05!
Nov. 24, 2024 | 4:44 PM IST
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Total Questions: 24 (22 MCQs, 2 TITA)
- Breakdown:
- Reading Comprehension (16 Questions):
Topics included the Spice Trade, Unintended Consequences of Technology, Peer Review of Research, and Carnivore-Human Conflict.
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium.
- Doable: 11–12 questions with high accuracy.
- Verbal Ability (8 Questions):
- 3 Paragraph Completion (MCQ)
- 3 Summary (MCQ)
- 2 Odd Sentence (TITA)
- Difficulty: Medium.
- Key Observations:
- RC passages were concise but nuanced, demanding focused reading.
- No Grammar or Vocabulary questions were included.
- High accuracy in 12–13 attempts can secure a 95+ percentile.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Total Questions: 22 (12 MCQs, 10 TITA)
- Breakdown:
- 5 Sets:
- 2 Sets with 5 Questions Each:
- Rating Gymnasts (Easy-Medium)
- Numbers arranged in 10 slots with conditions (Medium-Difficult).
- 3 Sets with 4 Questions Each:
- Schematic Walkway Diagram (Medium).
- PAT, PRD, and Profit graphs (Easy).
- E-commerce Ratings (Easy).
- Key Observations:
- The section was significantly easier compared to CAT 2023.
- Logical reasoning sets were more structured, offering clarity for solution-oriented approaches.
- 13–14 good attempts with 85% accuracy can secure a 95+ percentile.
Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Total Questions: 22 (14 MCQs, 8 TITA)
- Breakdown:
- Arithmetic (8 Questions):
Topics included Time & Work, Ratios, Mixtures, Profit & Loss, and Time-Speed-Distance.
- Algebra (5 Questions):
Covered Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, and Modulus Functions.
- Geometry (3 Questions):
Focused on circles, triangles in trapeziums, and coordinate geometry.
- Modern Math (3 Questions):
Covered Logarithms and Sequences.
- Numbers (3 Questions):
Included questions on remainders and indices.
- Key Observations:
- Arithmetic questions offered straightforward scoring opportunities.
- Algebra requires conceptual understanding and time efficiency.
- 8–9 good attempts with 80% accuracy can secure a 95+ percentile.
Final Takeaways By IMS
CAT 2024 Slot 2 showcased moderate difficulty, with changes in VARC and DILR patterns and a balanced QA section. Candidates who prioritized structured attempts and efficient time management could capitalize on scoring opportunities. Stay tuned for updates after the release of CAT 2024 response sheets. Good luck to all aspirants!
| Percentile |
VARC Score |
DILR Score |
QA Score |
Overall Score |
| 99.9 |
50 |
46 |
46 |
118–123 |
| 99.5 |
42 |
40 |
41 |
103–108 |
| 99 |
38 |
37 |
33 |
92–95 |
| 98 |
28 |
30 |
22 |
69–72 |
| 95 |
23 |
27 |
16 |
57–59 |
| 90 |
20 |
21 |
13 |
47–49 |
Note: These estimates may change after the release of CAT 2024 response sheets.
Nov. 24, 2024 | 4:40 PM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 2 vs Slot 1: Difficulty Comparison By Career Launcher
| Section |
Slot 2 Difficulty |
Slot 1 Difficulty |
Ideal Score (Slot 2) |
|
| VARC |
Easy-Moderate |
Easy |
42-44 |
40-42 |
| DILR |
Easy-Moderate |
Easy-Moderate |
33-35 |
32-34 |
| QA |
Moderate |
Moderate |
28-30 |
32-34 |
| Total |
Moderate |
Easy-Moderate |
90-92 |
92-94 |
Nov. 24, 2024 | 4:35 PM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 2 Detailed Analysis By Career Launcher:
| Sections |
No. of Questions |
MCQs |
TITA |
Difficulty Level |
Good Attempts |
| VARC |
24 |
22 |
2 |
Moderate |
10-12 |
| DILR |
22 |
12 |
10 |
Easy-Moderate |
10-11 |
| QA |
22 |
14 |
8 |
Moderate |
11-12 |
| Total |
68 |
48 |
20 |
Moderate |
30-35 |
CAT 2024 Slot 2 Detailed Analysis By Career Launcher: Section-Wise Breakdown
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Total Questions: 24
Breakdown:
- Reading Comprehension (16 Questions):
- Topics: Spices Trade, Peer Review, Externalities, Carnivore-Human Conflict
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Doable: 10-11 questions
- Passage Length: 450-500 words each
- Verbal Ability (8 Questions):
- Question Types: Para Summary (3), Para Completion (3), Odd Sentence (2)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Key Changes:
- Para Jumbles were replaced with Para Completion questions, simplifying the section.
- RC passages were concise and structured, with easy-to-follow narratives.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Total Questions: 22
Structure:
- Sets:
- Bar Graph (Frequency Distribution)
- Two Scatter Plots (PAT/ES Analysis)
- Grid-Based Number Arrangement
- Roots and Network (Maxima-Minima)
- Data Arrangement (Students and Coaches Ratings)
- Non-MCQs: 10
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Doable Attempts: 10-11
Highlights:
This section was easier compared to CAT 2023, with well-structured sets and less time-intensive questions. Logical arrangements and bar graphs dominated the section, making it predictable for prepared candidates.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
Total Questions: 22
Breakdown:
- Topics:
- Arithmetic (10-11 Questions): Questions on TSD, Ratios, Averages, and Percentages were straightforward.
- Algebra (5-6 Questions): Moderate, covering Quadratic Equations, Sequences, and Inequalities.
- Geometry (3 Questions): Moderate, focusing on Coordinate Geometry, Circles, and Trapeziums.
- Modern Math & Number Systems (3 Questions): Slightly challenging with questions on Permutations and Combinations, Indices, and Remainders.
Difficulty: Moderate
Doable Attempts: 10-12
Key Takeaway:
Arithmetic provided a much-needed scoring opportunity, while Algebra and Modern Math required stronger conceptual understanding.
Overall Slot 2 Analysis
CAT 2024 Slot 2 offered a balanced paper, slightly easier than CAT 2023 but on par with Slot 1. Candidates with a stronghold in Arithmetic, RCs, and well-practiced DILR sets could attempt a higher number of questions confidently. With proper time management and strategy, good attempts across sections could range from
30 to 35, ensuring competitive scores.
Nov. 24, 2024 | 2:45 PM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 2 First Impressions From The Community:
The VARC section was moderate to difficult. In the DILR section, the set selection was the key. Test takers found the section moderate to difficult. Some said that with speed, 3 sets were doable. Most said 2 sets were easy. In the QA section, there were around 9 sitters in the QA section - easy but time-consuming questions! Others found the QA section very difficulty, with a majority being able to solve between 3 to 6 questions only. As compared to CAT 2023, some CAT repeaters found Slot 2 of CAT 2024 easier.
Stay tuned for the detailed analysis in some time!
Do check out the following:
- InsideIIM's CAT 2024 Percentile and Interview Shortlist Predictor
- OMETs Prep: Take SNAP Mock Tests Here and XAT DM Mock Tests Here!
- Start Your WAT-PI Preparation Early! Check Out InsideIIM's MBA Admissions Bootcamp - WAT-PI Edge S05!
Nov. 24, 2024 | 1:45 PM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 1 Detailed Analysis By Career Launcher:
Career Launcher is live with the
comprehensive Slot 1 analysis – breaking down the paper pattern, difficulty level, ideal attempts, and more.
CAT 2024 Slot 1 By Career Launcher: Section-Wise Analysis
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Total Questions: 24
- Breakdown:
- 16 RC Questions:
- Topics: Utility & Human Economics, Netflix and Entertainment, Australian Spices, Craftsmanship.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Doable: 14-16.
- Verbal Ability (8 Questions):
- Para Summary (3), Para Completion (3), Odd Sentence (2).
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Key Changes:
- Replacement of Para Jumbles with Para Completion.
- RC passages were concise (400-450 words), with an easy-to-follow narrative.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Total Questions: 22
- Structure:
- 5 Sets:
- Topics: Candlestick-Shares, Games & Tournaments, Blogger-based Bar Graph, Set Theory-based Bar Graph, Percentage Caselet.
- Non-MCQs: 10.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Doable Attempts: 10-11.
- Highlights: Easier compared to CAT 2023, with well-structured sets making it less time-intensive.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Total Questions: 22
- Breakdown:
- Topics:
- Arithmetic (10-11): Dominated the section with easy questions on TSD, Ratios, Averages.
- Algebra (5-6): Moderate, involving Equations, Logarithms, and Sequences.
- Geometry (3): Moderate.
- Modern Math & Number Systems (3): Challenging.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
- Doable Attempts: 10.
- Key Takeaway: While Arithmetic provided relief, Algebra and Modern Math presented significant challenges.
Ideal Attempts & Score
Based on the difficulty level, here’s what qualifies as a
good attempt in CAT 2024 Slot 1:
| Section |
Ideal Attempts |
Expected Score |
| VARC |
14-16 |
40+ |
| DILR |
10-11 |
32+ |
| QA |
10 |
35+ |
| Overall |
35+ |
90+ |
Comparison With CAT 2023
CAT 2024 introduced slight modifications in paper structure, particularly in
VARC and
DILR. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Section |
Difficulty (CAT 2024) |
|
| VARC |
Easy |
Moderate |
| DILR |
Easy to Moderate |
|
| QA |
Moderate to Difficult |
Difficult |
Nov. 24, 2024 | 1:30 PM IST
1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Total Questions: 24 (20 MCQs, 4 TITA)
- Breakdown:
- Reading Comprehension (16 Questions):
- Topics: Digital Rights of Content, Craftsmanship & Creativity, Revival of Bandicoots, Critique of Behavioral Economics.
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium.
- Doable: 12-13 with high accuracy.
- Verbal Ability (8 Questions):
- 3 Paragraph Completion, 3 Summary, 2 Odd Sentence (TITA).
- Difficulty: Medium.
- Key Observations:
- RC passages were concise yet nuanced, requiring careful reading.
- Grammar and vocabulary questions were absent, as expected.
- High accuracy in 12-13 attempts can secure 95+ percentile.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Total Questions: 22 (12 MCQs, 8 TITA)
- Breakdown:
- 5 Sets:
- 2 Sets with 5 Questions Each: Stock Prices (Easy), Election Analysis (Medium-Difficult).
- 3 Sets with 4 Questions Each: Tournament, Bar Graph (Medium), Web Surfers (Easy-Medium).
- Key Observations:
- The section was significantly easier than CAT 2023.
- Focus on structured logical reasoning and moderately challenging data interpretation.
- 10-11 good attempts with 80% accuracy can secure 85+ percentile.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Total Questions: 22 (14 MCQs, 8 TITA)
- Breakdown:
- Arithmetic (8 Questions): Topics like Time & Work, Ratios, Mixtures, Profit & Loss dominated.
- Algebra (7 Questions): Quadratics, Inequalities, and Functions were prominent.
- Geometry (3 Questions): Involved shapes like spheres and cuboids.
- Modern Math (3 Questions): Focused on Logarithms and Sequences.
- Numbers (1 Question).
- Key Observations:
- Arithmetic questions were straightforward, offering easy scoring opportunities.
- Algebra requires conceptual clarity and time management.
- 9-10 good attempts with 85% accuracy can secure 95+ percentile.
Final Takeaway
CAT 2024 Slot 1 reflected a mix of
moderate difficulty and
structural adjustments. With changes in
VARC and DILR patterns and a balanced QA section, candidates with strong time management and strategic question selection could score well.
| Percentile |
VARC Score |
DILR Score |
QA Score |
Overall Score |
| 99.9 %ile |
48 |
36 |
40 |
102 |
| 99.5 %ile |
44 |
32 |
30 |
89 |
| 99 %ile |
40 |
28 |
27 |
80 |
| 98 %ile |
36 |
25 |
23 |
71 |
| 95 %ile |
30 |
19 |
18 |
57 |
| 90 %ile |
25 |
16 |
15 |
49 |
| 85 %ile |
21 |
13 |
12 |
40 |
Note: These estimates may change after the release of CAT 2024 response sheets.
Nov. 24, 2024 | 11:10 AM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 1 First Impressions From The Community:
The first impressions for CAT 2024 Slot 1 are out now! According to our community members, the difficulty level was moderate to high. Many found the Quantitative Aptitude section difficult, while some felt the Verbal Aptitude section to be the easiest of the three sections. Three test-takers who took both CAT 2023 Slot 1 and CAT 2024 Slot 1 said that overall, CAT 2024 Slot 1 was more difficult than CAT 2023 Slot 1.
Nov. 24, 2024 | 10:45 AM IST
As many of us saw in the mock test on the IIMCAT website, there were 2 additional questions in the DILR section this year. Check the overall question distribution and the CAT 2024 exam pattern below:
| Section |
MCQs |
TITA |
Total Questions |
Total Marks |
|
| VARC |
22 |
2 |
24 |
72 |
40 minutes |
| DILR |
12 |
10 |
22 |
66 |
40 minutes |
| QA |
14 |
8 |
22 |
66 |
40 minutes |
| Total |
48 |
20 |
68 |
204 |
120 minutes |
Nov. 24, 2024 | 10:00 AM IST
CAT 2024 Slot 1 will conclude at 10:30 AM IST. In CAT Day 2024 Live by InsideIIM, we will bring to you all the analysis of CAT 2024, and have detailed analysis sessions with CAT experts at Point99, and Career Launcher!
Stay tuned! We suggest you bookmark this page and keep visiting this page since we will be pushing updates throughout the day.
Do check out the following:
- InsideIIM's CAT 2024 Percentile and Interview Shortlist Predictor
- OMETs Prep: Take SNAP Mock Tests Here and XAT DM Mock Tests Here!
- Start Your WAT-PI Preparation Early! Check Out InsideIIM's MBA Admissions Bootcamp - WAT-PI Edge S05!