Indian Institute of Management Indore is all set to conduct the CAT 2020 exam. Last year, IIM Kozhikode conducted the CAT exam and almost 2.50 lakh candidates appeared for the paper.
Lastly, in 2013, and in 2014 IIM Indore had conducted the CAT exam. Since, then the CAT exam had undergone a lot of changes, such as the introduction of on-screen calculator, TITA questions, sectional timing etc.
While there are a lot of speculations around the exam, it is difficult to predict since the exam has an element of surprise awaiting its test-takers every year. However, to put things in perspective, let us look at the detailed analysis of the examination conducted by IIM Indore in 2013 and 2014.
Also Read: IIM Indore To Conduct CAT 2020 - So Which Section Will Be The Toughest This Year?
CAT 2013
| Number of days |
Sections |
Time Limit |
Exam Mode |
Marking Scheme |
| 7 days |
2 sections |
140 minutes |
Computer Based Test |
Correct: +7.5
Incorrect: -2.5 |
In 2013, there were 2 sections in the CAT exam, namely:
(i) Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
(ii) Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude
Each section had 30 questions each, thus, the total number of questions in the exam was 60. The marking scheme as mentioned was +7.5 for every correct answer and -2.5 for every wrong answer, which totalled up to 450 marks.
The VA LR section was divided into 3 parts: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning. There were 3 passages in Reading Comprehension. Verbal Ability consisted of a mix of 12-14 questions on sentence correction, fill in the blanks, para completion and word usage. There were 7-8 questions in Logical Reasoning and they were based on seating arrangement, cubes, and other puzzles. The difficulty level of the exam varied on different days. However, in general, the section was a mix of moderate to difficult questions.
If we break down the DI QA section, Data Interpretation consisted of 8-10 questions on pie charts, line graphs, tables etc. whereas, Quantitative Aptitude had 20-24 questions on number system, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry etc.
Also Read: 'Will CAT 2020 Be Cancelled?', And 9 Other Questions About CAT 2020 Answered By CAT Expert
CAT 2014
| Number of days |
Sections |
Time Limit |
Exam Mode |
Marking Scheme |
| 2 days |
2 sections |
170 minutes |
Computer Based Test |
Correct: +3
Incorrect: -1 |
In 2014, IIM Indore changed the CAT pattern completely. While, the number of sections remained the same, following changes were made:
(i) The number of questions was increased to 100 from 50, which were equally divided among the two sections
(ii) The new marking scheme was +3 for correct and -1 for an incorrect answer, thus total marks went down to 300 marks
The Reading Comprehension consisted of 4 passages, which were easy to moderate but lengthy. Each passage was accompanied by 4 questions, so in total there were 16 questions from RC divided as 16 (4+4+4+4). Verbal Ability consisted of 18 questions consisting of para jumble, critical reasoning, sentence completion etc. Whereas, Logical Reasoning consisted of 16 questions consisting of arrangements, Venn diagram, distribution based puzzle etc. Overall, the section was moderate to difficult.
Data Interpretation consisted of 4 sets of 4 questions each (4*4=16 questions). The questions were a mix of bar graph, pie charts, table-based questions. Quantitative Ability had 34 questions on an easy to a moderate level, which were based on Number System, Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra etc.
Concluding Thoughts
The purpose of the analysis was to do some groundwork on how the exam has evolved over the years. CAT is an unpredictable exam, and it is very difficult to make judgements based on past years' paper. It is best not to build your strategy based on any prediction as it could lead to performance pressure, and actually hamper your performance.
In the past 6 years, the CAT exam has turned around. Humans have a tendency to extrapolate information, however, the best thing to do is not to put too much time or effort in working backwards. Appear for the exam with an open mind.
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