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Prachi Bhatia
Updated on 05th September, 2024 , 11 min read
Is CAT Exam Tough: Exam Difficulty Level, Preparation Tips, & Pattern
The CAT Exam is one of India's most popular and difficult tests. It is held annually to help applicants get into prestigious Indian B-schools. Cracking the CAT 2024 is not an easy task. It entails a great deal of planning and qualifying techniques. the main question now is - Is the CAT exam really tough? or is it just a myth?
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The CAT Exam is recognized to have a moderate difficulty level; nonetheless, it is dependent on each candidate's preparation level. It is a national-level test, and the number of individuals applying and appearing for CAT is on the higher end of the range.
IIMs administer the Common Admission Test, or CAT, for admission to various management degrees. Passing the CAT test guarantees admission to top business institutions and management courses.
With the right planning and knowledge-based skills, applicants may succeed. Therefore, if you're asking "Is the CAT exam tough?" To gain an answer, let us first comprehend the CAT exam pattern, mark distribution, and qualifying criteria.
Is CAT Tough? Different Versions
You may find different versions whether CAT is difficult or easy from those who have cracked CAT with their right preparation strategy and from those who could not score well in it. Below is a list of different set of candidates who cracked the exam and also those who could not.
- Engineers who cracked CAT: While preparing for the CAT exam, most of the candidates from the Engineering background found the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section in CAT more difficult than DILR and Quant. They overcame their weakness by devoting more time to VARC and cracking CAT
- Arts Students who cracked CAT: These CAT takers found the Quant and DI sections more difficult but found VARC their strong domain. Devoting more time to clear their concepts and more practice, they scored well in these sections in the CAT exam
- Commerce Graduates: For these students, VARC, and DILR posed more problems. They referred to books by Arun Sharma, got clarity on basics, and read specific articles and editorials in newspapers for VARC, while for DILR they did more and more practice on variety of questions. This resulted in scoring high in both these sections
- Science Graduates: Again, VARC was found a more difficult. But with determination and practice and by taking 30-40 Mocks, the weakness was won. These CAT takers not only cleared cut-offs but many of them also scored more in VARC than in the other two sections.
Learn How Difficult is CAT
When an aspirant considers taking the CAT exam, the most popular concern is how difficult is the CAT exam. To answer the question, we would say yes. The CAT exam is surely not a cakewalk and requires hard work and dedication to crack the exam. The simple reason behind this is, that IIMs are not looking for students to be good in English. They look for students who have logical and creative thinking abilities, can communicate well, and can find the right approach to solve a problem. This makes the level of the exam seemingly difficult because the areas of assessment are deeper than it is portrayed.
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CAT Exam Section Overview
The below table presents a brief of the CAT exam pattern and the required skills for each section.
Section | Verbal Ability (VA) | Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR) | Quantitative Ability (Quant) |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Challenging | Moderate to Challenging | Moderate |
Trends | Increasing difficulty, especially for engineers | Questions becoming difficult for most candidates | Combination of difficulty levels, comfortable for engineers |
Characteristics | – | Lengthy, time-consuming, and complex questions | – |
Recommended Skills | – | Puzzles solving, above-average logical reasoning ability | – |
Preparation Tips | Read high-quality books regularly | Practice solving various puzzles and issues | Focus on strategy and planning for effective problem-solving |
Develop a strong understanding of word and grammatical origins | Focus on understanding fundamental question types | Start with basics and progress to more difficult tasks | |
Focus on building a solid foundation to excel in this section | Develop a quick and positive mindset for efficient problem-solving | Practice consistently to improve both concepts and speed | |
General Advice | Consistent practice is key | Mastering the basics is crucial before tackling more challenging problems | Strategize and plan your approach, especially in sections where you face difficulties |
Even a slight improvement in marks can significantly impact your sectional percentile |
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The CAT Exam Pattern provided here will give you a general concept of how the question paper is structured and how many questions are asked in the exam. Examine these specifics and plan accordingly. The information provided below will be updated whenever the official statement changes.
CAT Exam Pattern
To understand the difficulty level of the CAT exam, candidates must first understand the CAT exam pattern. The CAT exam pattern includes the marking scheme, total number of questions, exam duration and more. Check the CAT exam pattern below.
Particulars | CAT Pattern 2024 and Syllabus |
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
Name of the Section |
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Section-wise CAT exam duration |
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CAT slot timings |
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How many questions in CAT exam | 66 Questions |
CAT total marks | 198 marks |
Mode of the CAT 2024 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme |
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Know More About CAT Exam Pattern
Sectional Analysis of the CAT Exam
Check a brief of the CAT Sectional Analysis presented below for a reference to know a little more about the CAT difficulty.
Sections | Total No. of questions | MCQs (With negative marking) | Non-MCQs (Without negative marking) | Total Maximum Marks |
VARC | 34 | 24 to 27 | 7 to 10 | 102 |
DILR | 32 | 24 | 8 | 96 |
QA | 34 | 23 to 27 | 7 to 11 | 102 |
1. Verbal Ability
The VARC segment is moderate to challenging. The difficulty level of the verbal component has risen over time, making it more difficult for anyone, particularly engineers, to achieve high scores. In comparison to other exams like GMAT and XAT, the difficulty level stays slightly lower.
One can easily earn a respectable percentage in the VA portion if one reads high-quality books often and has a solid understanding of basic word and grammatical origins. This is the most difficult portion to break cat since you may easily score high. For preparation of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section, check the links given below:
Preparation Tips for Verbal Ability Section for CAT
Preparation Tips for Reading Comprehension Section for CAT
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
This segment is moderate to challenging. DI and LR questions are becoming difficult for practically everyone. The questions are typically lengthy, time-consuming, and complex. You must be careful not to spend too much time on one question. This part is suitable for someone who enjoys puzzles and has above-average ability. To address the challenges, you must be quick and have a positive mindset. The greatest approach to improving your DILR score is to solve various puzzles and issues. A DILR question can have an n-number of permutation options, but if you are familiar with the fundamental types of questions, it will genuinely aid you on the main day of the test. For the preparation of the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section, check the links given below:
Preparation Tips for Data Interpretation Section for CAT
Preparation Tips for Logical Reasoning Section for CAT
3. Quantitative Ability
This section has a moderate difficulty level. The questions in Quant are tough to describe because they are frequently a combination of all three difficulty levels yet average out to moderate difficulty. Engineers dominate this division because they are more at ease with numbers. Non-engineers have a difficult time cracking Quants, but it is not impossible. There are higher and intermediate level questions, but if you can pick the simple ones first, you can maximize your score. Strategy and planning are essential for people who struggle with math.
Overall, every student should receive consistent question practice. This will not only increase the concepts, but also the pace with which you tackle this portion. It's usually a good idea to start with the basics and work your way up to more difficult tasks. Practice as much as possible because a slight difference in marks in this area has a large impact on your sectional percentile.
Preparation of Qualitative Ability Section for CAT
Know More About: CAT Syllabus
Success rate for CAT for different categories of Candidates
The chances of passing the Common Admission Test (CAT) can vary for different groups of candidates. It depends on the cutoff scores set by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools.
- For general category students, the cutoff scores for admission to IIMs and other top business schools are typically high, around 95-100 percentile.
- Success rates for candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) may be higher, as the cutoff scores for these groups are usually not as high as those for general category students.
Category | Cutoff Percentile Range | Success Rate |
General | 95-100 | Lower |
Scheduled Castes (SC) | Lower than General | High |
Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Lower than General | High |
Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Lower than General | High |
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Lower than General | High |
CAT Syllabus - An Overview
The below table presents a brief analysis and overview of the topics that are covered in the CAT exam syllabus. This will help in analysing how difficult is the CAT exam.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
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The Common Admission Test is a computer-based admission test that assesses candidates' abilities in multiple components necessary to pass the exam. Although the CAT Exam Pattern has undergone multiple revisions over the past four years, the fundamental format has not changed.
CAT Marks Distribution
Understanding the distribution of scores is another important aspect of preparing for the CAT exam. Distribution of scores for each section of the CAT exam is shown in the table below
Section as per CAT Exam Pattern | Total Questions | Allotted Time | Allotted Time for PwD Students |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 Minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Total | 66 | 120 Minutes | 160 minutes |
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
For students applying at various levels, the qualifying requirements change.
The minimum qualification is a bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% in aggregate from a recognized university.
- Candidates in their final year are also allowed to apply for the exam.
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts each student has.
Know More About - CAT Eligibility Criteria
A brief description of the eligibility criteria is given below.
Academic | Degree | Final Year Students | Work Experience |
Bachelor's Degree | Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology | Candidates will be admitted only if they graduate securing at least 50% marks | Firstly, it is not mandatory to hold work experience |
50% marks in aggregate for General Category | Degree equivalent to bachelor's degree in Engineering & Technology of Professional Societies | Must show an original certificate in case of qualifying the examination | It contributes to some weightage by the IIMs |
45% marks in aggregate for Reserved Categories | Bachelor's degree recognized by Association of Indian Universities | Must submit the photocopy of original certificates when asked | It does not contribute to selection until the final stage of selection |
CAT 2024 Exam Difficulty
Now that you are familiar with the CAT's fundamental format and subject matter, let's discuss how difficult the test actually is. The difficulty levels of the CAT exam is increased by a few factors. Candidates who can overcome these barriers will pass the CAT exam.
Factors Contributing to the Difficulty Level of the CAT exam
Level of Questions - The CAT test has been increasingly difficult over the years. CAT is often applied by the students who have recently completed their bachelor's degree or are in the last year of their bachelor's degree. As a result, individuals have a difficult time adapting to the study strategies and procedures for passing the exam. However, we have already discussed the full breakdown of marks and the syllabus. Candidates are recommended to adhere to the same and study for the CAT test.
Confusion over Questions - There is a persistent air of doubt surrounding questions. The sections and question format stay the same, however the length of the questions fluctuates. For example, the VARC is lengthy, but the QA is quite short.
Time Limitation: Another reason that makes the CAT exam difficult is the time constraint. In 180 minutes, you must answer all the 100 questions. The comprehension and math sections both take a long time. As a result, completing the full paper in a restricted amount of time becomes quite important.
Complicated Syllabus: Complicated syllabus patterns are another problem. The curriculum includes a wide range of topics. To sit for the exam, a candidate must understand the fundamentals of each topic. Each section demands focused attention and devotion.
Pressure: The CAT test may provide professional prospects. As a result, lakhs of people take the test each year, and attaining a perfect score or simply passing the exam is not easy. The true issue is living up to your own expectations. You should have a good idea of how difficult the CAT exam is by now.
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Tips on How to Prepare for the CAT Exam
- Examine the questions: Candidates should concentrate on choosing the best strategy for presenting the provided information to respond to the question. Candidates must not make any assumptions about the questions. As a result, you should concentrate on answering the question based on the available information.
- Direct your Syllabus: Candidates should thoroughly research the topic because the majority of the logical reasoning questions will be about arrangements.
- Learn about priority-based clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, priority-based clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, and cardinality laws.
- Examine the Difficulty level: The applicant must recognize the easiest collection of questions and the hardest set of questions within the first few minutes after getting the section. The candidate will save time and increase the accuracy of their attempts if they set aside these few minutes to attempt simpler questions first. As a result, when practicing, you must use this technique to swiftly determine the question order.
- Speed and accuracy: Candidates must work swiftly during this section while also answering the questions quickly. Therefore, the candidate should concentrate on continuously increasing their speed and accuracy while practicing. Setting timers for practice sets and gradually reducing the time will help you achieve this.
Check in detail: CAT Preparation Tips
CAT Exam Pattern Vs Other Exams: Check Difficulty Level
CAT Question Paper consists of three sections whereas other MBA exams like XAT, CMAT, and erstwhile IIFT have 4-5 sections and have different type of questions. Once you go through the CAT paper pattern, you may not think that CAT is very tough. Below presented is a comparison of the CAT and other exam, exam patterns to understand what
Component | IIM- CAT 2023 | XLRI – XAT 2024 | CMAT 2024 | NMAT Exam Pattern 2024 |
Total Questions | 66 | 101 | 100 | 108 |
Overall time limit to attempt the exam | 2 hours | 3 hours 10 Minutes | 3 Hours | 2 hours |
Type of questions | 48 questions are MCQs, rest 18 Non-MCQs | MCQs + Essay Writing Test | MCQs | All MCQs |
Answer options for MCQs | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Marks awarded for each correct answer | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Negative marking | MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs | 75 MCQs with 1/4 negative marking; No negative marking for 25 MCQs on GK and Essay Writing Test | -1 | No negative marking |
Exam difficulty level | Moderate to high | High | Moderate to high | Moderate |
Number of sections | 3 | 3 (Main sections) | 5 | 3 |
Name of section-1 with number of questions | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension- 24 | English Language & Logical Reasoning- 26 | Language Comprehension-20 | Language Skills-36 |
Name of Section-2 with number of questions | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning -20 | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation- 28 | Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation-20 | Logical Reasoning-36 |
Name of Section-3 with number of questions | Quantitative Ability-22 | Decision Making-21 | Logical Reasoning-20 | Quantitative Skills-36 |
Name of Section-4 with number of questions | NA | General Awareness-25 | General Awareness-20 | NA |
Name of Section-5 with number of questions | NA | Essay Writing-1 Descriptive | Innovation & Entrepreneurship-20 | NA |
Facility to choose order of sections | No, has to follow pre specified sectional order | Yes | Yes | Yes, but once chosen has to follow |
Individual Sectional time limit | Each section with 40 minutes time limit | No | No | Yes, varying time limit of 28 minutes to 52 minutes |
Top MBA colleges accepting exam score | 20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IITs, XIMB | XLRI, MICA, IMT, IMI, FORE, TAPMI, XIMB | JBIMS, SIMSREE, BIMTECH, IFMR GSB and 600 others | NMIMS, VIT, XIMB |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many attempts are there for CAT?
There is no limit for attempting CAT.
How to prepare for CAT without coaching?
To prepsre for the CAT exam without coaching, prepare a self-study schedule covering topics for each day and devote 6-8 hours on a daily basis. Practicing sample papers and mock tests can be extremely beneficial in the self-preparation strategy.
Is CAT Exam very difficult?
As one of the most well-known and sought-after MBA entrance exams, the CAT Exam is somewhat difficult. The Quantitative Aptitude part is regarded as the most difficult of all. While Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning rank second and third, respectively.
I am in third year of graduation. Can I apply for CAT Exam?
Depends. If your third year is your final year of graduation, you are qualified to apply for the test. Final-year students are entitled to take the cat test, according to the qualifying conditions.
What is CAT 2024 Exam Date?
The CAT 2024 Exam Date is 24 November 2024. IIM Calcutta has released a notification declaring the exam dates of CAT Exam 2024.
How hard is the CAT exam?
CAT exam is considered a pretty challenging exam and is considered as one of the toughest MBA exams in India. It is designed to test the comprehension, logical, and quantitative skills of the test-takers. It is not easy to score high percentile in CAT, but it can be achieved through dedicated and well-structured preparation.
Is CAT difficult for average students?
Considering an Average student, the CAT exam is not difficult, but can be a moderately difficult exam. A well organized study schedule and a dedicated preparation strategy, it is possible to crack the exam and get into a good college if not the top IIMs.
Which subject is tough in CAT?
In the CAT exam, the Verbal Ability section is considered to be quiet challenging. The questions in this section are not very direct and require an aptitude to understand even the easiest of questions. The questions here are challenging, time-consuming, and tricky.
What is the CAT cut off for IIM?
CAT cut offs for top IIMs usually range from 98 to 100 percentile for General category students. For reserved category students the IIM cut offs are slightly lower around 95 to 98 percentile.