CAT Exam Pattern 2024- Check Marking Scheme, Sectional Time Limit

Marking scheme: 3 marks for right answer; minus 1 mark for each wrong answer. No negative marking for non-MCQ questions.

There is sectional time limit for each section in the CAT exam. The question and marks distribution along with the sectional time limit is given in the following table.

CAT Exam Pattern 2024: New Changes

The CAT paper pattern has gone several changes over the years. The CAT exam pattern new changes is provided below.

CAT Pattern 2024 Section-wise

The purpose of the CAT exam pattern is to evaluate a candidate’s speed and accuracy in solving mathematics and reasoning tasks. Using logical reasoning and mathematical aptitude is the main focus of the test. Applicants should acquaint themselves with the most recent CAT exam pattern if they intend to take the exam in 2024. They will benefit from having a better understanding of the CAT question paper format and marking system.

• CAT VARC section will have 24 questions and a weightage of 72 marks
• CAT DILR section will have 20 questions and a weightage of 60 marks 
• CAT Quantitative Aptitude section will have 22 questions and a weightage of 66 marks

CAT Question Paper Pattern Over the Years

Over the years, the format of the CAT exam has undergone numerous modifications. A decade ago, QA and DI were combined. Later on, it was combined with LR, while QA was separated into its own area. It was a three-hour test administered in two shifts till 2019. It is being conducted for two hours in three shifts starting in 2020. Throughout time, fewer questions have also been asked. The table that follows shows how the CAT exam format has changed since 2014:

CAT Marking Scheme

MCQ-based CAT questions are assigned a negative grade. As a result, it is crucial for candidates to evaluate exam questions appropriately. This means that when selecting questions, they have to consider the CAT grading scheme. It will assist students in maximizing their output in order to achieve higher grades. Check out the important details about the CAT marking scheme 2024 below:

• The CAT Exam total score will be 198.
• There will be three marks assigned to each question.
• For each incorrect response, a negative mark of -1 will be applied.
• It is not required to answer every question.
• There won’t be a mark deduction for leaving questions.
• There may be non-MCQ questions in the QA section.
• Non-MCQ questions won’t account for negative marking.

The CAT marking scheme is summed up in the following table. Try to answer about two thirds of the questions in each part in the exam to get a respectable overall score.

CAT Examination Time Duration

The CAT exam has a time limit each segment. which implies that test takers will need to finish the exam within the allotted time frame and in the predetermined order. They won’t have the option to jump around or select which portion to start with. The CAT question paper must be answered chronologically by them. The sections will be ordered as follows:

Section 1: Reading comprehension and verbal ability
Section 2: Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude