CAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2023

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Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT), a gateway to India’s most prestigious business schools, remains a pivotal examination for aspirants seeking an illustrious career in management. Understanding its intricate pattern and extensive syllabus is crucial for those aiming to crack this highly competitive test.

CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT exam comprises three fundamental sections:

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

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Exam Structure:

Time Duration: The total duration of the CAT exam is 2 hours (120 minutes).
Section-wise Time Allocation: Each section—VARC, DILR, and QA—has a time limit of 40 minutes. However, for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), an additional 13 minutes 20 seconds per section is allotted, extending the time to 53 minutes 20 seconds.
Exam Timings: The CAT exam is conducted in multiple slots: 8:30 am – 10:30 am (Morning Session), 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session), and 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm (Evening Session).
Number of Questions: There are 66 questions across the sections.
Total Marks: The CAT exam carries a weightage of 198 marks.
Exam Mode: Conducted in Computer-Based Mode (CBT).
Marking Scheme: For every correct answer, candidates receive +3 marks. In multiple-choice questions (MCQs), a penalty of -1 is applied for each incorrect response. However, there are no negative marks for Non-MCQs.

Particulars	Details
CAT exam time duration	2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Name of the Section	1.) Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) 2.) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) 3.) Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Section-wise CAT exam duration	40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA). 53 Minutes for 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section.
CAT exam timings	Slot 1: 8:30 am – 10:30 am (Morning Session) Slot 2: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session) Slot 3: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm (Evening Session)
How many questions in CAT exam	66 Questions
CAT exam total marks	198 marks
Mode of the CAT 2023 exam	Computer-Based Mode (CBT)
CAT Marking Scheme	40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA).53 Minutes for 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section.

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CAT Syllabus Overview

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Verbal Ability English Usage or Grammar Close Passage Synonyms and Antonyms Facts-inferences-judgments Jumbled Paragraph Reading Comprehension Verbal Reasoning
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Caselets Blood Relations Calendars Bar Graphs Column Graphs Tables Cubes Clocks Binary Logic Line Charts Combination of two or more types linked to each other Syllogism Venn Diagrams Pie Chart Number and Letter Series Seating Arrangement
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	Algebra Higher Maths Geometry Trigonometry Mensuration Arithmetic

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Cracking the CAT: Tips for Success

Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, time allocation, and marking scheme.
Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to adapt to the exam format.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on weaker sections while honing your strengths.
Time Management: Efficiently manage time during the exam to attempt maximum questions accurately.
Improve Speed and Accuracy: Enhance your calculation speed and accuracy in problem-solving.
Seek Guidance: Consider coaching or guidance from experts for strategic preparation.

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Previous Year Exam Pattern with Level of Difficulty

Year	Number of Question	Difficulty Level	CAT exam time duration	Conducting Body
2023	–	–	2 hours	IIM Lucknow
2022	66	Moderate	2 hours	IIM Bangalore
2021	66	Moderate to High	2 hours	IIM Ahmedabad
2020	76	Moderate to High	2 hours	IIM Indore
2019	100	Moderate to High	3 hours	IIM Kozhikode
2018	100	Moderate to High	3 hours	IIM Calcutta
2017	100	Moderate	3 hours	IIM Lucknow
2016	100	Moderate to difficult	3 hours	IIM Bangalore
2015	100	Moderate to difficult	3 hours	IIM Ahmedabad
2014	100	Moderate to Easy	2.50 hours	IIM Indore
2013	60	Moderate to Easy	2:20 hours	IIM Indore
2012	60	Moderate to Easy	2.20 hours	IIM Indore
2011	60	Moderate	2.20 hours	IIM Calcutta

Conclusion

In conclusion, comprehending the CAT exam pattern and syllabus is the initial step towards a successful journey in securing admission to top-tier management institutions. A strategic and holistic approach to preparation, combined with dedication and consistent efforts, paves the way for a commendable score in the CAT examination.