CAT 2024 presented a moderate level of difficulty with some key changes across sections. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section had an increased number of questions, offering more opportunities but adding complexity with a mix of 4- and 5-question sets. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) saw the removal of Para Formation questions, with RC and VA questions intermixed. Quantitative Ability (QA) was slightly easier than in previous years, featuring fewer difficult questions. The overall difficulty varied across slots, with the evening slot being the easiest. Strategic question selection and effective time management were crucial to success.
Pattern Change
- DILR: Increased from 20 to 22 questions, with a mix of 5-question and 4-question sets.
- VARC: Removed Para Formation questions and intermixed RC and VA questions.
Difficulty Level
- VARC: Moderate-Difficult, comparable to previous years.
- DILR: Slightly easier than previous years, with more doable sets.
- QA: Slightly easier than previous years, with fewer very difficult question
Slot-Wise Comparison
- Slot 2: Slightly more difficult than Slot 1.
- Slot 3: Slightly easier than Slot 1 and Slot 2
Expected CAT 2024 Cutoffs:
| Percentile | VARC | DILR |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 20-22 | 16-18 |
| 95 | 29-31 | 22-24 |
| 99 | 39-41 | 32-34 |
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Key Observations
- The increased number of DILR sets provided more opportunities for students to select easier sets.
- The absence of Para Formation questions in VARC simplified the section for some students.
- Intermixing of RC and VA questions might have caused minor inconvenience to some test-takers.
- Overall, the CAT 2024 was a moderate-level exam, with a slight shift in difficulty compared to previous years.
CAT 2024 Exam Analysis: Morning Slot
A Smooth Start with a Few Twists. The 2024 CAT was generally well-received, with a smooth administration process. While some technical glitches were reported, they were quickly resolved, ensuring minimal disruption for test-takers.
Section-Wise Analysis:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
- Reading Comprehension: The RC passages varied in difficulty, with some being relatively straightforward and others requiring deeper analysis. Passages on topics like “Unlikely Survival Story of Australia’s Bandicoots” and “Accessibility of Movie Content in the Modern Age” were generally considered easier, while passages on “Homo Economicus” and “Crafts & Manufacturing” were more challenging.
- Verbal Ability: Questions on Sentence Placement and Para Summary were moderate to difficult, requiring careful reading and analysis. Odd Man Out questions were relatively straightforward.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
A significant change this year was the increase in the number of DILR sets to 5. While this provided more opportunities, it also meant a higher difficulty level for some sets.
- Moderate Sets: Sets on “Candle-Stick Pattern of Stocks” and “Ratings & Bloggers” were relatively easier.
- Difficult Sets: Sets on “Tournament,” “Countries Visited,” and “Elections” were more complex and time-consuming.
Quantitative Ability (QA):
The QA section retained its traditional format, with a mix of arithmetic and algebra questions. While arithmetic questions were generally easier, some algebra questions proved to be challenging, especially those requiring complex calculations or non-standard approaches.
Overall:
The overall difficulty level of the morning slot was slightly lower than previous years. However, the increased number of DILR sets and the presence of challenging questions in all sections made it crucial to select the right questions and allocate time effectively.
Target Scores for 85th Percentile:
- VARC: 20-22
- DILR: 16-18
- QA: 15-17
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Question Selection: Choose the right questions to maximize your score.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely to each section and question.
- Practice and Accuracy: Consistent practice and accuracy are key to success.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to changing difficulty levels and question formats.
CAT 2024 Afternoon Analysis Slot: A Challenging Affair
The afternoon slot of CAT 2024 presented a challenging scenario for test-takers. While the overall pattern remained similar to previous years, the difficulty level and question types introduced some twists.
Section-Wise Analysis:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
- Reading Comprehension: The RC passages varied in difficulty, with some requiring in-depth analysis and critical reasoning. Passages like “How Spices Changed the World” and “Open Peer Reviews” were particularly challenging due to complex themes and demanding questions.
- Verbal Ability: The absence of Para Formation questions was a notable change. Sentence Placement and Para Summary questions were of moderate difficulty, while Odd Man Out questions proved to be quite challenging.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
The DILR section was characterized by a mix of easy and difficult sets. The “Number Grid” set was particularly challenging, requiring significant logical reasoning and time investment. Sets like “Streets and Lakes” and “Athletes and Coaches” were relatively easier and could be attempted by most test-takers.
Quantitative Ability (QA):
The QA section was slightly more difficult than the morning slot. While there were a good number of arithmetic questions, some algebra and geometry questions were quite challenging and time-consuming. Test-takers who were strong in arithmetic and could identify and solve easy to moderate questions efficiently would have had an advantage.
Overall:
The afternoon slot was generally tougher than the morning slot. Test-takers who were able to select the right questions and manage their time effectively would have performed well.
CAT 2024 Evening Slot Analysis: A Relatively Easier Affair
The evening slot of CAT 2024 was generally considered easier than the morning and afternoon slots, providing some relief to test-takers.
Section-Wise Analysis:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
- Reading Comprehension: The RC passages were relatively straightforward, with topics like “Impact of AI on Culture,” “Extinction of Languages,” and “Chinese Liquor” being accessible to most test-takers. However, the “Contamination of Mars” passage was more challenging, requiring a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
- Verbal Ability: The VA section was also relatively easier, with Sentence Placement and Para Summary questions being moderately difficult. Odd Man Out questions were of moderate difficulty.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
The DILR section was less challenging compared to the previous slots. Sets like “OTT Users” and “Countries GDP” were relatively straightforward and could be attempted by most test-takers. However, sets like “ATM Network,” “Content in Food Grains,” and “AC Temperature” were more complex and time-consuming.
Quantitative Ability (QA):
The QA section was also easier than the previous slots. The questions were mostly from arithmetic and algebra, with a few from geometry and modern math. Test-takers who were strong in arithmetic and could identify and solve easy-to-moderate+ questions efficiently would have had an advantage.
Overall:
The evening slot provided a more balanced and less stressful experience for test-takers. While the difficulty level varied across sections and sets, the overall trend was towards a relatively easier paper.
