The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024, administered by IIM Calcutta on November 24, was a landmark event, marking significant updates in its format. Held across three slots, the exam was conducted in over 170 cities, with a record 3.29 lakh registered candidates. The CAT, known for its rigorous assessment of aspirants’ aptitude in quantitative, verbal, and logical reasoning skills, introduced key changes this year, impacting preparation strategies and performance outcomes.
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Revised Exam Pattern
CAT 2024 saw the total number of questions increase from 66 to 68, divided across three sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
This section featured 24 questions, including four RC passages paired with comprehension questions and verbal ability tasks such as para summaries, odd-one-out, and para completions. A major change was the exclusion of Para Jumbles, a staple for over a decade. Additionally, the questions were interspersed with RC passages rather than grouped separately, challenging candidates used to prior formats.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
The DILR section, often a scoring bottleneck, increased its question count to 22 (up from 20). These were structured into five sets—two sets of 5 questions and three sets of 4 questions each. The difficulty ranged from moderate to tough across slots. However, the increased number of solvable questions provided opportunities for improved scores.
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
The QA section retained 22 questions but emphasized algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. Questions on modern mathematics were limited. The section, traditionally a hurdle for non-engineers, was considered easier this year compared to CAT 2023, with many candidates labeling it approachable.
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Difficulty Analysis
Each slot presented unique challenges:
- Slot 1: Rated moderate in difficulty. VARC and DILR required careful time management, while QA offered more solvable questions.
- Slot 2: Considered the toughest, particularly in QA, which included complex algebra and number system questions. DILR also presented time-intensive sets.
- Slot 3: The easiest of the three, with balanced questions across sections. QA, in particular, allowed many aspirants to maximize their attempts.
Despite these variations, CAT 2024 maintained its reputation for testing both accuracy and speed. The lack of major surprises aside from the removal of Para Jumbles highlighted the importance of adaptability for candidates.
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Percentile Cut-offs and Score Projections
Achieving a 99th percentile required approximately 95–99 marks overall, distributed as follows:
- VARC: 39–43 marks across slots.
- DILR: 32–37 marks.
- QA: 36–40 marks.
For the 95th percentile, candidates needed around 65–75 marks, while the 90th percentile threshold hovered between 50–63 marks. These projections, based on slot-wise feedback, indicated that the VARC section played a pivotal role in determining percentile rankings, as it remained consistent across all slots.
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Candidate Feedback and Observations
Aspirants had mixed reactions to CAT 2024. While many appreciated the balance in the exam's structure, others struggled with the adjusted formats in VARC and DILR. The introduction of additional non-MCQ questions, which require written input without answer options, posed challenges for some. The absence of Para Jumbles, once a comfort zone for many, forced candidates to rethink their strategy during the exam.
Slot 2 candidates, in particular, found the paper slightly trickier, especially in QA. Conversely, Slot 3 examinees reported an easier experience overall, reflecting the importance of preparation tailored to variable slot difficulties.
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Security and Logistics
To ensure fairness, IIM Calcutta implemented enhanced security measures, including mobile jammers at exam centers and strict prohibitions on items like calculators, mobile phones, and smartwatches. Candidates were required to carry valid identification and follow all instructions meticulously to maintain a smooth examination process.
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Takeaways for Future Aspirants
The CAT 2024 reinforced key lessons for aspirants:
1. Adaptability Matters: Changes in question types and formats highlighted the need for a flexible approach to preparation.
2. Time Management is Critical: With 120 minutes for 68 questions, balancing speed with accuracy was crucial.
3. Balanced Preparation is Key: While QA was easier, the moderate-to-difficult VARC and DILR sections demanded consistent effort across all areas.
For MBA aspirants, the insights from CAT 2024 are invaluable in refining strategies for upcoming exams. With results expected in January 2025, the focus now shifts to percentile calculations and shortlisting for IIM interviews. Regardless of the challenges, CAT 2024 reaffirmed its role as a gateway to India's premier business schools.
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