CAT Exam Analysis 2024 by IMS: Check Details Here

CAT Exam Analysis 2024 by IMS: The first slot of CAT 2024 took place today between 8.30 am and 10:30 am. The structure of CAT 2024 underwent several changes compared to 2023, with a total of 68 questions. Notably, the Verbal Ability (VA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) sections experienced modifications in segmentation and the distribution of MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) questions. The Verbal section saw the complete removal of Paragraph Jumble questions. Instead, it featured 3 Summary (MCQ) questions, 3 Paragraph Completion (MCQ) questions, and 2 Odd Sentence (TITA) questions.

CAT Exam Analysis 2024 by IMS

In the DILR section, which had 22 questions in total, the number of sets increased from 4 to 5. This included 2 sets with 5 questions each and 3 sets with 4 questions each. There was widespread consensus that the DILR section was significantly easier compared to the previous year.

The marking scheme was +3 for every correct and -1 for incorrect. There was no negative marking for TITA Qs. 

Based on the feedback received from several candidates who have appeared in the first slot, our initial estimate of the percentiles and scores*** is as follows. These estimates will be suitably revised soon after the CAT releases the response sheets.

*** Students are advised not to take any B-School application decision based on these initial estimates. They serve only as the first indicator of likely performance.

CAT Exam Analysis 2024 by IMS Download PDF

The direct link to download the PDF of CAT Exam Analysis 2024 by IMS is provided below:

CAT Exam Analysis 2024 by IMS: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

The VA-RC section consisted of 16 Reading Comprehension questions and 8 Verbal Ability questions. As in the past several years, there were no direct Grammar or Vocabulary questions. Two of the passages were easy to moderate. The passages on Critique of Behavioral Economics and Revival of Bandicoots in Australia required more careful reading. About 12 RC questions could be attempted with high accuracy. There were no jumbled paragraph questions. One additional paragraph completion question and one summary question replaced the two jumbled paragraphs. So, the section had 3 questions each of Summary (MCQ) and Paragraph Completion(MCQ), and two Odd Sentence questions (TITA). In VA, 5 or 6 attempts with high accuracy were possible. Overall, the section was moderate and comparable in LOD to the VARC of SimCAT 16.

An attempt of 12 or 13 questions with an accuracy of approximately 60% will fetch around 85%ile score in VARC. An attempt of 17 or 18 questions with an accuracy of approximately 70% will fetch 95+ percentiles in VARC.

CAT Exam Analysis 2024 by IMS: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 

Last year, there were a total of four sets, each comprising five questions. This pattern has been changed in CAT 2024. There were two sets with 5 questions in each and three sets with 4 questions in each. Overall, the Level of difficulty of the section was Medium to Difficult and it was relatively easier in comparison with the DILR Section of Slot 1 of CAT 2023.

An attempt of 10 or 11 questions with an accuracy of approximately 80% for 85 %ile score in DILR. An attempt of 14 or 15 questions with an accuracy of approximately 85% for 95 + percentiles in DILR. 

CAT Exam Analysis 2024 by IMS: Quantitative Ability

This section was comparatively easier (in terms of level of difficulty) as compared to last year’s slots and was dominated by Arithmetic (8 questions), followed by Algebra (7 questions). There were 3 questions on Geometry, 3 questions on Modern Math and 1 on Numbers. In Arithmetic, the questions were on SICI, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio Proportion, Mixtures & Alligations, Multiple operations, and Profit & Loss. In Algebra, the questions were dominated by Quadratic equations, Inequality with graph, Functions, and Identity-based questions, etc. In Modern Math, the questions were on Logarithms, Sequences, Permutations etc. In Geometry, the questions were on Quadrilaterals, Sphere with cuboid, etc. There were questions on remainders and numbers. Number of TITA (8 questions) and MCQ (14 questions) in this section.

Attempting the right questions was the key. An attempt of 7 or 8 questions with an accuracy of approximately 80% for 85 %ile score in QA. An attempt of 9 or 10 questions with an accuracy of approximately 85% for 95 + percentiles in QA .

The Process 

At many centers, shoes and metallic objects (including metal jewelry) were not allowed. Only the admit card and the ID proof were allowed. As in the previous years, the authorities took possession of the admit cards. The candidates were given a small pad with IIM CAT Logo on the cover for rough work, and a pen – which were also taken away at the end of the exam. 

Test Interface 

The test interface was user-friendly and exactly the one provided in the official CAT Mock Test. A simple calculator was provided, and not a scientific one. There was an arrow provided near the question palette which when clicked expanded the question window to full-screen view by hiding the question palette & vice versa At the end of the test, a summary of the number of questions attempted, visited, and not visited was displayed for each section. There was a button marked ‘Question Paper’ that opened up a screen containing all the questions of the section. This was used by students for planning their approach for the section.

*** The scores and percentiles mentioned in this analysis are indicators based on the feedback from students and IMS experts. They are in no way related to the results which IIMs are expected to declare in January 2025. You are advised to wait for the results.