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CAT Exam Pattern 2023

CAT exam pattern 2023: Check the updated CAT paper pattern for QA, LRDI and VARC here. As per the CAT 2023 exam pattern, the test paper will be divided into 3 sections with 66 questions.

Latest update: CAT 2023 is scheduled for November 26, 2023, with three sessions in 155 cities. Expect the CAT 2023 admit cards to be available on October 25, 2023, for registered candidates.

The Common Admission Test is one of the most competitive tests held annually in India. CAT can be completed by graduates of almost any research field. This exam attracts fierce competition with all MBA candidates seeking admission to IIM or other well-known B schools in the country.

The CAT Exam official notification was released on 30th July 2023. It is important for applicants to understand all aspects of the CAT 2023 exam pattern in order to develop a detailed section-by-section strategy. The CAT 2023 exam pattern is the first and most important step to streamline your action plan according to the CAT syllabus, achieve 99+ percentile and maximize your chances to become those who have opened a niche for themselves in the field of business education.

CAT 2023: Exam Highlights

Significant modifications to the CAT exam pattern have occurred over the past two years, and the covid-19 pandemic may be to blame. Exam format, sectional time limits of the CAT exam, scoring, and more are covered in this article regarding the CAT 2023 exam design. Exam takers in 2023 will benefit from knowing the CAT exam’s structure.

In addition to the CAT 2023 exam schedule and notification, a new CAT exam pattern and test method have been released. Anyone considering taking the CAT in 2023 should study the most up-to-date CAT exam pattern and syllabus. The CAT 2023 exam will follow the same schedule as the previous years, with three testing windows available throughout the day (CBT).

Exam Duration2 hours
Questions66 (tentative)
No. of Sections3
Examination ModeComputer Based Test
LanguageEnglish
Types of questionMCQ and TITA
Marking scheme

+3 for every positive answer

-1 for every negative answer for MCQs and TITA has no negative marking

CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT 2023 exam pattern consists of three sections: 

  • Verbal Ability (Language Proficiency) and Reading (VARC) 
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 
  • Quantitative ability (QA) 

The CAT exam is held as a two-hour computer-based test (CBT). Each section has a separate time limit of 40 minutes. The test pattern for CAT 2021 is shown below. This will give you an idea of what you can expect from CAT 2023.

The number of Sections

Sections of examNo. of questionsMultiple-choice questionsNon- multiple-choice questionsImportant features
VARC24195

16 RC Questions-Four passages with four questions each. 

 8 Language Proficiency Questions-Three Para jumbles, Two Odd Sentence Para jumbles, and Three Para summary Questions.

DILR20155

4 sets in total:

2 sets of 6 questions each

2 sets of 4 questions each

Area question: Bar graph, arrangements, missing Data and puzzle (games)

QA22148

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, etc. 

Total664818 

CAT Exam Pattern 2023- Important Points

  • During the CAT exam, candidates will have access to an on-screen calculator
  • Potential candidates can see the current time using the digital clock displayed on the screen
  • Candidates will be given sheets for draught work that must be submitted following the conclusion of the CAT exam for the MBA
  • Aspirants must complete each section before moving on to the next
  • You can get the CAT practice test when it becomes available on the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). It reveals the overall and sectional IIM CAT exam structure.

CAT 2023 will be split into three halves, as follows:

  1. Morning session (8:30 am – 10:30 pm)
  2. Afternoon session (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm)
  3. Evening session (4:30 pm – 6:30 pm).

In addition, the CAT test pattern divides the work into three sections, each with a time limit. Candidates cannot choose the order in which they will try the sections. Also, you cannot move back and forth between sections. Therefore, it is important to understand the time limit for each section in order to try the treatise accurately.

SectionsNo. of questionsTime allotted
VARC2440 minutes
DILR2040 minutes
QA2240 minutes

Marking Scheme

Type of questionPositive markingNegative marking
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) +3-1
Type In The Answer (TITA)+30

The CAT 2023 exam is computer-based. Therefore, candidates must enter their answers into the computer. Candidates must select one of the options offered when entering an answer-

  • Save and Next: Candidates select and save an answer and proceed to the next question
  • Delete Answer: Candidates can delete the answer to the question they answered
  • Mark for review and continue: Candidates can mark and answer unknown answers for review and proceed to the next question

Pattern Analysis

CAT 2021 was divided into three slots. Morning slot, afternoon slot, and evening slot. Slot 2 had a slightly higher overall LOD (Level of Difficulty) than slot 1, while slot 3 had a similar LOD to both slots. However, the LOD is slightly different between the slots in the three sections. The difficulty levels recognized in all three sections of the slot are: 

  • CAT 2021 VARC slot 3 ≳ CAT 2021 VARC slot 2 ≳ CAT 2021 VARC slot 1 
  • CAT 2021 DILR slot 3 = CAT 2021 DILR slot 1 
  • CAT 2021 QA Slot 3 > CAT 2021 QA Slot 2 > CAT 2021 QA Slot 1
  • CAT 2021 Slot 1 had a slightly higher overall difficulty than CAT 2020. The difficulty of the three sections was also relatively the same as CAT 2020

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Pattern

Most candidates are intensively preparing for this section. This is because the CAT test patterns and syllabus in this section are the most fully developed of any section. This is the section where most candidates will be tested or interrupted. 

  • The QA section of CAT 2021 consisted of a total of 22 questions with 8 non-MC questions
  • Compared to compatriots, there are no specific subdivisions associated with more important subjects
  • Therefore, candidates must go through the entire syllabus to ensure success in this section

Previously, CAT was known for the difficulty of the QA section, but recently IIM has reduced the difficulty of this section to accommodate non-engineers. This also increased the score and cutoff for this section. However, lately, the complexity of QA questions has diminished. Some of the questions turned out to be very simple in terms of difficulty. The only thing is that they are scattered throughout the section. 

CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Pattern

In the verbal section, the CAT test pattern over the last three years shows that the part is made up of two major components. 

  • Reading Comprehension 
  • Verbal ability 

 Many applicants were amazed at the difficulty of the CAT 2021 section, which should be a warning to CAT applicants. This section of the CAT exam pattern should not be cancelled just because it has been less difficult in the last few years.

Reading Comprehension 

  • It accounts for around 67% of the questions (16 out of 24 questions) 
  • Question format: MCQs and TITA (Type in the answer) questions 
  • This section usually has 5 passages (3 majors and 2 minors)

Verbal ability 

  • A relatively small subsection with only 8 questions 
  • The CAT exam patterns and syllabus in this section contain questions of the form: 
  • Jumbled paragraph 
  • Oral reasoning 
  • Summary question 
  • Facts-Conclusions-Judgments

CAT Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation Pattern

Data interpretation and inference is the second section of the CAT exam. Candidates can only try it after submitting the VARC section in the CAT exam. 

  • This is the most dynamic section of CAT, and almost every year new types of questions are introduced
  • Each set is of at least 12 marks, so it’s a good idea to be very careful when choosing a question
  • DILR is always one of the hardest sections to crack. However, in this section, the sunlight is hidden behind the dark clouds. The question may seem difficult at first, but when the candidate advances the question and connects the missing points, everything becomes very easy
  • Selection of a set to attempt is the most important task in this section because if you select a hard set initially, it might not be solved and will waste your time and that leads to tension in the exam, and you will not perform as per your capabilities

CAT Exam Pattern Analysis: Changes Over the Years

The pandemic has radically changed the pattern of CAT trials. Since the introduction of Covid-19, the number of questions and the time allotted have been reduced. In CAT 2019, candidates had to try 100 questions within 3 hours. CAT 2021 had 66 questions to be completed in 2 hours. However, prior to that, the test pattern remained the same for the fifth consecutive year. The following is an overview of the test patterns over the last 10 years.

YearDurationNo. of question
20212 hours66
20202 hours76
20193 hours100
20183 hours100
20173 hours 100
20163 hours100
20153 hours100
2014  2 hours 50 minutes100
20132 hours 20 minutes60
20122 hours 20 minutes 60

CAT Exam Pattern vs Other MBA Entrance Exams – A Comparison

  • CAT Vs XAT
ComponentIIMs CATXLRI – XAT
Exam DateNovember 27, 2022January 8, 2023
When to ApplyAugust 1st week to September Last weekAugust 3rd week to December 2nd week
Exam Conducted byIndian Institutes of Management (IIM)Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur
Testing ModeComputer Based TestComputer Based Test
Total Questions66 (Since 2021, Earlier 100)101 (Since 2022, earlier 100)
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam 2 hours (Since 2020, Earlier 3 hours)3 hours & 10 Minutes (Since 2022, earlier 3 hours)
Type of Questions48-50 questions are MCQs, rest Non-MCQs100 MCQs + 1 subjective on Essay Writing
Answer Options for MCQs4  5
Marks Awarded for each Correct Answer3

  1 for MCQs

  3 for Essay Writing

Negative MarkingMCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs75 MCQs with 1/4 negative marking; No negative marking for 25 MCQs on GK and Essay writing test

CAT Vs XAT Difficulty

 

Moderately DifficultDifficulty level is higher
Difference Between CAT And XAT Syllabus: Total Sections3

  3 (Main sections)

  2 (GK & Essay Test score not counted for percentile calculation)

Difference Between CAT And XAT Syllabus: Section-1Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension- 24 questionsEnglish Language & Logical Reasoning- 26 questions
Difference Between CAT And XAT Syllabus: Section-2Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning -20 questionsQuantitative Ability & Data Interpretation- 28 questions
Difference Between CAT And XAT Syllabus: Section-3Quantitative Ability-22 questionsDecision Making-21 questions
Difference Between CAT And XAT Syllabus: Section-4Not Applicable, only 3 Sections

General Awareness-25 questions

Essay Writing (Subjective)- 1 question

Facility to Choose Order of SectionsNo, has to follow pre defined sectional orderYes, Any question from any section within overall time limit
Individual Sectional Time LimitEach section with 40 Minute time limitNo Restriction
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, IITs, TAPMI, XIMB and hundreds of other B-schools. XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, XIMB and 145 other MBA colleges
  • CAT Vs IIFT

ComponentIIMs CATIIFT
Exam DateNovember 27, 2022December  4, 2022
When to ApplyAugust 1st week to September Last weekSeptember 1st week to October 3rd week
Exam Conducted byIndian Institutes of Management (IIM)National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
Testing ModeComputer Based TestPaper-Pen Based Test
Total Questions66 (Since 2021, Earlier 100)110 (Expected, varies between 110 to 114)
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam 2 hours (Since 2020, Earlier 3 hours)2 hours
Type of Questions48-50 questions are MCQs, rest Non-MCQsAll 110 questions are MCQs
Answer Options for MCQs4  4
Total Maximum marks198300
Marks Awarded for each Correct Answer

+3

 

0.5 to 1 mark credit for each correct answer  
Negative MarkingMCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs1/3rd Negative marking for each wrong answer

CAT Vs IIFT Difficulty

 

Moderately DifficultDifficulty level is higher
Difference Between CAT And IIFT Syllabus: Total Sections3 Sections  4 sections
Difference Between CAT And IIFT Syllabus: Section-1Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension- 24 questionsVerbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: 35 Questions
Difference Between CAT And IIFT Syllabus: Section-2Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning -20 questionsData Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: 30 questions
Difference Between CAT And IIFT Syllabus: Section-3

Quantitative Ability-22 questions

 

Quantitative Analysis: 25 Questions
Difference Between CAT And IIFT Syllabus: Section-4

Not Applicable, only 3 Sections

 

General Awareness (GK): 20 Questions
Facility to Choose Order of SectionsNo, has to follow pre defined sectional orderYes, Any question from any section within overall time limit
Individual Sectional Time LimitEach section with 40 Minute time limitNo Restriction
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, IITs, TAPMI, XIMB and hundreds of other B-schools. IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata, IIFT Kakinada
  • CAT Vs SNAP

ComponentSNAPIIMs CAT
Exam dateDecember 18, 2022November 27, 2022
Total Questions6066
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam 1 hour 2 hours
Type of QuestionsAll MCQs48-50 questions are MCQs, rest Non-MCQs
Answer Options for MCQs 44
Marks Awarded for each Correct Answer 13
Negative Marking0.25 markMCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs
Exam Difficulty LevelModerateDifficult
Number of Sections43
Section-1: Name and Number of QuestionsGeneral English, RC,VR,VA-15Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension- 24
Section-2: Name and Number of QuestionsAnalytical & Logical Reasoning-25Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning -20
Section-3: Name and Number of QuestionsQuant, DI, Data Sufficiency-20Quantitative Ability-22
Section-4: Name and Number of Questions

Current Affairs- Section scrapped

 

Not Applicable, only 3 Sections
Facility to Choose Order of SectionsYes, any question from any section within overall time limitNo, has to follow pre defined sectional order
Individual Sectional Time LimitNoEach section with 40 minutes time limit
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam ScoreSIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune, SIIB Pune, SIBM Bangalore & all other Symbiosis institutes. 20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, IITs, TAPMI, XIMB and hundreds of other B-schools. 
  • CAT Vs CMAT

ComponentIIMs CATAICTE-CMAT
Exam DateNovember 27, 2022February 25-26, 2023  (Tentative)
When to ApplyAugust 1st week to September Last weekOctober 2nd week to December 3rd week
Exam Conducted byIndian Institutes of Management (IIM)National Testing Agency (NTA)
Testing ModeComputer Based TestComputer Based Test
Total Questions66100  
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam 2 hours3 hours
Type of Questions48-50 questions are MCQs, rest Non-MCQs100 MCQs
Answer Options for MCQs4  4
Marks Awarded for each Correct Answer3  4
Negative MarkingMCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs1/4 negative marking

CAT Vs CMAT Difficulty

 

Moderately DifficultEasy to Moderate
Difference Between CAT And CMAT Syllabus: Total Sections3  5
Difference Between CAT And CMAT Syllabus: Section-1Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension- 24 questionsLanguage Comprehension – 20 questions
Difference Between CAT And CMAT Syllabus: Section-2Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning -20 questionsQuantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation- 20 questions
Difference Between CAT And CMAT Syllabus: Section-3Quantitative Ability-22 questionsLogical reasoning -20 questions
Difference Between CAT And CMAT Syllabus: Section-4Not Applicable, only 3 SectionsGeneral Awareness-20 questions
Different Between CAT and CMAT Syllabus: Section-5Not Applicable, only 3 sectionsInnovation and Entrepreneurship-20 questions
Facility to Choose Order of SectionsNo, has to follow pre defined sectional orderYes, Any question from any section within overall time limit
Individual Sectional Time LimitEach section with 40 minute time limitNo Restriction
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IMT, IITs, TAPMI, XIMB and hundreds of other B-schools. JBIMS, K J Somaiya, N L Dalmiya, IFMR, PUMBA, BIMTECH, Great Lakes, GIM Goa and hundreds of other MBA colleges .

CAT Paper Analysis of Previous Years

  • Analysis of CAT 2021 

CAT 2021 was moderate to challenging, although the VARC part was difficult in all three slots. VARC was harder than DILR/QA. Third-slot QA was harder than slots 1 and 2. CAT 2021 question breakdown:

SectionsNumber of QuestionsTypeDifficulty Level
VARC2416 RC questions, 8 VA questionsTough
DILR20

Two DI sets ( 4 and 6 questions)

Two LR set ( 4 and 6 questions)

Moderate to Tough
QA22Dominated by Arithmetic (11 questions) and Algebra (5 questions)Moderate
  • Analysis of CAT 2020

CAT 2020 was somewhat difficult, however, the VARC component was difficult in all three shifts. VARC was harder than DILR/QA.

SectionsNumber of MCQsNumber of Non-MCQs
VARC277
DILR248
QA2311

Tips to prepare CAT exam

  • The weights of each section are about the same, indicating that each section should be given the same importance when learning the basics 
  • The mock then plays an important role in deciding which route the CAT is ready to go
  • The topics where the applicant gets the most points is the most conceptually clear to him
  • Therefore, while preparing you can spend less time on these topics, and you can focus on the topics with the lowest score 
  • After a while, the mock performance needs to be reassessed
  • Applicants need to make sure that the areas where they are strongest do not slip and that there is some improvement in the areas where they are focused
faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the CAT Exam Pattern 2023.

What is the pattern of reading comprehension?

Answer: It accounts for more than 67% of the questions (16 out of 24 qu...Read full

Is the CAT QA section difficult?

Answer: Previously, CAT was known for the difficulty of the QA section, but recently IIMs has reduced the difficulty...Read full

What is the CAT 2023 exam date?

Answer: CAT 2023 exam will take place on November 26 (tentatively).

How many sections are there in the CAT exam?

Answer: CAT 2022 will have three sections: Section I: Verbal Ability an...Read full

What is the CAT exam pattern for 2023?

Answer: The CAT 2023 exam pattern comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, an...Read full

How many questions are there in CAT 2023?

Answer: The CAT 2023 exam will have a total of 100 questions, with 34 in Verbal Ability, 32 in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and 34 in...Read full

Is there a sectional time limit in CAT 2023?

Answer: Yes, each section in CAT 2023 has a sectional time limit of 40 minutes, making a total exam duration of 120 minutes.

Are there negative marks for wrong answers in CAT 2023?

Answer: Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. For each incorrect answer, there will be a deduction of one-third of the assigned marks.

Can I switch between sections during the CAT 2023 exam?

Answer: No, candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam. Each section must be completed within its designated time limit.

What is the level of difficulty for the CAT 2023 exam?

Answer: CAT is known for its moderate to high difficulty level. The difficulty can vary from year to year, but it typically tests analytical and pr...Read full

How can I best prepare for the CAT 2023 exam considering the paper pattern?

Answer: Effective preparation includes a well-structured study plan, regular practice, and mock tests. Focus on time management and improving your ...Read full

How are candidates selected for IIMs based on the CAT 2023 exam?

Answer: The selection process for IIMs involves CAT scores, Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). Each II...Read full

What type of questions can I expect in the CAT 2023 VARC section?

Answer: The VARC section comprises questions related to Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Vocabulary, and Grammar.

What is the total duration of the CAT 2023 exam?

Answer: The CAT 2023 exam is usually conducted over a duration of 180 minutes (3 hours), with 60 minutes allotted for each section.