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CAT exam pattern

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The Indian Institute of Management created the CAT test pattern 2022 in order to aid in the evaluation of future business managers. Candidates wishing to take the CAT exam this year should become acquainted with the most recent exam format. It will assist students in understanding the structure of the question paper and the marking process in order to prepare effectively.

The pattern is based on similar entrance tests, with multiple choice questions (MCQs) to be answered in a set amount of time. Previously, the CAT exam was 180 minutes long with 100 questions, but due to the COVID-19 epidemic, both the exam period and the amount of questions were reduced . The amount of questions was lowered to 76, and the exam was cut to 120 minutes. The total number of questions was lowered to 66 in 2021, however the exam period remained the same. The overall score was 198.

The 2022 exam pattern is expected to be the same as last year. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the exam pattern 2022, including the examination format, sectional time limit, marking scheme, and sections.

Highlights of the CAT Exam Pattern 2022

  • The CAT 2022 question paper will be divided into three sections, each with its own time restriction.
  • Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability (VARC)
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR)
  • Quantitative Ability (QA)
  • The VARC part contains 24 questions and is worth 72 points.
  • The DILR portion consists of 20 questions and is worth 60 points.
  • The QA part contains 22 questions and is worth 66 points.

The exam administrators will make available a tutorial so that applicants can become acquainted with the CAT exam process.

What Has Changed in the CAT Exam Pattern?

The sole difference in the exam pattern is a decrease in the overall number of questions, which was established last year. IIM Ahmedabad, the 2021 exam conducting institute, kept the 2020 exam design but lowered the number of questions from 76 to 66.

Until 2019, the CAT exam was 180 minutes or three hours long (with a sectional time limit of 60 minutes) and had 100 questions. However, the CAT format was updated in 2020 after five years. The CAT exam is now 120 minutes long, or two hours, with a 40-minute sectional time limit. Previously, PwD candidates received 20 minutes additional in each segment, but starting in 2020, they will only receive 13.20 minutes extra.

CAT Exam Pattern 2022 - Time Limits for Overall and Sectional Exams

The exam includes a time limit for each section. That is, candidates will have to solve the paper in a specific way. They will not be permitted to begin with any segment or to switch from one section to another. They must work through the question paper in chronological order, from section one to section three. The sections will be organised as follows:

  • Section 1: Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability
  • Section 2: Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
  • Section 3: Quantitative Skills

Duration of the CAT Exam

According to the official exam schedule, aspirants must complete each section within the time limit provided, and after the time is up, the screen will automatically switch to the next section. Later adjustments or corrections will not be permitted.

Pattern of CAT Quantitative Aptitude

The quantitative aptitude section is a separate section that only includes numerical-based questions from various math disciplines. This section has a total of 26 questions for this year. The quantitative aptitude section's detailed pattern is provided below.

The entire quantitative part is divided into five sections, which are as follows:

  • Arithmetic Fundamentals
  • Algebra
  • System of Numbers
  • Mensuration and Geometry
  • Modern Mathematics

This section contains approximately 6-8 TITA questions (non-MCQs) for which candidates must type their answers. Overall, the CAT quantitative aptitude part ranges from easy to fairly tough and may be easily answered with appropriate practise of the syllabus themes.

Patterns of CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

The VARC portion is designed to assess candidates' English language skills, as well as their ability to comprehend paragraphs and understand the core themes. This year's CAT exam will include 26 questions from the VA-RC segment.

This year, the Verbal Ability portion will comprise 8 questions. The following are the primary areas of Verbal Ability section where questions will be asked:

  • Jumbles
  • Correction and Completion of Sentences
  • Based on a summary

Some questions are from the part on verbal ability, while others are from the reading comprehension passages. There are numerous types of questions in reading comprehension, including as vocabulary-based, title-based, and so on.

The overall difficulty level of the verbal ability & reading comprehension section is moderate, and this section will be time-consuming.

Pattern of CAT Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

The logical thinking and data interpretation portion assesses candidates' abilities to comprehend data and understand logical assumptions. A total of 22-24 questions will be covered in this section.

This year's logical reasoning portion will comprise 18-20 questions. The problems range from inequalities to symbol operations to a direction sense test, among other things. Because the questions in this area are simple to answer, it is a high-scoring segment.

The data interpretation section, on the other hand, is tough and time-consuming. This part has several perplexing data caselets, and candidates must thoroughly grasp the data sets in order to answer the whole question sets. The data interpretation segment should be approached with caution, as a single error can cause candidates to answer all questions incorrectly in a given set.

Other essential CAT 2021 test pattern points:

  • The exam will be administered in three 2-hour sessions on a single day, with 40 minutes given for each section.
  • The examination will be computer-based.
  • The exam will be worth 192-228 points, and students will not be able to transfer between portions.
  • There is a non-scientific and onscreen calculator available, and no other electronic devices are permitted within the room.
  • On the computer screen, there is an on-screen timer that displays the remaining time for each section.
  • There is a one-point deduction for each wrong answer.

As one of the most difficult exams in the country, the exam demands applicants to be very prepared and well-versed in all curriculum topics in order to ace the exam. As a result, it is critical to understand the right  exam syllabus and structure in order to prepare for the competition.

The exam is typically held in November of each year, with registration beginning in August. 2022 will be held this year, tentatively in the last week of November 2022. The Notification will be made available on the official website, and Registration will begin in the first week of August 2022.


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