CAT Exam Pattern

1. Total Duration: This test takes 2 hours of test time or 120 minutes therefore you are expected to answer all questions within 2 hours. The timings provided to each section are thirty minutes for each section, making a total of 40 minutes for all of them.

2. Number of Sections: The CAT exam consists of three sections:The CAT exam consists of three sections: From this schedule, we have Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning or commonly known as DILR. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

3. Section-wise Structure: VARC: Covers grammar, vocabulary, reading, sentence or paragraph completion and paragraph construction. Normally takes approximately 24 to 26 questions. DILR: In Data Interpretation it includes the sets in graphs, charts and tables while Logical reasoning contains puzzles. Typically comprises 20-24 questions. QA: Measures knowledge of the subject matter in areas of algebra, arithmetic, geometry and the number systems. Typically has 22-26 questions.

4. Question Types: The questions are a combination of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs also known as TITA – Type In The Answer. In MCQs wrong answers are penalised by deducting one mark and for Non-MCQs normally there is no such provision.

5. Marking Scheme: For each correct answer there are 3 marks assigned. Each question in MCQs has four options out of which only one is correct; the candidate loses 1 mark if the chosen answer is wrong. Candidates are not allowed to be penalised for wrong answers in Non-MCQs any more familiar as TITA. 6. Sectional Time Limits: All of them must be completed within 40 minutes’ time and the candidate cannot afford to move from one section and go to the other. 7. Total Number of Questions: The total of questions that are found in CAT is approximately 66 to 76 questions and these are divided over the three sections. 8. Medium of Exam: Speaking and writing of the test is in English only.