.jpg)
Is the CAT Exam Difficult? If so, how difficult is it? The response to this can differ from person to person. However, one thing that candidates for the CAT 2024 should be aware of is the growing number of applicants, because 2.55 lakh people applied for the exam last year, shattering all previous records, and strengthening its standing as the biggest and most well-liked management entrance exam that is used for shortlisting of candidates into prestigious MBA colleges.
The Indian Institutes of Management administers the Common Admission Test, or CAT, as a nationwide examination on a rotating basis each year. The three elements of the aptitude-based CAT 2024 exam are Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). The exam duration is 2 hours and each section will be allotted 40 minutes.
We explore a variety of CAT 2024 exam topics in this blog to provide prospective applicants with a thorough grasp. We'll talk about how difficult the test is, what the minimal score is to get in, top MBA colleges accepting CAT, CAT exam analysis, and how it stacks up against other well-known management entrance examinations. This comprehensive guide will assist you in concentrating on your academic pursuits as you prepare for the CAT 2024.
Now that you have a sufficient understanding of the CAT 2024 exam, let's talk about how difficult is each component of the exam.
Is the CAT Exam Difficult? (Review by Section)
Is the CAT Quant-Section Tough?
Is It Hard? It was formerly thought to be in the moderate to difficult level. Nonetheless, the CAT exam analysis indicates that the Quant Section of CAT 2023 was somewhat more difficult than the previous year's examinations. The unpredictable nature of CAT is another factor contributing to its difficulty. The majority of the topics covered in the Quant Section course are ones we studied in school. However, everything depends on how the questions are framed. Here, questions could cover a range of two to three topics rather than being directly asked. There are a total of 22 questions in the quant portion; experts estimate that 17–18 of them can be answered correctly.
Is the LRDI-CAT Section Hard?
As per the CAT exam analysis, LRDI is arguably the most difficult part of the exam. The LR and DI sets were sold individually until a few years ago. However, test takers have observed that it has become more challenging to distinguish between LR and DI sets in recent years. Subjects such as Quant-based Puzzles and Caselets push test takers to develop their logical reasoning skills. One must be exposed to a variety of practice sets to succeed in this part.
Is CAT VARC-Section tough?
This section's difficulty can be classified as moderate to challenging, albeit it's not always that way. A total of 24 questions will appear in the CAT VARC section. Reading comprehension provides the basis for 16 of the 24 questions in this part, thus your comprehension skills are very important. Although having a respectable vocabulary is advised, one may not necessarily need an extraordinary one.
Is CAT Exam Tough: Overview
|
CAT Exam Particulars
|
CAT 2024 2024 Details
|
|
CAT Full Form
|
Common Admission Test (CAT)
|
|
Conducting Institute
|
IIMs
|
|
Exam Frequency
|
Once a year
|
|
CAT Exam Date 2024
|
24 Nov, 2024 on Sunday
|
|
Eligibility Criteria
|
Graduation with 50% aggregate
(45% for SC/ST students)
|
|
Total Count of Applicants
|
3.28 lakh (in 2023)
|
|
Exam Purpose
|
Study at IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India
|
|
Courses Offered Through CAT Exam
|
MBA/ PGDM
|
|
No. of host cities
|
150
|
Why CAT is one of the toughest exams?
For several reasons, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is regarded as one of the most difficult tests in India.
-
First off, the exam is moderate to extremely challenging, with questions getting harder as time goes on.
-
Secondly, applicants have 180 minutes to finish all 100 exam questions due to time constraints.
-
Thirdly, candidates need to grasp the foundations of every topic on the extensive and complex syllabus, which covers a wide range of subjects.
-
Fourthly, it's difficult to pass the exam or even get a perfect score because it's extremely competitive and thousands of individuals take it every year.
How difficult is the CAT to score? (Score versus Percentile)
After talking about how difficult the CAT exam is in each component, let's take a look at the CAT 2023 Overall and Section-wise Score vs. Percentile.
|
CAT 2023 Score vs. Percentile
|
|
%ile
|
Overall
|
VARC
|
Quants
|
LRDI
|
|
99.5%ile
|
84
|
44
|
28
|
30
|
|
99%ile
|
76
|
39
|
26
|
27
|
|
95%ile
|
54
|
28
|
16
|
19
|
|
90%ile
|
46
|
23
|
13
|
16
|
|
80%ile
|
34
|
17
|
9
|
12
|
It was observed that CAT 2023's Quant Section proved to be trickier than in previous years. The progressively rising difficulty was mentioned in the remaining sections.
It is also clear from comparing the score vs. percentile of prior years that a score of 76 marks was enough to reach the 99 percentile back in 2023, but the same required candidates to achieve 84 marks in CAT 2022. The table below shows the score vs. percentile statistics for the most recent years.
|
Percentile
|
CAT 2023
|
CAT 2022
|
CAT 2021
|
|
99%le
|
76
|
84
|
97
|
|
95%le
|
54
|
60
|
72
|
|
90%le
|
46
|
49
|
60
|
|
85%le
|
38
|
42
|
51
|
|
80%le
|
34
|
37
|
45
|
Category-specific CAT Cut-off Percentile Range
Finding out the CAT cut-off percentiles for all MBA colleges is necessary to determine how difficult the CAT exam is. The general category students' 98 to 100 percentile CAT cut-off typically corresponds to the top IIMs. The IIM CAT cut-off for students in the NC-OBC and OBC categories are a little lower and can vary from 95 to 98 percentile. For other Backward categories, the CAT cut-off can vary from 85 to 90 percentile.
The CAT cut-off ranges from 90 to 99 percentile for admission to elite MBA colleges like FMS, MDI, and KCC ITM, among others, and depends on the category.
|
Category
|
CAT Cut-off Percentile Range
|
Success Rate
|
|
General
|
95-100
|
Lower
|
|
Scheduled Castes (SC)
|
Lower than General
|
High
|
|
Scheduled Tribes (ST)
|
Lower than General
|
High
|
|
Other Backward Classes (OBC)
|
Lower than General
|
High
|
|
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
|
Lower than General
|
High
|
Minimum Score Needed to Gain Admission into IIMs Through CAT
|
IIM
|
General
|
|
IIM Ahmedabad
|
80
|
|
IIM Bangalore
|
85
|
|
IIM Kozhikode
|
85
|
|
IIM Calcutta
|
85
|
|
IIM Lucknow
|
90
|
|
IIM Mumbai
|
85
|
|
IIM Indore
|
90
|
|
IIM Raipur
|
94
|
|
IIM Rohtak
|
95
|
|
IIM Udaipur
|
94
|
|
IIM Kashipur
|
94
|
|
IIM Trichy
|
94
|
|
IIM Ranchi
|
94
|
|
IIM Shillong
|
75
|
|
IIM Visakhapatnam
|
80
|
|
IIM Jammu
|
94
|
|
IIM Nagpur
|
94
|
|
IIM Amritsar
|
88
|
|
IIM Bodh Gaya
|
94
|
|
IIM Sambalpur
|
94
|
|
IIM Sirmaur
|
94
|
Comparing the CAT to other competitive exams:
The CAT is an aptitude-based test that is frequently contrasted with several other competitive tests. The CAT Exam difficulty level is a topic most frequently disputed among scholars. Here, we've contrasted the CAT with a few entrance tests for national levels.
Is the CAT tougher than the JEE?
In essence, these two tests are national-level in nature, administered every year by the relevant authorities to choose candidates for various educational specialties. Therefore, if we compare the syllabus and disciplines covered in CAT and JEE, it is clear that the entrance exams for JEE are completely subject-specific. The questions come from Math, Physics, and Chemistry classes 11 and 12. However, in the case of the CAT syllabus, which is an aptitude exam, the authority primarily evaluates the candidates' capacity for logic as potential managers. From this angle, the CAT exam is just a little bit harder than the JEE.
Aside from this, as individuals with any educational background can take the exam, CAT is more competitive than JEE when it comes to testing. However, only those having a background in science and PCM along with a 10+2 can appear for the JEE exam.
|
Aspect
|
CAT
|
JEE
|
|
Sections
|
Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning
|
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
|
|
Test Mode
|
Online (CBT)
|
Online (CBT)
|
|
Total Questions
|
Approximately 76-100
|
Approximately 75-90 (JEE Main)
|
|
Question Types
|
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
and Non-MCQs (TITA)
|
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
|
|
Marking Scheme
|
Varies (usually +1 for a valid TITA, -1 for a wrong MCQ, and +3 for a valid TITA).
|
4 marks for each correct answer, but 1 mark deducts for each wrong answer
|
|
Exam Duration
|
2 hours
|
3 hours each (JEE Main) and
3 hours (JEE Advanced)
|
|
Language Options
|
English
|
English, Hindi, and some regional languages (JEE Main)
|
|
Negative Marking
|
Yes (for MCQs)
|
Yes (for MCQs)
|
|
Calculator Allowed
|
No
|
Yes (for a specific section in JEE Main)
|
|
Mode of Examination
|
Online (CBT)
|
Online (CBT)
|
Is the CAT exam tougher than the UPSC?
In their respective fields, both CAT and UPSC are regarded as challenging; nevertheless, UPSC is recognized for having a more challenging exam structure. While the UPSC exam consists of essay, short answer, and long answer question types, the CAT exam is a multiple-choice test. When it comes to syllabus breadth, UPSC has a more comprehensive yet defined syllabus, whereas the CAT syllabus is not formally released but can be inferred by looking at previous years' data.
|
Aspect
|
CAT Exam
|
UPSC Exam
|
|
Test Mode
|
Online Computer-based Test (CBT)
|
Offline Pen-Paper Test Mode (PPT)
|
|
Total Papers/Sections
|
Three Sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
3. Quantitative Ability
|
Seven papers in the main exam (essay and six topics the candidate chooses) and two papers in the preliminary exam (CSAT and GS)
|
|
Duration
|
2 hours
(60 minutes for each section)
|
Each preliminary paper takes two hours. Different time frames for Mains exams
|
|
Question Types
|
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Non-MCQs
(Subjective answers) in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
|
Objective Multiple-choice questions Subjective
(Essay and long answers) in Mains
|
|
Negative Marking
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Syllabus
|
Verbal, Quantitative, and DI/LR subjects in accordance with CAT standards
|
Extensive curriculum encompassing a range of topics, such as geography, economics, politics, history, and more
|
|
Language Medium
|
English
|
English and Regional Languages
|
|
Regional Languages
|
Regional language alternatives are available at some CAT exam centers, depending on availability.
|
For Mains, candidates can select from a variety of regional languages.
|
Is CAT more difficult than NEET?
The entrance exam for medical admissions is called NEET, and the entrance exam for management and business school admissions is called CAT. The three components of the CAT syllabus are LRDI (Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation), Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). However, the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) of the normal 11th and 12th grades forms the basis of NEET.
|
Aspect
|
CAT
|
NEET
|
|
Sections
|
Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning
|
Physics, Chemistry, Biology
(Botany and Zoology)
|
|
Exam Format
|
Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
|
Offline Pen and Paper (OMR sheets)
|
|
Total Questions
|
Around 76-100
|
Each section including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Botany/Zoology will have 45 questions, making it a total of 180 questions.
|
|
Question Types
|
(MCQs) and Non-MCQs (TITA)
|
(MCQs)
|
|
Marking Scheme
|
Varies (usually +1 for a valid TITA, -1 for a wrong MCQ, and +3 for a valid TITA).
|
4 marks for each correct answer, but 1 mark deducts for each wrong answer
|
|
Exam Duration
|
2 hours
|
3 hours
|
|
Language Options
|
English
|
English, Hindi, and some regional languages
|
|
Negative Marking
|
Yes (for MCQs)
|
Yes (for MCQs)
|
|
Calculator Allowed
|
No
|
No
|
|
Test Format
|
Online Computer-based Test (CBT)
|
Offline (Pen and Paper)
|
Is the CAT exam harder than the IPMAT?
The CAT exam is typically harder than the IPMAT exam. In comparison to the IPMAT exam, the CAT syllabus is more expansive. Additionally, 2.55 lakh candidates are taking the CAT, compared to only 18–20,000 pupils taking the IPMAT.
It is believed that the IPMAT is an intermediate-level test. It is intended for undergraduates who are unfamiliar with competitive examinations. The purpose of the questions is to gauge candidates' basic comprehension of logic, verbal skills, and numeric aptitude.
Conversely, CAT is thought to be among the hardest management entrance exams in India. It is a test at the postgraduate level, therefore you will need to prepare and practice considerably more. The purpose of the questions is to gauge the applicant's capacity for analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving.
|
Particulars
|
CAT
|
IPMAT
|
|
Mode of Examination
|
Online
|
Online
|
|
Medium of Examination
|
English and Hindi
|
Quantitative ability (MCQs),
Quantitative ability (short answer questions)
& Verbal ability
|
|
Duration of the Exam
|
2 hours
(120 – 40 minutes for each section)
|
2 hours
(120 – 40 minutes for each section)
|
|
Subjects
|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
|
Quantitative ability (MCQs), Quantitative ability (short answer questions) & Verbal ability
|
|
Type of questions
|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension – 24 multiple-choice questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning – 20 multiple-choice questions, Quantitative Aptitude – 22 multiple-choice questions.
|
Quantitative Ability – 25 multiple choice questions, Quantitative ability – 25 short answer questions, and Verbal Ability – 50 questions
|
|
Total Marks
|
198 Marks
|
400 Marks
|
|
Marking Scheme
|
For MCQs, +3 is awarded for each correct response, and -1 is awarded for each incorrect response. Unattempted questions will not be marked.
|
For MCQs, +4 is given for each correct response, and -1 is given for each incorrect response. Unattempted questions will not be marked.
|
In summary
As you can see, the response to the question "Is the CAT exam tough?" largely relies on your preparation level and point of view.
It takes commitment, strategic preparation, and in-depth knowledge of the CAT syllabus and format to prepare for it. Remember that the CAT 2024 is a step toward a fulfilling career in management, not just an exam.
Take a bold stance and make prudent use of your resources. Every step you take in your CAT journey, regardless of whether your goal is to clear the CAT cut-off or rank in the top percentiles, is evidence of your potential and willpower.
You've gained insightful knowledge and helpful advice from this book to help you succeed on the CAT 2024 exam. Wishing you luck!