CAT Exam Analysis 2023 (Out): Slot 1, 2, 3 Detailed Analysis, Difficulty Level

CAT exam analysis 2023 for all three slots have been published after the exam was conducted on Nov 26, 2023. The exam analysis for CAT 2023 is curated considering the media reports based on student's feedback. As per the CAT 2023 exam analysis, the overall difficult level of slot 1 exam was considered to be moderate, while slot 2 and 3 were moderately difficult.  

CAT 2023 analysis will provide the candidates with slot-wise and section-wise information related to the level of difficulty, types of questions, number of good attempts, and more. Applicants will receive vital knowledge by understanding the CAT 2023 exam analysis. 

Don't Miss: 

• CAT Answer Key 2023
• CAT 2023 Question Paper

Table of Content

• CAT Exam Analysis 2023
• CAT Exam Analysis 2022
• CAT Paper Analysis 2021
• CAT Paper Analysis 2020

CAT Exam Analysis 2023

CAT 2023 exam was conducted on Nov 26, 2023, in three shifts. CAT slot 1 was conducted from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, slot 2 CAT was held from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, while slot 3 was conducted from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

CAT Exam Analysis 2023 for Slot 1, 2 and 3 for all three slots have been released. Based on the CAT review, the overall difficulty level of the CAT slot 1 exam was moderate. In comparison, CAT slots 2 and 3 were considered moderately difficult.

CAT 2023 Exam Analysis - PDF Download

The detailed CAT 2023 exam analysis for all slots have been provided as PDF files for candidates refereces. Students are advised to check the some of the essential points about the CAT exam for this year are pointed out below.

• The length of CAT 2023 was 120 minutes, with a 40-minute sectional time limit as per the CAT Paper Analysis 2023. 
• There were 66 questions in the CAT 2023 exam paper overall.
• 24 questions will be in the VARC portion. The section had the most RC questions possible.
• There were 20 questions from tables and charts in the DILR portion. There were 22 questions in the QA part, mostly in algebra and arithmetic.

Candidates can access the in-depth paper analysis in PDF format in the tabular below. 

Slots	Exam Analysis
CAT 2023 Slot 1	Download
CAT 2023 Slot 3	Download

CAT 2023 Exam Analysis Slot 1

CAT 2023 slot 1 analysis has been released after the the exam is conducted. Candidates can find the in-depth exam analysis for CAT 2023 slot 1 paper.

CAT Features	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Topics with High Weightage
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam	66	Moderate	-
Difficulty Level of VARC	24	Moderate to Easy	Passage Literature
Difficulty Level of DILR	20	Moderate to Difficult	Mean, Median, Mode Arrangement Puzzle
Difficulty Level of  QA	22	Moderate to Easy	Algebra (6-7 Questions) Coordinate Geometry Functions P&C Number System Time and Work Profit-Loss Arithmetic (8-9 Questions) Geometry (Triangle, Quad, Circle) Clock (Angle-Based)

CAT 2023 Paper Analysis Slot 2

CAT 2023 slot 2 was conducted from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. The following table is updated with CAT 2023 slot 2 analysis.

CAT Features	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Topics with High Weightage
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam	66	Moderate to Difficult	-
Difficulty Level of VARC	24	Moderate	Passage Literature
Difficulty Level of DILR	20	Difficult	Mean Mediam Mode Percentage Arrangement Puzzle
Difficulty Level of  QA	22	Moderate to Difficult	Algebra (5-6 Questions) Coordinate Geometry ( 2 Questions) Sequence ( 2-3 Questions) Number System (1 Question) Time and Work Profit-Loss Arithmetic (6-7 Questions) Geometry (Triangle, Quad, Circle) Clock (Angle-Based)

CAT 2023 Paper Analysis Slot 3

Slot 3 CAT 2023 exam was held from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The following tabular entails detailed CAT 2023 slot 3 analysis.

CAT Features	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Topics with High Weightage
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam	66	Moderate to Difficult	-
Difficulty Level of VARC	24	Moderate	Colonialism and Pollution Rationalization Romanticism History Para jumbles Parasummary Para Completion
Difficulty Level of DILR	20	Moderate to Difficult	Routes and Network Contradictory Conditions Grouping, Students, Project Scores, and Test Scores
Difficulty Level of  QA	22	Moderate to Difficult, Lengthy	Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Numbers/Miscellaneous

CAT Exam Analysis 2022

At 10:30 AM, the first slot of the Common Admission Test (CAT 2022) ended. Candidates can now view the exam analysis for Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3 of CAT 2022. IIM CAT exam slot 2 times from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, and slot 3 times from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

• CAT 2022 Question Paper Slot 1 Paper Analysis
• CAT 2022 Question Paper Slot 2 Paper Analysis
• CAT 2022 Question Paper Slot 3 Paper Analysis

CAT 2022 Paper Analysis Slot 1

CAT 2022 slot 1 was conducted on Nov 27, 2022, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, by IIM Bangalore. Here is the in-depth CAT 2022 exam slot-by-slot analysis.

CAT Features	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Topics with High Weightage	Ideal CAT Score
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam	66	Moderate	-	98 (An ideal score of 99%ile)110 (An ideal score of 99.5%ile)
Difficulty Level of VARC	24	Easy to Moderate	RC passages, Summary based questions	40-42
Difficulty Level of DILR	20	Easy to Moderate	No questions on bar graphs and pie charts, Logical Reasoning had a higher weightage	28-30
Difficulty Level of  QA	22	Moderate to Difficult	Arithmetic	36-38

CAT 2022 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 1

• The VARC section has the same easy to moderate level of difficulty as the previous year. In total, 24 questions were to be answered in the allotted 40 minutes.
• There were 3 non-MCQ questions. Each RC paragraph contained between 300 and 350 words. 2 passages were simple, while 2 were challenging.
• The removal of the odd-sentence-out questions and the inclusion of the para-completion part in the VA section came as a surprise.
• A final score of 38 to 40 can be regarded as sufficient for the 99%ile.

CAT 2022 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 1

• There were 4 sets of 5 questions in the DILR portion, totaling 20 questions.
• In comparison to the CAT 2021 DILR part, CAT 2022 DILR was more challenging.
• There were six non-MCQ questions. There were roughly 8–10 questions that may be answered.
• For a 99+ percentile in DILR, a score of 28–30 points is ideal.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 1

• The QA portion of the CAT 2022 was easy to moderately difficult, as was to be expected.
• In 40 minutes, 22 questions had to be answered. There were 8 non-MCQs in the section. Arithmetic dominated this part as one could assume.
• The optimal score for a 99+ percentile on the QA part of the CAT 2022 is between 36 and 38.

Important Links:

CAT Answer Key 2023

CAT Response Sheet 2023

CAT 2022 Paper Analysis Slot 2

CAT 2022 slot 2 will be conducted on Nov 27, 2022, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, by IIM Bangalore. Here is the in-depth CAT 2022 exam slot-by-slot analysis.

CAT Features	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Ideal CAT Score
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam	66	Moderate to Difficult	97-99
Difficulty Level of VARC	24	Moderate	37-39
Difficulty Level of DILR	20	Easy to Moderate	27-30
Difficulty Level of  QA	22	Difficult	40-42

CAT 2022 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 2

• The CAT 2022 VARC section of Slot 2 continued to be easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. There were a total of 24 questions to be attempted in 40 minutes.
• 6 questions were Non-MCQs. The RC passages were around 500 words each. 2 were easy to read. Since there were 4 passages, 11-14 questions would have been an ideal attempt.
• Overall, a score of 40-42 can be considered enough for a 99+%.

CAT 2022 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 2

• Slot 2 DILR was challenging. Similar to slot 1, the DILR part featured four sets of five questions apiece.
• Once more, there were 6 non-MCQs. 2 sets were simple to solve, and a 12–13 attempt was recommended for this phase.
• For a 99+ percentile in DILR, a score of 30-32 points is ideal.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 2

• CAT 2022 Slot 2's QA part was identical to last year's. 15 of the 22 questions were the best for the section to attempt.
• There were 8 non-MCQs in the section. Arithmetic continued to dominate the Slot 2 QA section of the Slot 1 QA, followed by Algebra.
• For a 99+ percentile in the QA section of the CAT 2022 Slot 2 exam, a score of 30-34 is ideal.

CAT 2022 Paper Analysis Slot 3

CAT 2022 slot 3 was conducted on Nov 27, 2022, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, by IIM Bangalore. Here is the in-depth CAT 2022 exam slot-by-slot analysis.

CAT Features	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Topics with High Weightage	Ideal CAT Score
Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam	66	Moderate to Difficult	-	93-95
Difficulty Level of VARC	24	Moderate to Difficult	Para jumbles Summary Para completion	40-42
Difficulty Level of DILR	20	Moderate to Difficult	Computer Science-Ratios Covid Cases Blue & pink- male female-graph	26-27
Difficulty Level of  QA	22	Moderate	Arithmetic Algebra	30-33

CAT 2022 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 3

• Comparatively speaking to the slots before, the portion was simpler in slot 3. There were a total of 24 questions to be answered in 40 minutes, following the VARC of Slots 1 and 2.
• There were 3 non-MCQ questions. Each RC chapter contained about 500 words. 2 of the passages were simple to read, 1 was moderately difficult, and 1 was challenging.
• The VA portion included the new topics of para completion and para jumbles. One question on each of the three themes was challenging to answer.
• The section's questions were inference-based frequently and could be challenging. A final score of 40 to 42 can be deemed sufficient for a 99 % in VARC Slot 3.

CAT 2022 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 3

• In terms of LOD, Slot 3 DILR was more challenging than Slot 2 and Slot 1 DILR. There were 4 sets of 5 questions in the DILR portion, totalling 20 questions. Once more, there were 6 non-MCQs. There was only 1 easy set out of the 4 sets in the section.
• For a 99+ percentile in DILR, a score of 26–27 points is ideal.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 3

• The QA portion of CAT 2022 Slot 3 was extensive and more challenging. In 40 minutes, 22 questions had to be answered. There were 8 non-MCQs in the section. Arithmetic and algebra continued to dominate the Slot 3 QA portion, as was the case in Slots 1 and 2.
• For a 99+ percentile in the QA section of the CAT 2022 Slot 3 exam, a score of 30-33 is ideal.

Read More: CAT Exam Analysis 2022

CAT 2022 Slot Wise Students' Reaction

Candidates can read along to understand the slot-wise reaction of students that appeared for the CAT 2022.

Students' Reaction to Slot 1 Exam

• Quant: As stated by Mridula, a candidate for CAT 2022 slot 1, Quant was challenging, most of the questions required logical reasoning, and she considered the diagram problems to be challenging. The CAT exam as a whole was average.
• VARC: The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension portion were rated as moderate by one of the students.
• QA: Navyashri, a CAT exam taker, finds verbal, historical, logical junction train, class of boys and girls, and event questions challenging. In the CAT slot 1 paper, there are questions on profit and loss, ratios, and logs.
• A participant taking the CAT 2022 exam from a Patna testing site said that the question paper's structure differed from the CAT practice test. The bar graph and pie chart don't raise any issues. Geometry was the subject of three questions, and VARC contained five paragraphs and three summary questions.
• DILR: DILR was unclear. The CAT slot 1 exam as a whole was simple. Each CAT segment had a 40-minute time limit, and the entire test took 2 hours to complete.

Students' Reaction to the Slot 2 Exam

• The CAT exam was generally considered to be of a moderate difficulty level by the CAT aspirants. According to the student CAT exam analysis, the CAT 2022 exam's overall difficulty level was moderate.
• VARC: The verbal ability and reading comprehension components of the exam were easier than the DILR and QA sections (VARC).
• The variety of questions was also unexpected. Unexpected subjects were brought up in the questions. 
• Candidates who took the CAT exam in slot 2 examined the question paper and concluded that it was also a somewhat challenging exam. CAT slot 2 exam was a little challenging because the majority of the questions were from number systems, according to a CAT 2022 candidate.
• QA: The Verbal (VARC) component of the CAT exam was easy to moderately difficult for the pupils, however, the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section was challenging.

Students' Reaction to the Slot 3 Exam

At 6.30 PM, the final CAT exam slot for 2022 came to an end. According to responses from students who took the CAT exam in slot number three in 2022, this slot was slightly more difficult than slots one and two.

• DILR: The DILR part was the easiest to moderately difficult of the three.
• QA: In the quantitative skill part, several of the problems were more challenging.
• VARC: Most of the questions in VARC were of a medium difficulty level.
• There were two lengthy paragraphs in RC. Overall, the CAT exam slot 3 was moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty.

CAT Paper Analysis 2021

Candidates can read along to understand the slot-wise CAT paper analysis 2021 from the sections below.

CAT Paper Analysis 2021 Slot 1

CAT slot one exam was conducted on 28 November by IIM Indore Pan India between 8.30 AM and 10.30 AM. COVID guidelines were followed strictly during the examination. 120 minutes were given to the students to answer 66 questions, which is 10 questions lesser than last time. The exam went smoothly. For the slot one session, time was essential in order to answer the questions. The pattern was similar to that of the last year's. 

CAT 2021 Slot 1: Paper Pattern and Difficulty Levels

The exam was Moderately-Difficult but it was lengthy. 

• Marking Scheme - There is no negative marking for TITA-based questions, however, for the MCQs, 3 marks are awarded for the right answer, and 1 mark is deducted for the incorrect one.
• GetMyUni Ratings - 7/10 in terms of difficulty. 

Section-Wise Breakdown Of The CAT 2021 Slot 1 Exam

Below is a breakdown of the number of questions asked with respect to the time given for the three sections of CAT slot 1 exam 2021. 

Sections	No. of questions	Difficulty level	Marking Scheme	Score for 99%ile
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	Moderate	+3/-1 (For MCQs) +3/-0 (For Non-MCQs)	37-39
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	Easy		40-42
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	Moderate to Difficult		27-30
Sections (Total)	66	Moderate to Difficult		Approximately: 96-99

Note - The total time given to answer was 40 minutes per section.

Section Wise CAT Paper Analysis 2021 for Slot 1

Difficulty levels of the different sections in the CAT Examination are given below.

CAT 2021 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 1

• The candidates reported that it was moderate to solve. However, if a student had a good grasp of reading, vocabulary, and verbal ability, he/she could score decent marks. 
• Types of questions and topics asked
  • MCQ Type - It included Summary and Reading Comprehension based questions. 4 Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages were asked which were the MCQ type. All 4 passages in the RCs had 4 questions. Hence, the total number of questions asked from the RCs was 16 out of 24. RC passages were around 470 to 500 words each.
  • TITA type questions - It included questions on Verbal Ability. These included Out of Context Sentences, Para Jumbled Statements, Para Summaries, and more on these lines. The section was lengthy. Verbal Ability comprised of 5 non-MCQs out of 24.
  • Verbal Ability
    • This section included 8 questions.
    • Para Formation - 3 questions - Moderate to Difficult
    • Para Summary - 3 questions - Easy to Moderate
    • Odd One Out - 2 questions - Moderate
• Required Marks - The approximate marks a candidate needs to score in the VARC section are between 37-39 in order to get the 99 percentile.

CAT 2021 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 1

• Although the most feared sections on the CAT exam, in 2021, the QA section was easy similar to CAT 2018 and 2020. In fact, candidates reported it to be the easiest out of the three sections.
• Types of questions and topics asked
  • The sections which had the maximum number of questions were based on Algebra and Arithmetic. Other sections included topics such as Roots, Geometry, Log, and more. 2-3 questions were taken from the Number System. 8 Type in the Answer (TITA) questions were asked and the remaining 14 questions were MCQ type.
• Breakdown of the QA subjects
  • Arithmetic - 11 Questions
  • Algebra - 5 Questions
  • Number System - 2 Questions
  • Geometry - 3 Questions
  • Modern Math - 1 Question
• Required Marks - The marks required in the QA section are 40-42 in order to get a 99 percentile.
  

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 1

• This section was moderate in terms of difficulty. Time was a crucial factor to understand DI&LR, however, it was doable. Some questions were difficult.
• Types of questions and topics asked
  • The total questions asked from LR is 14 and from DI is 6. This section had 4 sets. Out of 4 sets, two had 4 questions and two had 6 questions, but only 2 of these 4 sets were manageable.
• Breakdown of the DI&LR topics
  • Bar Graph - 4 Questions - 3-4 Ideal Attempts
  • Arrangement - Researchers, Publishing - 6 Questions - 2-3 Ideal Attempts
  • Smoothies- DI - 4 Questions - 1-2 Ideal Attempts
  • Arrangement - Friends, Strangers, Acquaintances - 6 Questions - 2-3 Ideal Attempts
• Required Marks - The marks required for the DI&LR section are around 27-30 in order to get you in the top percentile.
• CAT 2021 Good Attempts and Required Score for Slot 1
  • The ideal expected score a candidate must get is between 96-99 according to our CAT Paper Analysis 2021. This score will allow a person to get admitted into the IIMs and other top-rated Business Schools in India and a few abroad. 

CAT Paper Analysis 2021 Slot 2

The CAT exam slot two was conducted between 12:30 PM to 2.30 PM. Below is all information from experts and students on the type of questions, difficulty level, changes in the paper pattern, ideal attempts, and more.

CAT 2021 Exam Paper Pattern and Difficulty Levels for Slot 2

The candidates reported that the Slot 2 CAT exam was 'Moderately Difficult', but easier than 2020. The paper was lengthy and difficulty levels were different in three sections as compared to slot 1.

• Marking scheme - The marking scheme remains the same as Slot 1.
• GetMyUni Ratings for Slot 2 - 7.5/10 in terms of difficulty.

Section-Wise Breakdown Of The CAT 2021 Slot 2 Exam

Below is a breakdown of the number of questions asked with respect to the time given for the three sections of CAT slot 2 exams 2021. 

Sections	No. of questions	Difficulty level	Marking Scheme	Score for 99%ile
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	Easy	+3/-1 (For MCQs) +3/-0 (For Non-MCQs)	37-39
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	Moderate		39-42
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	Difficult to Moderate		29-32
Sections (Total)	76	Moderate		Approximately: 96-99

Note - The total time given to answer was 40 minutes per section.

Section Wise CAT Paper Analysis 2021 for Slot 2

Difficulty levels of the different sections in the CAT Examination are given below.

CAT 2021 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 2

• The candidates reported that it was a slightly tricky section. If a student had a good grasp of reading, vocabulary, and verbal ability, he/she could score decent marks. The question pattern was the same as that of Slot 1.
• Types of questions and topics asked
  • The types of questions were again similar to that of Slot 1. RC consisted of 4 passages. Each of these passages had 4 questions each - Attempting 2 would have been ideal and 4 would have been risky. The ideal Score would be 12 with 8 to 9 attempts.
• Verbal Ability
  • It included 8 questions. The non-MCQ type included 3 Para Jumbles and 2 Odd Sentence Para jumbles. The MCQ type included 3 Para Summary Questions. The TIFA questions were a little more tricky as compared to the MCQ type. Hence, the total number of questions in VA was 8 out of 24.
  • 3 Questions (Moderate - Difficult) - Para Jumbles
  • 2 Questions (Moderate - Difficult) - Odd One Out
  • 3 Questions (Easy-Moderate) Para Summary 
• Required Marks - The approximate marks a candidate needs to score in the VARC section are between 37-39 in order to get the 99 percentile.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 2

• The QA section was slightly more difficult than Slot 1. The pattern was similar to Slot 1 as Algebra and Arithmetic dominated the paper.
• Types of questions and topics asked
  • The maximum number of questions were asked from Arithmetic and Algebra, numbering 16 out of 24 questions asked in QA.
• Breakdown of the QA subjects
  • Maximum questions - Algebra, Time and Distance, Work, Speed, Arithmetic, and Geography. The level was moderate.
  • Number System - 2 questions of Moderate Difficulty
  • Modern Math - 1 question
• Required Marks - The marks required in the QA section are 39-42 in order to get a 99 percentile. 

CAT 2021 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 2

• This section was moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty, much similar to Slot 1. Maximum questions were asked again from Logical Reasoning and the pattern was also similar to Slot 1.
• Types of questions and topics asked
  • There were 6 questions in 2 sets and 4 questions in the other 2 sets. Hence, there were a total of 4 sets with 20 questions. The number of Non-MCQ was 5 out of 20 and the MCQ-based questions numbered 15 out of 20.
• Breakdown of the DI&LR topics
  • Assignment (Value perception of different products) - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempt: 3-4
  • Games & Tournament - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempt: 4
  • Ravi the delivery man - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempt: 3-4
  • Bar Chart (DI) - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempt: 4
• Required Marks - The marks required for the DI&LR section are around 29-32 in order to get you in the top percentile.
• CAT 2021 Good Attempts and Required Score for Slot 2
  • The ideal expected score a candidate must get is between 96-99 according to our CAT Paper Analysis 2021. Attempting around 42-45 questions should help to get into the top Business Schools.

CAT Paper Analysis 2021 Slot 3

The third session of the exam was conducted from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The time limit for answering the questions per section wise remains the same, i.ei 40 minutes. The total number of questions is also the same as slots 1 and 2, i.e., 66 questions, which is 10 questions lesser than last time.

CAT 2021 Slot 3: Paper Pattern and Difficulty Levels

With the end of the third session, the CAT Exam for 2021 officially comes to an end. Many candidates reported that the Slot 3 CAT exam was 'Moderately Difficult'. The question paper was a bit lengthy, a few questions were tricky but the pattern remained similar to that of slots 1 and 2. DILR seemed the easier out of the three sections. VARC was moderate and the QA section was moderate.

• Marking scheme - The marking scheme remains the same as Slot 1 and Slot 2. +3 for correct answers (both MCQ and Non-MCQ), no negative marking for incorrect answers in the case of TIFA questions but -1 for MCQ type questions if the answer is incorrect. 
• GetMyUni Ratings for Slot 3 - 7.3/10 in terms of difficulty.

Section-Wise Breakdown Of The CAT 2021 Slot 3 Exam

Below is a breakdown of the number of questions asked with respect to the time given for the three sections of CAT Slot 3 Exam 2021. 

Sections	No. of questions	Difficulty level	Marking Scheme	Score for 99%ile
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	26	Moderate	+3/-1 (For MCQs) +3/-0 (For Non-MCQs)	36-39
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	Moderate		34-37
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	Easy-Moderate		30-33
Sections (Total)	76	Moderately Difficult		Approximately: 93-97

Note - The total time given to answer was 40 minutes per section.

Section Wise CAT Paper Analysis 2021 for Slot 3

Difficulty levels of the different sections in the CAT Examination are given below.

CAT 2021 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis for Slot 3

• This section was moderate according to the candidates. It was similar to the previous 2 exam slots and the exam pattern also remained the same.
• Types of questions and topics asked
  • The questions which appeared in the third session were similar to that of Slot 1 and Slot 2.
  • Reading Comprehension (RC) consisted of 4 passages. All 4 of the passages had 4 questions. Hence, the overall questions from RC were 16 out of 24. The difficulty levels of these questions were moderate. Each RC passage was approximately 500 words in length.
• Verbal Ability Questions Breakdown - MCQ and TITA Type
  • It included 8 questions. The non-MCQ type carried 3 Para Jumble questions and 2 Odd Sentence Para Jumbles. The MCQ type included 3 Para Summary Questions. Hence, the total number of questions in VA was 8 out of 26.
  • 3 Questions (Moderate) - Para Jumbles
  • 2 Questions (Moderate-Difficult) - Odd One Out
  • 3 Questions (Easy-Moderate) - Para Summary 
• Required Marks - The approximate marks a candidate needs to score in the VARC section are between 36-39  in order to get the 99 percentile.

CAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis for Slot 3

• The QA section for the third slot was lengthy and time-intensive thus making it difficult. The pattern was similar to the previous slots as Algebra and Arithmetic dominated the paper.
• Types of questions and topics asked 
  • This section once again was dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra questions. However, Algebra was increased in this slot unlike the 1st two. It also had a good number of questions from different topics, making the paper quite diverse and similar to the previous slots.
• Breakdown of the QA subjects
  • Geometry and Mensuration - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 2
  • Modern Math - 1 Question - Ideal Attempts: 1
  • Arithmetic - 11 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 7-8
  • Algebra - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 2-3
• Required Marks - The marks required in the QA section are 34-36 in order to get a 99 percentile. 

CAT 2021 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis for Slot 3

• This section was similar to Slot 1 DILR and easier than Slot 2 DILR. The maximum number of questions were asked from LR.
• Types of questions and topics asked
  • The pattern remained the same for this section. There were 6 questions in 2 sets and 4 questions in the other 2 sets. Hence, there were a total of 4 sets with 20 questions.
  • The number of Non-MCQ was 5 out of 20 and the MCQ-based questions numbered 15 out of 20. The TITA questions showed a slight difference as compared to the previous slots.
• Breakdown of the DI&LR topics 
  • Following is the topic-wise breakdown of the questions asked in this section.
  • Bar Chart - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 3-4
  • Pure & Impure Solutions - 4 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 3-4
  • Javelin Tournament - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 2-4
  • Review of Academic Qs - 6 Questions - Ideal Attempts: 2-4
• Required Marks - The marks required for the DI&LR section are around 30-33 in order to get you in the top percentile.
• CAT 2021 Good Attempts and Required Score for Slot 3
  • The ideal expected score a candidate must get is between 93-97 according to our CAT Paper Analysis 2021.
  • This score will allow a person to get admitted into the IIMs and other top-rated Business Schools in India and a few abroad.

CAT Paper Analysis 2020

CAT Paper Analysis 2020 states that the exam had a 120 minutes total time restriction and was divided into 40 minutes for each section. The CAT marking scheme was not changed. Three points were awarded for each accurate answer. 

Some of the important points related to the CAT paper analysis of 2020 are as follows.

• The VARC portion had 26 questions
• The DILR section contained 24 questions
• The QA section of CAT 2020 had 26 questions
• The RC questions dominated the VARC segment. There were two DILR sets in the DILR section.
• According to CAT Paper Analysis 2020, the questions in the QA part were mostly from Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Modern Math.

Section Name	Time Limit	Ideal Score	Total Questions
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	40 Minutes	40-42	26
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	40 Minutes	32-34	24
Quantitative Ability (QA)	40 Minutes	46-48	26
Total	120 Minutes	105-110	76