Physics Wallah

What to Expect from CAT 2024, Analyzing Difficulty Levels with CAT 2024 Case Study

CAT is a difficult MBA entrance exam with varying challenges across the different sections. Explore what to expect from CAT 2024 based on previous years’ exam analysis.
authorImageShivani Kumari31 Jul, 2024
Share

Share

What To Expect From CAT 2024

What to Expect from CAT 2024: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most anticipated exams for MBA aspirants in India. Almost every candidate who aims to pursue an MBA degree attempts CAT to secure a seat in top MBA institutes like IIM, FMS, and more. As we approach CAT 2024 , students are keen to know what to expect from CAT 2024, specifically in terms of difficulty levels.

To help candidates determine the expected difficulty level of CAT 2024, we have provided a comprehensive analysis of previous years’ CAT exam. Additionally, we have explained IIMs approach for establishing the difficulty level of CAT papers.

What to Expect from CAT 2024?

The CAT 2024 exam , likely to be conducted in November by IIM Calcutta. The difficulty level of CAT 2024 is expected to range from moderate to hard. Based on previous years’ CAT exam analysis, the quant and LRDI sections will include the most challenging questions. Understanding the expected difficulty levels can help candidates better prepare for the exam.

CAT 2024 Expected Section-Wise Difficulty Levels

The CAT exam comprises 66 questions that are divided into three sections. Each section includes both MCQs and TITA questions. Provided below are the expected section-wise questions for CAT 2024 based on previous years’ analysis:

Questions in CAT VARC Section

Based on previous years’ analysis, the CAT VARC section has an easy to moderate difficulty level. It consists of 24 questions, with a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and TITA questions. In previous years’ CAT, the VARC section typically had 20 MCQs and 4 TITAs, with a good number of attempts ranging between 16 to 19 questions. The table below presents the expected segregation of questions in the CAT 2024 VARC section:
CAT 2024 VARC Questions (Expected)
Question Type No. of Questions
MCQs 20
TITA 4
Total 24

Questions in CAT LRDI Section

The LRDI section in CAT is usually perceived as easy to moderate. However, all the 20 questions are typically tricky to solve. In CAT 2023, it had 12 MCQs and 8 TITAs, with successful candidates attempting between 9 to 12 questions. For CAT 2024, the DILR section is expected to maintain a similar difficulty level, with a total of 20 questions.

The following table provides an overview of the LRDI question distribution in CAT 2024:
CAT 2024 VARC Questions (Expected)
Question Type No. of Questions
MCQs 12
TITA 8
Total 20

Questions in CAT QA Section

The QA section is often considered the most challenging part of the CAT exam. In 2023, this section included 14-15 MCQs and 7-8 TITAs. Candidates who accurately solve 9 to 11 questions accurately in the QA section are able to achieve a good score. The following table presents the expected questions distribution in the CAT 2024 QA section:
CAT 2024 VARC Questions (Expected)
Question Type No. of Questions
MCQs 14-15
TITA 7-8
Total 22

CAT Previous Years’ Difficulty Levels

To better understand what to expect from CAT 2024, let's examine the difficulty levels from the past three years:
Year Section No. of MCQs No. of TITAs Good Attempts Difficulty Level
2023 VARC 20 4 16-19 Moderate
LRDI 12 8 9-12 Easy to Moderate
QA 14-15 7-8 9-11 Moderate to Difficult
2022 VARC 21 3 16-18 Moderate
LRDI 14 6 10-12 Easy to Moderate
QA 14 8 13-15 Easy to Moderate
2021 VARC 19 5 15-17 Moderate
LRDI 14 6 10-12 Easy to Moderate
QA 14 8 14-15 Moderate to Difficult
2020 VARC 18 8 15-17 Moderate to Difficult
LRDI 18 6 11-14 Moderate to Difficult
QA 21 5 16-18 Moderate

Reasons for Varying CAT Difficulty Level

According to previous years’ CAT exam analysis, the difficulty level of the questions has increased. With the increased difficulty level, the score required for achieving the 99 percentile in CAT has reduced. The reasons for the increased difficulty level of CAT are as follows:

  • Identify Deserving Candidates

By increasing the difficulty level of CAT papers IIM can identify the most deserving candidates from the pool of test bakers. An easy CAT question paper allows numerous candidates to achieve high scores. Due to this it becomes challenging for the examination authorities to distinguish between candidates. Therefore, IIM has increased the difficulty level to select only those candidates who have necessary skills to excel in the MBA program.

  • Create Scaled Score

IIM follows a score normalisation process to ensure fairness in ranking candidates across different exam slots. By increasing the difficulty level of CAT, IIM can efficiently establish each candidate’s scaled score and rank them according to their knowledge and skills.

  • Set Low Cut Off

The difficulty level of CAT significantly influences the cut off for various IIMs and other prestigious B-schools. A more difficult exam generally results in lower cut off enabling meritorious candidates to seek admission in their preferred institute. On the other hand, a less challenging CAT exam leads to a high cut off score at all IIMs. This may prevent many candidates from participating in further selection rounds for the admission process. Therefore, IIM creates CAT question papers with an increased difficulty level. https://www.youtube.com/live/DUeIsQGn9hI To crack CAT 2024 with commendable scores it is crucial to follow a strategic preparation plan. Join PW CAT Online Coaching for comprehensive syllabus coverage, 24/7 doubt clarification, and expert guidance to streamline exam preparation.

What to Expect from CAT 2024 FAQs

Will CAT 2024 be easy?

Based on the previous year's exam analysis, the challenge level of the CAT 2024 exam is expected to range from moderate to difficult.

Which IIM will set CAT 2024?

IIM Calcutta is expected to set CAT 2024 exam papers. IIM C will most likely release the official notification for CAT 2024 on 30 July 2024.

How many hours to study for CAT 2024?

Candidates must study 6-7 hours daily to enhance their preparation for CAT 2024.

When to start CAT preparation?

Candidates should start CAT preparation nearly 5-6 months before the scheduled exam date.
Popup Close ImagePopup Open Image
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Popup Image
CTA Image
008448982616
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Privacy Policy
Terms of use
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.