Most Difficult Paper by CAT In Last 5 Years, Difficulty Level Analysis

Most Difficult Paper by CAT in Last 5 Years is an important point of reference for aspirants. The exam tests conceptual understanding and time management and composure under pressure. From the last five years, CAT 2020 to CAT 2024, multiple structural changes caused changes in levels of difficulty. Having an understanding of these trends helps candidates to prepare an effective and realistic strategy.

Based on expert analysis, score vs. percentile trends, and student feedback, CAT 2023 Slot 3 and CAT 2021 stand out as the most challenging papers in recent history. While CAT 2021 was consistently difficult in all three slots, the CAT 2023 Slot 3 paper is regarded as the Toughest CAT paper to Date. This was regarded as this owing to the very difficult Quantitative Ability (QA) section combined with a challenging Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section.

Most Difficult Paper by CAT In Last 5 Years: CAT 2023 Slot 3 Analysis

The CAT 2023 examination was conducted by IIM Lucknow. It maintained a Moderate to Difficult level among all three of its slots. However, the Slot 3 paper showcased a unique level of difficulty in the QA and DILR sections. This leads to a drop in the raw score required to achieve top percentiles.

The difficulty of this particular paper meant that candidates required a raw score of only around 86-90 marks to secure a 99 percentile. It was one of the lowest marks required for that percentile in the last five years. This also indicates its tough nature.

CAT Previous Year Question Paper Difficulty Trend (2020-2024)

Having an understanding of the trend is very important for your preparation. The table here provides a comparison of the complete difficulty, questions, and the approximate raw score needed for a 99th percentile in the last five CAT exams. 

CAT 2024 Paper Analysis

The CAT 2024 paper was considered to be the most balanced and moderate exam in the last five years. Here are some major pointers from the CAT 2024 paper analysis:

Total Questions: The total number of questions increased slightly to 68 (from 66 in 2023), with the DILR section expanding to 22 questions.

DILR: The section was comparatively easier than in previous years, allowing students to crack 2 to 3 sets comfortably.

QA: The Quantitative Ability section was rated Moderate, similar to CAT 2023, dominated by Arithmetic questions.

VARC: The section was Moderate, with dense passages but doable questions, rewarding high accuracy.

Section Wise Difficult Paper in CAT

When reviewing a Difficult paper by CAT questions, the challenge stems from two sections: DILR and QA.

DILR: The Consistent Challenge

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section has historically been the biggest differentiator in the CAT exam. It often proves to be the most time-consuming and challenging section.

• CAT 2021: This year saw a DILR section that was exceptionally difficult. With only 4 sets, two were considered extremely tough, forcing a focus on smart set selection.

• CAT 2023 Slot 3: Sets were highly complex and involved heavy calculations, requiring aspirants to manage multiple conditions under severe time pressure.

QA: The Volatility Factor

While DILR is consistently tough, the difficulty level of the Quantitative Ability (QA) section is highly volatile and often determines the overall paper’s toughness.

• CAT 2023 Slot 3: The difficulty of this slot was primarily driven by QA. The questions were multi-step, required deep conceptual clarity, and were dominated by tricky Algebra and Number System problems.

• CAT 2022: The QA section in CAT 2022 was also rated highly difficult, with questions requiring unconventional approaches and lengthy calculations, making it a high-risk section.

Preparation Strategy to Crack Difficult Paper by CAT Questions

In order to prepare for a Difficult paper by CAT questions, candidates need a disciplined and smart strategy. This strategy focuses to prioritize accuracy and question selection.

Prioritize Accuracy: In a tough paper like CAT 2023 Slot 3, raw scores drop significantly. It focus on securing 2-3 correct sets in DILR and achieving 50-60% accuracy in VARC and QA to hit the 99th percentile mark. 

Master Arithmetic and Algebra: These two areas dominate the QA section. A good command of these topics helps candidates to get a solid foundation to tackle the toughest questions.

Practice Challenging DILR Sets: The key to DILR is to identify the doable set within the first few minutes. Practice complex puzzles, quant-based sets, and games or tournament problems from previous tough papers.

Simulate Real Exam Conditions: Take full-length, mock tests replicating the latest pattern 68 questions, 120 minutes to build stamina and practice time management.

Structured Preparation: Enroll in a comprehensive program like Physics Wallah (PW) Online Coaching for CAT 2025. Our structured courses and sectional test series are designed to prepare you for the volatility and difficulty of the challenging CAT papers.