Most Difficult Paper by CAT In Last 5 Years: Difficulty Level Analysis, Challenging Topics (2019-2023)

Most Difficult Paper by CAT In Last 5 Years: In the last five years, the Common Admission Test (CAT) papers have had different levels of difficulty. Some papers, especially from 2023 and 2021, stood out as particularly challenging. In CAT 2023, Slot 3 was the toughest, with a difficult Quantitative Aptitude section focused on Algebra and Arithmetic.

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• CAT 2022 was moderately tough, with challenging questions in the Quantitative Aptitude and DILR sections.
• CAT 2021 also had high difficulty, mainly in the VARC and DILR sections, with many non-MCQ questions.

Overview of the CAT Exam

CAT Exam Difficulty Level Analysis

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Historical Context

Difficulty Levels of CAT Papers (2019-2023)

Detailed Analysis of CAT Difficult Paper Year-Wise

1. CAT 2019 : Conducted by IIM Kozhikode, this paper was deemed easy to moderate. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section was particularly challenging, while Quantitative Ability (QA) was found to be easier by many candidates.
2. CAT 2020 : This year saw a shift towards a more difficult paper overall, with the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section being notably tough due to long passages. The overall trend indicated that candidates faced more challenging questions compared to previous years.
3. CAT 2021 : The exam maintained a moderate difficulty level across all sections. However, DILR emerged as the most difficult section again, with many candidates reporting that it required extensive logical reasoning skills.
4. CAT 2022 : Similar to 2021, this year's exam was moderate in difficulty, but DILR continued to challenge candidates significantly. The structure remained consistent with previous years, which helped some candidates prepare better.
5. CAT 2023 : This year marked a return to higher difficulty levels, especially in QA. Candidates noted that this slot was tougher than previous years, particularly in quantitative questions compared to VARC and DILR.

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Hardest CAT Paper Year

Factors Contributing to Difficulty in CAT 2020

• Question Format : The introduction of more non-MCQ questions added complexity since these did not have negative marking but required precise answers.
• Sectional Distribution : A heavier weightage on reading comprehension in VARC meant that students had to manage their time effectively while tackling lengthy passages.
• DILR Challenges : This section included intricate sets that demanded strong analytical skills and quick thinking under pressure.

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CAT Paper Difficulty Comparison

Insights from Comparison

• The VARC section has consistently posed challenges, particularly in 2020 when it was rated as difficult due to extensive reading passages.
• The DILR section remains a perennial challenge for candidates; its complexity has made it the most difficult section across multiple years.
• In contrast, QA's difficulty has fluctuated; while it was easier in some years like 2019, it became notably tougher in 2023.

CAT Toughest Sections Past Years

Most Challenging Sections:

1. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) : Consistently rated as one of the toughest sections across all years. Candidates often struggle with time management due to complex sets.
2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) : Particularly challenging in 2020 due to extensive reading materials. Requires strong comprehension skills and quick reading abilities.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA) : While generally perceived as easier in earlier years, it has become increasingly difficult, especially noted in CAT 2023.

Also Read: CAT Exam Analysis 2023 for Slot 1, Slot 2, Slot 3