The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024, one of India’s most prestigious MBA entrance examinations, was conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta on November 24, 2024. Slot 1 of the examination, held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, marked the beginning of the day’s series of assessments. With changes in the question pattern and varying difficulty levels across sections, this analysis aims to break down the key highlights of the Slot 1 paper, providing insights into the difficulty levels, section-wise reviews, good attempts, and expected cutoffs.
The CAT 2024 Slot 1 Exam Analysis
| Section | No. of Questions | Questions Breakdown | Non-MCQ Questions | Time (Minutes) | Difficulty Level | No. of Doable Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 4 Passages * 4 Questions, 3 Para Summary, 3 Para Completion, 2 Odd One Out | 2 | 40 | Easy | 14-16 |
| DILR | 22 | 2 Sets * 5 Questions, 3 Sets * 4 Questions | 10 | 40 | Easy-Moderate | 10-11 |
| QA | 22 | Algebra – 5-6, Arithmetic – 10-11, Geometry – 3, Number System – 2, Modern Maths – 1 | 8 | 40 | Moderate | 10 |
| Total | 68 | 20 | 120 | Easy-Moderate |
Exam Overview: Structure and Pattern
The CAT 2024 exam followed the traditional structure but introduced a slight change in the number of questions.
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- Time Allocation: 40 minutes per section, adhering to the sectional time limit.
- Total Questions: Increased to 68 (compared to 66 in CAT 2023), with two additional questions in the DILR section.
This incremental increase in questions added an extra layer of challenge for test-takers, especially in managing time effectively across the sections.
Section-Wise Difficulty Analysis
Experts and students have shared their insights on the difficulty level of CAT 2024 Slot 1 Exam Analysis. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each section:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Analysis: The VARC section was considered the easiest among the three, with straightforward Reading Comprehension passages and a mix of vocabulary and grammar-based questions. Most candidates found this section manageable, offering an opportunity to maximize scores.
- Good Attempts: 13–15
- Score for 99th Percentile: 38–40
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Analysis: The DILR section posed a greater challenge, primarily due to the increased number of questions (24 questions, up from 22 in CAT 2023). Logical reasoning sets required careful attention, while data interpretation involved multi-layered calculations. Candidates with strong analytical skills had an edge here.
- Good Attempts: 11–12
- Score for 99th Percentile: 33–36
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Analysis: Quantitative Ability maintained its reputation for being time-consuming and conceptually demanding. This section required candidates to balance speed with accuracy, focusing on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry-based questions.
- Good Attempts: 14–15
- Score for 99th Percentile: 42–45
Key Observations from Experts
Industry experts have weighed in on CAT 2024 Slot 1 Exam Analysis , highlighting both challenges and opportunities for candidates:
- Gautam Puri (Career Launcher): According to Puri, the overall difficulty level of Slot 1 was higher than CAT 2023. While VARC was relatively simple, DILR and QA required strategic time management to secure a high percentile.
- Ramnath Kanakadandi (T.I.M.E.): Kanakadandi noted the surprise element of the examination: the increase in the total number of questions, particularly in the DILR section. Despite this, the distribution of difficulty levels ensured a fair testing environment.
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What Constitutes a Good Attempt?
The number of good attempts refers to the approximate range of questions that candidates should have answered correctly to secure a strong percentile. Here’s a summary of the good attempts for Slot 1:
| Section | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts | Score for 99th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Easy | 13–15 | 38–40 |
| DILR | Moderate to Difficult | 11–12 | 33–36 |
| QA | Moderate | 14–15 | 42–45 |
How to Prepare for Upcoming Slots?
Candidates preparing for Slot 2 and Slot 3 of CAT 2024 can learn from the experience of Slot 1 aspirants:
- Time Management: The increase in the number of questions highlights the importance of practicing timed mock tests.
- Focus on Strengths: Scoring high in sections like VARC, which are relatively easier, can improve overall percentile.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: The unexpected changes should remind candidates to remain adaptable during the exam.
Expected Cutoffs for MBA Admissions
The CAT 2024 Slot 1 analysis provides a glimpse into the potential cutoff trends:
- For a 99th percentile, candidates should aim for a total score of 115–120.
- Top-tier IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta may set sectional cutoffs around 80–85 percentile.
Initial Reactions from Students
Many students found the paper slightly trickier than CAT 2024 due to the increase in question count and the challenging QA section. However, a significant number appreciated the fair balance of difficulty across sections, enabling aspirants to play to their strengths.
Conclusion
CAT 2024 Slot 1 Exam Analysis has set the tone for this year’s examination, combining familiarity with strategic surprises. While the difficulty level was slightly higher, well-prepared candidates had ample opportunities to perform well. Those appearing in the upcoming slots should fine-tune their strategies based on this analysis to enhance their chances of success.
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FAQs
How was the overall difficulty level of CAT 2024 Slot 1?
The overall difficulty level was higher than CAT 2024. VARC was easy, DILR ranged from moderate to difficult, and QA was moderately challenging.
What were the good attempts for Slot 1?
Good attempts were 13–15 for VARC, 11–12 for DILR, and 14–15 for QA.
Were there any changes in the exam pattern?
Yes, the number of questions increased to 68, with two additional questions in the DILR section.
What is the expected cutoff for 99th percentile?
A score of around 115–120 is expected for the 99th percentile.
How should students prepare for upcoming slots?
Focus on time management, leverage strengths, and stay adaptable to changes in the question pattern.
