The CAT Exam Pattern: A Test of Selection
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is not about speed or answering everything; it is about strategic selection and accuracy under pressure. Understand the 2-hour window and sectional time locks.
The 2-Hour Format (120 Minutes)
You cannot jump between sections or carry over unused time.
| Order | Section Name | Questions (Est.) | Time Limit | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VARC (Verbal & Reading Comp) | 24 Questions | 40 Minutes | +3 Correct, -1 Incorrect (MCQs) |
| 2 | DILR (Data & Logical Reasoning) | 20 Questions | 40 Minutes | +3 Correct, -1 Incorrect (MCQs) |
| 3 | QA (Quantitative Ability) | 22 Questions | 40 Minutes | +3 Correct, -1 Incorrect (MCQs) |
| — | Total Exam | ~66 Questions | 120 Minutes | TITA (Type in the Answer) has no negative marking. |
The CAT Reality: Score vs. Percentile
CAT is an extreme difficulty exam. You don't need 90% marks; you only need ~45–50%.
Approx 43% raw marks.
Gateway to IIM A, B, C calls.
Approx 30% raw marks.
Top New IIMs & Tier-1 institutions.
Approx 25% raw marks.
Baby IIMs & leading B-schools.
The Winning Strategy: "The Art of Leaving"
To achieve a 99%ile, you only need to solve 10–12 questions correctly per section. That means actively identifying and skipping 40%+ of the test to preserve time for high-probability questions.
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