CAT 2024 Slot 1 Analysis: The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 organized by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kolkata kicked off successfully on November 24, with the first phase ending at 10:30 am. The exam, aimed at aspirants from across the country who want to get into prestigious management courses, maintains a three-column format.
Although there were some technical issues, these were quickly resolved to ensure minimal disruption to candidates.
He pointed out that a significant change in this year’s exam is a slight increase in the number of questions, from 66 in 2023 to 68 in 2024. Two additional questions were included in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section. Below is an overview of the exam pattern:
Overall impression: Easier than last year
Experts and candidates alike have found Slot 1 of CAT 2024 to be slightly easier than the 2023 exam. Although the number of questions has slightly increased, the overall difficulty is quite balanced, and well-prepared candidates can easily handle the test papers. This view is echoed by Ramnatah Kanakadandi, Senior Curriculum Director at TIME, who conducted a detailed section-by-section analysis of the exam.
Segment Analysis CAT 2024 Slot 1
CAT 2024 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section follows a familiar pattern, consistent with the first three CATs. It includes questions on Reading Comprehension (RC), Paragraph Summary, Paragraph Singular and Sentence Position. For candidates who are used to the CAT format, this part is predictable, and candidates with good reading speed and comprehension skills can complete it within the specified time.
CAT 2024 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The DILR section has changed slightly this year with the addition of two questions, bringing the total to 22 questions. One set was reportedly relatively simple, providing some relief to an otherwise challenging section. Candidates with strong problem-solving and analytical skills may find this section manageable.
CAT 2024 Quantitative Ability (QA)
The QA section remains consistent with previous years and consists of 22 questions taken from standard topics frequently tested in CAT. Students familiar with the TIME study materials and exercises will find this section easy to follow. It requires a good combination of conceptual understanding and speed to solve problems effectively.
Overall, Slot 1 of CAT 2024 can be classified as slightly easier than last year’s exam. While the increase in DILR issues is somewhat surprising, the overall pattern is still predictable. Candidates who invest time in structured preparation are equipped to meet the challenges of the thesis.
