CAT Exam Pattern 2022: Check Latest Paper Pattern PDF, Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Syllabus

Ans. CAT exam is considered the toughest MBA entrance exam in India. On analyzing the previous year exams, you can expect CAT 2022 exam to be moderate to tough. The VARC section is regarded as the game changer in CAT exam by experts and students alike. Questions asked in CAT Quant section are more difficult than those in the LRDI section.

Ans. Pass mark in CAT exam is the cut off released by the respective IIMs and other MBA colleges that accept CAT scores. Candidates need to secure both the overall and the sectional pass mark in CAT exam to participate in the admission process. Based on previous year analysis, the expected section-wise cut off is 80+ for IIMs.

Ans. CAT exam is MCQ type. However, there are non-MCQ type questions as well. These non-MCQ type questions in CAT are called TITA (Type In The Answer) type questions as there are no options and candidates have to type in their answer using the keyboard. The distribution of questions between MCQ and TITA questions is approximately in the ratio of 2:1.

Ans. The three sections in CAT exam are Quantitative Ability (QA) , Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). Unlike other MBA entrance exams like XAT, MAT, CMAT, and IIFT, there is no GK section in CAT exam. 

Ans. CAT total marks 2022 are 198. As per CAT marking scheme, each question is worth 3 marks. So, the total marks of 66 questions in CAT exam are 66*3, i.e. 198. Also, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer.

Ans. Based on CAT marking scheme, for each correct answer, candidates will score 3 marks. For each wrong answer in the objective questions, candidates will get a negative marking of 1 mark. However, the negative marking is only applicable to MCQs and not the TITA questions. 

Ans. IIM Bangalore will set the 2022 CAT paper. It is the IIM responsible for conducting CAT exam 2022. As per the rules, the conducting IIM is responsible for setting CAT exam pattern, eligibility, marking scheme, and all other requirements of the paper.

Ans. CAT 2022 exam time duration is 120 minutes for all candidates. Section-wise CAT exam time duration is 40 minutes for each section. PwD candidates are given extra 40 minutes to write the exam. 

Ans. A good score in CAT varies from institute to institute as each releases its own individual cut off to shortlist candidates for the PI rounds. Based on CAT score vs percentile analysis, to get into top-tier IIMs and other b-schools, CAT score above 105 will be good enough to get above 99 percentile.

Ans: In the 2021 examination the authority has revised the CAT exam pattern. IIM has reduced the overall count of questions to 66 from 76 and the section wise change in the total number of questions is as follows:

• Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension- 24
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning- 20
• Quantitative Aptitude- 22 

Ans: The number of Non-MCQs may vary in each section. Generally, VARC has 5-6 Non-MCQs and 18-19 MCQs, DILR has 4-5 Non-MCQs and 15-16 MCQs whereas Quant has 7-8 Non-MCQs and 14-15 MCQs.

Ans. You must answer the sections in a pre-specified order, and this order will remain the same for all the candidates. Switching between the sections is also not allowed as per CAT exam pattern. The time duration is 120 minutes.

Ans. The Computer-based test is where the applicants read the questions on a computer terminal and click on the right answer. In the Pen-Paper based test, the applicants will be provided with a paper booklet, and they are needed to use a pencil or pen and darken the ovals against the right answers.

Ans: As per the latest CAT exam pattern, there are three sections in CAT question paper:

• Section I – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
• Section II – Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
• Section III – Quantitative Ability. 

Ans. There is no fixed syllabus for CAT. However, applicants can check the numerous tips provided by professionals or join a coaching Institute. Also, the applicants can also check the numerous CAT preparation tips accessible online.

Ans. This section aims to test the data interpretation proficiency of CAT test takers and their understanding of logical assumptions. A total of 20 questions will be asked in CAT LR & DI. Candidates will be given 40 minutes to attempt the 20 questions.

Ans: TITA or “Type in the answer” type questions are those questions in which no options are provided. Candidates have to go through the questions and solve the same to type the answer in the text box provided. These are also referred to as Non-MCQs. 25-30% of the questions asked in the paper are non-MCQs. 

Ans: If we analyse the CAT exam paper, the percentage of MCQs are more than that of non-MCQs. But there is a negative marking of -1 in MCQs for each incorrect answer while no negative marking is there in non-MCQs. Therefore, if the non-MCQs do not add one to your scores, it won’t decrease your scores as well. Therefore, candidates may get a good score if they answer each and every TITA question along with 70-80% multiple-choice questions correctly . 

Ans: TITA questions are more time consuming than MCQs as no options are provided to eliminate the incorrect answers. You have to solve the entire question and type in the answer that you get. As no options are provided, it also becomes difficult to assess the accuracy of the answer.

Ans. No, you cannot appear for more than one slot for CAT 2022. If any applicant attempts to appear for CAT 2022 in two distinctive time slots, it would be considered as a fraudulent activity. To avoid any fraudulent activity on this front, CAT 2022 applicants will be subject to verification of Admit Cards, applicant pictures, photo IDs, and biometric verification.