CAT Exam Pattern 2022 is the same as last year because the authority does not make any changes to it. As per the latest CAT Exam Pattern, a total of 66 questions were asked, from the three exam sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. CAT Paper Pattern is planned by IIM in such a way that it can easily assist the authority in evaluating future managers in the best way. So, the candidates preparing for the upcoming exam must check CAT 2022 Exam Pattern well, including the weightage, test structure, time limit, and marking scheme
CAT Exam Pattern has been revised many times in previous years by IIMs. Earlier, the total duration of CAT was 180 minutes along with 100 questions in total. But, due to covid-19 in 2020, the total number of questions was reduced to 76, and CAT Exam Duration was also reduced to 120 minutes. In 2021, CAT Exam Pattern was again modified and a total of 66 questions were asked. Basically, the CAT Paper Pattern is devised to measure the ability of the candidates to decode mathematical and aptitude questions accurately in a short period of time. Read the section below to know more about the CAT Exam Pattern 2022, and be prepared for the upcoming exam accordingly.
The candidates may see that CAT Exam Paper Pattern is almost similar to the pattern of other MBA Entrance Exams. As per the latest updates on CAT Exam Pattern 2022, there are 3 sections: VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability). Last year, a total of 66 questions were asked and the total exam duration was 120 with 40 minutes sectional time limit. CAT Exam Pattern is designed in such a way by which the authority can easily test candidates' logical and mathematical skills. So, if you are appearing for the upcoming exam must check CAT Exam Pattern 2022 and understand it well.
Last Year, CAT Exam was conducted in online CBT mode across various exam centres in India. All aspiring candidates need to know the latest CAT Exam Pattern, including the exam sections, topic-wise weightage, marking scheme, and more. As per the official CAT Paper Pattern, both MCQs and TITA questions are asked, in which you may face negative marking for MCQs only. For every incorrect answer, -1 mark will be deducted, and +3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer (both MCQs and TITA). Solve CAT Previous Year Papers to get a clear idea of the CAT Exam Pattern.
The total number of questions asked in the exam is 66 from 3 exam sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Here, we have tabulated an overview of CAT Exam Pattern 2022 below.
CAT Exam Pattern - Highlights | |
Exam Section | 3 Sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Time Duration as per CAT Exam Pattern | 2 Hours (40 Minutes CAT Sectional Timing) |
Section-wise CAT Exam Time Limit | 40 Minutes for each section / 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for each section for PwD candidates |
Slot-wise Session | Slot 1: 8:30 am - 10:30 pm (Morning Session) Slot 2: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session) Slot 3: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Evening Session) |
Number of Questions | 66 Questions (48 MCQs and 18 Non-MCQs) NOTE: Expected to be 66 questions as per CAT pattern 2021 |
CAT Exam Pattern total marks | 198 Marks (Expected) |
Language | English |
Question types | MCQs + TITA |
Mode of the CAT Exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme | For every right answer, +3 will be awarded For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted No Negative Marking in CAT - Non-MCQs (TITA Questions) |
[Important Note: In 2020, the number of questions was reduced from 100 to 76, and in 2021, the number of questions was reduced from 76 to 66. In 2022, CAT Exam Pattern was similar to 2021, and same number of questions were asked, with same exam duration.]
☛ Go through the previous years' CAT Cut Off and get an idea of the range of marks that you need to score to be selected for the final selection round.
No changes have been made CAT 2022 Exam Pattern and it was the same as the previous year. CAT Exam 2022 was conducted by IIM Bangalore in 3 shifts. As per the latest CAT Exam Pattern, there were 3 sections, including:
You can download the CAT Paper Pattern from the link below. The PDF contains all the details about the CAT Exam Pattern & syllabus. Check the number of questions in each section, marking scheme, sectional marking and time, and negative marking.
As per the latest official data, there are 3 sections in CAT Exam. The total time duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes sectional time limit. The candidates must one thing that they cannot change the sequence of questions because the CAT Exam Pattern follows a set chronological order for three sections: VARC, after that DILR, followed by QA. Download the CAT Answer Key once it is released and check your performance in the exam.
You must complete each section of the CAT Entrance Exam within the allotted time. Once the time is over, the screen will automatically advance to the next segment. At a later point, no corrections or revisions will be permitted between the sections. Note the table below to be to get an idea of the overview of section-wise details of the CAT Exam Pattern.
☛ Also Check: CAT Admit Card
CAT Exam Pattern- sections | CAT Total Questions | MCQs | TITA | Maximum Marks |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 21 | 3 | 72 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 14 | 6 | 60 |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 14 | 8 | 66 |
Total | 66 | 49 | 17 | 198 |
[Important Note: For CAT 2022, this is the official section-by-section weightage. IIM Bangalore did not make any modifications to CAT Exam Pattern 2022]
There is a sectional time limit for each CAT exam section. Below are the sectional timings and slot detail, as per the latest CAT Exam Pattern. Check expert tips for CAT Preparation to complete all the chapters and important topics of the syllabus on time.
The following are the three sessions and times for the exam:
Sections as per the CAT Exam Pattern | CAT Sectional Time |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 Minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 40 Minutes |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 Minutes |
Total | 120 Minutes |
[Important Note: 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section.]
As per the official CAT Exam Pattern 2022, the marking scheme differs for MCQ and TITA questions. For every correct answer, +3 marks will be awarded for both MCQs and Non-MCQs. Negative marking is only applicable for MCQ questions. -1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer in MCQ Questions. There is no negative marking for TITA and unattempted questions. Take a look at the table below for a detailed overview of CAT Exam Pattern marking scheme
Type of Questions | CAT Marking Scheme | Negative Marking in CAT |
MCQ | +3 | -1 |
Non-MCQ | +3 | 0 |
Unattempted Answers | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Students should have a basic understanding of how to mark their answers in the CAT. When answering questions, candidates should consider the following options, as per the official details of CAT Exam Pattern 2022:
[Important Note: Please use the provided mouse when answering questions. The computer screen will be locked if you use the system keyboard.]
☛ Also Check: Number System Question for CAT
The computer-based tests were launched in 2009, whereas previously, the CAT was conducted on paper. Due to COVID-19, many adjustments were made to the CAT Exam Pattern, including the number of questions and a shorter period of 40 minutes per section instead of 60 minutes.
Note the changes in the CAT Exam Pattern from 2019 to 2021. From 2015 to 2019, the CAT Paper Pattern was slightly different. Get the list of CAT Books as per the expert’s recommendation and complete the syllabus on time.
Parameters | CAT Exam Pattern 2021 | CAT Exam Paper Pattern 2020 | CAT Exam Pattern 2019 |
Mode | Online | ||
Number of shifts as per CAT Exam Pattern | 3 shifts | 2 shifts | |
CAT Time Duration | 40 Minutes | 60 Minutes | |
Types of Questions | Both MCQ and TITA | ||
Sections | VARC, DILR, and QA | ||
Number of Questions | 66 | 76 | 100 |
CAT Exam Pattern Total Marks | 198 | 228 | 300 |
CAT Marking Scheme | +3 Marks for every correct answer No marks for unattempted answers | ||
Negative Marking in CAT | -1 mark for every wrong answer in MCQs. No Negative Marking for Non-MCQs. | ||
Note the changes in the CAT Exam Paper Pattern from 2011 to 2021 in terms of the number of questions and CAT time duration. The candidates must check Mixtures and Alligations CAT Questions properly and prepare well.
CAT Exam Year | Number of Question | Duration | CAT Conducting IIM |
2022 | 66 | 2 hours | IIM Bangalore |
2021 | 66 | 2 hours | IIM Ahmedabad |
2020 | 76 | 2 hours | IIM Indore |
2019 | 100 | 3 hours | IIM Kozhikode |
2018 | 100 | 3 hours | IIM Calcutta |
2017 | 100 | 3 hours | IIM Lucknow |
2016 | 100 | 3 hours | IIM Bangalore |
2015 | 100 | 3 hours | IIM Ahmedabad |
2014 | 100 | 2.50 hours | IIM Indore |
2013 | 60 | 2:20 hours | IIM Indore |
2012 | 60 | 2.20 hours | IIM Indore |
2011 | 60 | 2.20 hours | IIM Calcutta |
The candidates must cover the topics below as per the CAT Exam Pattern 2022. All these chapters are important and compulsory. Go through the CAT Syllabus detailed study and be prepared accordingly.
Exam Sections | CAT Exam Pattern Important Topic |
Verbal Ability | Para jumbles, Summary Based Questions, Sentence exclusion question |
Reading Comprehension | RC passages |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Reasoning Based DI, Grid-Based DI, Graphs. Tables, Data Caselets |
Quantitative Aptitude | Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Mensuration |
Candidates must understand the differences between the Pattern of the CAT and other MBA exams. There are significant differences between the CAT Exam Pattern with the other management exams. In the table below, we have tabulated the differences between the CAT Exam Pattern with other exams to help you in your preparation. Go through the previous years' CAT Analysis to gain conceptual clarity regarding exam difficulty level, question types, and section-wise topics covered.
MBA Exams | Number of Questions | Marking Scheme | Subjects | Exam Duration |
CAT | 66 | Correct Answer is +3, and Incorrect Answer is -1 | Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 2 hours |
100 +1 Essay | Correct Answer is +1, and Incorrect Answer is -0.25 | Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, General Knowledge | 3 hours | |
110 (Not Fixed) | Correct Answer is +0.5 to 1, and Incorrect Answer is -1/3 of the marks for the correct answer | Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, General Knowledge, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude | 2 hours | |
GMAT | 80 | The GMAT uses computer adaptive testing with variable scoring scales for various sections. | Quantitative Aptitude, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Ability, Analytical Writing Assessment | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
100 | Correct Answer is +4, and Incorrect Answer is -1 | Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and General Awareness | 3 hour |
Keep the below points in your mind while analyzing the CAT 2022 Exam Pattern.
Candidates should answer the questions in CAT 2022 by following the directions on the computer screen. According to the CAT Exam Pattern 2022, you must answer the sections in a predetermined order, which will be the same for all candidates. The timer clock in the upper right corner will beat as soon as the candidate checks in and answers questions. The section will be locked after 40 minutes, and applicants will not be able to answer any more questions. The candidates must check CAT Notification 2023 for recent official announcements for the exam.
As one of the most difficult in the country, the CAT necessitates candidates to be exceptionally well-prepared and familiar with the CAT 2022 Exam Pattern. This covered everything you needed to know about the CAT Exam Pattern 2022. We hope you find this information helpful. Check CAT Eligibility before applying for the exam to avoid last-minute cancellation of your candidature.
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As per the latest official update, the CAT Exam Pattern is based on both MCQs and TITA questions. In total, 66 questions have to be completed within 120 minutes time schedule, which is further divided into a 40-minute sectional time limit. The total marks were 198.
As per official CAT Exam Pattern, negative marking is only for the MCQs. For every incorrect answer, -1 will be deducted. On the contrary, there is no Negative Marking in CAT for TITA questions and blank questions. So, the aspirants must carefully mark the MCQs and work on accuracy at the time of preparation.
Yes, there are 40 minutes of sectional timing for each section as per the CAT Exam Pattern 2022. It means that the aspirants will not be permitted to select any of the sections as per their choice. They have to follow the chronological order of the question paper. The chronological order is as follows:
The candidates can expect 198 total marks in the CAT exam. As per the CAT Marking Scheme, for every correct answer, they will be awarded +3, while -1 will be deducted for every incorrect answer. It means if the total number of questions is 66, then the total marks will be 66*3=198. So, work on accuracy and get full marks in the upcoming exam.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, CAT Paper Pattern has changed in the past years in terms of the number of questions and time duration. In the year 2020, the total number of questions was 76, which was again reduced to 66 in 2021, and the total time duration was 120 minutes. Additionally, from 2016 to 2019, the total number of questions was 100, with a total time duration of 180 minutes.
There are 3 sections as per CAT Exam Pattern, including VARC, DILR, and QA. Questions are asked from all these sections, and the aspirants need to complete them within a stipulated time. Note the below points for expected sectional weightage for the upcoming exam:
As per exam authorization, the CAT Paper Pattern is set by conducting IIM. In 2021, it was set by IIM Ahmedabad, while in 2020, IIM Indore was responsible. This Year CAT 2022 Exam Pattern has been set by IIM Bangalore.
As per the previous year's exam analysis, there were 3 slots in the CAT exam. The exam will be held in three shifts: morning, afternoon, and evening on the same day. The difficulty level may vary for each slot, so it is important to carefully go through the syllabus and start your preparation in advance.
The aspirants can find the questions in CAT Exam Pattern in the following sequence."
There is a sectional time limit for each of these sections. So, you have to answer the questions in this order, and you cannot move to the next section until the time gets over for the current section.
As per the previous year's analysis, the aspirants can expect 18 TITA questions in the CAT exam. However, the number of questions in each section may vary. Note the below points to get an idea about the section-wise number for TITA questions.
As per the official updates, CAT Exam Pattern was revised for the 2021 examination. IIM has decreased the total number of questions from 76 to 66, with the following changes in the total number of questions in each section:
Yes, CAT Exam has a trend of negative marking. The candidates will be penalized one mark for each incorrect response to the objective questions. There are no negative marks for non-MCQ-type questions. So, be prepared well to avoid CAT Negative Marking for the objective questions.
TITA questions are the Type in answer-type questions as per CAT Exam Pattern. The candidates have to type the answer using the keyboard, as there will be no options to choose the correct answer. You have to through the questions and solve the same to type the answer in the given text box. These questions ate also known as Non-MCQs in CAT Exam.
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