CAT 2023 Slot 1 Exam Analysis: Check Overall & Sectional Exam Pattern, Key Changes, Difficulty Level, likely Cut offs

CAT 2023 Exam is being conducted on November 26, 2023 in three slots in 160+ Cities. MBAUniverse.com expert team took the Slot-1 exam from 8.30 AM to 10.30 AM, to assess the key changes in exam pattern, difficulty level, likely changes in cut offs for top B-schools Check Complete CAT Exam Analysis 2023 Below.

CAT 2023 Analysis: Key Highlights

• Overall Exam Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
• Total Questions: 66
• Number of Sections: 3 (VARC; DILR; QA)
• Scoring Pattern: +3 Marks for Correct Answer
• Negative Marking (MCQs): -1 Mark for each wrong answer
• Negative Marking (Non-MCQs): No Negative Marks for wrong answer
• Total Score: 198 Marks
• Sectional Time Duration: 40 Minutes for each Section

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Exam Analysis: Sectional Highlights

• Quantitative Ability (QA): More Algebra Based Questions than last year
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): 4 RC passages of 500-700 words; Questions based on Para jumbles; Odd one Out; Para Summary
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): No Pie Chart, Graph Related Questions

CAT 2023 Slot-1 Analysis: Question Paper Pattern
The CAT 2023 slot-1 question paper with key changes had the following pattern and sectional composition.

Source: MBAUniverse.com CAT Exam Analysis 

CAT 2023 Analysis by IMS

The first slot of CAT 2023 took place today between 8.30 am and 10:30 am.

The structure of CAT 2023 remained largely the same as in 2022, with 66 questions in all. However, the DILR and Verbal sections saw some changes in segmentation and the number of MCQs and TITA. Verbal Section saw a minor change in segmentation with the Odd Sentence Questions coming back after 2021. The VA Section had 2 questions each of Summary, Paragraph Jumbles, Paragraph Completion, and Odd Sentence questions.

The marking scheme was +3 for every correct and -1 for incorrect. There was no negative marking for TITA Qs.

Based on the feedback received from several candidates who have appeared in the first slot, our initial estimate of the percentiles and scores*** is as follows. These estimates will be suitably revised soon after the CAT releases the response sheets.

*** Students are advised not to take any B-School application decision based on these initial estimates. They serve only as the first indicator of likely performance.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

The VA-RC section consisted of 16 Reading Comprehension questions and 8 Verbal Ability questions. As in the past several years, there were no direct Grammar or Vocabulary questions. The passages were mainly Easy except for the one on Modern Materialism. About 12 RC questions could be attempted with high accuracy. The out-of-context-sentence (Odd Sentence) questions made a comeback this year, replacing one each of Summary and Paragraph Jumbles. So, the section had 2 questions each of Summary (MCQ), Paragraph Jumbles (TITA), Paragraph Completion(MCQ), and Odd Sentence questions (TITA). In VA, 6 or 7 attempts with high accuracy were possible. Overall, the section was Easy.

An attempt of 16 to 18 questions with accuracy of approximately 70% will be a good performance in VARC.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Last year, there were a total of four sets, each comprising five questions. This pattern has been maintained in CAT 2023.

Overall, the Level of difficulty of the section was Medium to Difficult.

Overall, the level of difficulty of this section was on par with the DILR Section of Slot 1 of CAT 2022.

Overall, an attempt of 9 to 11 questions with accuracy of approximately 75-80% will be a good performance.

Quantitative Ability

This section was tougher in terms of level of difficulty compared to last year’s slots and was dominated by Algebra (8 questions), followed by Arithmetic (7 questions). There were 4 questions on Geometry, 2 questions on Modern Math and one on Numbers. In Algebra, the questions were dominated by Quadratic equations, Linear Equations, Modulus Functions & Polynomials etc. In Arithmetic, the questions were on SICI, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Clocks, Averages, Mixtures & Allegations and Profit & Loss. In Modern Math, the questions were on Logarithms, Sequences etc. In Geometry, the questions were on Triangle, Coordinate Geometry, Cyclic Quadrilateral etc. There was a question on Indices.

Number of TITA (7 questions) and MCQ (15 questions) in this section.

Selecting the right questions to attempt was the key.

Overall, an attempt of 9 to 11 questions with accuracy of approximately 75-80% will be a good performance.

THE PROCESS
At many centers, shoes and metallic objects (including metal) jewelry were not allowed. Only the admit card and the ID proof were allowed. As in the previous years, the authorities took possession of the admit cards. The candidates were given a small pad with IIM CAT Logo on the cover for rough work, and a pen – which were also taken away at the end of the exam.

TEST INTERFACE
The test interface was user-friendly and exactly the one provided in the official CAT Mock Test. There were no subdivisions within each section. A simple calculator was provided, and not a scientific one. There was an arrow provided near the question palette which when clicked expanded the question window to full-screen view by hiding the question palette & vice versa

At the end of the test, a summary of the number of questions attempted, visited, and not visited was displayed for each section.

There was a button marked ‘Question Paper’ that opened up a screen containing all the questions of the section. This was used by students for planning their approach for the section.

*** The scores and percentiles mentioned in this analysis are indicators based on the feedback from students and IMS experts. They are in no way related to the results which IIMs are expected to declare in January 2024. You are advised to wait for the results.

CAT 2022 Exam Slot 1 Analysis: Sectional Composition
CAT Exam 2023 Section Wise Analysis with sectional order from Section-1 to Section-3, number and type of questions in each section, questions with and without negative marking and total maximum marks available for each section for the 2 hours CAT exam is shared below:

Source: MBAUniverse.com analysis

Sectional CAT 2023 Exam Analysis
CAT 2023 Exam Sectional Analysis for each section by experts at MBAUniverse.com is as below:

Key Highlights of CAT Exam 2023 Sectional Analysis

• Each of the 3 Sections with 40 Minutes Individual Time Duration
• Candidates Not allowed to move to next section till 40 minutes are over
• No change in Order of Sections in CAT 2023 with Section-1 VARC, Section-2 DILR, Section-3 Quant
• Candidates found it difficult to use CAT On Screen Calculator and preferred own calculation methodology

Section Wise CAT Analysis at a Glance:
Below is shared the section wise CAT analysis at a glance followed by detailed Sectional CAT Analysis

Section-1: VARC

• Total No of Questions: 24
• 4 RC Passages followed by 16 Questions
• VA questions include fill in the blanks and Odd Sentence, Para summary, Para Jumbles
• Difficulty Level: Moderate with 2-3 questions difficult

Section-2: DILR

• Total No of Questions: 20
• LR 2 Sets: Each set followed by 5 Questions
• DI 2 Sets: Each set followed by 5 Questions
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Section-3: Quantitative Ability

• Total No of Questions: 22
• Arithmetic commanded major part
• Difficulty Level goes from Easy to Difficult

Section wise CAT 2023 Analysis in Detail

Watch for Detailed section wise CAT exam 2023 analysis

Overall Predictions for 95 -98 Percentile: Good Attempts, Accuracy Level
The table below displays the required good attempts in CAT with Accuracy level needed for 95 -98 percentile range:

Previous Year CAT Exam Analysis for CAT 2022

CAT Exam 2022 Slot 1 Analysis
CAT 2022 Slot 1 Exam got over at 10.30 AM across 150+ Cities in India on November 27. As per information shared by candidates and our expert team who took the exam in Delhi NCR, this year’s CAT question paper had 66 total questions as were last year. CAT 2022 slot-1 was rated as moderate difficulty level with a few questions at higher difficulty level.

CAT 2022 Slot 1 Exam Analysis: Key Highlights

• CAT 2022 Overall Exam Difficulty Level: Moderate with few questions difficult
• Total Questions: 66 Same as last year
• Questions split (MCQs and Non-MCQs): MCQ 51; Non MCQs 15            

CAT 2022 Slot-1 Analysis: Question Paper Pattern
The CAT 2022 slot-1 question paper with key changes had the following pattern and sectional composition.

 Source: MBAUniverse.com CAT Exam Analysis

CAT 2022 Exam Slot 1 Analysis: Sectional Composition
CAT Exam 2022 Section Wise Analysis shares below the CAT exam 2022 section wise analysis with sectional order from Section-1 to Section-3, number and type of questions in each section, questions with and without negative marking and total maximum marks available for each section for the 2 hours CAT exam.

Source: MBAUniverse.com analysis

Sectional CAT 2022 Exam Analysis
CAT 2022 Exam Sectional Analysis for each section by experts at MBAUniverse.com is as below:

Key Highlights of CAT Exam 2022 Sectional Analysis

• Each of the 3 Sections with 40 Minutes Individual Time Duration
• Candidates Not allowed to move to next section till 40 minutes are over
• No change in Order of Sections in CAT 2022 with Section-1 VARC, Section-2 DILR, Section-3 Quant
• Candidates found it difficult to use CAT On Screen Calculator and preferred own calculation methodology

Section Wise CAT Analysis at a Glance:
Below is shared the section wise CAT analysis at a glance followed by detailed Sectional CAT Analysis

Section-1: VARC

• Total No of Questions: 24
• No of MCQS – 3
• No of NMCQs – 21
• 4 RC Passage with 16 Questions
• New Type of VA questions to fill in the sentence in the blanks appeared
• Odd sentence out type questions not appeared
• Difficulty Level: Moderate with 2-3 questions difficult

Section-2: DILR

• Total No of Questions: 20
• No of MCQS – 14
• Non MCQS – 4
• LR 2 Sets: Each set was followed by 5 Questions
• DI 2 Sets: Each set was followed by 5 Questions
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Section-3: Quantitative Ability

• Total No of Questions: 22
• No of MCQS – 14
• Non MCQS – 8
• Arithmetic commanded major part

Section wise CAT 2022 Analysis in Detail
Detailed section wise CAT exam 2022 analysis is shared below:

Section-1: VARC Analysis for CAT 2022
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension was the first section in CAT 2022 question paper. Key highlights of the section are:

• VARC section had 24 Questions
• Total Maximum marks allotted for the section were 72
• Number of MCQs were 21
• Number of TITA questions (Non-MCQs) were 3 (Reduced from 5 last year)
• Number of RC Passages: 4 passages,
• Number of RC Based questions: 16, each passage was followed by 4 questions  
• Type of RC Based Questions: MCQs asking to explain and draw inference from the passages,  phrases, vocabulary,  Synonyms/Antonyms, Statement/Argument as used in RC passages,
• Difficulty Level: Overall difficulty level was moderate. 2 RC Passages were found of a little higher difficulty level
• Good Attempts of 14 to 16 questions with 85% accuracy can fetch a high percentile
• Cut off Expected for 99 Percentile: Score of 36-40 marks

Question Composition in VARC Section 

Section-2: DILR Analysis for CAT 2022
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning was the second section in CAT 2022 question paper. The section, which is known for its tricky language and time consuming process, was found moderate by the test takers. Key highlights of DILR section analysis in CAT 2022 are

• DILR section had 20 Questions
• Total Maximum Marks assigned for the section were 60 in CAT 2022
• Number of MCQs were 16
• Number of TITA questions (Non-MCQs) were 4 (Reduced from 5 last year)
• Number of DI Problems: 2 Sets
• Number of DI Questions: Each problem set followed by 5 questions
• Type of DI Based Questions: All questions were based on Text and Data, True and False Statements, Mathematical calculations  
• Number of LR Problems: 2 Sets
• Total LR Questions: 10 (5 for each problem set)
• Type of LR Based Questions: Two problem sets and each followed by 5 questions
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Good Attempts of 11 to 13 questions with 85% accuracy can fetch a high percentile
• Cut off Expected for 99 Percentile: 32 to 34 marks

Question Composition in DILR Section

Section-3: Quantitative Ability Analysis in CAT 2022
Quantitative Ability (QA) was the 3^rd and last section in CAT 2022 question paper. This section had more number of questions based on Arithmetic with highest number of Non-MCQs. Many candidates, especially from Non-Mathematics and Non-Engineering background, who are not well versed with Trigonometry, Solid Geometry, Algebra, Integers had an opportunity to crack the QA section by solving Arithmetic questions with 90% accuracy level to cross the IIM cut offs.  Key highlights of the QA section in CAT 2022 were:  

• QA section had 22 Questions in CAT 2022
• Total Maximum marks allotted for the section were 66
• Number of MCQs: 14
• Number of TITA questions (Non-MCQs): 8 (Same as last year)
• More Questions were based on Arithmetic
• Type of Arithmetic Based Questions: Percentage, Ratio, Interest, Number System, Time, Speed
• Other QA Question topics: Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, Trigonometry
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to high
• Good Attempts: 14 to 16 questions with 85% accuracy can fetch high percentile to clear the cut offs
• Cut off Expected for 99 Percentile: A score of 36 to 40 marks can get 99 sectional percentile

Question Composition in Quant Section

Overall Predictions for 95 -98 Percentile: Good Attempts, Accuracy Level
The table below displays the required good attempts in CAT with Accuracy level needed for 95 -98 percentile range:

Watch for MBAUniverse.com detailed Overall & Sectional CAT 2022 Analysis for Slot-2 and Slot-3

MBAUniverse.com CAT 2022 Exam Analysis Slot-2, Slot-3 Soon: Key Coverage Areas
MBAUniverse.com CAT 2022 Analysis Slot 2, Slot 3 and overall will also be published and it covers the following:

1. CAT Exam Pattern key changes
2. Variation as compared to last year in Topics, Type of Questions for each section
3. Changes in questions split (MCQs and Non-MCQs) 
4. Surprise elements in CAT 2022 Exam paper
5. Exam Difficulty Level: Overall & Section wise Analysis by Experts
6. Required Good Attempts: Overall and Section wise
7. Sectional Cut off Predictions
8. Overall CAT 2022 cut offs predictions by Experts to help the aspirants to assess their performance and check their call chances by top B-schools
9. Percentile Predictions & Cut off CAT score range

CAT Exam Slot 1 Analysis by Top CAT Coaching Institutes & Experts
MBAUniverse.com also separately publishes the CAT Exam Slot 1 Analysis  from top CAT coaching institutes & CAT experts like TIME, IMS, CL, Arun Sharma with their take on exam difficulty level, sectional and overall changes and expected cut offs. The time schedule for release of CAT Test Slot 1 Analysis from top coaching institutes is as given below:

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates for CAT 2023 Exam