Previous Years CAT Paper Trends and Patterns Analysis

Previous Years CAT Paper Trends and Patterns Analysis

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national management aptitude test that IIMs and other prestigious B-schools use to admit students to MBA and other postgraduate programs.
The CAT is a timed test with questions on verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and quantitative ability (QA) ranging in difficulty from moderate to high.

Practicing previous CAT question papers, identifying errors, and identifying areas for improvement can help CAT candidates perform well on the exam.
More serious aspirants can seek mentorship from peers or through various online coaching and free resources.

Alteration in CAT Exam Pattern

Non-MCQs: Also known as TITA. One of the resistive changes in the CAT exam pattern is the introduction of non-MCQ-type questions. This tests a candidate's skills in problem-solving and calculations since candidates need to type in their answers instead of opting for choices.
Composition of Sections: Composition of sections and number of sections have varied over the years according to the CAT exam pattern. For instance, in past years, the exam was divided into three sections, while two sections were seen for some years.

Another significant change in the CAT exam is the introduction of an on-screen calculator to facilitate candidates in solving qualitative calculations easily. This allows the candidate to concentrate on logical reasoning and problem solving without the distraction of manual calculations.

Structure of the CAT Exam and Types of Questions in the CAT Exam

When preparing for the CAT, it is critical to understand the different types of questions on the exam. Familiarity with these question types and formats enables candidates to devise strategies to improve their score. Let's go through the different questions often presented in the CAT exam.

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

The majority of the question patterns in the CAT examination are MCQs. In this case, a question statement will be presented, followed by a list of alternatives from which an answer can be selected. These questions primarily assess your knowledge and reasoning abilities.

2. Data Interpretation (DI) Questions

DI questions test a candidate's ability to analyze and interpret data presented in various formats, such as tables, graphs, or charts. The candidate has to extract relevant information, make some calculations, and derive conclusions from all the data provided.
Different types of sets, coupled with video explanations, are important to grasp the best methodologies.

3. Logical Reasoning (LR) Questions

You should remember that logical reasoning questions are tests of your reasoning ability and logical thinking. They usually include answer types, puzzles to solve, pattern analysis, conclusions drawn, and arguments assessed.

4. Verbal Ability (VA) Questions

Verbal Ability questions assess a candidate's knowledge of English grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. This could include questions about grammar rules, vocabulary usage, sentence organization, and passage comprehension.

5. Questions About Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Questions on quantitative aptitude test your mathematical and problem-solving skills. These questions cover multiple topics under math, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system inequalities, and data interpretation.

CAT 2025 Exam Eligibility Criteria

CAT eligibility in 2025:

The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline from a government-recognized institution.

Candidates must have a graduation rate of at least 50%. Candidates from the reserved category must obtain a minimum aggregate mark of 45%.

Final-year students are also permitted to take CAT.

Furthermore, candidates with CA/CS/ICWA degrees are eligible for CAT.

There is no maximum number of CAT attempts.

CAT 2025 Registration Process

The CAT registration process is expected to begin on August 1, 2025, with candidates applying through the official CAT website once the notification is released and the registration link is activated. To successfully register for CAT 2025, candidates must understand the step-by-step process of filling out the CAT exam form.

How To Apply For CAT 2025?

Documents Required To Fill CAT 2025 Application Form:

Mark sheets for 10th and 12th, Bachelor's and/or other higher degree.

The IIM programs you would like to apply for.

If you belong to the NC-OBC, SC and ST categories, download the caste certificate from the CAT website, fill out the required information, self-attest it, and upload its scanned copy in PDF format.

If you belong to the PwD category, download the PwD certificate from the CAT website, fill out the required information, self-attest it, and upload its scanned copy in PDF format.

Your photo and signature should be less than 80 KB and in .jpeg/.jpg format. Your image should have a resolution of 150 pixels per inch.

CAT 2025 Application Fees:

CAT application fees how it shall be confirmed after the notification release. Candidates may pay online by one of the methods mentioned. Last year, CAT exam registration fees were increased by 10%.

Application fees mentioned below:

For general, EWS, NC-OBC- ₹2500

For SC/ST/PwD candidates- ₹1250

Conclusion

Knowing and solving past year papers help candidates in assessing their strengths and weakness and working on them.

Sambhavi Prakash