CAT 2024 Question Paper Analysis: Check Section Wise Difficulty Level

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Last Date to Apply
13th September, 2025

Tushar
Tushar

Table of Content

The CAT 2024 question paper was held across three slots and retained the standard three-section format: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The overall difficulty level was moderate to difficult, though variations were noted across slots. In Slot 1, VARC was manageable but RCs were dense; DILR sets were logic-intensive but solvable; QA leaned on arithmetic. Slot 2 saw an uptick in difficulty in VARC, with tougher para-summary and odd-sentence questions. DILR remained moderate but time-consuming, while QA included a few trickier algebra and geometry questions.

Slot 3 was considered the toughest overall, especially QA, which had several calculation-heavy and conceptually layered problems. Across all slots, TITA questions made time management more challenging. The DILR of CAT exam consistently tested sequencing and puzzle-solving ability under pressure. CAT 2024 demanded not only subject knowledge but also composure and strategic time allocation. This analysis serves as a valuable reference for CAT 2025 aspirants to identify high-weightage topics, section-specific difficulty trends, and key focus areas for the upcoming exam cycle.

CAT 2024 Slot-wise Sectional Analysis

Aspirants can check out the CAT paper difficulty level for each section and each slot below.

Slot

VARC

DILR

QA

Slot 1

Easy to Moderate; RCs were readable, verbal logic manageable

Moderate; 2 solvable sets, selecting the right ones was key

Moderate; arithmetic-heavy with a few tricky TITA questions

Slot 2

Moderate; mix of RCs and para-based questions

Moderate; similar to Slot 1, time management was crucial

Slightly Tougher; higher calculation load and trickier algebra

Slot 3

Moderate; RCs were a bit dense and vocab-heavy

Moderate to Difficult; logic-heavy sets but scoring potential

Relatively Easy; arithmetic-dominant and more straightforward

CAT 2024 Paper Analysis | Students Reaction

Aspirants can check out the student’s reaction on CAT paper difficulty level for each section and each slot below.

Slot

VARC

DILR

QA

Slot 1

Easy to moderate; RCs were direct and manageable

Moderate; 2–3 solvable sets but time pressure was a challenge

Moderate; arithmetic-heavy, a few tricky TITA questions

Slot 2

Moderate; questions were tricky in phrasing, mix of RC and para-based

Moderate; sets were familiar but required careful strategy

Slightly tough; involved more calculation, some algebra-heavy questions

Slot 3

Moderate; RCs were dense, with slightly complex vocabulary

Moderate to difficult; sets were logic-heavy and time-consuming

Relatively easy; arithmetic-based, more straightforward than other slots

CAT Score vs Percentile 2024

The following table contains CAT score vs percentile for 2024 academic year. Students can analyze the same carefully to gain a better understanding of expected CAT score vs percentile 2025.

CAT Percentile

VARC score

DILR score

QA score

Overall score

99.9 %ile

48

36

40

102

99.5 %ile

44

32

30

89

99 %ile

40

28

27

80

98 %ile

36

25

23

71

95 %ile

30

19

18

57

90 %ile

25

16

15

49

85 %ile

21

13

12

40

80 %ile

19

11

10

36

75 %ile

17

10

9

31

70 %ile

15

9

8

29

Highest Weightage Topics in CAT 2024 Examination

Refer to the following table to know what were the highest weightage topics in CAT 2024 examination.

Section

Topic Category

Key Topics

Expected Weightage (Approx.)

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension (RC)

Passages from various disciplines like philosophy, social sciences, history, economics, and literature.

65-70%

Verbal Ability (VA)

Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd One Out/Sentence Elimination.

30-35%

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Logical Reasoning (LR)

Seating Arrangements (linear, circular), Logical Puzzles and Caselets, Blood Relations, and Games & Tournaments.

~50%

Data Interpretation (DI)

Interpreting data from tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and Venn diagrams.

~50%

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Arithmetic

Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Time, Speed & Distance, and Time & Work.

40-50%

Algebra

Linear & Quadratic Equations, Functions, Logarithms, and Inequalities.

25-35%

Geometry & Mensuration

Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, and their properties. Mensuration of 2D and 3D figures.

10-15%

Number Systems & Modern Math

Properties of numbers, HCF & LCM, factors, remainders. Permutations & Combinations, Probability, and Set Theory.

5-10%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the overall difficulty level of CAT 2024?

The CAT 2024 exam was generally moderate to difficult. Its difficulty varied across the three slots. Slot 3 was considered the toughest, especially for Quantitative Ability, while Slot 1 was comparatively easier in certain sections. Overall, the exam tested not just subject knowledge but also composure and smart time allocation due to tricky questions.

Which CAT 2024 slot was considered the toughest?

Slot 3 of CAT 2024 was widely considered the toughest overall. The Quantitative Ability section in Slot 3 was particularly challenging, featuring many calculation-heavy and conceptually complex problems. The DILR section also leaned towards moderate to difficult, requiring strong logical reasoning and efficient time management from aspirants.

What are the most important topics to study for CAT?

For VARC, Reading Comprehension holds the highest weightage (65-70%), with Verbal Ability (Para Jumbles, Para Summary) at 30-35%. DILR is split equally between Logical Reasoning (Seating, Puzzles) and Data Interpretation (graphs, tables). In QA, Arithmetic is key (40-50%), followed by Algebra (25-35%), then Geometry and Number Systems.

How difficult was the DILR section in CAT 2024?

The DILR section in CAT 2024 was consistently moderate to difficult across all slots. It was often time-consuming and heavily tested sequencing and puzzle-solving skills under pressure. While logic-intensive, many sets were solvable if candidates managed their time strategically and chose the right sets to attempt, making set selection crucial.

What CAT 2024 score yielded a 99 percentile?

To achieve a 99 percentile in CAT 2024, an overall score of approximately 80 was needed. This breakdown typically involved around 40 marks in VARC, 28 in DILR, and 27 in QA. These scores highlight the importance of a balanced performance across all three sections to secure a top percentile in the exam.

Can CAT 2024 analysis help me prepare for CAT 2025?

Yes, the CAT 2024 analysis is extremely helpful for CAT 2025 aspirants. It provides insights into high-weightage topics, section-specific difficulty trends, and the importance of strategic time allocation. Understanding previous patterns allows you to identify key focus areas and adapt your preparation strategy for the upcoming exam cycle effectively.

Why was time management a challenge in CAT 2024?

Time management in CAT 2024 was particularly challenging primarily because of the TITA (Type In The Answer) questions. These questions require you to manually enter your answer instead of selecting from multiple choices. This often consumed more time per question, making it crucial to manage each section strategically and efficiently.

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