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% |
Recommended: CAT Quantitative Ability Sample Papers With Solutions PDF
