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Know CAT Evolution Over the Years: Changes in CAT Exam Pattern in Past 10 Years
CAT evolution over the years in terms of mode of examination, number of questions, registered students, exam pattern, etc., can be seen. CAT is a widely accepted MBA entrance exam for admission to top B-schools and 1000+ colleges in India. Some of the prominent CAT changes over the years are, the number of exam slots increased from two to three and the questions were decreased to 66 from 76.
This Story also Contains
- CAT Test Taking Window Over the Years
- CAT Registration trends over the past 13 years
- CAT Evolution Over the Years
With different IIMs conducting CAT exam, there were major changes in the CAT pattern and difficulty levels as well. The distribution of questions in each section was different. It has been observed that IIMs over the past few years have introduced several changes, therefore Careers360 brings to you the CAT evolution over the years to keep candidates on track with the changes and changes that might appear in coming years. Let’s take a closer look.
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CAT Test Taking Window Over the Years
The table below states the number of slots and windows in which the CAT was held over the past few years. Since 2015, the CAT exam pattern has been upheld to a great extent. The exam is also now held in a single day in three slots i.e. Morning, noon and evening. Let us see what CAT now unveils.
Past Year Test Taking Window
Year | Test-taking window | Slots |
| 2023 | 1 day | 3 slots |
| 2022 | 1 day | 3 slots |
| 2021 | 1 day | 3 slots |
| 2020 | 1 day | 3 slots |
2019 | 1 day | 2 slots |
2018 | 1 day | 2 slots |
2017 | 1 day | 2 slots |
2016 | 1 day | 2 slots |
2015 | 1 day | 2 slots |
2014 | 2 days | 4 slot |
2009-13 | 20 days window | 40 slots |
CAT Registration trends over the past 13 years
Over the past 13 years, the year 2023 saw the highest number of registrations. Check the complete list of the total number of registrations every year in the table below:
Number of registrations over the years
Year | No. of Applications Registered | No. Of Applicants Appeared |
| 2023 | 3.5 lakh | 2.88 lakh |
| 2022 | 2.55 lakh | 2.22 lakh |
| 2021 | 2.30 lakhs | 1,91,660 |
| 2020 | 2.3 Lakh (Approx) | 1.90 lakh |
2019 | 2,44,169 | 2,09,926 |
2018 | 2,40,338 | 2,09,405 |
2017 | 2,31,000 | 1,99,632 |
2016 | 2,32,434 | 1,95,000 |
2015 | 2,18,664 | 1,79,602 |
2014 | 1,96,988 | 1,67,829 |
2013 | 1,94,516 | 1,73,714 |
2012 | 2,14,000 | 1,95,000 |
2011 | 2,05,000 | 1,86,000 |
2010 | 2,04,000 | 1,85,000 |
2009 | 2,41,000 | 2,30,000 |
2008 | 2,90,000 | 2,76,000 |
2007 | 2,50,000 | 2,30,000 |
CAT Evolution Over the Years
2009
Change from paper-based test to computer-based test
It was in 2009 that for the first time, the CAT was held in computer-based mode or online mode. Getting acquainted with the online test, it was the biggest challenge for the test takers. Before 2009 the exam used to be conducted in a paper-based mode, wherein the students used to mark their answers on the OMR sheet.
Exam Duration
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- How to prepare for CAT VARC (Verbal and Reading Comprehension)
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2011
Reduction in the number of sections
In 2011, IIM Calcutta conducted CAT. The authorities deducted the number of sections in CAT from three to only two sections. The two sections were a combination of 2 subjects each:
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability.
However, the number of questions remained the same that is 60. Each section consisted of 30 questions.
Sectional Time Limit
With the reduction in the number of sections, authorities imposed the section-time limit to attempt a particular section. The students welcomed this change as it helped them in effective decision-making and reduced the chances of wasting time on a particular question.
2014
Increase in the number of questions
This year saw a drastic change by the increase in the number of questions. Earlier there used to be 30 questions in each section, however, in 2014 it was increased by 20 questions each. Therefore, making it to 50 questions in each section.
2015
Introduction to on-screen calculators
With the introduction of on-screen calculators, it came as a relief to the candidates of CAT in solving Mathematical problems.
Change in the exam pattern
This year again saw a change in the completion of the exam pattern of CAT in the following ways:
The number of the section was again increased to three as it was till 2010.
Non-MCQ questions were introduced from 2015 onwards, wherein candidates have to type the answer in one-liners.
The duration of the exam was increased from 170 minutes to 180 minutes.
2016
Change in Schedule
CAT is usually held in the last week of November. However, in 2016 it was for the first time that CAT was held in the first week of December that is on December 4 in two slots.
2019
Application Form
In 2019 several changes were introduced in the application process of CAT:
The registration fee increased by Rs. 100, from Rs. 1800 to Rs. 1900 for general/NC-OBC categories. Also, it increased by Rs. 50 for SC/ST/PwD categories from Rs. 900 to Rs. 950.
New CAT exam centres were added.
New payment partners were added:
PayU
BillDesk
Paytm
CAT 2020
- The total number of questions was reduced to 76 from 100
- The test slots were three instead of two
- The test started with the Verbal Section (26 Qs - 18 RC and 8 VA.) The second section was the DI-LR with 24 Qs ( DI 18 + LR 6 questions). The third section was Quantitative Ability (26 Qs.) Each section was timed for 40 minutes. One could not go back and forth between sections. The marking scheme was +3 for every correct and -1 for incorrect. There was no negative marking for TITA Questions.
CAT 2021
- The total number of questions was reduced to 66 from 76
- The test slots were three instead of two
CAT 2022
- The CAT exam fees increased this year.
- The CAT test cities changed to 151.
CAT Pattern changes over the years
Year | Number of Questions | Sections | Marking Scheme | Duration | Conducting Body | Other Element |
| 2023 | Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 2 hours | IIM Lucknow | - |
| 2022 | Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 2 hours | IIM Bangalore | - |
| 2021 | Total 66 questions (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 120 minutes | IIM Ahmedabad | - |
| 2020 | Total 76 questions (24 in one section and 26 in the other two sections) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 120 Minutes | IIM Indore | |
2019 | Total 100 questions (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections) | Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude | 3 positive marks for each correct answer and minus 1 mark for each wrong answer | 180 Minutes | - | |
2018 | There were a total of 100 questions (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections) | Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | + 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer (No negative marking for non-MCQs questions) | 180 Minutes | - | |
2017 | Total number of questions were 100 (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections) | Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) | + 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer (No negative marking for non-MCQs questions) | 180 Minutes | - | |
2016 | The number of questions was 100 divided into three sections (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections) | Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 3 Marks for each correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer (No negative marking for non-MCQs questions) | 180 Minutes | ||
2015 | Total number of questions were 100 (32 in one section and 34 in the other two sections) | Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | + 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer (No negative marking for non-MCQs questions) | 180 Minutes | Introduce On-Screen Calculator/ Induction of Non-MCQ | |
2014 | Total 100 Questions (50 per sections) | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (Not in order) | + 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer | 170 Minutes | The test was divided into two sections | |
2013 | Total 60 Questions (30 per section) | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 3 Marks for each correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer | 140 Minutes | IIM Indore | - |
2012 | Total 60 Questions (30 per section) | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 3 Marks for each correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer | 140 Minutes | IIM Kozhikode | - |
2011 | Total 60 Questions (30 per section) | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | + 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer | 140 Minutes | IIM Calcutta | - |
| 2007 | Total 75 questions (25 per section) | Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) | 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer | 150 minutes | - | - |
| 2006 | Total 75 questions (25 per section) | Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) | 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer | 150 minutes | - | - |
| 2005 | Total 75 questions (25 per section) | Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) | 3 Marks for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer | 150 minutes | - | - |
Download CAT sample papers free PDF here.
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Questions related to CAT
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CAT ?
Good Morning,
NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.
Thank You.
If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.
And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.
So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card has a different date of birth than your Aadhaar card, you should get it corrected immediately . Here’s what you can do:
-
Check the CAT website : Log in to your candidate portal and look for the option to correct personal details.
-
Contact the CAT helpdesk : Email or call them explaining the issue. Attach a copy of your Aadhaar card as proof.
-
Do not ignore it : The date of birth must match your ID, otherwise you may face problems at the exam or during admission.
Usually, the CAT authorities allow corrections before the exam, so act quickly.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
Here are Documents Required for CUSAT CAT (NRI Quota):
- Academic Documents includes (Class 10-mark sheet, Class 12-mark sheet, Transfer Certificate)
- NRI Sponsorship Documents
- Other Supporting Documents (Candidate’s passport, Proof of residence abroad)
To know more access below mentioned link:
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/cusat-cat-application-form
Hope it helps.
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