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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.
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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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.
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 |
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:
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 |
2009
Change from paper-based test to computer-based test
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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
Due to the shift in the examination mode, the exam duration also increased to 2 hours and 15 minutes. With the shift in the mode of exam and duration, the test takers witnessed many technical glitches which led to a re-test of CAT.
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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
CAT 2021
CAT 2022
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.
Related topics- How To Crack CAT
Hello there,
Congratulations on securing a C-CAT Rank of 803 in Category II (A+B) ! With this rank, you have a good chance of securing admission to reputable institutes for the PG-DAC course .
Institute Options Based on Your Rank:
Based on previous cutoff trends, here are some institutes you might consider:
Sunbeam Pune
: Typically accepts ranks below 650. While your rank is slightly above this, it's still worth considering due to possible variations in cutoffs.
IACSD Akurdi Pune
: Generally accepts ranks below 1500, making it a viable option for you.
Sunbeam Karad
: Accepts ranks below 1100, which aligns well with your rank.
VITA Mumbai
: Typically accepts ranks below 1400, making it another suitable choice.
CDAC Kharghar Mumbai
: Accepts ranks below 2400, providing a comfortable margin for your rank.
CDAC Knowledge Park (Bangalore) : Generally accepts ranks below 1900, making it a feasible option.
Preference Filling Strategy:
When filling your institute preferences, consider the following approach:
Prioritize Institutes with Higher Cutoffs
: Start with institutes that have higher cutoff ranks than yours to maximize your chances.
Consider Location and Facilities
: Factor in the institute's location, infrastructure, faculty, and placement records.
Backup Options : Include a few institutes with cutoffs comfortably above your rank as backups.
Suggested Preference Order:
IACSD Akurdi Pune
Sunbeam Karad
VITA Mumbai
CDAC Kharghar Mumbai
CDAC Knowledge Park (Bangalore)
CDAC JUHU Mumbai
YCP Mumbai
MET Mumbai
CDAC Electronic City (Bangalore)
CDAC Hyderabad
Important Considerations:
Cutoff Variations
: Cutoffs can vary each year based on factors like the number of applicants and their performance.
Stay Updated
: Regularly check the official CDAC website and individual institute announcements for the most current information.
Consult Alumni : If possible, reach out to current students or alumni for insights into the institutes you're considering.
By carefully selecting your preferences and staying informed, you can enhance your chances of securing admission to a reputable institute for your PG-DAC course.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hello,
Here are some good institutes where you can apply for the PG-DAC course based on your C-CAT rank of 803:
Preference Order for Filling Institutes:
Be sure to check the latest cutoff trends for a more accurate preference list.
You can also use the CAT college predictor tool to predict which college you can get based on your rank or score.
Hope it helps !
Hi,
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your JEE MAINS percentile some of the best management colleges in which you would have chances to admission includes:
You can predict more colleges using the CAT college predictor tool
Hope this information will help you
Hello,
Yes, B Category (Management Quota) students can prepare for exams like UPSC or Bank PO. The type of admission (merit-based or management quota) does not impact your eligibility for these competitive exams.
Hello,
Your chances of being shortlisted for BITS School of Management (BITSOM) with a 90 percentile in CAT 2024, a 9/9/8 academic profile, and 19 months of work experience in a Private Bank Corporation (PBC) are quite good.
Your profile is competitive, and you stand a good chance of being shortlisted for BITSOM. Focus on crafting a strong application, including your SOP and preparing for the interview.
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