Know CAT Evolution Over the Years: Changes in CAT Exam Pattern in Past 10 Years

CAT Evolution Over the Years - One of the most prestigious exams, Common Admission Test is also known as CAT, has evolved over the years in terms of mode of examination, a number of questions, registered students, exam pattern and so forth. 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 in track with the changes and changes that might appear in coming years. Let’s take a closer look.

Ongoing MBA Admission 2021

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 CAT has been conducted in two slots earlier than that, in more than 2 slots CAT was conducted.

Past Year Test Taking Window

CAT Registration trend over the past 13 years

Over the past 13 years, the year 2019 saw the highest number of registrations. Check the complete list of the total number of registration every year in the table below:

Number of registrations over the years

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. To get acquainted with the online test, it was the biggest challenge for the test takers. Before 2009 the exam used to be conducted in paper-based mode, wherein the students used to mark their answers on the OMR sheet.

• Exam Duration

Due to the shift in the mode of examination, the duration of the exam also increased to two hours and 15 minutes. With the shift in the mode of exam and duration, the test takers witnessed many technical glitches which led to re-test of CAT.

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. This change was welcomed by the students 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 in 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 the 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 exam centres were added.

• New payment partners were added:

  • PayU

  • BillDesk

  • Paytm

CAT Pattern changes over the years