Yes, the CAT exam is considered one of the toughest exams in India, especially for those seeking admission to top management programs. Here’s why it’s challenging. First, thanks to diverse sections, the exam includes sections like Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Ability. Each section tests different skills, requiring a well-rounded knowledge base and preparation. Secondly, competitiveness, with a whopping 2.88 Lakh candidates appearing for the exam, students will have to compete against each other for the maximum percentile race.
The CAT is one of India's toughest exams for admission to top management programs. The CAT's competitiveness is highlighted by its percentile scoring, which compares each test taker's performance against others. In 2023, 2.88 lakh candidates took the exam on November 26 in 167 cities across India which simultaneously increases the competition.
Is the VARC Section difficult in CAT 2024?
The overall difficulty in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is based on the difficulty level of the RC passages. 24 out of 34 questions in this sections are asked as part of RCs which are fact or inference based, in short test your critical reasoning skills. Passages could be as less as 250 words and as high as 600 words. Questions are also based on the tone of the author and some other vocabulary or Grammar based questions. Since RCs cover almost 70% of this section, it is the difficult area.
Is the DILR Section difficult in CAT 2024?
On the whole, DILR is the difficult section of CAT. There are 8 sets, 4 each for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Usually 2 sets are from Modern puzzles such as bets, investment and tournaments are definitely asked and are usually tough. The DI sets based on traditional chart types such as table, bar & line graph and pie charts are also asked and mostly calculation intensive. There will be usually 2-3 sets from this area as well.
The challenging bit in this section comes in the form of Analytical Puzzles which are a total surprise and hence difficult to crack. These could be something like random puzzles, fill ups, long or square charts. For example, in CAT 2017 there were sets on Happiness Index, Marks in PCM and Projects were difficult ones and challenging taking students by a surprise.
Unpredictability in the DILR section is the difficult bit, and this can be tamed only by thorough practice on a daily basis.
Is the QA Section difficult in CAT 2024?
In this section the maximum questions are asked from – Geometry, Arithmetic and Dirty Quant which is about 23 to 26% or 8 to 9 questions per area. The remaining questions are split between Numbers and Equations ( 4 to 5).
Geometry covers Angles, Triangles, Circle, Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry which is largely formulae based. So memorize them thoroughly. The level of questions based on topics like profit loss, averages, percentages, ratio proportion, TSD, time & work etc is superior as compared to other exams. The most dreadful part is the dirty quant which covers topic like – In-equations, Progressions (AP, GP). P&C, Logarithms (every year there is 1 question for sure), Sets, Modulus, Function & Graphs and Maxima Minima.
Is a calculator allowed in CAT?
No, personal calculators are not allowed in the CAT exam. However, a basic on-screen calculator is provided during the computer-based test. This on-screen calculator can perform basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Is XAT more difficult than CAT?
Both the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and the Common Admission Test (CAT) are recognized as difficult MBA entrance exams in India. However, many students and experts consider the XAT to be more challenging than the CAT.
What is the CAT accepting Colleges in India?
There are more than 1000 colleges in India that accept CAT scores for admission to their MBA programs. Some of the prominent CAT-accepting colleges are here below.
IIMS - Indian Institute of Management Studies
MDI - Management Development Institute
BIMTECH - Birla Institute of Management Technology
ISBM - Institute of Science & Business Management
XLRI - Xavier Labour Relations Institute
S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research
T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI)
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