CAT Exam Pattern 2021: Along with the CAT 2021 announcement, the CAT Exam Pattern and test structure will be released in July 2021. Candidates who want to register for the CAT Exam this year should familiarise themselves with the most recent CAT exam format. It will assist students in comprehending the format of the question paper as well as the marking method. The IIMs have established the CAT 2021 Exam format. Read the article to have complete details of the CAT Latest Exam pattern.
Highlights of CAT Exam Pattern 2021
- The CAT question paper is broken down into three portions, each with its own time restriction
- The total number of questions in 2020 was 76, with both MCQ and non-MCQ formats. The time given to answer these questions was 120 minutes (2 hours).
- There is a 40-minute time restriction for each section.
- The exam is offered in an online format at a number of locations.
- The structure of the CAT 2021 exam can be changed back to 100 questions in 180 minutes.
- In October, the test administrators will issue a CAT tutorial to help students understand the CAT exam pattern 2021.
| CAT Exam Pattern | |
| Number of sections | 3 |
| Duration of exam | 40 minutes per section |
| Number of questions | 76 |
| Total marks | 228 |
| Language of question paper | English |
| Number of answer choices | 4 |
CAT Exam Pattern 2021 – Time Limits (Overall and Sectional)
The CAT test has a sectional time restriction, which means that applicants will not be able to start with any part of the transition from one to another. They must work through the CAT question paper in order, from section one to section three. The sections will be organized in the following order:
- Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
- Quantitative Skills
Aspirants must keep in mind that they will have one hour to finish each portion, and after that time has passed, the screen will automatically go to the next level. At a later point, no modifications or revisions will be permitted.
| CAT 2021 Section | Questions | Allotted Time |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 26 | 40 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 26 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 76 | 120 minutes |
The table below summarises the number of questions asked in each area of the CAT exam, as well as the time, is given to each.
CAT Marking System 2021
Before taking the test, you should familiarise yourself with the CAT marking system so that you may choose which questions to answer and which to omit.
- The total marks for the CAT 2021 exam will be 300 or 228. (depending on which test pattern IIM follows this time)
- Each question will be worth three points.
- For each incorrect response, there will be a -1 penalty.
- If a candidate chooses not to attempt a particular question, no marks will be deducted.
- Some questions in each part may not be multiple-choice, therefore you’ll have to write your answers on the screen.
The marking scheme for CAT 2021 is summarised in the table below:
| Type of Questions | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer |
| MCQ | +3 | -1 |
| Non-MCQ | +3 | 0 |
Important Points to Consider When Taking the CAT Exam
- During the exam, you will be able to use an on-screen calculator for calculations.
- During the exam, an on-screen clock will assist applicants in keeping track of time.
- Rough work will be supplied on sheets of paper, which must be presented at the test center as soon as the exam is completed.
- Candidates will not be permitted to begin the exam before the scheduled time. Only after the invigilator’s pronouncement will the computer screen open.
- The test hall’s computer displays will all turn on at the same moment.
- Candidates must sit in their allocated location; if they are discovered sitting elsewhere, they will be disqualified from taking the exam.
Must Check: CAT Syllabus 2021
The IIM-CAT syllabus covers all of the essential topics in business aptitude and communication, including Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Despite the fact that the exam schedule has been amended multiple times, the CAT exam syllabus has remained unchanged over the years.
- CAT Syllabus 2021
We have covered everything related to CAT Exam Pattern 2021. If you have any doubts related to the CAT Exam, feel free to ask any queries in the comment section below.
FAQs Related to CAT Exam Pattern 2021
How many times is the CAT test given each year?
The CAT exam is only given once a year, on the final Sunday in November or the first Sunday in December. CAT 2020 took place on November 29, and CAT 2021 is scheduled on November 28.
In the CAT test, how many parts are there?
There are three components to the CAT question paper:
VARC is the first section.
DILR is the second section.
Section 3: Quality Assurance
Is there any negative grading on the CAT exam?
Yes, each incorrect answer receives a -1 on the CAT exam. Non-MCQs and unattempted questions, on the other hand, receive no negative marking.
Is it okay for me to bring a calculator to the CAT Exam center?
As per the CAT Exam Pattern, candidates can not bring a calculator or any other electronic device to the exam center. An on-screen calculator will be available on every candidate’s computer system.
In CAT 2021, how many MCQs and Non-MCQs will there be?
In the Quantitative Aptitude portion, there may be a few non-MCQs. After the test, the precise number of MCQs and non-MCQs in CAT 2021 will be revealed.
In the CAT test, what is the sectional time limit?
As per the CAT Exam Pattern, the CAT 2020 test had a sectional time restriction of 40 minutes for students in the General category and 60 minutes for students in the PwD category. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the time limit was shortened. The exam may be 180 minutes long again this year.