CAT Total Marks 2024: Previous Year Trends, Marking Scheme, and Section-wise Breakdown
Patel
10/03/2025
Table of Contents
The Common Admission Test (CAT) remains one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India. With lakhs of aspirants appearing annually, understanding the CAT exam pattern, including total marks, section-wise structure, and marking scheme, is essential for effective preparation.
This article provides a clear overview of CAT total marks across recent years, how the marking system works, and what aspirants should know to navigate the exam confidently.
CAT Exam 2024: Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | IIMs (on rotational basis) |
| Total Marks | 198 (as per last 3 years) |
| No. of Questions | 66 |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Duration | 2 hours (40 mins/section) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQs only) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT Total Marks Over the Years: Trend Analysis
Understanding how CAT has evolved over the years can help students anticipate exam patterns and plan strategies accordingly.
| Year | Total Questions | Total Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 66 | 198 | 2 hours |
| 2022 | 66 | 198 | 2 hours |
| 2021 | 66 | 198 | 2 hours |
| 2020 | 76 | 228 | 2 hours |
| 2019 | 100 | 300 | 3 hours |
| 2018 | 100 | 300 | 3 hours |
Note: Since 2020, CAT has shifted to a 2-hour format due to the pandemic, with 198 total marks being the new norm.
Section-wise Breakup of CAT 2024
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 | 40 mins |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 60 | 40 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 | 40 mins |
| Total | 66 | 198 | 120 mins (2 hrs) |
CAT Marking Scheme 2024
| Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Unattempted Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs | +3 | -1 | 0 |
| TITA (Type in the Answer) | +3 | 0 | 0 |
- TITA Questions: Do not carry any negative marks.
- MCQs: Have a penalty of -1 for every wrong attempt.
Implications of CAT Marking Scheme for Aspirants
- Accuracy > Guesswork: With negative marking for MCQs, random guessing can hurt your score. Prioritize accuracy.
- TITA Strategy: Attempt TITA questions even if you’re unsure—they don’t carry negative marks.
- Time Allocation: Stick to the 40-minute sectional limit; there’s no carry-forward of time.
Previous Year Observations: What to Expect in 2024
- The number of questions has stabilized at 66 since 2021.
- The overall difficulty has remained moderately high, with VARC often being the trickiest section for many.
- As the 2-hour format seems here to stay, aspirants must develop speed and accuracy simultaneously.
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FAQs – CAT Total Marks and Marking Scheme
Q1. How many total marks is CAT out of in 2024?
A: CAT 2024 is expected to be out of 198 marks, continuing the trend from the last three years.
Q2. How many questions are there in each section of CAT?
A: There are typically 24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 in QA—making a total of 66 questions.
Q3. Is there negative marking in CAT?
A: Yes, MCQs carry a -1 penalty for incorrect answers. TITA questions have no negative marking.
Q4. Has the CAT exam always been of 198 marks?
A: No. Prior to 2020, CAT was out of 300 marks. Since 2021, it has consistently had 198 marks.
Q5. Will CAT 2024 follow the same pattern as 2023?
A: Most likely yes, but the official notification will confirm this. Trends suggest the format will remain unchanged.
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