The CAT 2021 exam slot 1 is over. The exam was conducted by IIM Ahmedabad. CAT 2021 is being conducted today in 3 slots of 2 hour each and here is the complete analysis for the first slot which was from 08:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The paper was conducted in English and the questions asked were of 2 types i.e. MCQ and TITA.The CAT Exam is a two-hour long computer-based test (CBT). Each section has a separate time limit of 40 minutes.
The total number of questions in CAT 2021 was 66.
The CAT 2021 paper was Moderate. The cutoffs will hover near to the CAT 2020 paper.
The marking scheme remained the same: MCQs received a +3/-1 while non-MCQs received a +3/0. The overall difficulty level of CAT 2021 slot 1 was somewhat higher than CAT 2020. VARC was long and slightly demanding in terms of section-by-section difficulty. In terms of LOD, QA was slightly easier than CAT 2020.
An overall raw score of around 100-105 should fetch a 99%ile in CAT 2021.
CAT 2021 Paper Pattern & Section-wise expected score for 99%ile+
| Section Name | Total Questions | Time Limit | Marking Scheme | Score for 99%ile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 Minutes | +3/-1 (for MCQs)+3/0 (for non-MCQs) | 40-42 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 Minutes | +3/-1 (for MCQs)+3/0 (for non-MCQs) | 32-34 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 Minutes | +3/-1 (for MCQs)+3/0 (for non-MCQs) | 46-48 |
| Total | 66 | 120 Minutes | +3/-1 (for MCQs)+3/0 (for non-MCQs) | 100-105 |
CAT 2021 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Analysis
In terms of the questions asked, the VARC part remained challenging, comparable to CAT 2020. Contrary to expectations, this was relatively easy. In 40 minutes, a total of 24 questions had to be answered.
There were 8 questions from VA, 16 questions from Reading Comprehension.
There were 4 RC and a few para jumbles.2 RCs were on the easier side and 2 were a bit tricky.
Summary-making for a given paragraph.
Verbal was comparable to CAT 2020. Some students found it on the easier side.
As usual, the VA was fine. The alternatives in Summary were moderate, and the answers were short. The options for summary questions were really close.
Overall, a 99 percentile can be achieved with a 20-22 attempt with 75 percent accuracy, resulting in a score of 40-42. A score of 85 percentile should be in the range of 24-26.
CAT 2021 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Analysis
The DILR section had 22 questions distributed across 4 sets (6+6+4+4) . Sets were manageable.
There were arrangement questions and graph related questions. It was from a moderate to tough level.
In the given time duration of 40 minutes, an attempt of 12-13 with 90% accuracy, leading to a score of 30-32, can be considered ideal for 99+ percentile in DILR. 85 %tile might be around 18-20 marks.
CAT 2021 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Analysis
As expected, the QA section of CAT 2021 was similar to that of CAT 2019, in terms of LOD. It had 22 questions which were to be attempted in 40 minutes.
The section was highly dominated by algebra and Geometry.The level was from moderate to difficult.
An attempt of 18-19 questions, with 80-85% accuracy, would be ideal for 99+ percentile in the QA section of CAT 2021.
Candidates would have done well to keep their cool . Pre-CAT 2021, the total cutoff for a 99 percentile is projected to be approximately 105-110, as predicted.
