CAT 2019 Question Paper Analysis & Tips for CAT 2021: Check Section-Wise Weightage, Difficulty Level

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2019 was conducted by the Indian Institute Of Management (IIMs) in various locations across the nation on November 24 in two sessions. The prevailing perception indicates that the verbal assessment was slightly challenging in comparison to last year. The DI & Quant sections were of the same difficulty as last year and marginally easier according to CAT aspirants.

Also, there wasn't much of a difference between the two Slots, apart from the DI and verbal selective feedback being a bit more difficult in Slot II. In terms of absolute structure and difficulty level, the exam followed the traditional pattern and was very much comparable to the preceding year's exam.

CAT 2019 Question Paper Analysis - Difficulty Level

The CAT 2019 question paper comprised three sections:

1. Quantitative Aptitude (QA), 
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and 
3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The question count for each of these sections was 34, 32, and 34 respectively. The sequence of the sections was as usual and each section had a 60-minute time restriction.

A Section-Wise Overview of Questions Of CAT 2019

VARC: Somewhat Challenging

The pattern of the VARC section remained unchanged from the previous year. There were 10 VA questions spread among 4 Para Formation questions. Apart from that, four 5-Q passages were there along with one 4-Q passage and 3 Para Summaries, Odd One Outs. Overall, the RC section was more challenging than the previous years. Passages were non-obvious and quite a few had 2 close choices and it was a tricky situation for the aspirants. It was tough even for people who have a fair command of the language.

Also Read: How Did The CAT Exam Pattern Evolve Over The Years? Take A Look!

DILR - The Section Is Getting Easier Over The Years!

DILR did surprise the aspirants during CAT 2015 and CAT 2016. However, aspirants have got a clear idea of the CAT’s approach to DILR testing. A few of the sets were simple to complete, but others required a significant amount of preparation. One DI puzzle was lovely and simple, and one math-based challenge was also extremely doable. Thus, a credible candidate would have correctly answered all the questions. 

Quants: Almost A Cakewalk, But Not For Everyone!

If you compare the quant section of CAT 2019 with that of CAT 2018, the latter will look like a nightmare! CAT 2019 had 34 questions and all were from anticipated topics such as i) Arithmetic, ii) Geometry, iii) Mensuration, iv) Algebra, v) Numbers, vi) Trigonometry and vii) Permutation and Combination.

CAT Question Paper Analysis of Other Years

Check the table below for the year-wise CAT question paper analysis.

Closing Note

Overall, CAT 2019 examination did not really throw any surprises. The pattern mimicked the question paper of the preceding year to quite an extent, having almost ditto difficulty level and a similar structure. CAT examiners, like other years, have tried to analyze the examinee's aptitude. Stay tuned with us for more updates and check out our other blogs!