CAT, successfully conducted on November 25, 2018 had mixed reactions from the examinees. CAT 2018 was conducted in 2 slots with slot 1 from 9 am to 12:30 pm and slot 2 from 2:30 pm to 5 pm. As per CAT 2018 analysis, section-wise questions for each slot remained the same. However, there was a variation in the difficulty level of both slots. According to experts, CAT 2018 slot 1 was difficult than CAT 2018 slot 2 as well as CAT 2017.
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You can check the section-wise questions distribution from the table below-
| Section | Total Questions | Non-Multiple Choice Questions | Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 34 | 7 | Easy |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 32 | 8 | Moderate-difficult |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 34 | 12 | Difficult |
| Overall | 100 | 27 | Moderate |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension is the first section of CAT entrance. With a total 34 questions, this section is bifurcated into Verbal Ability section of 10 questions and Reading Comprehension of 24 questions. Following are the highlights of VARC as per CAT 2018 analysis-
- There were 5 passages in the section
- Each passage had a word limit of 500-550 words
- Passages were time-consuming
- VARC section was at par with the previous year difficulty level
- Attempting 28+ questions is considered good
Here is the in-depth analysis of VARC section-
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| Area | Topic | Questions | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension | Reading comprehension | 24 | Total passages-5 Word limit- 500-550 word each Passage 1 Topic: genetics Questions: 4 Difficulty: tedious Other 4 passages Topic: India’s views on its legacy of World War II, plastic pollution, Consumer Behavior studies, elephant society. |
| Verbal Ability | 10 | Para jumble questions Questions: 4 Difficulty: easy Sentences in each question: 4 |
CAT 2018 Analysis- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This section of CAT 2018 is subject to multiple reactions. In the opinion of some, this was a difficult section, while some believed that the section varied from easy to moderate. The theme of sets was more conventional than the last year’s paper. There was one direct DI set with basic calculations. The section has total 32 questions with 8 non-MCQs. Here is the CAT 2018 analysis for DILR section-
| Section | Topic | Number of questions | Doable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Currency Exchange and rate changes | 4 | 2-3 |
| Smartphones and market share | 4 | 4 | |
| Box diagrams of 3 companies/products | 4 | 1-2 | |
| Logical Reasoning | Interview Arrivals(arrangement) | 4 | 3-4 |
| Coding (Alphabets/digits) | 4 | 2-3 | |
| Set Theory (3 games, Ludo, Kho-Kho, Gilli Danda | 4 | 2 | |
| Institute Accreditation | 4 | 2-3 | |
| – | Tickets to a show, old, young and middle aged people | 2 | 2-4 |
CAT 2018 Analysis- Quantitative Aptitude
AS per CAT 2018 analysis, Quantitative Aptitude was the toughest of all sections. For the non-engineering students, it added up to the difficulty as the section was engineering dominated. This section can be called a ‘tricky’ one. With the total 34 questions, 12 were non-MCQs. Here is the CAT 2018 analysis for Quant section-
| Section | Topic | Number of questions | Doable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative aptitude | Number System | 2 | 1 |
| Algebra | 8-9 | 4-5 | |
| Arithmetic | 13-14 | 8-9 | |
| Modern Math | 3-4 | 1-2 | |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 7 | 3-4 |
Students’ Reaction for CAT 2018
With over 2 lakh students appearing for CAT 2018, there were different thoughts that summed up CAT 2018 analysis. Those who re-appeared this year felt that the exam was quite similar to the previous year papers. While some students feel DI (Data Interpretation) and Arithmetic questions were tough, others feel that IIM-C’s favorite section Quantitative Aptitude was the most difficult.
In both slots, Quants section was calculation and logic intensive rather than being theory-intensive. As per experts, students attempted the least questions in this section.
Expected Score in CAT 2018
In the opinion of experts CAT 2018 varied between moderate to difficult level. Where DILR and Quants sections were difficult, VARC section’s easy level compensated for them. If you are thinking what is a good score as per CAT 2018 Analysis, then you should consider the below mentioned table-
| Section | Good Attempts |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 28+ |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 16+ |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 15+ |
Those who have successfully scored a raw score of 156-157, can expect 98-99 percentile as per CAT 2018 analysis. CAT 2018 result is expected to be released on January 7, 2019 along with the scorecard on the official site of CAT. Students can download their CAT result using their login credentials.
CAT 2018 Cut-off
After the declaration of CAT 2018 result, the authority will release the CAT 2018 cut-off. It is on the basis of CAT cut-off that your admission to IIMs and other B-schools will be decided. The announcement of cut-off will be followed by counselling which includes Group Discussion, Personal Interview before your admission is confirmed.