CAT 2024 Slot 3 Exam Analysis: Detailed Overview
Slot 3 of the CAT 2024 exam wrapped up the day with an intriguing mix of questions, offering a moderate overall difficulty level. While VARC challenged candidates with nuanced comprehension tasks, DILR demanded logical reasoning prowess and attention to detail. The QA section, on the other hand, leaned towards being more approachable, providing ample scoring opportunities in Arithmetic. This detailed Slot 3 analysis explores the exam structure, highlights key performance metrics, and offers preparation takeaways for future aspirants. Whether you’re reflecting on your attempt or preparing for the next CAT, these insights will be invaluable.
Overall Exam Structure
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration (Minutes) | MCQs | TITA | Difficulty Level |
|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | 24 | 40 | 22 | 2 | Moderate |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | 22 | 40 | 10 | 12 | Moderate-Difficult |
| QA (Quantitative Ability) | 22 | 40 | 18 | 4 | Easy-Moderate |
| Total | 68 | 120 | 48 | 20 | Moderate |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section in Slot 3 leaned towards moderate difficulty, with a mix of engaging RCs and verbal ability questions. The passages covered diverse topics that tested comprehension and interpretation skills.
Breakdown of VARC
| Question Type | Number of Questions | MCQs | TITA | Difficulty Level | Doable Questions |
|---|
| RC: Impact of AI | 4 | 4 | 0 | Easy-Moderate | 3 |
| RC: Endangered Languages | 4 | 4 | 0 | Moderate | 2-3 |
| RC: Success of Chinese Liquor Brand | 4 | 4 | 0 | Easy | 3-4 |
| RC: Space Contamination | 4 | 4 | 0 | Moderate | 2-3 |
| Paragraph Completion | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 Easy, 2 Moderate | 2-3 |
| Paragraph Summary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 Easy, 1 Medium, 1 Difficult | 1-2 |
| Odd Sentence Out (TITA) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 Easy, 1 Difficult | 1-2 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The DILR section was moderate to difficult, with sets requiring a blend of analytical skills and logical reasoning. Candidates who selected the right sets could maximize attempts effectively.
Breakdown of DILR
| Set Number | Topic/Area | No. of Questions | MCQs | TITA | Difficulty Level | Doable Questions |
|---|
| 1 | Nutrient Content in Food Items | 4 | 2 | 2 | Easy-Moderate | 3-4 |
| 2 | GDP Data Table | 4 | 3 | 1 | Moderate | 2-3 |
| 3 | Line Graph on AC Temperatures | 5 | 2 | 3 | Moderate-Difficult | 2-3 |
| 4 | Bar Graph on OTT App Subscriptions | 4 | 4 | 0 | Easy-Moderate | 3-4 |
| 5 | ATM Networks and Roads | 5 | 3 | 2 | Easy-Moderate | 4-5 |
Quantitative Ability (QA)
The QA section in Slot 3 was easy to moderate, favoring candidates proficient in Arithmetic. Algebra and Geometry also provided scoring opportunities with conceptual clarity.
Breakdown of QA
| Topic/Area | No. of Questions | MCQs | TITA | Difficulty Level | Doable Questions |
|---|
| Arithmetic (TSD, Ratios, Percentages) | 8 | 6 | 2 | Easy-Moderate | 6-7 |
| Algebra (Log, Equations, Maxima-Minima) | 8 | 5 | 3 | Moderate | 4-5 |
| Geometry (Circles, Polygons, Triangles) | 3 | 2 | 1 | Easy-Moderate | 2-3 |
| Modern Math (P&C) | 1 | 0 | 1 | Easy | 1 |
| Numbers (Remainders, Exponentials) | 2 | 1 | 1 | Moderate | 1-2 |
Percentile vs. Score for CAT 2024 Slot 3
| Percentile | VARC Score | DILR Score | QA Score | Overall Score |
|---|
| 99.9 | 48 | 46 | 48 | 118-123 |
| 99.5 | 40 | 40 | 43 | 103-108 |
| 99 | 36 | 37 | 35 | 92-95 |
| 95 | 19 | 27 | 18 | 68-70 |
| 90 | 16 | 21 | 14 | 55-57 |
Key Observations for Slot 3
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Sectional Trends:
- VARC was more engaging with diverse RC topics.
- DILR was on the tougher side, demanding logical precision and time management.
- QA favored Arithmetic, with ample scoring opportunities for well-prepared candidates.
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Overall Difficulty:
Slot 3 was moderate, slightly more challenging in DILR than Slots 1 and 2.
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Preparation Takeaways:
- Focus on RCs and Arithmetic for easy scoring opportunities.
- Practice diverse DILR sets to improve adaptability under pressure.
