CAT 2010 Exam Analysis: A Retrospective Look

Comprehensive and in-depth analysis of CAT 2010

IIMs conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is used to shortlist candidates for post-graduate programs. Many other institutes also use the CAT score. The CAT online computer-based test is available. The CAT 2010 saw 3 sections, similar to the previous year. This year, it was more like an aptitude test than in previous years. The three sections had more or less the same toughness level. There was a fair balance.

A 15-minute tutorial on exam solving is given before each test. It also explains how to mark the answers.

Overview of the CAT Paper

Allotted time	150 Minutes (including 15 minutes tutorial)
No. total of questions	60
The Marking Scheme	Correct Answer: +3
Sections	3
There are many options	4
Negative Marking	Wrong answer
Expected cut-offs*	Different colleges have different cut-offs. The cut-off percentile was 99+ for IIMs.

Overview of the Different Sections

Sr. No.	Sections	No.	Difficulty level
1	Verbal ability	20	Easy-Moderate
2	Quantitative ability	20	Moderate
3	Data Interpretation/Logical Reasoning	20	Moderate-Difficult

SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

SECTION I: Verbal Ability

Evaluation: The questions were moderately difficult. Verbal Ability covered all topics of English usage, including Para completion, Para confusion, Fill in the gaps, Correct usage, and Para jumble. Students could have achieved a high score in this section if they had a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary. There were three Reading comprehension passages that each contained 3 questions. These were easy to understand if the student has read extensively.

SECTION: Quantitative Capability

Evaluation: Questions on quantitative ability were based on a variety of topics and required simple calculations. This section was easy. There were 3-4 questions about geometry, 7-8 on number theory and arithmetic, and a few questions about algebra. There was also a mixture of modern and higher math, as well as a small application to logarithms. The fundamental understanding was also tested through questions such as ratios and percentages, volumes, permutation, combination, etc.

SECTION III: Data Interpretation/Logical Reasoning

Evaluation: This section required tedious calculations and was quite lengthy. The DI section covered sets of Pie charts, Bar charts, Tables, and Line graphs. It also included 3D charts, Maxima, and minima. Logical reasoning questions are more or less logic-based and do not require any calculations. LR questions were based on a set of conditions, Logical arguments, and Venn diagrams.