CAT 2013 Exam Analysis: A Retrospective Look

Comprehensive and in-depth analysis of CAT 2013.

The CAT 2013 was a computer-based 27-day test that ran from 16 October 2013 to 11 November 2013. The CAT 2013 saw 2 sections. Each section had 30 questions and a time limit of 70 minutes. Candidates can only review each section within the time limit. However, candidates cannot go back to previous sections once they have moved on to the next.

Overview of the CAT Paper

Allotted time	140 minutes
No. total of questions	60
The Marking Scheme	Correct Answer: +7.5
Sections	2
There are many options	4
Negative Marking	The wrong answer: -2.5

Overview of the Different Sections

Sr. No.	Sections	No. No.	Time allotted	Difficulty level
1	Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning	30	70 minutes	Moderate
2	Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation	30	70 minutes	Moderate to tough

SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

SECTION I: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

Sr. No.	Area tested	Description	No. No.	Difficulty Level/remarks
1.	Reading Comprehension	3 passages	10 (4+3+3)	Moderate
2.	Verbal ability	Sentence Correction, Fill In the Blanks, Para Jumbles, Para Completion and Word Usage	11-14	Moderate
3.	Logical Reasoning	Data Arrangement, Seating Arrangement and Logic based	6-9	Moderate
All in all		30	Moderate

Evaluation: The questions were moderately difficult. Reading comprehension passages were manageable. Only one of the three passages was difficult. The verbal ability questions covered all topics of English usage. Three sets of questions on logic reasoning were presented with three each.

SECTION II: Quantitative ability & DI

Sr. No.	Area tested	Description	No. No.	Difficulty Level/remarks
1.	DI: Data Interpretation	Combination of Graphs and Pie Charts, Table	6-10	Moderate-Difficult
2.	Quantitative ability	Number System, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Menuration	20-24	Moderate
All in all			30	Moderate-Difficult

Evaluation: Questions about quantitative ability were based upon a variety of topics and required complex calculations. This section was challenging overall. Speed, clarity in the basics of DI, and impeccable time management were key factors to success.