Analysis of CAT Test 2014

Comprehensive analysis of the CAT 2014 exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.

Computer-based CAT 2014 took place on the 16th and 22nd of November 2014. There was 100 questions total, and the time limit was 170 minutes. Each section had no time limit. You could also switch sections during the exam. Except for the AR section, the overall impression was good. Analytical Reasoning questions and Data Interpretation questions were actually relatively simple to moderate in the paper that was conducted on the second day, i.e. According to students, 22 Nov.

Overview of the 2014 CAT Paper:

Sections of the CAT 2014:

Expected cut-off:

It can be assumed that if you attempt 75-85 questions with 70%+ accuracy, you will receive calls from some IIMs. You can also expect to receive calls from a few top CAT-affiliated colleges if you score higher accuracy with perhaps slightly fewer attempts.

Sectional Analysis of the CAT 2014:

SECTION 1: Verbal Abilities & Logical Reasoning

Evaluation: The questions were moderately difficult. Reading comprehension passages were manageable. Only one of the four passages were difficult. Only a few areas were covered in the verbal ability questions, such as critical reasoning, sentence arrangement, misfit between sentences, and sentence rearrangement. Each set of questions in the Logical Reasoning section consisted of 4 sets. The LR section was moderate, except for one set of Venn diagrams, which was comparatively hard.

Section II: Quantitative Abilities & DI

Evaluation: The quantitative aptitude portion of the exam was considerably easier than previous years' CAT papers. The section was easy to handle, with only a few difficult questions.

Overall Review:

Students reported that Data Interpretation questions were much easier than on day 1. The CAT exam is traditionally an aptitude test that measures students' skills and not their speed at solving questions. This approach was sent by CAT-2014 for a toss. The paper kept students on their toes. Students had enough time to answer a lot of questions because they were given an extra 30 minutes.

Except for the difficulty level change, the CAT 2014 exam did not contain any surprises or introduce new topics. The exam slot didn't see any variation in questions, and all students received the same set.

QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE & DATA INTERPRETATION

Quantitative aptitude was significantly easier than previous years' papers. The section was easy in difficult. There were only a few probing questions and most of the questions were easily handled. Although there were a few unusual questions in this year's paper they were not common. To avoid getting stuck on difficult questions, it was important to choose the right questions. You should remember that there are enough easy questions on the exam to pass. Therefore, you need to focus on solving these problems and not on worrying about how you might solve them.

The exam had a consistent mix of questions from Number System and Algebra as well as Arithmetic, Geometry, Arithmetic and Probability. Comparable to previous years, 2014 CAT had a higher number of Arithmetic questions. These questions were mostly based on basic concepts and could be solved if they were reviewed before the exam. The exam had 34 Quantitative Aptitude questions.

The exam included four Data Interpretation sets with 4 questions. This year's data interpretation sets were slightly different and the questions weren't purely mathematical. These questions were based on reasoning, so it is recommended to solve DI sets between 2003 and 2008.

The exam featured four DI sets. They were based on the following areas. Data Sufficiency was also absent this year.

VERBAL ABILITY and LOGICAL REASONING

This year's CAT 'Verbal Ability’ section was transformed. The level was generally easier than the previous year. There were 34 questions in the section. It consisted of 4 passages each with 4 questions, 4 critical reasoning questions (inference-based), 3 summary writing questions (4 para jumble questions), 4 odd sentences out questions, and 3 grammar-based questions (3).

The vocabulary, FIJs, Phrasal Verbs and other areas were not included in this section. This means you don't need to worry about any of these areas, and can just focus on the reading-based sections.

This section consisted of reading comprehension of moderate length that ranged from 400 to 550 words. The RCs were not based on philosophy, sociology or other related areas. This markedly differs from previous years. These passages dealt with topics like politics, obesity, and so forth. It is important to note that not all questions were straightforward and that you need to feel confident about attempting this section.

Each set of four questions was part of the logical reasoning section. These questions were moderately difficult. The reasoning section of the exam was generally deemed to be time-consuming. This is something to keep in mind as you attempt the section. Don't solely focus on logic reasoning.

As you can see, CAT-2014 was relatively easy compared to previous years. If you focus on the basics, you will be able to perform well in the exam. The exam was easy to pass and you were able to maintain a decent pace throughout.

While the paper is not difficult to solve, there are a few things you should remember when solving it.

The exam had a greater emphasis on Arithmetic. This area requires you to revise basic formulas, concepts, and principles.

Vocabulary is not a threat to the exam. Do not worry but be aware of this area. The exam does not include Phrasal Verbs or FIJs.

The CAT 2014 test essentially assessed your problem-solving speed and your ability to select the right problems to solve. While most of the questions in the exam can be solved quickly, it does not mean you should spend too much time on difficult or complex calculations. Once you have completed the easier questions in the exam, you can always return to them. There are many easy problems in this exam.

These are some tips to help you improve your score on the CAT.