CAT Exam Analysis – Trends Over Last 5 Years (2020–2024) | Planet E

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and top B-Schools across India. Over the last five years, the CAT exam has witnessed notable shifts in pattern, difficulty level, question distribution, and percentile trends. Understanding these changes is essential for strategic preparation and smart test-taking. In this detailed blog by Planet E, we present a comprehensive CAT exam analysis (2020–2024)—highlighting section-wise trends, difficulty shifts, cutoffs, and expert takeaways.

Whether you’re planning for CAT 2025 or just exploring the exam dynamics, this analysis will provide you with deep insights to tailor your strategy accordingly.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of CAT Exam

2. CAT Exam Pattern (2020–2024)

3. Year-Wise CAT Analysis

   • CAT 2020 Analysis

   • CAT 2021 Analysis

   • CAT 2022 Analysis

   • CAT 2023 Analysis

   • CAT 2024 Analysis

4. Trends in Section-Wise Difficulty

5. Percentile vs Score Comparison

6. Expected Pattern for CAT 2025

7. Expert Insights from Planet E

8. FAQs

9. Conclusion

Overview of CAT Exam

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by IIMs on a rotational basis. It is used for admissions to MBA and PGDM programs offered by the IIMs and other top institutes like FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, SPJIMR, etc.

• Sections:

  • VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

  • DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)

  • QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

• Duration: 120 minutes

• Mode: Computer-based

• Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQs), no negative for TITA

CAT Exam Pattern (2020–2024)

🔹 Note: The number of questions was reduced from 100 (pre-2020) to 66 in 2021 and has remained consistent.

Year-Wise CAT Analysis

CAT 2020 Analysis

• Pattern Shift: First year with reduced questions (COVID impact)

• Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Tough

• Sectional Breakdown:

  • VARC: Dense RCs, slightly tricky

  • DILR: Toughest section, time-consuming sets

  • QA: Arithmetics-heavy, moderate

• 99%ile Score: Around 102

• Planet E Tip: Time allocation became key with reduced time; DILR required smart selection of sets.

CAT 2021 Analysis

• Major Change: Total questions further reduced to 66

• Overall Difficulty: Moderately Tough

• Sectional Breakdown:

  • VARC: Inference-based RCs

  • DILR: Only 4 sets; 2 very difficult

  • QA: Arithmetic + Algebra mix

• 99%ile Score: 97–98 marks

• Planet E Tip: Set selection in DILR and strong RC strategy were decisive.

CAT 2022 Analysis

• Conducted by: IIM Bangalore (known for tougher papers)

• Overall Difficulty: High

• Sectional Breakdown:

  • VARC: Vocab-heavy RCs, tough VA

  • DILR: Very difficult, especially logical puzzles

  • QA: Most difficult in recent years

• 99%ile Score: 91–93

• Planet E Tip: Speed and accuracy in VARC were rewarded; QA required strong conceptual clarity.

CAT 2023 Analysis

• Trend: Slightly easier QA; tricky VARC

• Overall Difficulty: Moderate

• Sectional Breakdown:

  • VARC: Ambiguous options in RC

  • DILR: Moderate to difficult

  • QA: Balanced; Arithmetic, Algebra dominant

• 99%ile Score: ~96

• Planet E Tip: Candidates who managed QA well had advantage; VARC was the differentiator.

CAT 2024 Analysis

Expected Trends Based on Feedback (official data yet to be released)

• VARC: Continued dominance of Reading Comprehension; 2 tough RCs

• DILR: Slightly logical than calculative; balanced difficulty

• QA: Easier than 2022, similar to 2023

• Expected 99%ile Score: 96–98

• Planet E Insight: Students who maintained composure and cracked DILR sets smartly scored high.

Trends in Section-Wise Difficulty (2020–2024)

🔍 Observations:

• DILR remained the most unpredictable.

• QA saw the highest volatility in difficulty.

• VARC has become more RC-focused every year.

Percentile vs Score Comparison

(*Estimated for 2024)

📌 Takeaway: Scores required for high percentiles dropped in 2022 but rose again in 2023 and 2024. A raw score of 96+ has remained a safe benchmark for 99th percentile.

Expected Pattern for CAT 2025

Based on current trends and expert feedback at Planet E, here’s what to expect in CAT 2025:

• Total Questions: Likely to remain at 66

• Section-wise:

  • VARC: RCs will dominate; expect higher inference-based and abstract RCs

  • DILR: Logical sets with minimal calculation

  • QA: Balanced mix of Arithmetic, Algebra, Numbers

🔮 Planet E Prediction:

“CAT 2025 will reward clarity, speed, and smart question selection over blind accuracy. Students should build flexibility into their strategy and avoid relying on a single section.”

Expert Insights from Planet E

✅ What Worked for Toppers:

• Selective solving in DILR

• Solid VARC reading habits

• QA speed via Arithmetic command

✅ Preparation Advice for CAT 2025:

• Start early with mock tests

• Analyze every mock deeply

• Practice a mix of past year questions and adaptive level DI/LR sets

• Avoid over-dependence on QA or VARC

• Use sectional timers to simulate real pressure

🎯 Join Planet E’s CAT 2025 Program:

• Offline Coaching in Dadar & Thane

• Live Online Classes across India

• Expert Mentors with 99+ %ile

• 100+ Mock Tests with Detailed Analysis

• Personal Mentorship and Profile Guidance

FAQs

Q1. Which was the toughest CAT exam in the last 5 years?

CAT 2022 is considered the toughest due to its extremely difficult QA and DILR sections.

Q2. Is CAT getting tougher every year?

Not consistently. While CAT 2022 was very tough, CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 (expected) were relatively moderate.

Q3. How many questions do I need to attempt for 99 percentile?

Generally, 45–50% accuracy with smart selection can lead to a 99%ile, depending on paper difficulty.

Q4. Can non-engineers score well in CAT?

Yes! Non-engineers often excel in VARC and DILR. With focused preparation, they can outperform even engineers.

Q5. How does Planet E help in CAT prep?

Planet E provides structured learning, expert mentors, real CAT-level mocks, and individual guidance—ensuring aspirants are exam-ready from all angles.

Conclusion

The CAT exam over the last five years has shown that unpredictability is its only constant. From shifting patterns to volatile difficulty levels, it has tested not just knowledge but adaptability. With expert mentorship from Planet E, students can confidently prepare for these evolving challenges.

If you’re serious about CAT 2025, now is the time to analyze past trends and start your preparation journey. Join Planet E, and let our legacy of success be your path to IIMs.