First-Cut Analysis of Slot 1:

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 recorded 3.29 lakh registrations, a marginal dip compared to the 3.30 lakh registrations in 2023. This 0.30% decline, amounting to roughly 1,000 fewer candidates, indicates steady yet slightly reduced participation. Despite this minor decrease, the competition remains fierce, and the first slot of CAT 2024 showcased a mix of traditional rigor and fresh challenges.

This year, CAT introduced a slight tweak in its structure, increasing the total number of questions from 66 to 68. Slot 1 was broadly perceived as moderate overall, with significant variations in difficulty levels across sections. While the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section emerged as the most challenging, Quantitative Ability (QA) offered considerable relief. Meanwhile, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section struck a balance between complexity and scoring potential.

CAT 2024 Slot 1 Remark: 

CAT 2024 there were a total of 68 questions divided among Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Sectional Break up: Verbal (22), DI LR ( 22), Quants (22) questions. 

1. The VARC section, consisting of 22 questions, stood out for its difficulty. A surprising change this year was the absence of Para jumbles, a long-standing feature. Instead, the section relied heavily on Reading Comprehension (RC), with four relatively lengthier passages. Among these, one RC was deemed straightforward, while others explored nuanced themes like craftsmanship impacted by artificial intelligence, extinct animal-mouse, and a Netflix-related topic. These required careful analysis and strong comprehension skills. Many candidates found VARC to be the most grueling section, testing their reading speed and interpretive ability

2. The DILR section offered a balanced challenge with 22 questions. It comprised three Data Interpretation (DI) sets, each containing four questions, and two sets, each featuring five questions. The DI sets explored topics like a Stock Market Candle Chart (where formulas were provided), a Set Theory puzzle involving group travel patterns, and a Star Distribution puzzle assigned to judges. The LR sets demanded methodical and strategic thinking, rewarding those who maintained focus under pressure. Candidates who accurately solved three sets were well-positioned to secure stellar percentiles.

3. In contrast, the QA section provided much-needed relief. Like VARC, it featured 22 questions, predominantly focused on formula-driven problems from familiar topics such as Time, Speed, and Distance (TSD), Profit and Loss, Roots, and Ratios. Arithmetic contributed the lion’s share with 9-11 questions, while Algebra was straightforward, Geometry had minimal presence, and Modern Mathematics was limited to a problem on Sequence and Series. Notably, there were no questions on Permutation & Combination or Probability, further reducing the section's complexity. Well-prepared candidates found 14-15 attempts comfortably achievable, making QA the most approachable section of the exam.

Overall Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

The overall difficulty level of the CAT 2024 exam was on the easier side. With 68 questions spread across 3 sections, candidates found it manageable to attempt a good number of questions. The key sections were:

• VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) - Toughest

• QA (Quantitative Ability) - Easy to Moderate

• DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) - Moderate

Section-wise Breakdown:

1. VARC: Toughest Section

This section presented the most challenging for students.

• Reading Comprehension (RC): There were 4 RCs in total, each with varying levels of difficulty.

• RC 1: Doable and straightforward

• RC 2: Odd one out question

• RC 3: Para completion

• RC 4: Para summary

• There were no para-jumbles this year, which might have given some relief to students.

Strategy for VARC: The key to doing well in this section is improving your reading speed and comprehension. Since the RCs were of varying difficulty levels, practicing different types of RCs and mastering techniques like scanning and skimming through the text can help you improve your speed and accuracy.

2. QA: Easy

This section was manageable for most candidates, with a good number of direct formula-based questions.

• Key Topics:

• TSD (Time-Speed-Distance)

• Profit & Loss

• Roots

• Ratios

• Arithmetic: The majority of questions in this section were from Arithmetic, around 9-11 questions.

• Algebra: The algebra questions were easy, with no complex setups.

• Geometry: There were only 2 questions in this area, and they were straightforward.

• Modern Maths: Sequence and series questions were included, but Probability and Combinatorics (PnC) were absent.

Strategy for QA: Focus on mastering the basic formulas in Arithmetic, Profit & Loss, and Ratios. These topics were heavily tested, so practice solving questions quickly and efficiently. Make sure you’re comfortable with concepts like time-speed-distance and roots as 

3. DILR: Moderate

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section in CAT 2024 offered a well-balanced challenge, comprising a total of 20 questions. The section was divided into five sets, with a mix of Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR) sets, each with varying levels of difficulty.

DILR Set Breakdown:

• Three Data Interpretation (DI) Sets: Each containing 4 questions.
• Two Logical Reasoning (LR) Sets: Each contains 5 questions.

The DI sets explored a range of interesting and practical themes:

1. Stock Market Candle Chart: This set involved interpreting a stock market chart with provided formulas, requiring candidates to carefully analyze the data and apply mathematical reasoning.
2. Set Theory Puzzle: Focused on group travel patterns, this set involved logical reasoning to deduce relationships between various travel groups.
3. Star Distribution Puzzle: This set involved distributing stars among judges, testing logical deduction and attention to detail.

The LR sets required methodical and strategic thinking, rewarding those who maintained focus under time pressure. The LR puzzles involved patterns, sequences, and logical deductions, making it essential for candidates to approach these sets with a systematic problem-solving mindset.

Strategy for DILR: For DILR, it’s crucial to practice a variety of question types. Work on your Data Interpretation skills (charts, tables, and graphs), as well as Logical Reasoning (puzzles, seating arrangements, and series). With regular practice, you’ll develop the ability to quickly identify patterns and solve problems efficiently.

Key Takeaways for CAT 2024 Preparation

Based on the CAT 2024 exam analysis, here are some important takeaways for your future preparation:

• Master Core Topics in QA: Since Arithmetic, Profit & Loss, and Ratios were heavily tested in the QA section, focus on mastering these topics. Once you’re comfortable with the basic formulas, you’ll find the QA section much easier.

• Improve Your RC Skills in VARC: Since Reading Comprehension made up a large part of the VARC section, improving your reading speed and comprehension is essential. Practice with different types of RCs and work on summarizing paragraphs to save time during the exam.

• Practice DILR Regularly: DILR requires regular practice with both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Work on different sets to improve your problem-solving speed and accuracy.

• Don’t Skip Geometry and Modern Maths: While there were only a few questions on Geometry and Modern Maths, these topics can sometimes have tricky questions. It’s best to revise them regularly so you don’t miss out on easy marks.

• Time Management is Key: Even though the exam was of moderate difficulty, managing your time well is crucial. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. Try to attempt as many questions as possible without compromising on accuracy.

Finale Slot 1 vs 2 vs 3: Live at 9:00 P.M 

Final Thoughts:

CAT 2024 Slot 1 presented a comprehensive blend of challenges across VARC, DILR, and QA. Aspirants navigated through intricate passages, tackled challenging logical scenarios, and grappled with a diverse range of quantitative problems. The analysis provides a holistic view for aspirants to reflect upon their performance and strategize for future attempts. 

Stay tuned for more detailed analyses and insights as we continue to decode the layers of CAT 2024. Wishing all CAT aspirants the best in their preparations and future endeavors!

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