IIM CAT Exam 2023 : Slot 1, 2 & 3 Analysis, Review, Percentile Predictor & Question Paper with Answer Key

The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow conducted the CAT 2023 exam on Sunday, November 26, 2023. The exams were conducted in three slots. According to candidates who appeared for the exam in slot 1, the difficulty level was moderate to difficult. The paper pattern also remained similar to that from the previous year. The difficulty level of CAT slot 2 and slot 3 exams also remained similar with a difficulty level of moderate to difficult. Candidates can check the detailed analysis, expected cutoff, and good attempts to qualify in all three slots from subject experts.

With the CAT 2023 exams being conducted smoothly, aspirants are now eagerly waiting for the announcement of the CAT answer key 2023 and the CAT results. Students clearing the exams with the required marks will be eligible for admission to B-schools across the country.

This article will provide aspirants with the initial response of candidates after each slot, the complete analysis of each section from experts in the fields, and the expected cutoff based on the difficulty level of the exam conducted. Students after appearing in their respective CAT 2023 slots can check the details of the examination and the latest updates here.

CAT Exam 2023 Slot Timings

Students must note that the first slot of the CAT exams is being conducted from 8:30 AM. Candidates who are scheduled to appear for the later slots can check below, the slot timing, reporting time to the centre, and the last permitted entry time for candidates before the commencement of the exam.

CAT Question Paper 2023 : Slot-wise Questions

The slot-wise question paper for CAT 2023 can be checked by clicking on the links below -

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Exam Analysis

As per student reviews, the overall difficulty level of CAT 2023 slot 1 paper was moderate with no changes in the question paper pattern.

• CAT 2023 slot 1 VARC was easier than last year.
• It comprised 16 RC questions across 4 passages, and 8 verbal ability questions (2 parajumbles, 2 para summary, 2 para completion, 2 odd one out).
• CAT 2023 slot 1 DILR was moderate to tough having 4 sets (3 LR and 1 DI) with 5 questions each. 
• CAT 2023 slot 1 Quant was moderate to difficult with 10-11 questions easily doable in 40 minutes.

CAT 2023 Slot 2 Exam Analysis

Based on the student reviews received in slot 1 and slot 2, it is clear that slot 2 quant and DILR were tougher than slot 1. Maximum students have reported CAT 2023 slot 2 VARC section to be easy with 16-17 questions doable in 40 minutes. 

• There were no direct DI questions from graphs and charts.
• There were 4 DILR sets with 5 questions each. Out of these, the set on games and tournaments was difficult to comprehend.
• Quant was difficult with maximum students able to attempt 8-9 questions on average.
• Algebra questions were of high difficulty level, proving to be the game changer.
• There were only 3 questions from Geometry like slot 1.
• No questions asked from Modern Math in slot 2 Quant paper.

CAT 2023 Slot 3 Exam Analysis

Overall, the slot 3 paper was of similar level difficulty as previous 2 slots. Most candidates could not attempt too many questions in the given time. 

• DILR was the toughest in comparison to slot 1 and slot 2
• Quant was moderate with maximum questions from Arithmetic (8)
• Number system had 4 questions in slot 3 and no questions from modern math
• VARC was easy to moderate- 2 RC passages of easy to moderate level and 2 moderate to difficult.

CAT 2023 Question Paper Pattern

CAT 2023 paper will comprise 66 questions divided into VARC, DILR, and QA sections. On the exam day, you can also find CAT 2023 question paper with answer key and solutions on this page.

CAT 2023 Expected Score vs Percentile