Analysis of CAT 2023 Paper: Quant Section

The CAT 2023 Question Paper closely resembled that of CAT 2022, with no significant alterations but did have a slightly higher level of difficulty compared to previous years especially slot 3 proved to be tougher compared to slots 1 and 2. The Exam featured a total of 66 questions across the three exam sections, presenting a moderate overall difficulty level. In all three slots, the Quantitative Aptitude section presented a greater challenge than the VARC and DILR sections.

While there were no significant changes in the Quantitative Aptitude (Quants) exam pattern, some notable alterations were observed. One such change was an increase in the number of TITA (Type in the Answer) questions. Additionally, there were adjustments in the topic-wise weightage, suggesting variations in the emphasis on different concepts within the Quants section.

Summarizing CAT 2023, Mr. Arun Sharma (one of India’s top CAT experts), stated that while the overall exam pattern remained consistent with the previous year, the Quantitative section’s questions were the toughest seen in the last 5 years.

SLOT 1 (Morning Slot)

The Quantitative Aptitude section held surprises for students, notably due to its heavy focus on algebra and the lengthiness of many questions. Compared to the previous year, this section was rated tougher, potentially leading to a lower cutoff compared to last year. Algebra and Arithmetic were the primary areas of focus, with algebraic questions posing challenges due to unconventional or time-consuming methods. Success in this section relied on strategic question selection, with aiming to attempt 9 to 11 questions with an accuracy of approximately 75-80% considered a good overall performance.

General Observations –
- Algebra received significant emphasis in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section, which was described as tough for the majority of students.
- Arithmetic questions encompassed a wide range of topics, presenting a mix of difficulty levels ranging from easy to moderate.
- Compared to the previous year, the number of straightforward questions decreased notably.

Particulars	Analysis
Level of Difficulty	Moderate
Total Number of Questions	22
Number of MCQs	14
Number of TITA (Non MCQ)	8
Topic Wise Weightage	Algebra – 7 questions Arithmetic – 8 questions Geometry – 4 questions Modern Math – 2 questions Number System – 1 questions

SLOT 2 (Afternoon Slot)

In the Quantitative section, Algebra and Arithmetic dominated the exam, while Geometry and Time-Speed-Distance questions were relatively easier to tackle. It was noted that all the algebra questions appeared right at the beginning of the exam, which was somewhat intimidating for a few test-takers. Overall, the exam presented a moderate to difficult level of difficulty. Selecting the right questions to attempt was the key. Overall, an attempt of 9 to 11 questions with an accuracy of approximately 75-80% will be a good performance.

General Observations –
- Algebra emerged as a prominent focus, with 3-4 questions dedicated to sequence and series concepts.
- Geometry witnessed a decrease in weightage, with only 2 questions focusing on this topic.
- The questions in this slot lacked a mix of concepts but required intricate calculations involving multiple multiplication factors.
- Functions, including graphs, played a significant role, receiving greater emphasis in this slot.

Particulars	Analysis
Level of Difficulty	Moderate
Total Number of Questions	22
Number of MCQs	14
Number of TITA (Non MCQ)	8
Topic Wise Weightage	Algebra – 8 questions Arithmetic – 7 questions Geometry – 3 questions Modern Math – 2 questions Number System – 2 questions

SLOT 3 (Evening Slot)

In CAT 2023 slot 3, the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section was notably lengthy, predominantly featuring questions from Algebra, making it the toughest quant section in recent years. The overall difficulty level of the CAT slot 3 exam was perceived to be moderate to difficult. Each question demanded equation forming and extensive number crunching, with few straightforward questions. While the section was arithmetic-heavy, the emphasis on complex calculations, followed by algebra and modern maths, added to its difficulty. Furthermore, the presence of trigonometry and logarithms intertwined with algebra and number systems further increased the section’s complexity. A good attempt in this challenging section would have ranged between 8 to 9 questions.

General Observations –
- The section was arithmetic-heavy, complex calculations, coupled with algebra and modern maths, adding to its difficulty.
- Although questions from Arithmetic were included, their quantity was lower compared to other slots.
- The inclusion of trigonometry and logarithms, along with algebra and number systems, heightened the complexity of this section.

Particulars	Analysis
Level of Difficulty	Moderate to Difficult
Total Number of Questions	22
Number of MCQs	14
Number of TITA (Non MCQ)	8
Topic Wise Weightage	Algebra – 8 questions Arithmetic – 4 questions Geometry – 3 questions Modern Math – 4 questions Number System – 3 questions