CAT 2024 Slot 1 Analysis: First Reaction, Difficulty, Questions, and Pattern Insights for CAT 2025 Aspirants

CAT 2024 Slot 1: Overview and First Reactions

With over 3.29 lakh registrations, the competition was fierce, but the first slot of CAT 2024 brought a mix of surprises and opportunities. If you're preparing for CAT 2025, this detailed CAT 2024 Slot 1 analysis will give you a clear picture of the exam’s difficulty, question patterns, and key takeaways to ace your preparation. The first slot of CAT 2024, held from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, was described by students as easy to moderate in difficulty, a shift from the tougher CAT 2023. The exam retained its core structure but introduced subtle changes that caught aspirants’ attention. With a total of 68 questions (up from 66 in 2023), the exam tested candidates across three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

Each section had a 40-minute time limit, and the marking scheme remained consistent: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA (Type In The Answer) questions. Students reported a smooth exam experience with no major technical glitches, though strict protocols like prohibiting shoes and metallic objects were enforced. The overall feedback? The paper was more approachable than last year, raising expectations for higher cutoffs. Let’s dive into the section-wise analysis to understand what made Slot 1 tick.

Section-Wise Analysis: Difficulty, Questions, and Pattern:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – Easy to Moderate.
The VARC section, with 24 questions, was the easiest among the three, though it demanded careful reading and time management. A significant change was the absence of Para Jumbles, a staple in previous years, replaced by Para Completion, Para Summary, and Odd-One-Out questions.

• Reading Comprehension (RC):
  • 16 questions across 4 passages (400-450 words each).
  • Topics included Critique of Behavioral Economics, Revival of Bandicoots in Australia, Craftsmanship and AI, and Netflix-related themes.
  • Two passages were easy to moderate, while others required deeper inference-based analysis.
  • Questions focused on central ideas, inferences, and tone, testing comprehension and analytical skills.
• Verbal Ability (VA):
  • 8 questions: 3 Para Summary (MCQ), 3 Para Completion (MCQ), and 2 Odd Sentence (TITA).
  • No direct grammar or vocabulary questions, aligning with recent trends.
  • Difficulty: Easy but time-consuming if not approached strategically.

Key Takeaway for CAT 2025: Strengthen your reading speed and practice inference-based RC questions. Focus on Para Completion and Summary exercises, as Para Jumbles may continue to be absent. Aim for 15-18 attempts with 85% accuracy for a 95+ percentile.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – Easy to Moderate

The DILR section, often a deal-breaker, was a pleasant surprise with a moderate difficulty level. It featured 22 questions across 5 sets (up from 4 sets in 2023), with a mix of 3 sets of 4 questions and 2 sets of 5 questions. 
Set Breakdown:
Candlestick Chart (Stocks): Easy, formula-based DI set; a must-attempt.
Star Ratings of Bloggers: Moderate, logic-driven; solvable with persistence.
Games and Tournament: Moderate, required careful reading.
Countries Visited: Lengthy and tricky; best avoided.
Elections: Complex, time-consuming; a potential trap.
Question Types: A balanced mix of DI (charts, tables) and LR (puzzles, arrangements).
Difficulty: Easier than CAT 2023 Slot 1, with 2-3 doable sets. Speed and set selection were critical.
Good Attempts: 10-11 questions with 80% accuracy for an 85 percentile; 14-15 questions with 85% accuracy for 95+ percentile.

Key Takeaway for CAT 2025: Practice diverse DI sets (charts, caselets) and LR puzzles (tournaments, selections). Develop a knack for identifying “doable” sets within 5 minutes to maximize scores.

3. Quantitative Ability (QA) – Easy
The QA section, with 22 questions, was the most approachable, dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. It included 14 MCQs and 8 TITA questions, making accuracy crucial.

• Topic Distribution:
  • Arithmetic: 8-10 questions (SICI, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratios, Mixtures, Profit & Loss).
  • Algebra: 5-7 questions (Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms).
  • Geometry: 3 questions (Quadrilaterals, Circles, Coordinate Geometry).
  • Modern Math: 3 questions (Sequences, Permutations).
  • Numbers: 1-2 questions (Remainders, Indices).
• Difficulty: Easier than CAT 2023, with standard question types. Some questions were time-consuming but solvable with strong concepts.
• Good Attempts: 7-8 questions with 80% accuracy for an 85 percentile; 9-10 questions with 85% accuracy for 95+ percentile.

Key Takeaway for CAT 2025: Build a strong foundation in Arithmetic and Algebra, as they dominate QA. Practice TITA questions to boost confidence and focus on accuracy over quantity.

CAT 2024 Slot 1 Pattern Changes: What’s New in CAT 2025?

CAT 2024 Slot 1 introduced subtle but impactful changes that CAT 2025 aspirants should note:
Increased Questions: Total questions rose from 66 to 68, with DILR gaining 2 questions (22 instead of 20).
DILR Set Structure: 5 sets (3 with 4 questions, 2 with 5 questions) instead of 4 sets of 5 questions each.
VARC Shift: No Para Jumbles; replaced by Para Completion and Summary questions.
Easier Difficulty: Overall paper was less challenging than CAT 2023, potentially leading to higher cutoffs.

These changes reflect CAT’s evolving nature, emphasizing adaptability and strategic question selection.

How CAT 2025 Aspirants Can Prepare?
The CAT 2024 Slot 1 analysis offers valuable lessons for CAT 2025 preparation:

1. Start Early: Begin preparation 8-12 months in advance (January-March 2025) to cover the syllabus thoroughly.
2. Strengthen Basics: Focus on Arithmetic and Algebra for QA, RC for VARC, and diverse DI/LR sets.
3. Practice Mocks: Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.
4. Analyze Performance: Review mocks to identify strengths and weaknesses, especially in DILR set selection.
5. Stay Updated: Monitor CAT 2024 Slot 2 and 3 analyses for additional trends, as patterns may evolve.
6. Read Daily: Enhance VARC skills by reading editorials, novels, and articles on diverse topics.
   
   Watch Our Detailed CAT 2024 Slot 1 Analysis Video
   For a deeper dive into CAT 2024 Slot 1, check out our comprehensive video analysis on the ACE CAT YouTube channel. Our experts break down each section, share student reactions, and offer exclusive tips for CAT 2025 aspirants. Don’t miss out – watch now and subscribe for more CAT prep content! Watch ACE CAT’s CAT 2024 Slot 1 Analysis Video
   
   Conclusion:
   CAT 2024 Slot 1 was a balanced mix of challenges and opportunities, setting a benchmark for CAT 2025 aspirants. With an easier QA, a manageable DILR, and a slightly tricky VARC, the key to success lies in strategic preparation and smart question selection. At ACE CAT, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of your CAT journey. Use this analysis to kickstart your preparation, and let’s ace CAT 2025 together! 
   Ready to conquer CAT 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to watch our YouTube video for more insights!