How the CAT Total Marks System Works: A Comprehensive Guide by SuperGrads

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive and nationally recognized entrance exam for MBA aspirants in India. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), it is a gateway to some of the most prestigious business schools in the country. One of the essential aspects of the CAT exam is understanding its total marks and scoring system. In this blog, SuperGrads provides a detailed guide on CAT total marks, marking scheme, and preparation tips to help you achieve success.

What Are CAT Total Marks?

The CAT total marks vary each year depending on the number of questions and the marking scheme, which is pre-decided by the conducting IIM. The latest CAT exam pattern allocates 198 marks in total, divided across three sections:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 20 questions
3. Quantitative Ability (QA): 22 questions

Each correct answer is awarded +3 marks, while an incorrect answer for a multiple-choice question (MCQ) results in a penalty of -1 mark. Non-MCQ questions, however, do not have any negative marking.

CAT Section-Wise Marks Distribution

Understanding the section-wise marks distribution is critical for strategizing your preparation. Here is the breakdown:

Section	Total Questions	MCQs	Non-MCQs	Maximum Marks
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	21	3	72
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	14	6	60
Quantitative Ability (QA)	22	14	8	66

The total number of questions is 66, making the CAT total marks 198.

How the CAT Scoring System Works

The CAT scoring system is designed to test a candidate’s ability to answer accurately under time pressure. Here’s how it works:

1. Correct Answers:
1. +3 marks for every correct response in both MCQs and non-MCQs.
2. Negative Marking:
3. For MCQs, 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
4. No negative marking for non-MCQs.
5. No penalty for leaving questions unanswered.
6. CAT scores are normalized to account for variations in difficulty levels across different shifts of the exam.
7. Scaled scores are then converted into percentiles to rank candidates.
8. Unattempted Questions:
9. Scaling Process:

Why Understanding CAT Total Marks Matters

Knowing the total marks and sectional distribution is essential for effective preparation. Here’s why:

Strategic Time Management: Understanding marks distribution allows you to allocate time to each section based on its weightage.
Accurate Target Setting: Familiarity with total marks helps you set realistic score targets for each section.
Focus on High-Scoring Areas: By identifying sections with higher weightage, you can prioritize topics that maximize your score.

How to Prepare for CAT Total Marks with SuperGrads

SuperGrads provides comprehensive preparation strategies tailored to help you ace the CAT exam. Here’s how our program ensures your success:

1. Personalized Study Plans

Our experts design customized study schedules to help you cover all topics, focusing on areas with higher marks.

2. Regular Mock Tests

SuperGrads offers full-length mock tests that simulate the actual CAT exam. These tests familiarize you with the marking scheme and total marks while improving time management.

3. Expert Faculty Guidance

With experienced mentors, SuperGrads provides in-depth analysis of each section, ensuring you understand the nuances of marks distribution.

4. Sectional Tests

Our sectional tests help you master individual sections like VARC, DILR, and QA, ensuring a balanced performance across all areas.

5. Doubt-Clearing Sessions

Get your doubts resolved through live sessions with experts, ensuring a clear understanding of complex concepts.

Tips to Maximize Your Score

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the latest CAT exam pattern and total marks to avoid surprises on the test day.
2. Focus on Accuracy: Minimize negative marking by answering only those questions you’re confident about.
3. Time Management: Practice solving questions within the allocated time for each section to enhance speed and accuracy.
4. Revise Regularly: Review key concepts and practice past year’s questions to stay confident.
5. Take Mock Tests: SuperGrads’ mock tests replicate the CAT marking system, enabling you to evaluate your performance and strategize accordingly.

Benefits of Preparing with SuperGrads

By choosing SuperGrads, you gain access to:

Comprehensive study materials and resources.
Flexible learning options, including live classes and recorded sessions.
Regular performance analysis and feedback.
A supportive learning environment tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Understanding the CAT total marks is fundamental to excelling in this challenging exam. With the right preparation strategy and expert guidance from SuperGrads, you can optimize your performance and secure a spot in one of the top management institutes in India.

Start your CAT preparation journey with SuperGrads today and unlock the path to a successful management career. Let’s aim for the best results together!

For more insights and resources, join SuperGrads’ CAT coaching program. Prepare confidently and ace the exam!