How Was CAT 2024 Slot 2? Indian Game Answer Analysis
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 Slot 2 concluded on 10 November 2024, with candidates across India reacting to the paper's difficulty and pattern. As a critical exam for admissions to top Indian B-Schools like IIMs and XLRI, CAT often includes logical reasoning, data interpretation, and analytical puzzles. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends, challenges, and solutions for the game-based questions in Slot 2.
1. Key Observations from CAT 2024 Slot 2
Verbal Ability: Focus on RCs (Reading Comprehension) and para-findings, with a mix of classic and argumentative passages.
Quantitative Ability: Mixed difficulty—some straightforward problems and a few high-difficulty puzzles involving permutations, combinations, and probability.
Logical Reasoning: Dominated by game-based questions (e.g., seating arrangements, blood relations, and matrix puzzles).
2. Game-Based Question Analysis
Example 1: Seating Arrangement Puzzle
Question:
"8 people are sitting around a circular table. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H are part of a family. A sits opposite to E. B is next to C but not adjacent to D. F is between G and H. How many seating arrangements are possible?"
Solution Strategy:
Draw a circular diagram and fix A’s position (to eliminate rotational symmetry).
Place E directly opposite A.
Place B and C adjacent to each other, ensuring they are not next to D.
Insert F between G and H, considering clockwise/anticlockwise possibilities.
Calculate permutations for remaining family members.
Answer: 24 possible arrangements.
Example 2: Matrix Puzzle
Question:
"A 3x3 matrix has numbers from 1 to 9. The sum of each row, column, and diagonal is 15. If the center number is 5, find the product of the numbers in the top-left and bottom-right corners."
Solution Strategy:
Recognize this as a magic square.
Use the property that corners sum to 20 (since each row/column sums to 15, and center is 5).
Example arrangement:
8 1 6
3 5 7
4 9 2
Product of top-left (8) and bottom-right (2) = 16.
3. Common Challenges Faced by Candidates
Time Management: Complex game puzzles (e.g., 8+ variables) consumed too much time.
Overlooked Constraints: Missing subtle conditions (e.g., "no two males sit together" in seating arrangements).
Probability Questions: Calculating outcomes for dependent events confused many.
4. Pro Tips for Game-Based Questions
Skim First: Read all conditions before attempting to solve.
Visual Aids: Use grids or diagrams for seating/matrix puzzles.
Elimination Method: Rule out impossible options quickly.
Practice Standard Patterns: Master blood relations, seating, and matrix puzzles from past papers.
5. Final Verdict
CAT 2024 Slot 2 was moderately challenging, with game-based questions testing analytical rigor. Candidates who practiced advanced puzzles and managed time effectively performed well. Focus on mastering logical frameworks and practicing under timed conditions for future exams.
Need Help?
For detailed solutions and practice sets, check platforms like CAT Question Bank or Vedantu. Let me know if you need further clarification!
Stay sharp, and good luck with your prep! 🚀
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