CAT Exam 2024 Details
- Registration Start Date: August 1, 2024
- Exam Date: November 24, 2024
- Conducting Institute: IIM Calcutta
- Full Schedule: Including exam dates and eligibility details, was released on July 28, 2024.
CAT 2024 Exam Details
- Exam Date: November 24, 2024
- Sessions: The exam will be held in three sessions.
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Cities: Conducted across over 135 cities in India
- Validity: CAT scores are valid for admission to 21 IIMs and various other MBA colleges in India.
- Conducting Institute: IIM Calcutta
Key Dates:
- Official Notification Released: July 30, 2024
- Registration Start Date: August 1, 2024
- Registration End Date: September 13, 2024
Overview of CAT 2024
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India. Here’s what you need to know about CAT 2024:
- Recognition: Over 1,300 MBA colleges across India recognize CAT scores for admission.
- Exam Sessions: The CAT 2024 exam will be conducted in three sessions.
- Examination Centres: Nearly 375 centres located in over 167 cities across the country.
- Preparation: Prospective MBA students aiming to enroll in premier institutes should start their preparation early.
| CAT Exam Particulars | CAT Details |
|---|---|
| CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute for 2024 | IIM Calcutta (to be confirmed) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| CAT 2024 Exam Date | November 24, 2024 |
| CAT Exam Timings |
|
| CAT Exam Fees | INR 2,400 (General category) and INR 1,200 (Reserved category) |
| Number of Test Takers | 3.30 lakh (in 2023) |
| CAT exam mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs |
| No. of test cities | 155 |
| CAT exam website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam helpdesk no. | 1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
CAT 2024 Registration Dates
- Registration Start Date: Expected to begin in the first week of August 2024
- Registration End Date: Expected to end in the third or fourth week of September 2024
- Exam Date: November 24, 2024
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2024
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories) from a recognized university.
- Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or those awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
- Professional Degrees: Aspirants with professional degrees such as CA, CS, or ICWA are eligible, provided they meet the minimum acceptable percentage.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for CAT 2024, making it accessible to working professionals.
- Work Experience: While work experience is advantageous for admission to IIMs, it is not a requirement for applying to CAT 2024.
The CAT 2024 exam is scheduled for November 24, 2024, and the official notification is expected to be released in July 2024.
How to Register for CAT 2024
- Visit the Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on ‘New Registration’: Start the registration process by selecting this option.
- Provide Details:
- Enter your Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Phone Number, and Email ID.
- Complete the CAPTCHA code and verify your registration with the OTP received.
- Log In:
- Use the CAT ID sent to your email to log in.
- Fill Out the Form:
- Enter your personal and academic details.
- Upload Documents:
- Upload a recent passport-size photo and a scanned signature.
- Select Preferences:
- Choose your preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities.
- Pay the Application Fee:
- Complete the payment using a credit/debit card or net banking.
Make sure to review all the information before submitting your application.
Application Form
- Availability: The CAT 2024 application form will be available on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, starting August 1, 2024.
- Registration Process:
- The registration process for CAT 2024 will be conducted online.
- Candidates need to complete the application form on the official website.
- Admit Card:
- After completing the registration, candidates will receive their admit cards online.
- Exam Date:
- The CAT 2024 exam is scheduled to take place on the last Sunday of November 2024.
- Official Notification:
- The official notification for CAT 2024 was released on July 28, 2024
Syllabus Overview
The CAT 2024 syllabus is divided into three main sections:
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs (Bar, Line, Pie), Charts, Data Sufficiency
- Logical Reasoning: Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Logical Sequences, Venn Diagrams, Coding-Decoding, Series
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Verbal Ability: Grammar, Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion
- Reading Comprehension: Comprehension of Passages, Critical Reasoning, Inference, Main Idea, and Vocabulary in Context
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratios and Proportions, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Work, Speed, Distance, and Time
- Algebra: Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Circles, Triangles, Mensuration
- Number Systems: Divisibility, Factors, Multiples, Prime Numbers
- Modern Mathematics: Permutations and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory
Preparation Tips
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice of different types of problems to build familiarity and speed.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.
- Review Concepts: Revise fundamental concepts and formulas frequently.
| Section | Topics | Weightage in Exam |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) |
|
34-36% |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
|
30-32% |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
|
32-34% |
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
- Duration: 120 minutes total
- Sessions: The exam is conducted in three sessions.
- Sections: The exam is divided into three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Total Questions: 66 questions
- Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes for each section
- Scoring:
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
- Negative Marking: No negative marking for non-MCQs; skipping questions incurs no penalty.
- Maximum Score: 198 marks
- Attempting Questions: Attempting all questions is not mandatory.
| CAT Exam Sections | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | Moderate to High |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) | 20 | Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | High |
Admit Card
Importance: The CAT 2024 admit card is a crucial document required to appear for the examination. Candidates must bring the admit card to the exam center on the day of the exam.
Key Points:
- Eligibility for Download:
- Only candidates who have successfully registered and paid the CAT processing fee can download the admit card.
- How to Download:
- Log in to the official IIM CAT website iimcat.ac.in using your ID and password.
- Admit Card Contents:
- The admit card will include important details such as:
- Test Centre
- Exam Date
- Time of Exam
- Candidate’s details
- The admit card will include important details such as:
- Verification:
- Verify all information on the admit card to ensure its accuracy.
- If you find any discrepancies, contact the authorities immediately to rectify the issue.
Ensure you download and print the admit card well before the exam date to avoid any last-minute issues.
How to Access the CAT 2024 Answer Key
1. Visit the Official Website:
- Go to the official CAT website.
2. Log In:
- Click on the ‘Login’ tab.
- Enter your CAT login ID and password.
3. Access the Answer Key:
- Click on the link for the ‘CAT 2024 Answer Key’ displayed on the screen.
4. Download the Answer Key:
- Click on the ‘Download’ link to save the answer key as a PDF file.
Objection Window:
- After the answer key is released, IIM will provide an objection window for 3-4 days.
- If you find any errors in the answer key, you can challenge it by filling out an online form provided on the website.
- The exam authorities will review the challenges and make necessary revisions if required.
How to Check CAT 2024 Result
1. Result Announcement:
- The CAT 2024 result is expected to be announced in the final week of December 2024.
2. Access the Result:
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Locate the link for ‘CAT 2024 Result.’
3. Log In:
- Enter your login credentials, including your ID and password.
4. View and Download:
- Your result will be displayed on the screen.
- Download and print the scorecard for future reference.
Validity:
- The CAT 2024 scorecard will be valid for one year.
- Use your CAT 2024 result to apply for admission to MBA colleges within this timeframe.
CAT 2024 Cut Off Scores
1. IIM-Specific Cut Offs:
- Each Indian Institute of Management (IIM) will release its own cut off scores for CAT 2024, which are the minimum marks required for admission.
2. Admission Policy:
- Each IIM follows its own admission policy, which typically includes various stages such as shortlisting, personal interviews, and group discussions.
3. Newer IIMs:
- Newer IIMs generally follow a Centralized Admission Process (CAP), which consolidates the admission process for several institutes.
4. Selection Process:
- Candidates should review the selection processes and cut-off criteria of the IIMs and other B-schools they are interested in. This will help in understanding specific requirements and procedures for admission.
Stay updated with the official IIM websites and announcements for the exact cut off scores and detailed admission processes.