Every year, there is a lot of anticipation surrounding the dates and the schedule of the CAT since it being one of the prestigious exams in the country. In this article we have created a journal for you with all the important key points to refer to and proceed with the required steps.
The CAT 2024 exam notification was released on 30th July 2024 and the registration will start on 2nd August 2024 and will continue till September 13, 2024. You can check all the significant dates related to the exam here.
The CAT 2024 examination is scheduled for November 24, 2024, and will take place in three sessions across 170 cities throughout India. Let us understand this exam piece by piece for you to have clarity as an aspirant.
What is CAT?
CAT or the Common Admission Test is a computerized national-level test conducted by the IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) to select eligible candidates for MBA/ PGDM courses offered by them.
However, apart from the IIMs, there are multiple institutes and business schools of repute that accept the CAT scores to establish your eligibility. If you are willing to know more, you can check the top participating institutes in CAT here.
Statistics say that more than 2.5 lakh students apply for the exam every year and as per the data from last year the IIM cut-off is going to linger between 97 to 98%. However, this eligibility is not stringent and many business schools lower the bar to up to 80% or so.
CAT Exam 2024: A Quick Overview
The exam is conducted on a rotational basis by different IIMs in the country and this year IIM Calcutta is going to be the host. The structure of the exam is as follows.
CAT 2024 Exam Highlights |
Details |
| CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute for 2024 | IIM Calcutta |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Date | November 24, 2024 |
| Exam Slots |
|
| Exam Registration Fee | General category: ₹2500
Reserved category: ₹1250 |
| Number of Test Takers (2023) | 2.88 lakh |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) with MCQ and TITA (Type in the Answer) questions. |
| Number of Test Cities | 170 |
| CAT Exam Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam Helpdesk No. | 1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
CAT Exam Important Dates 2024
As per the trend set by the exam, we have curated the important expected dates for you and will keep you posted in case it is otherwise.
| Events | Dates |
| Notification Release Date | 30th July 2024 |
| CAT exam 2024 registration dates | 1st August 2024, Thursday, 10.00AM (IST). |
| Closing date of online application form | September 13, 2024, Friday, 5.00PM (IST). |
| CAT form correction | Last week of September 2024 |
| Admit Card Availability Date | November 5, 2024, Tuesday |
| CAT Exam 2024 date | 24-Nov-2024 |
| CAT answer key release | To be notified soon |
| Answer key challenge process | 2–3 days after the exam (tentative) |
| Result Declaration | Second week of January |
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
To apply for the CAT exam, you have to make sure you check in certain boxes to consider yourself eligible for the exam, which are as follows.
- candidate must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university to be considered eligible to register for the exam.
- Candidates must have graduated with a minimum of 50%. However, the minimum mark for the SC/ST/PwD category is 45%.
- There is no upper age limit to apply for CAT 2024.
- The final-year students can also apply for the exam. They will get admissions only if they get a minimum of 50% (40% for SC/ ST/ PwD). Candidates who have completed their final exam and are waiting for their results can also apply.
- Candidates with CA/CS/ICWA degrees can also apply for CAT.
- There is no limit on the number of attempts for the CAT exam.
CAT Registration Process 2024
To begin their journey with the CAT exam, first-time candidates must register themselves in the CAT database. A candidate is required to create an account and generate the login credentials to proceed further.
You can check the process of filling out the CAT application form in detail here.
The CAT 2024 registration form will be accessible for the students from 1st August 2024. To enroll for the exam, candidates must follow a procedure and submit the required fee. Here is a brief overview of the CAT application form-filling process:
- Visit the official website here.
- Click on ‘new registration.’
- Input personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID
- Complete the CAPTCHA code and validate the registration through the OTP received
- Log in with the CAT 2024 ID shared via email to complete the form
- Enter personal and academic details
- Upload a recent passport-size photo and scanned signature
- Select preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities
- Pay the CAT application fee using a credit/debit card or net banking
Here are the document guidelines you need to follow while uploading the documents:
| Documents Required | Dimensions | Format | File Size |
| Passport Size Photograph |
|
.jpg or .jpeg | Not more than 80 KB |
| Signature |
|
.jpg or .jpeg | |
| EWS/NC-OBC/SC/ST | Download the certificate from the CAT official website, enter the required information and self-attest, and scan it as a PDF document. | ||
CAT Application Form Correction Window 2024
The CAT Application form correction window 2024 will open a few days after the CAT registration is completed. The candidates who have paid their application fees within the given time can edit the following details:
- Signature
- Photograph
- Test Centers
CAT Exam Pattern 2024
The CAT exam pattern has changed progressively over the years, and currently it looks like the below.
- The predicted full mark for the 2024 exam is 198.
- You are required to answer 66 questions in 120 minutes.
- The sectional time limit is 40 minutes each.
- 3 marks are allocated for a correct answer, and 1 mark is deducted for a negative one.
- The exam paper is split into MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and TITA (Type in the Answer) questions for each section.
- The TITA section, requires you to fill up the answer instead of depending on the question, is no negative marking for this one.
Sectional Division Of Questions
| CAT Exam Sections | Number of Questions | Weightage |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 |
CAT Marking Scheme
Here is the CAT marking scheme for both MCQs and TITA questions:
| Particulars | MCQs | TITA-Type Questions |
| Correct Answer | +3 | +3 |
| Wrong Answer | -1 | No negative marking |
| Questions Not Answered | – | – |
CAT Syllabus 2024
The CAT syllabus comprises three sections as discussed above namely
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Let us take a quick look at the topics these sections are expected to design the question on.
| Section | Topics Covered | Weightage |
|
|
Reading Comprehension: 16
Verbal Ability: 8 |
|
|
Logical Reasoning: 15
Data Interpretation: 5 |
|
You can check the detailed syllabus and the weightage for QA here. |
CAT Admit Card 2024
The CAT admit card is an essential document for participating in the entrance exam, exclusively issued to registered candidates. Those who successfully register for CAT 2024 will obtain their admit card from November 5, 2024. Follow these steps to download the CAT 2024 admit card:
- Open the CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the ‘login‘ tab
- Enter CAT 2024 application number and password
- Navigate to the ‘admit card‘ section
- Click on ‘download‘
CAT Answer Key 2024
The CAT answer key 2024 will be available three to four days after the exam and presented as a candidate response sheet. Here are the steps to download the CAT 2024 answer key and response sheet:
- Visit the official website of CAT 2024
- Click on the ‘login’ tab
- Enter CAT login ID and password
- Locate ‘CAT 2024 answer key,’ which will appear on the screen
- Click on the ‘download’ icon to save it as a PDF
Candidates can challenge the official answer key within a specified window if discrepancies are identified. The exam authorities will re-examine and revise the CAT answer key as needed.
CAT Results 2024
The CAT 2024 result will be declared on the IIMCAT website by the second week of January. The CAT scorecard will encompass sectional and overall marks along with percentiles. Follow these steps to download the CAT 2024 result:
- Log on to the CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the ‘CAT 2024 result/scorecard’ tab
- Enter CAT application number and password
- Access the scorecard section
- Click on the download option and save the PDF of the CAT 2024 scorecard.
CAT Preparation Tips 2024
The exam is going to be held in November, so you still have a decent amount of time to brush up on your skills and prepare for the same. Even though preparation can be subjective, here are some quick tips for you to ace it.
- Create a routine that works for you and stick to it every single day to gain optimal results.
- Be well acquainted with the syllabus and the exam pattern.
- Curate a list of books that can help you understand the topics at hand and practice better.
- Solve the previous year’s paper on a real-time restriction basis to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and its restrictions.
- Practice mock tests to get the real feel of the exam and asses your preparation through thorough revision sessions.
Best CAT Books For Exam Preparation
Choosing the correct book is going to be your savior in an exam like the CAT. I have listed a few books as per the exam trend for your quick reference and understanding.
Best Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension Books for CAT Preparation
Here are some of the CAT Preparation Books For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension:
| Books For VARC | Author |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT | Ajay Singh |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Nishit Sinha |
| High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren and Martin |
Best Quantitative Aptitude Books for CAT Preparation
The best Quantitative Aptitude Books for CAT Preparation are as follows.
| Books for Quantitative Aptitude | Author |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Dr. R.S. Aggarwal |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum Cat | Sarvesh K Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Dinesh K. Sinha |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Best Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Books for CAT Preparation
If you are looking for a list of some of the remarkable books that can elevate your preparation for DILR you can check the below list.
| Books for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Author Name/Publisher |
| CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Arun Sharma |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Disha |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
CAT Mock Test 2024
- Mock tests for CAT will be released on the official website a few weeks before the exam.
- The total time to solve these mock tests will be 2 hours, and the sectional time limit for each section is 40 minutes.
- As an aspirant, you can have multiple attempts at the official mock tests or curate a few as per your requirements from the internet.
CAT Cut Off
The CAT cut-off is the minimum CAT percentage required for candidates to apply in one of the IIMs, IITs, and other colleges that accept CAT scores.
- Candidates need to clear the sectional and overall cut-offs to apply in one of the IIMs.
- The CAT cut-off 2024 for the academic year 2024-25 will be released by the CAT conducting body for shortlisting candidates for group discussion and personal interview rounds.
CAT Admission Process
Every MBA and management college has its selection process and criteria to provide admissions for MBA and PGDM courses.
The admission process is divided into three stages:
- Once you clear the cut-off and fill out the application form on the official website for the respective institute.
- Group discussion and personal interview shortlists will be released based on the candidates’ CAT results, work experience, gender diversity, academic performance, etc.
- The conducting body will prepare the merit list after the candidates appear for the GD/PI round.
Conclusion
CAT is a national-level MBA/ PGDM entrance test conducted annually to get admission into the 20 IIMs and 1000+ other business schools that accept CAT scores. The exam is expected to be conducted on the last Sunday of November 2024 in 3 slots.
To apply for the CAT exam 2024, you must have completed your graduation with a minimum of 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD). The CAT question paper is divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
The CAT exam results will be released on the official website after it is conducted. Once the candidates cross the cutoff, they will be shortlisted for the GD/PI round conducted by the IIMs and CAT score-accepting colleges.
Keep checking this page for more updates related to the exam as soon as they are released officially, and never miss out on a thing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible to take the exam?
Candidates with a bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks can take the CAT Exam.
2. When will the CAT 2024 exam be held?
CAT 2024 exam dates are yet to be released.
3. Can I use the email address of my coaching institute or a friend when registering for CAT?
No, provide a valid email ID. The authority will mail all the CAT Application Forms regarding information to all the candidates.
4. How Can I Pay the CAT Application Fee?
Candidates can pay the CAT Application Fee using a Credit/Debit Card or internet banking.
5. I have completed my Bachelor’s Degree. Do I need to submit the overall percentage of marks or as per my University standards?
Yes, You must submit the overall percentage of marks or as per my University standards.
6. What is the age limit for appearing for the CAT Exam?
There is no age limit for the CAT Exam.
7. Can I appear for CAT for practice purposes, though I know I am not eligible?
No, you must fulfill the CAT Eligibility Criteria to appear in the CAT Exam.
8. From where can I get the list of examination cities?
Candidates visit the official website of the authority to check the exam cities list.
10. How many times can I appear for the CAT Exam??
There is no limit on the number of attempts a student can take with the CAT exam.
11. How is the CAT score used for admission?
The marks secured by a student in CAT acts as the criteria for shortlisting students for admission in the IIMs.
12. Is there a negative marking in the CAT Exam?
CAT has a -1 mark penalty for each incorrect answer in the MCQ section, but has no negative marking for Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.