CAT 2024 Exam: Registration, Exam Dates, Eligibility & More

The CAT 2024 exam notification is anticipated to be issued in the final week of July 2024. The registration process is expected to commence in the initial week of August 2024 and conclude by the third or fourth week of September 2024.
The CAT 2024 examination is scheduled for November 24, 2024, and will take place in three sessions across 167 cities throughout India. Candidates willing to take the examination in the upcoming year should start their preparation now.

What is CAT?

CAT full form is the Common Admission Test. A national-level MBA/ PGDM entrance test is conducted annually to get admission into the 20 IIMs and 1000+ other business schools that accept CAT scores.

More than a lakh students apply for the CAT exam to get admission into the best business schools. Based on the previous year’s CAT cut-off, the maximum mark required to get into IIMs is 95%. However, other business schools admit students who get scores between 80%-95%.

In this post, we have explained everything about the CAT exam, including the CAT exam pattern, CAT syllabus, CAT exam dates, CAT preparation tips, and more.

CAT Exam 2024: A Quick Overview

CAT 2024 Exam Overview Widely regarded as India’s premier MBA entrance examination, the Common Admission Test (CAT) serves as the gateway to admission in over 1000 B-schools across the country offering MBA/PGDM programs. Explore the key highlights and details below:

CAT 2024 Exam Highlights

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
Exam Date November 24, 2024
Exam Timings Session 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM,

Session 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Session 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Exam Fees General category: INR 2,400

Reserved category: INR 1,200

Number of Test Takers (2023) Updated Soon
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs
Number of Test Cities 167
CAT Exam Website https://iimcat.ac.in
Exam Helpdesk No. 1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free)

CAT Exam Important Dates 2024

Event Date
CAT 2024 notification release 30-July-2024
CAT exam 2024 registration dates 03-Aug-2024 (10:00 AM) to 15-Sep-2024 (5:00 PM)
CAT form correction Last week of September 2024
CAT admit card 2024 25-Oct-2024
CAT exam 2024 date 24-Nov-2024
CAT answer key release First week of December 2024
Answer key challenge process First week of December 2024
Declaration of CAT 2024 result Last week of December 2024 or the First week of January 2025

Stay tuned for the official announcement and mark these dates for a smooth CAT 2024 examination process.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024

To apply for the CAT exam, the candidates must fulfill the CAT eligibility criteria. Here are the complete eligibility criteria:

  • The candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or any qualification equivalent in any discipline from a recognized university.
  • 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 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

New Candidate Registration: Create an Account and generate a User ID and Password:

Candidates appearing for the first time need to generate their login credentials: User ID and password on the official website.  Follow the steps on how to fill CAT application form:

The CAT 2024 registration form will be accessible from the designated date on the official IIMCAT website. To enroll for the exam, candidates must follow a concise procedure and submit the required fee. Here is a brief overview of the CAT application form-filling process:

  1. Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
  2. Click on ‘new registration.’
  3. Input personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID
  4. Complete the CAPTCHA code and validate the registration through the OTP received
  5. Log in with the CAT 2024 ID shared via email to complete the form
  6. Enter personal and academic details
  7. Upload a recent passport-size photo and scanned signature
  8. Select preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities
  9. Pay the CAT application fee using 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 30mm X 45mm .jpg or .jpeg Not more than 80 KB
Signature 80mm X 35mm .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 authorities revised the CAT exam pattern for 2024, and the same changes will be applied for the 2024 CAT exam. The question paper is divided into three sections and has 66 questions.

  • The CAT exam 2024 will be conducted online in over 420+ test centers in over 155 cities.
  • The exam will be conducted only in the English language.
  • The total time duration of the exam is 120 minutes. The sectional time limit is 40 minutes for each section.
  • The question paper includes only MCQs and TITA-type questions.
  • The paper includes 66 questions. (70-75% MCQs and 25-30% TITA-type questions)
  • The candidates will be awarded 3 marks for every correct answer, and 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. However, there is no negative marking for TITA-type questions.
  • The CAT question paper includes 3 sections
    • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
    • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
    • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Sectional Division Of Questions

Sections Total Number Of Questions Total Marks
CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension 24 72
CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning 20 60
CAT Quantitative Ability 22 66
Total 66 198

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 includes topics from all the CAT sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.

  • The CAT VARC syllabus includes grammar, vocabulary, RC passages, and more topics.
  • The CAT DILR includes DI sets based on tables, caselets, and graphs & charts. The LR section is based on analytical & non-verbal reasoning.
  • CAT QA Syllabus includes basic class 10th and 12th Mathematics topics.

CAT Syllabus For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension

Para Completion Para Jumbles
Pronouns Solved Sample Questions
Clauses Reading Comprehension
Phrase Modifiers Parts of Speech
Articles Error in Tenses
Prepositions Fill in the Blanks

CAT Syllabus For Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Bar Graph Blood Relations
Solved Questions on DILR Statement and Assumptions
Pie Charts and Tables Clocks and Calendars
Puzzles Venn Diagram
Syllogisms Seating Arrangement

 

CAT Syllabus For Quantitative Ability

Topic Wise Important Formulas for QA Number System
Algebra Arithmetic
Modern Math Geometry
Trigonometry Cube & Square Roots
Mensuration Mean, Mode Median

 

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 online. Follow these steps to download the CAT 2024 admit card:

  1. Open the CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
  2. Click on the ‘login‘ tab
  3. Enter CAT 2024 application number and password
  4. Navigate to the ‘admit card‘ section
  5. 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:

  1. Visit the official website of CAT 2024
  2. Click on the ‘login’ tab
  3. Enter CAT login ID and password
  4. Locate ‘CAT 2024 answer key,’ which will appear on the screen
  5. 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 within 20-30 days of the exam. The CAT scorecard will encompass sectional and overall marks along with percentiles. Follow these steps to download the CAT 2024 result:

  1. Log on to the CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
  2. Click on the ‘CAT 2024 result/scorecard’ tab
  3. Enter CAT application number and password
  4. Access the scorecard section
  5. Click on the download option and save the PDF of the CAT 2024 scorecard.

CAT Preparation Tips 2024

The CAT exam will be conducted in the last week of November 2024. Hence, you need not worry. You have a lot of time to prepare for the exam. Here are some of the best CAT preparation tips to help you prepare for the examination.

  • You must solve and analyze the previous year’s CAT exam papers, check the subject-wise CAT exam analysis, and cover the important topics first.
  • Refer to some of the best CAT books written by well-known CAT authors like Arum Sharma and Nishit K Sinha.
  • Join online and offline CAT coaching.
  • Attend various section-wise and full-length test series given by the best CAT institutes.
  • Solve section-wise sample question papers.

Best CAT Books For Exam Preparation

CAT Preparation Books For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension

Here are some of the CAT Preparation Books For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension:

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | 9th Edition Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension(with 3 Free AIMCATs) | CAT | First Edition | By Pearson
Wiley’s Verbal Ability and Reasoning for Competitive Examinations Arihant Publications Approach to REASONING Verbal, Non-verbal & Analytical
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT| Fourth Edition Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/ XAT/ IIFT/ CMAT/ MAT/ Bank PO/ SSC
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis A Communicative Grammar Of English
Word Power Made Easy: The Complete Handbook for Building a Superior Vocabulary Word Power Made Easy

Best Quantitative Aptitude Books for CAT Preparation

Here are some of the Best Quantitative Aptitude Books for CAT Preparation:

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations Fast Track Objective Arithmetic
A Modern Approach To Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (2 Colour Edition) Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into IIMs(Old Edition)
Magical Book on Quicker Maths How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT The Pearson Guide To Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Dinesh K. Sinha Quantitative Aptitude for CAT, XAT & other MBA Entrance Exams

Best Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Books for CAT Preparation

Here are some of the best data interpretation and logical reasoning books that will make your CAT preparation easy.

How to Prepare for DATA INTERPRETATION for CAT
Analytical Reasoning Session By Mk Panday
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT| Seventh Edition| By Pearson     
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT’ – by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)

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.
  • Solving these CAT mock tests will help the candidates get familiar with the exam instructions, procedures, and questions.

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.

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.

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