CAT 2024 Exam: Registration Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Fees, Admit Card, Results, Preparation Tips, Cut-Off
The CAT exam 2024 schedule is now available. The excitement of CAT 2024 applicants was at its peak when the CAT Notification 2024 came out on July 28, 2024. The CAT registration 2024 last date was originally set for September 13, 2024; however, it has since been extended to September 20, 2024, until 5:00 PM. The CAT registration 2024 procedure is still open. The CAT 2024 exam dates for this year's computer-based test (CBT) have been announced. It is set for November 24, 2024.
The Common Admission Test, as its name implies, is a National-level entrance exam used to get into some of the best MBA colleges in India. Therefore, if all candidates want to get into their desired B-school, now is the last chance to get serious about filling out their CAT application form 2024 and CAT preparation. You may ace the CAT 2024 by enrolling in the CAT crash courses and self-prep courses, taking practice tests, and studying with the right resources.
What is the Common Admission Test?
The Common Admission Test, or CAT for short, is an annual computer-based entrance exam held in India for admission to postgraduate management programs such as MBAs. It is regarded as one of the nation's most prominent and difficult exams.
CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotating basis, with participation from other top management universities.
The primary objective of the CAT exam 2024 is to assess the candidate’s competence and propensity for business and management courses. It assesses their potential in several areas, including verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and numeric aptitude.
Although there is no fixed CAT syllabus 2024 and CAT exam pattern 2024, we can infer from previous exam patterns that the CAT syllabus 2024 will consist of three primary sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Candidates have 40 minutes to finish each part within the allotted time. The CAT exam 2024 will last two hours and consists of a combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions.
CAT Notification 2024
The official CAT Notification 2024was made public on July 28, 2024, and it contained all the related details, including the CAT 2024 exam dates, the CAT eligibility criteria, CAT registration 2024 last date, the CAT syllabus 2024, CAT 2024 exam fees, the CAT exam pattern 2024, CAT results 2024, CAT admit card 2024, and more.
The CAT registration 2024 officially opened on August 1, 2024, and will run until September 20, 2024, at 5 PM, however, it may run longer, according to the influx of applicants for CAT 2024.
The CAT 2024 exam dates are set to take place on November 24, 2024. This exam allows you to enter any of the 21 IIMs and other top MBA colleges in India. This year's exam will be administered and conducted by IIM Calcutta.
- CAT 2024 Exam dates: November 24, 2024
- CAT Application form 2024: August 1, 2024
- CAT Registration 2024 last date: September 20, 2024
- Release of the CAT Admit Card 2024: November 5, 2024
- Release of the CAT Results2024: Second week of January, 2025
CAT Exam 2024: Get to Know the Exam
You should familiarize yourself with the exam's information before taking CAT 2024 as this will improve your exam strategy. Here's all the information you need to know about the test, per the CAT notification 2024:
|
Highlight |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
Common Admission Test |
|
Official Website |
www.iimcat.ac.in |
|
Conducting Body |
The Indian Institute of Management |
|
Frequency |
Annually |
|
Registration Mode |
Online |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-based |
|
Medium of Exam |
English |
|
Total time |
2 hours |
|
Total Questions |
66 |
|
Sections |
VARC, DILR and QA |
|
Marking Scheme |
+3 for every correct answer -1 for every wrong answer |
CAT 2024 Exam Dates (Released)
The CAT Notification 2024 was made public on July 28, 2024. The CAT exam 2024 is set to take place on the last Sunday of this November Month, precisely on the 24th of November 2024. For the class of 2025–2027, this exam will enable students to apply for admission to IIMs and other prestigious universities.
The CAT 2024 exam dates are listed below.
|
CAT 2024 Exam Dates |
CAT Exam Timeline |
|
CAT Notification 2024 Release |
28th July 2024 |
|
CAT Registration 2024 Commencement |
1st August 2024 (10:00 AM Onwards) |
|
CAT Registration 2024 Last Date |
20th September 2024 (Extended Till 5:00 PM) |
|
CAT Application Form 2024 Correction Window |
14th September 2024 |
|
CAT Admit Card 2024 Release & Download |
5th November 2024 - 24th November 2024 |
|
CAT 2024 Exam Dates |
24th November 2024 |
|
CAT Results 2024 Announcement |
December 2024 |
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
It's important to know who can appear for the CAT exam 2024 before you begin preparing for it. What you should know about the CAT eligibility criteria 2024 is as follows:
Academic Requirements
Bachelor's Degree: All applicants must have earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in any stream.
Minimum Marks
- General and NC-OBC categories: Students from this category must have earned a minimum of 50% in the final exam or a comparable CGPA.
- SC, ST, PWD/DA categories: Students from this category must have earned a minimum of 45% in marks or an equivalent CGPA.
- Students in their final year: You can also apply for the CAT exam 2024 if you're waiting on results or are in your last year of a bachelor's degree. But by the time of entrance, you have to have finished your graduation with the necessary percentage.
- Professional Degrees: It will be an added advantage for students applying for the CAT exam 2024 if they possess a professional degree like CS, ICWA, FIAI, or CA, along with a minimum percentage required for qualification.
Additional Requirements
- The CAT exam 2024 has no upper or lower age limit for participation.
- While work experience is not a prerequisite for applying to CAT 2024, it does aid with admissions to IIMs.
|
Category |
Description |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD) |
|
Final Year Students |
Allowed if completing the degree by the specified date |
|
Professional Degrees |
CA/CS/ICWA with the required percentage |
|
Age Limit |
No age limit |
|
SC |
15% |
|
ST |
7.50% |
|
OBC-NCL |
27% |
|
EWS |
10% |
|
PWD |
5% |
|
Documents Required |
Aadhar Card, Domicile Certificate, 12th credentials, Graduation credentials, employment certificate, and Caste documents, (if applicable) |
CAT Application Form 2024
The CAT application form 2024 was made available online to aspiring candidates on its official website - iimcat.ac.in, soon after the CAT Notification 2024 was made public on 28 July. Applicants must create an account on the CAT website and log into it to access and fill out the CAT application form 2024. To avoid any last-minute complications, it is recommended that the CAT registration 2024 be finished by September 20.
How to CAT Register for CAT 2024?
The CAT registration 2024 process is already open and will run through September 20, 2024. It is recommended that those who wish to take the CAT 2024 buckle up and begin filling out their CAT application form 2024. This is the step-by-step instructions for filling out the CAT application form 2024 correctly.
- The candidates should choose "New Candidate Registration" when they access the official website and provide their personal as well as academic details.
- They will get an OTP to confirm their CAT registration 2024 after submitting.
- Upon successful verification, candidates will receive a unique ID and password to log in on the registered email address and mobile number.
- The candidates can now start filling out the personal details required on the CAT application form 2024.
- Along with Interview City, the candidates will select the programs of their choosing.
- For the CAT exam 2024, candidates may select up to six desired test cities.
- Now, candidates must pay their CAT 2024 exam fees according to their categories.
List of Documents Needed to CAT Registration 2024
In addition to completing the CAT application form 2024, the candidate needs to upload the necessary files in the specified format.
|
Required CAT Documents |
Format |
|
Photo |
.jpg/.jpeg |
|
Signature |
.jpg/.jpeg |
|
EWS/NC-OBC/SC/ST Certificate |
|
|
PwD Certificate |
|
CAT 2024 Exam Fees
The candidates need to pay the CAT 2024 Exam Fees to finish the CAT registration 2024 process.
- The only way to submit the fee is online.
- Before completing the payment and submitting the CAT application form 2024, candidates will also have the opportunity to review the form.
- A few minutes following a successful payment, the candidate will receive an email confirming their submission.
For your information, the CAT 2024 exam fee has been revised as follows:
|
Category |
CAT 2024 Exam Fees |
|
General, EWS, and NC-OBC |
INR 2500/- |
|
SC, ST, and PwD |
INR 1250/- |
CAT Application Form 2024 Correction Window
The CAT Application Form 2024 Correction Window dates are out. Applicants who successfully applied for the CAT 2024 will be given 3 days to make changes in their form from September 23 to 26, 2024, tentatively. This will be your last chance to make corrections if any so don’t miss out. The correction facility will remain open from 5:00 PM on Sep 23 to 5:00 PM on Sep 26.The CAT registration 2024 will come to an end by September 20, 2024.
- You can modify test city preferences and amend or fix uploaded photos of your signature and photo during the CAT application form 2024 revision session.
- The name, DOB, email address, state, and mobile number fields cannot be changed using the CAT application form 2024 correction window.
- Applicants should get in touch with the CAT helpdesk at cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in to make adjustments to any additional details.
CAT Exam Pattern 2024
The CAT exam format 2024 is the pattern in which the questions will appear in the exam. No authority has approved a set CAT exam pattern 2024. However, the table below provides an outline of the CAT exam pattern 2024 based on previous years’ trends.
|
Sections |
Question Samples |
Total Questions |
Total Time (in minutes) |
|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Reading Comprehension Passages, Para Jumbles, Odd-one-out, Vocabulary Usage |
24 |
40 |
|
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Data Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, Arrangements |
20 |
40 |
|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Arithmetic (Number Properties, Percentages, Averages), Algebra (Equations, Inequalities), Geometry, Mensuration, Probability |
22 |
40 |
|
Total |
|
66 |
120 |
The CAT 2024 Important Notes are as follows:
- Number of Questions: Each section's precise number may differ slightly from year to year, but generally speaking, each section should have between 22 and 24 questions, for a total of 66–72 questions across the full CAT exam.
- Sectional Time Limit: Every section has the same time limit. You have 120 minutes to strategically manage your time during the exam.
- Non-Calculator Exam: During the exam, no external gadgets or calculators are permitted. The testing software includes a basic calculator that you can use on screen.
- Marking Scheme: 3 marks for each accurate answer. -1 mark for each incorrect answer. Type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions do not carry a negative mark.
The CAT Syllabus 2024
As in the previous years, we can anticipate that CAT syllabus 2024 will be split into three categories. As there isn't a set CAT Syllabus 2024, candidates tend to concentrate mostly on learning school-level English and maths. Based on the same conclusion, the proposed CAT syllabus 2024 for the three exam sections are provided below:
|
Section |
Topics |
Description |
|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Reading Comprehension Passages |
Passages from various sources (literature, science, social sciences, current affairs). Test your ability to understand factual information, analyze arguments, identify inferences, and evaluate writing style. |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
Test your ability to understand and manipulate language effectively. Includes Para jumbles, Odd-one-out, Analogies, Synonyms & Antonyms. |
|
|
Vocabulary Usage |
Understanding of commonly used words, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in context. |
|
|
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Data Interpretation |
Data is presented in various graphical forms (charts, graphs, tables). Test your ability to extract information, identify patterns, and answer questions based on calculations, comparisons, and inferences. |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Test your ability to think logically and solve problems. Includes Syllogisms, Arrangements, Sequencing, Blood Relations. |
|
|
Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Arithmetic |
Basic mathematical operations, number properties, calculations involving percentages, averages, ratio & proportion, profit & loss, interest, time & work. |
|
Algebra |
Solving linear & quadratic equations, and inequalities, working with algebraic expressions. |
|
|
Geometry |
Basic geometrical concepts (lines, angles, shapes), mensuration (area, perimeter, volume). |
|
|
Modern Math (Less Frequent) |
Set theory, matrices, functions, permutations & combinations. |
CAT Admit Card 2024
CAT Admit Card 2024 is expected to be released by the end of October this year or on November 5, 2024, tentatively. Although the CAT Admit Card is your entry ticket to the exam hall, you also need to carry at least one Govt. issued ID proof.
- Applicants who have registered should visit the official website, log into their account, and access and download the CAT Admit Card 2024.
- On test day, candidates are required to carry their admit cards with them.
- Certain post-CAT procedures also require the CAT admit card 2024.
Below are the details included on the CAT Admit Card 2024.
- Candidate’s Name
- CAT 2024 Time Slot
- Category
- CAT 2024 Registration Number
- Exam Center Instructions
- Authorized Candidate Signatory
- Declaration Form
- Candidate's photograph
CAT Results 2024
There is a high probability that the CAT results 2024 will be announced in the first week of January 2025 on the official website. The CAT results 2024 will be valid till December 2025.
Also, the IIMs will make available the cut-offs for the 2025–2027 class. The CAT exam does not have centralized counselling because each IIM has its own admissions process, including interviews and subsequent rounds.
How to download the CAT results 2024?
- Login: Go to the official CAT website and enter your login information.
- View Results: Select the link labelled 'CAT Results 2024'.
- Download: To print your scorecard, download it.
Details Mentioned in the Result
- Overall percentile
- Sectional percentile
- Scaled scores for each section
CAT Selection Process
IIMs and other prestigious B-schools start sharing their shortlists for further admission rounds as soon as the CAT results 2024 are made public. Three steps make up the majority of the IIM admissions process:
- Shortlist based on CAT cut-off points
- WAT, and PI admission rounds
- Each IIM reveals its final merit list.
While 9 new IIMs use a shared Admission Process (CAP) with shared admission rounds, the older IIMs follow an individual process. Each IIM, however, releases the final merit lists independently. To be considered for admission to IIM Mumbai, candidates must submit separate applications.
You can consult the IIM Admission Process if you're eager to learn more about the requirements for admission to IIMs as well as the detailed procedure for gaining admission to the IIM of your choice.
CAT 2024 Cut-offs
The CAT cut-offs for percentile-based admission for general category candidates in 2024 are high, according to the CAT 2023 research. If your goal is to get into one of the top IIMs, you can prepare your test-taking approach by consulting the CAT cut-offs listed below.
The CAT Cut-offs for the 21 IIMs are as follows, based on patterns over the previous few years:
|
Top B-schools |
CAT Cut Off 2024 |
|
IIM Ahmedabad |
99.5 %ile |
|
IIM Bangalore |
99.5 %ile |
|
IIM Calcutta |
99.5 %ile |
|
IIM Lucknow |
99 %ile |
|
IIM Kozhikode |
98.5 %ile |
|
IIM Indore |
98 %ile |
|
IIM Shillong |
97 %ile |
|
IIM Udaipur |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Ranchi |
97 %ile |
|
IIM Raipur |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Rohtak |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Trichy |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Kashipur |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Sirmaur |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Bodhgaya |
93 %ile |
|
IIM Vizag |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Amritsar |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Jammu |
93 %ile |
|
IIM Nagpur |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Sambalpur |
96 %ile |
|
IIM Mumbai |
97 %ile |
CAT 2024 Exam Preparation Tips
The majority of applicants who intend to take the CAT 2024 or any other entrance exam are not even aware of what an MBA is or why it is necessary to obtain one. They simply begin studying for the test out of peer pressure or the desire to earn a second degree after graduation.
The exam is highly competitive because millions of applicants register for it every year. Therefore, candidates need to thoroughly study and plan for CAT 2024 to surpass the competition.
For your reference, here are some pointers to help you master your CAT 2024 preparation and score highly on the test:
- Know the Exam: Get to memorize the CAT exam Pattern 2024 and CAT Syllabus 2024 and its sections (VARC, DILR, and QA) of the CAT.
- Study Plan: Make a study plan that includes revision and practice exams.
- Resources: Refer to books and practice exams as recommended resources.
- Focus: Make all of the basic subjects stronger.
- Time management: Work on accuracy and speed.
- Remain Motivated: Stick to a good schedule and set achievable objectives.
- Final Prep: Complete your final revisions and get ready for the test day.
CAT Exam Modifications over the Previous Years
Below is a tabular list of CAT exam modifications made in previous years:
|
Year |
Number of Questions |
Time Duration |
Sections |
|
2024 (Expected) |
66 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2023 |
66 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2022 |
66 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2021 |
76 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2020 |
76 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2019 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2018 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2017 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2016 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2015 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2014 |
100 |
170 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
2013 |
60 |
140 minutes |
Verbal Ability, QA, DI & LR |
|
2012 |
60 |
140 minutes |
Verbal Ability, QA, DI & LR |
Why Choose GN Group of Institutes for MBA/PGDM Courses based on CAT Scores?
CAT exam scores can get you into the MBA/PGDM courses offered by the prestigious GN Group of Institutes in Greater Noida. Those who are preparing for the CAT exam 2024 can now apply for the MBA and PGDM courses at the GN Group of Institutes. The MBA/PGDM programs at GN Group are offered by separate departments under different affiliations.
Greater Noida Institute of Management is approved by AICTE, and the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to provide PGDM courses while GNIT College of Management is affiliated with AKTU and approved by the AICTE to provide MBA programs in various specializations.
CAT scores are used to provide admission to these courses while candidates can also apply for direct admission based on their merit and availability of seats. They must have earned a bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized college.
Also Read
FAQs for CAT Exam 2024
Q1. What is the CAT exam pattern 2024?
It is anticipated that the CAT exam pattern 2024 will resemble that of CAT 2023. Examinees will have 120 minutes to complete the 66 questions on the list. There will be twenty questions in the DILR segment, twenty in the VARC section, and twenty-two in the QA area.
Q2. How many attempts at CAT are permitted?
Since there is no age restriction, there is no cap on the number of times you can attempt CAT.
Q3. Is CAT a requirement for IIMs?
Yes, taking the CAT is a requirement for admission to the 20 IIMs and other prestigious B-schools in India if you want to study MBA.
Q4. When can I apply for the CAT exam 2024?
CAT registration 2024 has started from 1 August 2024 till September 20, 2024.
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