CAT Exam 2024: Date, Registration, Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus, Cut Off, Preparation Tips

What is a CAT Exam?

The full form of CAT is Common Admission Test, is a recognized management aptitude test at the level. It is prepared by IIM for students looking for admission to MBA programs at its 21 campuses and more than 1,200 colleges throughout India. NITIE Mumbai and IIM Mumbai are two of the establishments now included in this group. Each year, over a lakh applicants take a seat for the CAT examination. In the previous year, the registration numbers for CAT 2023 reached an excessive 3.30 lakh applications.

The CAT exam is conducted annually in 3 sessions at around 400 test centres located in 155 cities in India. Given that government and private MBA colleges in India acknowledge the results of the CAT 2024 examination, individuals aspiring to pursue an MBA in the year 2024 need to participate in this examination.

CAT 2024 Exam Overview

The CAT Exam is one of the most Booming entrance exams for the Management Stream in India. More than 1300 MBA colleges across the country recognize the CAT exam and offer admission Through CAT scores. Prospective MBA students seeking to enrol in premier institutes should commence early preparation for the CAT exam 2024. 

CAT Exam 2024: Important Dates

IIM Calcutta is predicted to supervise the CAT exam in 2024. The following is a listing of the important thing dates and closing dates for CAT 2024, which incorporates the CAT registration date of 2024, the utility closing date for CAT 2024, the meant examination date, and the expected result date:

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024

Understanding the CAT exam Eligibility is important for the applicants. To be eligible for the CAT exam 2024, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent degree from any recognised University of India or educational institution with a minimum CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories). There is no specified age limit for the students for this examination Candidates who belong to SC, ST, NC-OBC, and PwD categories. Aspirants who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results can also apply. Applicants are advised to carefully review the CAT Exam eligibility criteria before applying to ensure observation. By meeting these criteria, candidates can take the first step towards a successful application process and a potential career in management. The percentage of seats reserved for different categories according to the legal requirements are:

CAT 2024 Registration

The CAT 2024 registration form will be available on the IIMCAT website by the scheduled date. Candidates will be required to register for the exam by paying the requisite fee. Check out below, in brief, the process to fill out the CAT application form for 2024:

1. Go to the official website: iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on 'new registration'
3. Enter name, date of birth, nationality, phone number and email ID
4. Fill out the CAPTCHA code and verify registration with the OTP received
5. Log in with the CAT 2024 ID shared via email to fill out 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 via credit/debit card or net banking

CAT Exam Application Fee

The CAT application fee is an important part of the CAT exam process. The CAT 2024 Application fee is different for all categories with benefits for candidates which belongs to the reserved categories. The application fee for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates amounts to INR 2,200/-. and SC, ST, and PwD candidates have to pay INR 1,100/-. Payment is to be made online only. After the Successful Submission of the payment, the confirmation email will be sent to the candidate within a few minutes, which would mark the completion of the registration process. Candidates should be aware that the CAT application fee is non-refundable and keep a copy of the payment receipt assistance from the CAT helpdesk in case of any issues also it is very an essential step for the Students. By being well-informed about the CAT application fee, candidates can check their application process easily.

CAT Exam Pattern

The (Common Admission Test) CAT exam pattern is designed to check the candidate's aptitude skills of Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. The CAT exam marking scheme distribution consists of MCQs and non-MCQs. In all, for every correct answer, 3 marks are awarded, while an incorrect attempt has a penalty of 1 mark. This exam is conducted in a computer-based (CBT) format and the duration of this exam is 3 hours with a total of 66 questions. There are 25 questions each from QA and VARC, and the DILR section has 20 questions. Understanding the pattern of the CAT exam is important to students who will prepare for this highly competitive CAT management entrance test. 

CAT Exam Syllabus

The CAT Syllabus comprises verbal ability & reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. Check out the table below for important subjects to prepare for the CAT Exam 2024.

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CAT Exam Analysis

The CAT exam of the previous year was generally moderately difficult. Among its sections, Quantitative Ability (QA) posed the greatest challenge, while Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) showed a surprisingly easier trend compared to the last two years.

The Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Data Interpretation section remained time-intensive for many participants. For an in-depth understanding of the CAT exams from 2014 to 2023, including insights on various time slots, you can explore the comprehensive Slot-wise CAT Exam Analysis.

CAT Exam Preparation tips

Here are some key tips for effective CAT exam preparation:

1. Create a Study Plan: it is a very important step for students they must make a well-structured study plan that covers all the topics included in the CAT syllabus. Distribute their sufficient time for each subject based on their ability and the weightage of each topic in the exam.
2. Understand the Exam Pattern: Candidates must Familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, including the marking scheme, number of sections, and types of questions CAT typically includes sections on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
3. Study Material: Choosing the right study material is important for effective preparation. There are many books, online resources, and coaching materials available especially designed for CAT preparation. Select study material that is comprehensive and aligns with the CAT syllabus.
4. CAT Mock Tests: After completing their syllabus students Take regular mock tests to assess their progress and improve their time management skills. Analyze the results of mock tests to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
5. Stay Updated: read newspapers daily and Keep yourself updated with current affairs, general knowledge, and business-related newspapers and online sources that can help improve your performance in the reading comprehension and general awareness sections.
6. Time Management: Time management is an essential Step in the exam. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to improve your speed and accuracy.

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CAT Sample Papers & Mock Test

CAT Admit Card 2024

The CAT admit card has immense significance as it’s a required document for Students can download the CAT Admit card it will be available from 7 Nov –26 Nov 2024. Candidates who have applied can conveniently download their admit card online by log in on the official website. 

Here are key points candidates should be aware of regarding the admit card:

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

CAT EXAM 2024: Answer Key

The CAT answer key 2024 will be released 3 to 4 days after the exam. The answer key could be in the form of a candidate reaction sheet. Check out 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. Clicking on the 'CAT 2024 answer key' will appear on the screen
5. Click on the 'download' icon to save it as a PDF

The CAT answer key objection window may be opened for 3 to 4 days. If a candidate feels that the official answer key has errors, they could challenge it by filling out an online form. The CAT answer key may be re-examined by the examination authorities and revised if required.

CAT Question Papers Pattern 2024

The CAT question paper is particular to each consultation; however, the sectional weighting is the same. Due to the individuality of each question in each consultation, one paper may be a little harder than another. However, overall, the issue degree of CAT question papers is slight to excessive each year.

CAT 2024 Result and Scorecard PDF

Students can download the CAT 2024 scorecard PDF from the official website in the third week of December 2024. Candidates can download their results by using a login ID and password. Here’s the process to download the CAT 2024 result:

1. Log on to the CAT website iimcat.ac.in
2. Click on the 'login' tab
3. Enter the CAT application number and password
4. Click on the scorecard section
5. Click on the download option and save the PDF of the CAT 2024 scorecard

The CAT 2024 result scorecard will contain the candidate’s raw scores (sectional and overall) and percentiles (section and overall). The link to download the CAT scorecard will remain active for one year. Students must the soft copies will be issued so they must download the scorecard as soon as it is released.

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CAT Exam Selection Process

Students who pass the CAT exam and fulfil the cutoff requirements will receive invitations to engage in the CAT selection process. It’s important to remember that the selection process can differ among IIMs and other MBA colleges, each having its distinct admission methods.

The value of CAT scores is important, as they are accepted by all participating institutions, including the prestigious IIMs as well as other respected non-IIMs. Prominent non-IIM institutions like 6 IITs, IISc Bangalore, NITs, JNU, IMT Ghaziabad, IPU, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR Mumbai also consider CAT scores for admissions.

CAT Score vs Percentile

Courses Offered Through CAT at IIMs

Apart from MBA programs, the CAT rating is legitimate for admission to the Executive MBA, PhD, and FPM programs of IIMs and different B-Schools. This examination is open to no longer the simplest graduates but additionally post-graduates and running professionals. Check beneath the listing of publications supplied through the IIMs through the CAT exam.

CAT Cut Off for MBA Admission in IIMs