CAT Exam 2024: Key Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Preparation

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  • CAT Exam 2024: Key Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Preparation

The CAT Exam 2024 is an important step for individuals who want to study an MBA at famous universities such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools in India. This exam, scheduled for November 24, 2024 and administered by IIM Calcutta, provides admission to 21 IIMs and over 1,300 MBA colleges across the country. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about the CAT 2024, including important dates, eligibility, registration information, exam structure, syllabus, preparation recommendations, and projected cut offs.
 

What exactly is CAT 2024?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most competitive MBA admissions tests. On November 24, 2024, IIM Calcutta will host the CAT. It serves as a route to India's premier management institutes, such as the IIMs and other prestigious B  schools.

 

  • CAT 2024: Key Eligibility and Exam Overview
  • Eligibility Criteria: A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
  • Exam mode: The CAT is a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
  • Marking Scheme: You earn +3 points for every correct answer, while incorrect answers result in a -1 penalty.
  • Application Fee: ?2,500 for general candidates and ?1,250 for SC/ST/PwD.
  • Official Website: More details can be found at iimcat.ac.in.


Important Dates for CAT 2024

The schedule for CAT 2024 has been confirmed, and the following dates are essential for candidates:

Event Date
Notification Release July 28, 2024
Registration Start Date August 1, 2024
Last Date to Register September 20, 2024
Admit Card Release October 25, 2024
CAT Exam Date November 24, 2024
Result Announcement January 2025

How to Apply for CAT 2024.

The CAT 2024 application will be open from August 1 until September 20, 2024. Follow these steps to register:

  1. Visit the official website: Head to iimcat.ac.in.
  2. Create a new account: Provide details like your name, date of birth, email, and phone number.
  3. Complete the form: Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and work experience.
  4. Upload documents: Attach your photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.
  5. Select exam cities: You can choose up to six preferred cities.
  6. Pay the fee: Submit the application fee online via debit/credit card or net banking.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2024

To appear for CAT 2024, candidates need to meet the following criteria:

  • Academic Qualification: A minimum of 50% in a bachelor’s degree (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
  • Students in their final year of graduating are also able to apply.
  • Professional Degrees: Candidates with professional qualifications such as CA, CS, or ICWA are also eligible.
  • No Age Restrictions: There is no age limit for appearing in CAT.


CAT 2024 Exam Structure

The exam comprises three sections, each testing different skill sets:

  • VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension): 34 questions.
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) consists of 32 problems.
  • Quantitative Ability (QA): 34 Questions
  • Each portion is timed, for a total of 120 minutes (40 minutes per section).
Section Number of Questions Time Allotted
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 34 40 minutes
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 32 40 minutes
Quantitative Ability (QA) 34 40 minutes

Marking scheme: +3 for right answers, -1 for erroneous ones. Non-MCQ questions do not result in negative marks.


CAT 2024 Syllabus

The syllabus is broken into three major categories.

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Emphasizes reading comprehension passages, sentence completion, and para jumbles.
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) includes logical puzzles, caselets, data tables, and seating arrangements.
  • Quantitative Ability (QA) includes areas like number systems, geometry, algebra, and statistics.

Preparation Tips for CAT 2024

Achieving success in CAT requires a solid strategy and consistent effort. Here some pointers to help you prepare:

  1. Start Early: Ideally, you should start preparing for the exam 9 to 12 months in advance.
  2. Focus on the Fundamentals: Develop a thorough understanding of fundamental topics.
  3. Take Mock Tests: Regular practice with mock tests can help you improve your time management skills and become acquainted with the exam structure.
  4. Solve previous year papers: Review former papers to get an understanding of the question patterns.
  5. Enroll in Coaching if Needed: If you’re starting late, joining a coaching program, such as IMS CATapult Live Online, may help speed up your preparation.
  6. Revise regularly: Consistent revision is essential for information retention.


CAT 2024 Cut-Off Expectations

The cut-off marks vary by institution and category. Here’s an estimate of the percentile requirements for some of the top IIMs:

  • IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta: 99th percentile or better.
  • IIM Lucknow, Kozhikode, and Indore: 97 to 98 percentile.
  • Other IIMs: 90 to 95 percentile.

Keep in mind that the cut-offs vary per category (General, SC/ST, and PwD).


Explore Your Options: Best MBA Colleges in India.

If you wish to look beyond the IIMs, read our blog about the top 10 management institutes in India based on NIRF rankings.
 

Conclusion

The CAT Exam 2024 is a vital chance for MBA candidates around India. With the exam scheduled for November 24, 2024, now is the time to prepare. To improve your chances of success, focus on the fundamentals, take regular practice exams, and work on strengthening weak areas. Maintain consistency, organization, and determination throughout the preparation process.

Best of luck in your CAT 2024 preparation!