The scheduled exam date is on November 24, 2024. With this, the students are going to get a chance to enter any of the 21 IIMs and other institutes offering MBA in India. As is with the previous session, it is again being conducted by IIM Calcutta. According to the notice that appeared officially on July 28, 2024, the registration processes online commence on August 1, 2024, and run until September 20, 2024.
It is pretty tough to prepare for hence it requires long-term preparation. So, if you are planning to appear for CAT in 2024, then you will need to start at least nine months prior. However, if you haven’t started yet then do not worry; the last batch of IMS CATapult Live Online program for CAT 2024 will begin in August, and you can complete the syllabus on time.
CAT Exam 2024: Overview
It is a competitive exam that is used to admit students to the best management programs in the respective Indian institutions. It tests the mathematics, language, and logical reasoning skills of the applicant. This is a major hurdle for students before they wish to pursue an MBA or similar courses in the best business schools.
Here is the information in table format:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Conducting Body | IIM Calcutta |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Course Offered | MBA/PGDM/PGPBA/PGPEX, and many others |
| Exam Purpose | Admission into top IIMs, non-IIMs, and over 1200 B Schools in India |
| Number of Applications | To be Notified |
| No. of Test Cities | 170 |
| Notification Release Date | 28th July 2024 |
| Registration Begins | 1st August 2024 |
| Last Date for Registration | 13th September 2024 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 5th November 2024 |
| Admit Card Last Date | 24th November 2024 |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Help Desk Number | 1800 210 0175 |
| Official Website | IIM CAT |
What is CAT 2024?
CAT or the Common Admission Test, is conducted by the new or baby IIMs for the admission of the candidates in the Baby IIMs namely- IIM Jammu, IIM Udaipur, IIM Trichy, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Ranchi, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Kashipur, and IIM Raipur. Note that each IIM is different and free to prescribe their own eligibility criteria, including that related to academic cut-offs and relative weights, and use different selection processes. Performance in the CAT 2024 examination is an important consideration in the selection process. After registration, the concerned IIM will send to the Host IIM for 2024 the list of selected candidates, which is IIM Calcutta. Then the candidates will get the login details from the concerned IIM and have to face virtual PI (or Personal Interview) round or in person at the campus. This year, the WAT will not be conducted. Depending on the performance of candidates, IIMS will prepare results and send them to IIM Calcutta. And then further admission process will follow. Final offer letters are sent via mail to all the shortlisted candidates.
CAT Exam Exam Dates 2024
Knowing the Bombay High Court Junior Translator Exam Dates for each stage of the process of selection could be helpful for the aspirant to chalk out his preparation strategy. Below are the stage-wise exam dates.
Here is the information in table format:
| Event | Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| CAT Test | 24th November 2024 |
CAT 2024 Apply Online
Candidates who are unaware of how to fill out the CAT form can move forward with the step-by-step process carefully to start the registration for the CAT exam 2024. So, let’s begin.
Step 1: Registration on CAT Website
Go to the official CAT website. Click on the tab New Candidate Registration. In that, fill up the individual’s details and create an OTP/ Code to finalize the registration.
Step 2: Login
Use the User ID and the password to login after your successful registration, through which you’ll be able to access the CAT Application Form
Step 3: Fill up the Application Form
Enter personal information on the application form. Upload all the documents like photographs, signature, and category certificate, if applicable.
Step 4: Academic Qualifications
Write in the details of SSC, HSC, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and others. Ensure that you have filled in your aggregate percentage or their respective equivalents in the systems prevailing anywhere.
Step 5: Work Experience
If you have work experience, then fill in the details, including the industry, specific roles. This will highlight your professional background.
Step 6: Select Program
Select the MBA programs you would like to apply for and the cities where you would like your interview conducted. This will tailor your application to your preferences.
Step 7: Test City and Payment
Select one of the test cities offered, pay the application fee, accept the declaration, and then submit your application.
CAT Application Fees 2024
Here’s the information in table format:
| Category | Application Fees |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | Rs. 2500 |
| SC/ST/PWD | Rs. 1250 |
CAT Selection Process 2024
Admission to various Post Graduate and Fellow/Doctorate programs offered at IIMs would require a valid score in CAT 2024. The scores from CAT 2024 would also be used by listed non-IIM institutions. Check the selection process for different IIMs.
Common Admission Test (CAT)
CAT 2024, an exam administered by the IIMs, is divided into three sections. These are- VARC: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, DILR: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and QA: Quantitative Aptitude. The total duration of the CAT test is 120 minutes. There are 40 minutes for each section. As one tries to get admission into their chosen institute, students must be good in all the three sections.
CAT Eligibility 2024
It is essential to note that, the Candidate must adhere to the Eligibility Criteria set by the Authorities taking the CAT Exam 2024. The refund of Application Fee, after its payment, will not be entertained. Given below are the Eligibilities for CAT 2024:
- Bachelors Degree with at least 50% marks or CGPA from any recognized University -The candidate from SC/ST/PWD category should have at least 45% marks.
- Even students of the final year of graduation can apply; individuals who have undergone degree scrutiny but are awaiting their results can also apply. (They would be required to provide a certificate in the selection process.)
- Graduates with professional degrees like CA, CS, or ICWA with at least 50 percent marks or equivalent (45 percent for SC/ST/OBC) are also eligible
- Download previous year’s CAT papers, if you are under the process of preparation for the exam.
CAT Exam Pattern 2024
The CAT exam pattern is set by the IIMs. Have a look at the table below to get an overview of the expected CAT 2024 exam pattern.
- The CAT 2024 exam, designed by the IIMs, has three sections: VARC-Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, DILR-Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and QA-Quantitative Aptitude.
- The duration of the test will be 120 minutes, with 40 minutes on each section.
- The question paper will be in English and the questions will also consist of MCQ as well as TITA (Type In The Answer) type.
- The number of questions for each section would be: VARC – 22, DILR – 20, QA – 24
- Level of Difficulty: For VARC: easy to moderate; DILR: challenging; QA: moderate to challenging
- The test will carry a total of 198 marks. Marks of 3 will be given for every right answer while there is a penalty of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.
- There is no negative marking for TITA questions.
Here is the information in table format:
| Exam Pattern | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Questions | 66 |
| Total Marks | 198 |
| Type of Questions | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
CAT Exam 2024 Syllabus
Here’s the information in table format:
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Arithmetic, Modern Math’s Number System Algebra, Mensuration Trigonometry Geometry |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Data Charts Data Tables Bar Graphs, Venn Diagrams Seating Arrangement Team Formation Clocks & Calendars |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Long & Short Passages Jumbled Paragraphs Para-summary Picking the Out Sentence |
CAT 2024 Cutoff Scores
The cutoff scores will be distinct for each Indian Institute of Management for the 2024-26 academic year. The cutoff score is the minimum mark a candidate needs to gain admission in the IIMs.
Each IIM has an admission policy that applies, although most newer IIMs follow a Centralised Admission Process (CAP). Candidates should peruse the selection processes of the IIMs and any other B-school they wish to apply to, so they know what to expect in specific requirements and procedures.
FAQs
- What is the CAT 2024 exam date?
CAT 2024 will be conducted on November 24, 2024. - When has the CAT 2024 notification been released?
The CAT 2024 notification was released on July 28, 2024. - How to apply for CAT 2024?
One should submit an online application to get a seat in CAT 2024. That is: register, fill-up the form, payment of fee and upload documents at IIM CAT Official Website. - Which IIM will conduct CAT 2024?
IIM Calcutta conducting authority of CAT 2024 - What is the eligibility criteria for CAT 2024?
The candidates shall have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks for General candidates (45% for SC/ST/PWD categories). Final year students and candidates awaiting results are also eligible to apply. A certificate to this effect is required, and it will be submitted at the time of selection process. - How do I prepare for the CAT 2024 exam?
Prepare by focusing on three major sections namely- Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). Coaching programs can also be joined, previous year’s papers can also be solved, and mock tests can be given for proper preparation.