CAT Exam 2024, Registration, Date, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Result and Cut-Offs

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into various postgraduate management programmes. It is one of India's most prestigious and competitive exams for aspiring MBA candidates.

The CAT 2024 notification was released on July 28, 2024, and the exam will be conducted on November 24, 2024.

Important Dates:

• Registration:August 1, 2024 - September 20, 2024
• Admit Card Release:November 5, 2024
• CAT Exam:November 24, 2024

Important Links:

• CAT 2024 Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in/
• CAT 2024 Exam Information: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam
• CAT 2024 Preparation Tips: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam

CAT Full Form

CAT full form is the Common Admission Test . It's a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to postgraduate management programs (MBA) at top Indian B-schools, most notably the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

What is the Common Admission Test (CAT)?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive computer-based entrance exam in India. It is used for admission into postgraduate management programmes, primarily Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses, at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and numerous other prestigious business schools across the country.

The primary purpose of the CAT exam is to assess the aptitude of candidates for business and management studies. It evaluates their abilities in various domains such as quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and verbal ability.

CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria

Here are the detailed eligibility criteria for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024:

CAT Registrations 2024

CAT 2024 registrations have already closed. The last date to apply was September 20, 2024.

You can find more information about the CAT exam on the official website: https://iimcat.ac.in/

CAT Exam Fees

The CAT exam registration fees for 2024 are as follows:

• General/OBC candidates: ₹2,500
• SC/ST/PwD candidates: ₹1,250

These fees are payable online during the registration process and can be made using credit cards, debit cards, or net banking. Additional charges, like transaction or processing fees, may apply depending on the payment method selected​.

Please note that these fees are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official CAT 2024 website:https://iimcat.ac.in/

CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT) divided into 3 sections of 66 questions: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section will have 40 minutes. Meanwhile, the exam paper will have MCQ and SAQ, and most questions will be MCQ-based.

Total:66 questions | 120 minutes

Marking Scheme:

• Each correct answer: +3 marks
• Each incorrect answer (MCQ): -1 mark
• No negative marking for non-MCQ questions

Key Points:

• The use of an onscreen calculator is allowed for the computation during the exam.
• The CAT exam will be conducted in three slots of 2 hours each on a single day.
• The CAT exam will be of 198 marks in total.
• The candidates cannot switch between the sections.
• The onscreen clock will help candidates to keep a tab on the time during the exam.

By familiarizing yourself with the CAT 2024 exam pattern, you can effectively strategize your preparation and allocate time accordingly.

CAT Exam Syllabus

The CAT exam is divided into three sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension:Passages from various fields like science, social science, humanities, and business.
• Verbal Ability:Questions on vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, para-jumbles, critical reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Data Interpretation:Analysis of data presented in various formats like tables, charts, graphs, and caselets.
• Logical Reasoning:Questions on logical reasoning, puzzles, and data sufficiency.

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Arithmetic:Percentages, Averages, Ratios and Proportions, Time and Work, Time and Distance, and Number Systems.
• Algebra:Linear and Quadratic Equations, Functions, Logarithms, and Progressions.
• Geometry:Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry.

Note:The specific topics and the weightage assigned to each section may vary slightly from year to year. However, the above syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in the CAT exam.

CAT Exam 2024 Result

The CAT 2024 results are expected to be declared in the third week of December 2024. You can check the official IIM CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) for the exact date and to download your scorecard.

CAT Exam 2024 Cut-Offs

The exact CAT 2024 cut-offs for different IIMs and other top MBA colleges will be released after the declaration of the results. However, based on previous year trends and expert predictions, we can expect the following:

For top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta:

• General Category:98-100 percentile
• OBC Category:Around 70-75 percentile
• SC/ST/EWS Categories:Generally lower, around 85-95 percentile, depending on each institute's policies

For other IIMs and top MBA colleges:

• General Category:92-97 percentile
• OBC Category:Around 65-70 percentile
• SC/ST/EWS Categories:Generally lower, around 75-85 percentile

However, based on past trends and expert predictions, here's a general estimate of the expected CAT 2024 cut-offs:

Please note that these are just estimates, and the actual cut-offs may vary depending on factors like the overall performance of candidates, the number of seats available, and the specific policies of each institute.

CAT Exam Preparation 2024

The CAT exam is a gateway to prestigious MBA programs in India. Here's a roadmap to help you strategise and ace the CAT 2024 exam:

• Know the Exam:Check the official website (https://iimcat.ac.in/) for updates (expected July 28th).
• Build Foundation:Master NCERT books (especially for QA).
• Section Strategies:
• VARC: Read widely, and use reference books for grammar & vocabulary.
• DILR: Practice data analysis & logical reasoning with mock tests.
• QA: Go beyond NCERTs, and practice regularly from various sources.
• Sharpen Skills:Take mock tests, analyse performance, and manage time.
• Effective Techniques:Make clear notes, revise regularly, and engage actively.
• Wellbeing:Create a study schedule, stay updated on current affairs, and prioritise mental health.

How to Prepare for the CAT (Common Admission Test)

Preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test) requires a strategic approach and consistent effort. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare effectively:

1. Know the Exam: Understand CAT's pattern and sections (VARC, DILR, QA).
2. Study Plan: Create a schedule with mock tests and revision.
3. Resources: Use recommended books and past papers.
4. Focus: Strengthen basics in all sections.
5. Time Management: Practice for speed and accuracy.
6. Stay Motivated: Maintain a healthy routine and clear goals.
7. Final Prep: Revise thoroughly and prepare for exam day.

CAT Exam Tips

Here are some less conventional CAT exam tips that focus on maximising efficiency and strategic thinking:

CAT Exam: Unconventional Tips

1. Master Your Strengths:Don't chase weaknesses, dominate your best section.
2. Time Ninja: Practice ruthless time management in mocks.
3. Guesstimate Like a Boss: Stuck? Estimate & move on, maximise attempts!
4. Stay Cool Under Fire:Breathe, stay calm, clear thinking is key.
5. Think Different:Explore unconventional approaches in DILR.
6. Online Buddies:Connect with other CAT aspirants for support and motivation.

CAT = Knowledge + Strategy + Focus. Win with these unconventional tips!

CAT Mock Tests

CAT mock tests are a crucial element in your preparation strategy for the Common Admission Test. Here's why they're important and where to find them:

Why Mock Tests?

• Identify Strengths & Weaknesses:Mock tests help you pinpoint areas that require improvement and solidify your grasp of b sections.
• Practice Time Management:Under simulated exam conditions, mocks allow you to practice managing time effectively across different sections.
• Get Familiar with Question Types:Mock tests expose you to a variety of question formats and difficulty levels encountered in the actual CAT exam.
• Develop Exam Temperament:Taking mock tests helps you build confidence and get accustomed to the pressure of a timed exam environment.

Where to Find CAT Mock Tests:

• Coaching Institutes:Many coaching institutes offering CAT preparation courses provide mock tests as part of their curriculum.
• Online Platforms:Several online platforms offer free and paid mock test series for the CAT exam. Some popular options include:
• Time4Education (AIMCATs)
• Career Launcher (Free Mock Tests)
• Cracku (DashCATs & Head Start Mocks)
• TestZone
• GradeUp

CAT 2024 Admit Card

The CAT 2024 admit cards were released on November 5, 2024. You can download your admit card from the official CAT website: https://iimcat.ac.in/

Registration:Make sure you have successfully registered for the CAT 2024 exam before the deadline (expected to be in the third week of September 2024) to be eligible to download the admit card.

Here's what the admit card will typically include:

1. Your name and registration number
2. Exam date and time
3. Test centre details
4. Exam day instructions
5. Photograph and signature (for verification)

CAT Score

The CAT scorecard for the 2024 exam isn't available yet (as of July 2, 2024). The exam itself likely won't happen until November 24, 2024, and results are typically declared a few weeks after. Here's what you can expect regarding the CAT scorecard:

Availability:

• You'll be able to download your CAT scorecard from the official CAT website: https://iimcat.ac.in/
• Expected timeframe: Likely in the last week of December 2024 or the first week of January 2025 .

What it contains:

• Your personal details: Name, registration number
• Exam details: Date and time you took the exam
• Test center information
• Your CAT score:
• Likely a breakdown of sectional scores (VARC, DILR, QA)
• Overall scaled score
• Percentile rank in each section and overall
• Additional details (might vary): Category rank (if applicable)

How to download:

• The official website will likely announce the process for downloading the scorecard closer to the result declaration date.
• It might involve entering your registration credentials on the website and downloading the scorecard PDF.

Tips:

• Monitor the official CAT website for updates on the result declaration and scorecard download process.
• Familiarize yourself with the different sections and scoring formats of the CAT exam beforehand. This will help you understand your scorecard better.

Scorecard Validity

The CAT scorecard is valid for a period of one year from the result declaration date. This means the scores you achieve in the CAT 2024 exam will be valid for admission purposes until December 31st, 2025 .

Here's a breakdown:

• CAT 2024 Exam:Likely held on November 24th, 2024.
• Results Declaration:Expected in the last week of December 2024 or the first week of January 2025.
• Scorecard Validity: Valid until December 31st, 2025.

What this means:

• You can use your CAT 2024 score to apply to MBA programs that accept CAT scores during the admission cycle for the 2025-2027 batch.
• After December 31st, 2025, you'll need to retake the CAT exam if you wish to apply to MBA programs using your CAT score.

Conclusion

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a prestigious national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into various postgraduate management programmes. As one of India's most competitive exams for MBA aspirants, it demands a strategic and disciplined preparation approach.

Preparing for the CAT requires a comprehensive understanding of the exam pattern, strategic planning, and consistent practice. By staying updated with official announcements, following a structured study plan, and focusing on key areas, candidates can enhance their chances of success in the CAT 2024 exam. As a gateway to prestigious MBA programmes in India, excelling in CAT can open doors to numerous career opportunities in the field of management

Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on online sources and past exam patterns. Facts may change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official websitehttps://iimcat.ac.in/

FAQs on CAT 2024

Q1: What is the registration fee for CAT Exam 2024?

Ans: The registration fee is expected to be around INR 2,200 for general category candidates and INR 1,100 for reserved category candidates.

Q2: What is the CAT exam for?

Ans: The CAT exam, or Common Admission Test, is a standardized test for admission into management programs in Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools in India. 

Q3: Can I make corrections in the CAT application form after submission?

Ans: Yes, there is usually a correction window provided by the conducting body to make necessary changes in your application form.

Q4: What are the 3 subjects of CAT exam?

Ans: The CAT exam consists of three main subjects or sections:

1. Quantitative Ability (QA): This section tests mathematical skills including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section assesses English language proficiency, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities.
3. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section evaluates the ability to interpret data from charts, tables, and graphs, as well as logical reasoning skills.