CAT Exam Answer Key: Cut-Offs, Result and Colleges

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level computer-based test conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. This exam is the gateway to admission to various prestigious management programs offered by IIMs and other top business schools across India.

Regarding the answer key, the official CAT 2024 answer key was released on November 29, 2024. Candidates can download the answer key and their response sheets from the official IIM CAT website: IIM CAT

CAT Exam Syllabus

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an important entrance exam for admission into prestigious management colleges across India. The exam evaluates candidates across three primary sections:

Note: The specific topics and weightage may vary slightly from year to year. Refer to the official CAT website or coaching institutes for the most accurate and up-to-date syllabus

CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is a computer-based test that consists of three sections. Here's a clear table outlining the CAT Exam Pattern:

General Details:

This table provides a detailed breakdown of the CAT exam pattern, helping you understand the structure and marking scheme for better preparation.

CAT Answer Key Release Date

The official CAT 2024 answer key was released on November 29, 2024. You can download the answer key and response sheet from the official IIM CAT website: IIM CAT

Steps to Challenge the CAT Answer Key:

If you find any discrepancies in the answer key, you can challenge it within the provided objection window. Here's how:

1. Login to Your CAT Account:
• Use your credentials to access the portal.
2. Raise Objections:
• Navigate to the "Objection Form" section.
• Fill in the form with the details of the question(s) you want to challenge and provide proof if required.
3. Pay the Objection Fee:
• The fee to challenge an answer is generally INR 1,200 per question.
• The fee is non-refundable, even if your objection is not accepted.
4. Submit Your Objection:
• After you submit the objection and fee, the exam authorities will review it. If your challenge is valid, corrections will be made to the final answer key.

Final Answer Key:

After reviewing all objections, the final answer key will be released. This key will be used to calculate your score; no further challenges will be allowed.

For more information, always refer to the official CAT website and stay updated with notifications related to the answer key and objection process.

How to Download the CAT Answer Key PDF

To download the CAT Answer Key PDF, follow these steps:

Steps to Download the CAT Answer Key PDF:

1. Visit the Official CAT Website:
• Go to the official CAT website: IIM CAT.
2. Login to Your CAT Account:
• On the homepage, click on the Login button.
• Enter your CAT ID and Password that you created during the application process.
3. Access the Answer Key:
• After logging in, navigate to the Answer Key and Response Sheet section.
• Select the exam slot (for example, Slot 1, Slot 2, or Slot 3) corresponding to your test.
4. Download the Answer Key PDF:
• The answer key will be available as a PDF file that you can view and download.
• Click on the Download button next to the answer key link to save the file to your device.

Sample CAT Answer Key Format

Below is an example of what a section of the CAT answer key might look like:

• Question ID: Unique ID of the question.
• Correct Option: The correct answer is as per the CAT answer key.
• Your Answer: The option you selected during the exam.
• Status: Indicates if your answer was correct, incorrect, or unattempted.

Objection Window:

If you find discrepancies in the answer key, you can challenge it through the official portal:

• Objection Fee: INR 1,200 per question.
• Timeline: Usually available for a few days after the answer key is released (typically within 2-4 days).

CAT Result Declaration Date

The CAT 2024 result is expected to be released on December 19, 2024. However, the official CAT 2024 notification mentions that the result will be announced in the second week of January 2025.

Candidates will be able to access their CAT 2024 scorecards by logging into the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) using their registered credentials. The scorecard will provide both sectional and overall scores, along with the percentile rank.

Please note that these dates are tentative and subject to change. It's advisable to regularly check the official CAT website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding result announcements.

How to Calculate the CAT Percentile

The CAT percentile is calculated based on the number of test-takers who scored equal to or below a particular candidate. Here's the formula:

Percentile = (Number of candidates scored below you / Total number of candidates) * 100

Example Calculation

• Total Candidates (NNN): 200,000
• Your Rank (RRR): 5,000

Percentile=(200,000−5,000​)×100=97.5%

You are in the 97.5th percentile, meaning 97.5% of candidates scored less than or equal to you.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a pivotal entrance exam for admission into premier management institutes across India. A high CAT percentile significantly enhances the likelihood of securing a seat in esteemed institutions. Below is a curated list of top MBA colleges accepting CAT scores, categorized by the percentile ranges they typically consider:

Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

1. CAT Percentile: 99 and Above

• Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs): Including IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, and Kozhikode.
• Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
• SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

2. CAT Percentile: Below 85

• Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad: TMU accepts CAT scores and considers candidates with lower percentiles, focusing on a holistic evaluation that includes performance in personal interviews.

What to do After the CAT Exam?

Once you've finished the CAT exam, there are a few key steps to take:

1. Analyze Your Performance:
   
   
• Review the Exam: Reflect on the exam, identifying sections where you excelled and where you struggled.
• Analyze Mock Test Scores: Compare your mock test scores to your actual performance to gauge your improvement.
• Identify Weak Areas: Pinpoint specific topics or question types that need more practice.
2. Prepare for the Next Steps:
   
   
• GD-PI Preparation: Start preparing for Group Discussions and Personal Interviews. Practice speaking, confidently, and articulately.
• Work on Your Profile: Strengthen your academic record, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
• Research B-Schools: Learn about the different B-schools, their programs, and their selection criteria.
3. Stay Updated:
   
   
• Follow Official Websites: Keep track of the official websites of the IIMs and other B-schools for important announcements.
• Join Online Forums: Participate in online forums and discussions to stay updated and connect with other CAT aspirants.
4. Relax and Recharge:
   
   
• Take a Break: After the intense preparation, it's important to relax and unwind.
• Pursue Hobbies: Engage in activities you enjoy to reduce stress and maintain a positive mindset.

Remember, the CAT exam is just one step in the MBA application process. Focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Good luck!

CAT Counselling and Selection Process

The CAT counselling and selection process is a multi-stage process that involves:

1. Shortlisting:
   
   
• CAT Score: IIMs and other top B-schools shortlist candidates based on their CAT scores.
• Academic Performance: Your academic performance in 10th, 12th, and graduation is also considered.
• Work Experience: Work experience, if any, can be a significant factor in the shortlisting process.
2. Written Ability Test (WAT):
   
   
• Shortlisted candidates are often required to write an essay on a given topic.
• This test assesses your writing skills, analytical ability, and clarity of thought.
3. Group Discussion (GD):
   
   
• Candidates are divided into small groups and asked to discuss a given topic.
• GDs evaluate your communication skills, leadership qualities, teamwork abilities, and ability to think critically.
4. Personal Interview (PI):
   
   
• The final stage of the selection process involves a one-on-one interview with a panel of interviewers.
• The PI assesses your personality, motivation, knowledge, and fit with the program.
5. Final Selection:
   
   
• The final selection is based on a weighted average of your CAT score, WAT, GD, PI performance, and academic profile.
• Each IIM and B-school has its own selection criteria and weightage for different components.

Common Admission Process (CAP)

Newer IIMs, including IIM Udaipur, IIM Trichy, IIM Jammu, IIM Ranchi, and others, conduct a unified selection process known as the Common Admission Process (CAP). In CAP, shortlisted candidates participate in a common WAT and PI round. Each participating IIM then uses the candidate's performance in these rounds, along with their own selection criteria, to make final admission decisions.

Conclusion

The CAT exam is a crucial gateway to prestigious management programs in India. By understanding the exam format, answer key process, colleges that accept CAT scores, and the post-exam steps, you can develop a strong strategy for success.

Remember, a high CAT score plays a significant role in securing admission to top B-Schools. However, strong communication skills, work experience, and a well-rounded profile are also crucial factors considered during the selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the CAT exam given for?

Ans: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIMs for admission to postgraduate management programs, primarily MBA, offered by IIMs and other top B-schools across India.

Q2: Is CAT exam tougher than NEET?
Ans: CAT and NEET are both highly competitive exams, but they test different skills. NEET requires strong knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while CAT focuses on logical reasoning, quantitative ability, and verbal comprehension. The "tougher" exam depends on individual strengths and weaknesses.

Q3: Who is eligible for CAT exam?

Ans: Any graduate with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD) from a recognized university or equivalent qualification is eligible for the CAT exam. Final year students can also apply.

Q4: Is the CAT exam only for MBA?

Ans: No, the CAT exam is specifically designed for admission to graduate management programs, primarily MBA programs. While it's a highly regarded exam accepted by many top B-schools, it's not the sole criterion for MBA admissions. Other exams like XAT, GMAT, and GRE are also widely accepted