The prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) annually administer the CAT Entrance Exam, also known as the Common Entrance Test. This computer-based management aptitude test serves as a path to post-graduation programs. The exam is an online assessment that covers two years, with each section lasting 40 minutes.
The Indian Institutes of Management introduced an examination to choose students for business administration programs, such as MBA or PGDM. Every year, over 200,000 candidates sign up for the CAT Exam. Over 300,000 candidates registered for the exam this year, with around 288,000 attending. These candidates showcased their best performance to secure admission to their desired MBA colleges in India.
Preparation planning requires a significant amount of effort and dedication. This exam is widely recognized as one of India’s top MBA selection tests. The CAT 2024 exam date has been scheduled for November 23, 2024, allowing aspiring students to gain admission into 20 IIMs and various other MBA colleges in India. IIM Calcutta, one of the top 6 IIMs, will likely organize CAT 2024. The registration process for CAT 2024 was scheduled to begin in the first week of August 2024 and end by the third week of September 2023. The official notification for CAT will be released on July 28, 2024.
CAT 2024: Exams and Dates
The CAT exam is one of India’s most challenging MBA entrance exams. More than 1300 MBA colleges nationwide acknowledge the CAT exam and consider CAT scores for admission. The upcoming CAT 2024 exam will occur in three sessions across various examination centers in over 167 cities nationwide. Aspiring MBA students who wish to secure admission to top-tier institutes should start their preparation well in advance for the CAT 2024 exam.
| CAT 2024 Exam | |
| Exam Name | CAT (Common Entrance Test) |
| Exam format | Computer-based |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Question Type | MCQs and Non-MCQs |
Marking scheme | +3 for each correct answer -1 mark for each inaccurate answer |
| Duration of the Exam | 2 Hours/120 Minutes |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| CAT 2024 Date | |
| CAT 2024 notification date | CAT 2024 notification date |
| Beginning of CAT 2024 Registration | 03-Aug-2024 |
| Registration Ends | 15-Sep-2024 |
| CAT 2024 Exam Date | CAT 2024 exam date |
| CAT 2024 Result Date | 6 January 2025 |
CAT 2024: Registration
Last year, there was a significant increase of around 30% in CAT registrations, reaching the highest record ever. A total of 3.28 candidates registered for the top MBA entrance exam, with an impressive 88% appearing for the test. Registrations for CAT 2024 are anticipated to rise this year, leading to higher competition. If you’re wondering how to register for CAT 2024, here are three simple steps to guide you through the registration process:
- Set up your CAT login credentials.
- Completing the academic section of the CAT 2024 application
- Payment for CAT 2024 exam fees
| CAT 2024 Registration | |
| CAT 2024 Registration Date | First Week of August 2024 |
| CAT 2024 Registration Last Date | Third Week of September 2024 |
| CAT 2024 Exam Date | November 24, 2024 |
CAT 2024: Eligibility
Candidates must confirm their eligibility for the CAT 2024 exam before beginning the registration process. Admittance to the CAT 2024 is restricted to individuals who fulfill the necessary criteria. Here are the eligibility criteria for CAT 2024.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field and score at least 50% for the general and NC-OBC categories. Candidates in the SC, ST, and PWD categories must achieve a minimum score of 45%.
The candidate’s bachelor’s degree must be from an Indian university that has received recognition or come from a similar institution that has received recognition from the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.
Students in their final year of a bachelor’s degree can take the examination if they have achieved the necessary grade point average. Not meeting this requirement in later stages will lead to the cancellation of admissions.
Those who have obtained a professional degree, such as CA, CS, or ICWS, are eligible to take the CAT exam. However, there are no age restrictions, so anyone, regardless of age, can take the CAT 2024.
CAT 2024: Pattern
The CAT 2024 exam is conducted in multiple-choice question (MCQ) format and lasts 120 minutes. During the CAT exam, candidates must answer 66 questions from the VARC, DILR, and QA sections. Here are the key points to note about the CAT exam pattern:
- The CAT exam is conducted in three sessions.
- Each session lasts 120 minutes.
- The CAT exam paper is organized into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
- There are a total of 66 questions in the exam.
- Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes.
- Candidates will receive three marks for every correct answer. In addition, 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- There is no deduction of marks for non-MCQs, and you won’t be penalized for skipping questions.
- The highest possible score one can achieve in the CAT 2024 exam is 198.
- You are only required to attempt some of the questions.
| CAT 2024 Exam Pattern | |||
| Questions Per Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level | Marks(MCQ) |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | Moderate to High | +3, -1 |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation | 20 | Moderate | +3, -1 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | High | +3, -1 |
CAT 2024: Syllabus
The syllabus for CAT 2024 is divided into three main sections: data interpretation and logical reasoning, verbal ability and reading comprehension, and quantitative aptitude. Here is a breakdown of the essential topics that candidates should focus on for their CAT 2024 preparation.
| CAT 2024 Syllabus | ||
| Section | Topics | Weightage in Exam |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | ArithmeticModern MathsNumber SystemAlgebraMensurationTrigonometryGeometry | 34-36% |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Data ChartsData TablesBar GraphsVenn DiagramsSeating ArrangementTeam FormationClocks & Calendars | 30-32% |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Long & Short PassagesJumbled ParagraphsPara-summaryPicking the Out Sentence | 32-34% |
CAT 2024: Preparation Tips
The impressive number of 330,000 applicants for CAT 2023 demonstrates how highly coveted the MBA degree is among master’s students. To surpass the competition, candidates must thoroughly study and devise effective strategies. Here are a few helpful tips to improve your performance in the CAT exam in 2024:
- Create an Effective Study Plan: Break down the syllabus into manageable sections and allocate specific timeframes for each preparation phase. Set aside time daily for your CAT preparations and stick to your schedule. Allocating sufficient time to each section of the paper is essential.
- Start with the fundamentals: Highlight any concepts you find unfamiliar or challenging. Devour the various topics of each section and make sure you have a solid grasp of them before you begin your CAT preparations.
- Select the preparation method: You can study independently or join a CAT coaching program. A coaching program will provide comprehensive guidance on every step of the preparation process. If you decide to pursue self-study, it’s essential to ensure you’re using the right books and materials to aid in your preparation.
- Emphasize Mock Exams: Once you feel more confident in your preparation, trying out some practice exams may be beneficial. The mock exams are designed to help you assess your areas of improvement and areas of expertise. By utilizing this tool, you can enhance your areas of weakness. Discover a collection of complimentary CAT mock tests to support you on your journey.
FAQ
- Who will be in charge of conducting the CAT exam in 2024?
One of the reputable IIMs will oversee the CAT 2024 examination. Given current trends, it appears highly likely that either IIM Lucknow or IIM Calcutta will host CAT 2024 on the final Sunday of November 2024.
- Where can applicants register for the CAT 2024?
Students can register online for the CAT 2024 on the official website.
- What are the tentative exam slot times for CAT 2024?
The expected timings are 8:30 a.m.–10 a.m., 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.–6 p.m.
- How many CAT attempts are allowed?
You can attempt the CAT exam as many times as you want, regardless of age. Still, candidates must meet the essential eligibility criteria, which include having a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Can I clear the CAT 2024 with online coaching?
Definitely! Enrolling in an online coaching program from a reputable institute can significantly enhance your chances of excelling in the CAT exam. You can access the best study materials, live seminars, and sample examinations. If you remain committed and consistent in your preparation, online classes can significantly enhance your CAT scores. By clicking here, you can explore the QDS Pro program.
