CAT Exam 2024: Everything You Need to Know
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam 2024 is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India, serving as a gateway to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. If you’re planning to take the CAT exam in 2024, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential details, including registration, dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, cutoff, admit card, and result information.
Registration for CAT Exam 2024
The registration process for the CAT exam 2024 will begin on August 1, 2024, and will continue until September 13, 2024. Aspiring candidates must visit the official IIM CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) to complete their registration. The application fee is INR 2,500 for general category candidates and INR 1,250 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Important Dates for CAT 2024
Mark your calendars with these crucial dates for the CAT exam 2024:
- Registration Start Date: August 1, 2024
- Registration End Date: September 13, 2024
- Admit Card Release Date: November 5, 2024
- Exam Date: November 24, 2024
- Result Announcement: January 2025
| Registration | Click here |
| Admit Card | Click here |
| Syllabus | Click here |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CAT exam 2024, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA category) from a recognized university.
- Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification are also eligible to apply.
Exam Pattern
The CAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT) that assesses candidates on three main sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
The exam consists of 100 questions, with a total duration of 180 minutes (60 minutes per section). For each correct answer, you’ll earn 3 marks. However, a penalty of 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response.
Syllabus
The CAT exam syllabus is extensive and covers a wide range of topics. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas for each section:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar and Usage
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
- Logical Reasoning (Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations)
- Quantitative Ability (QA):
- Arithmetic
- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
- Geometry (Lines, Angles, Circles)
- Number System
- Modern Math (Probability, Permutations and Combinations).
Cutoff
The CAT exam cutoff varies each year and depends on several factors, including the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates, and the number of available seats. Generally, the cutoff for IIMs ranges between 90 to 99 percentile. However, each IIM has its own specific cutoff criteria, which can be found on their respective websites.
Admit Card
The CAT 2024 admit card will be available for download from November 5, 2024, on the official IIM CAT website. Candidates must log in using their registered credentials to access and print their admit cards. It is essential to carry the admit card to the exam center, along with a valid photo ID.
Result
The CAT exam result is expected to be announced in January 2025. Candidates can check their results on the official IIM CAT website by logging in with their credentials. The result will include the candidate’s overall score, sectional scores, and percentile.
Preparation Tips
- Dive deep into the CAT syllabus to understand its structure and requirements. Identify your strengths and weaknesses to create a focused study plan. Strengthen your weak areas while maintaining your proficiency in strong topics.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to success in the CAT exam. Sharpen your skills by tackling previous year’s question papers and taking regular mock tests. This will help you build speed, accuracy, and exam-taking endurance.
- Join Coaching Classes: Consider enrolling in coaching classes or online courses to get expert guidance and structured study plans.
- Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to ensure you can complete all sections within the given time.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest exam notifications and changes in the exam pattern.
Conclusion
The CAT exam 2024 is a crucial step for aspiring MBA candidates aiming to secure admission to top business schools in India. By understanding the registration process, important dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, cutoff, admit card, and result information, you can better prepare for the exam and increase your chances of success. Start your preparation early, stay focused, and practice regularly to achieve your goal of acing the CAT exam.
