CAT Exam 2024
Overview of the CAT 2024 Exam
In India, the CAT is the most competitive MBA entrance exam. The CAT exam is accepted by more than 1300 MBA schools nationwide, and admission is determined on CAT results. Nearly 375 testing locations spread across more than 167 cities across the country will administer the CAT test in three sessions. In order to get into prestigious universities, prospective MBA students should start studying for the CAT test in 2024 as soon as possible.
| CAT 2024 Exam Overview | |
| CAT Exam Particulars | CAT 2024 Details |
| CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute for 2024 | IIM Calcutta |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| CAT 2024 Exam Date | November 24, 2024 |
| CAT Exam Timings | Session 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Session 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Session 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| CAT Exam Fees | INR 2,500 (General category) and INR 1,250 (Reserved category) |
| Number of Test Takers | 3.30 lakh (in 2023) |
| CAT exam mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs |
| No. of test cities | 170 |
| CAT exam website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
Latest Update About CAT exam 2024
Three timeslots for the CAT test are set for November 24, 2024. The slot paper and slot 1 for the 2024 CAT test are finished. At 375 CAT exam locations, the test is administered in computer-based mode. In 2024, IIM Calcutta will administer the CAT test. The two-hour CAT 2024 exam will consist of three sections on the question paper: DILR, VARC, and Quantitative Aptitude. Every test-taker needs to stay up to date on the most recent CAT 2024 news and developments. All of the most recent information regarding CAT 2024 is provided here.
IIM Calcutta held the CAT 2024 test in 170 Indian cities on November 24, 2024. The CAT exam was given in computer-based test format at about 400 authorized testing sites. The difficulty level of the CAT 2024 slots 1, 2, and 3 was moderate. The CAT test currently consists of 68 questions, which is a big change from years past. Instead of 20, there were 22 questions in DILR. The parajumbles of CAT have been abandoned entirely.
The CAT has been conducted at IIM Calcutta this year. With a 40-minute sectional time limit, each CAT test will run two hours. The CAT 2024 exam will consist of three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude.
| Events | Schedule |
| CAT Notification Release | July 28, 2024 |
| Registration Start Date | August 1, 2024 |
| Registration End Date | September 20, 2024 |
| Form Correction Window | September 27 – September 30, 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | November 5 – November 24, 2024 |
| CAT Exam Date | November 24, 2024 |
| Answer Key Release | First week of December 2024 |
| Result Announcement | Last week of December 2024 |
Upcoming CAT Events After the Exam
Several significant things will happen after the CAT exam:
Answer Key Release: During the first week of December 2024, candidates can anticipate receiving the answer key.
Results Announcement: It is expected that the results will be announced either the first week of January 2025 or the last week of December 2024.
Official Information About CAT
All official CAT information is available to candidates on the CAT website. This contains information about registration deadlines, the curriculum, and other important exam-related announcements.
Candidates can improve their preparation for this competitive examination by being aware of the key components of the CAT procedure, such as registration dates, fees, syllabus subjects, and exam time. Their chances of success might be raised by beginning their preparation early and concentrating on the syllabus for each area.
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CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024, a prominent entrance examination for postgraduate management programs in India, is scheduled to be conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta on November 24, 2024.
The eligibility criteria for CAT include:
Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA category) from a recognized university.
Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or those awaiting results are also eligible to apply for CAT.
The exam is anticipated to take place on the last Sunday of November 2024, and the official notification is expected to be released in July 2024.
Aspirants with professional degrees like CA/ CS/ ICWA are also eligible for CAT, provided they meet the minimum acceptable percentage.
No upper age limit is specified, allowing working professionals to apply for CAT.
While work experience is advantageous for IIM admission, it is not compulsory for CAT application.
CAT 2024 Registration Process
CAT 2024 registration forms will be accessible on the IIMCAT website starting from the designated date. To enroll for the exam, candidates need to follow a simple process. Here’s a brief overview:
Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
Click on ‘new registration.’
Provide your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID.
Complete the CAPTCHA code and verify registration with the OTP received.
Log in using the CAT ID shared via email to fill out the form.
Enter personal and academic details.
Upload a recent passport-size photo and a scanned signature.
Choose preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities.
Pay the CAT application fee using credit/debit card or net banking.
CAT 2024 Application Form
The CAT application form, which helps you get into 20 IIMs and other MBA colleges in India, will be available on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, starting from August 1, 2024. You can register for the CAT online on this website.
After you complete the CAT registration, you will receive your admit card online. The CAT is expected to be held on the last Sunday of November 2024. The official announcement for CAT was made on July 28, 2024.
CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam has a multiple-choice question (MCQ) format and lasts for 120 minutes. During this time, candidates must answer 66 questions from three sections: VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability). Here are the key points about the CAT exam pattern:
The CAT exam is conducted in three sessions.
Each session is 120 minutes long.
The exam is divided 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 earn three marks for each correct answer. However, for each incorrect answer, one mark is deducted.
There is no negative marking for non-MCQs, and skipping questions does not lead to any penalty.
The highest possible score in the CAT is 198.
You do not have to attempt all questions.
CAT 2024 Syllabus
The CAT syllabus includes three main sections; Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Aptitude. The table below provides a breakdown of important topics crucial for candidates’ CAT exam preparation.
| CAT 2024 Syllabus | ||
| Section | Topics | Weightage in Exam |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Arithmetic Modern Maths Number System Algebra Mensuration Trigonometry Geometry | 34-36% |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Data Charts Data Tables Bar Graphs Venn Diagrams Seating Arrangement Team Formation Clocks & Calendars | 30-32% |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Long & Short Passages Jumbled Paragraphs Para-summary Picking the Out Sentence | 32-34% |
CAT Admit Card 2024
The CAT admit card is a significant document required to appear in the CAT examination. All the candidates are required to carry the CAT admit card to the exam centre on the examination day.
Candidates should take note of the following crucial details concerning their CAT admit card:
Only candidates who have successfully registered and paid the CAT processing fee can download the CAT admit card.
To access and download the admit card, candidates must log in to the official website of IIM CAT – iimcat.ac.in using their ID and password.
The admit card includes essential information such as the test centre, exam date, and other essential details related to the examination.
Candidates must verify that all the information on the admit card is accurate. In case of any discrepancies on the admit card, candidates should promptly contact the authorities.
CAT 2024 Answer Key
IIM will release the CAT answer key about a week after the exam. It will be available as a candidate response sheet. Here’s how to download it:
Visit the official CAT website.
Click on the ‘login’ tab.
Enter your CAT login ID and password.
Click on the ‘CAT answer key’ that appears on the screen.
Click the ‘download’ link to save it as a PDF.
After the answer key is released, IIM will open a window for objections for three to four days. If you think there are mistakes in the official answer key, you can challenge it by filling out an online form. The exam authorities will review the key and make changes if necessary.
CAT Result 2024
After the official answer key is released, IIM will announce the CAT results, which will show the scores of all candidates. The expected date for the CAT results is in the last week of December 2024.
To check their results, candidates need to visit the official website, find the link for the CAT result 2024, and enter their login details, including their ID and password. The CAT scorecard is valid for one year, so candidates should use their CAT result 2024 to apply for MBA colleges within that time.
CAT Exam Centers
In about 170 Indian cities, the CAT will be administered. During the registration procedure, candidates must choose the exam centers of their choice. The admit card will contain the precise information about the testing location.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for the CAT exam?
The application for the CAT exam is an online process, which includes registration, filling out the application form, payment of the processing fee, and uploading the required documents. Candidates must visit the official IIM CAT website to complete the CAT application.
Which IIM will conduct CAT?
The CAT exam is conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis. For 2024, IIM Calcutta is expected to conduct the CAT exam.
How many sections are there in the CAT exam 2024?
The CAT exam comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each of these sections constitutes various MCQs and TITA questions.
What is the exam date for CAT?
Details of the CAT exam date will be provided in the official notification. However, it is expected that CAT exam will be held on 24 November 2024.
When should I arrive at the CAT testing location?
It is recommended that all CAT candidates arrive at the testing location at least ninety minutes early. You can prevent the last-minute rush by doing this.
Has the CAT exam analysis been released?
After the slot 1 paper is finished, the CAT exam analysis will be released. The in-depth analysis provided by the CAT specialists will assist you in predicting your result.
Does the CAT exam paper layout change in any way?
No, the 2024 CAT exam paper pattern has not changed. CAT will consist of three sections and last two hours.