CAT Exam Notification 2024 OUT: Learn All About the CAT Exam Pattern, Dates & ELigibility Criteria

Overview: This session's CAT Exam Date, 2024, as mentioned in the official advertisements dated July 28, is November 24, with IIM Calcutta likely to oversee its administration. Registration for the CAT entrance exam 2024 will begin on August 01, 2024.

As per the CAT notification 2024, the CAT 2024 exam date is Sunday, November 24, and registration will begin on August 1 at 10 a.m. The exam will be conducted in three slots. The detailed CAT notification has been released at the official website, iimcat.ac.in.

The CAT exam admit card will be out on November 5, 2024.

What is CAT Exam 2024?

• The CAT exam full form is the Common Admission Test (CAT). 
• It is a gateway exam for students who wish to pursue a career in business and management at the country's top IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) and other business schools.
• The exam and admission to IIMs give students the benefit of a strong alumni network that helps them build their careers.
• It is considered one of the toughest exams since it assesses your overall aptitude and preparedness for admission to a top-tier management program. 
• The CAT exam date 2024 was announced on July 28 on official platforms like IIM CAT's LinkedIn and Twitter accounts.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2024 by SuperGrads

Learn More | How to Prepare for CAT Exam in One Year

CAT Exam Date 2024 & Schedule

The CAT exam's full form is Common Admission Test (CAT). As per the CAT notification 2024, the exam will be conducted in three sessions on the announced exam date. Important CAT exam date 2024 details are tabulated. 

CAT Exam 2024 Events	CAT Entrance Exam Important Dates
CAT Exam Notification 2024	July 28, 2024
Registration Date Opens	August 01, 2024
Application form's last date	September 20, 2024
CAT 2024 Exam Admit Card Release Date	November 05, 2024
Registration Fees	INR 1250 (Reserved categories) INR 2500 (Other categories)
CAT Exam Date 2024	November 24, 2024
Official Website	iimcat.ac.in

Download Free QA Section Daily Study Plan by Supergrads

Read More | CAT Exam Admission Process 2024

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Highlights

Now that the CAT Exam date 2024 has been officially announced, you must know the brief overview of the CAT Entrance Exam 2024: 

Particulars	Details
CAT exam Full Form	Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Body	Indian Institute of Management
CAT Exam Level	National
CAT Exam Frequency	Once a year
CAT 2024 Exam Date	Sunday, November 24, 2024
CAT 2024 Exam Timings	It will be conducted in 3 Slots
Registration Fees	SC/ST/PwD - INR-1250/- GEN - INR 2500/-
Eligibility Criteria	Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students)
Number of Applications in the CAT Entrance Exam	3.33 lakh (in 2023)
Exam Purpose	Admission in IIMs, IIFT, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India
Degree Offered Through CAT Exam	MBA/ PGDM
CAT Entrance Exam Sections	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)
Mode	Online Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs
No. of test cities for the CAT Exam 2024	150
Website	https://iimcat.ac.in/

Note** Candidates must declare and maintain a valid and unique email account and a mobile phone number throughout the selection process.

Know More | How Many Times CAT Exam is Conducted in a Year

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Eligibility Criteria [Educational Qualification]

With the CAT exam date 2024 announced officially, the notification also included the eligibility criteria for the candidates to appear for the exam.

•  As per the CAT exam eligibility criteria, the candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories], from any recognized University or educational institution. 
• Candidates who have finished degree prerequisites, are awaiting results, and are taking the last year of the Bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification test are both eligible to apply.

Note: Applicants should note that as per the official CAT notification 2024, mere fulfilment of the minimum CAT entrance exam criteria will not ensure consideration for shortlisting by IIMs and other b-schools.

Download Free QA Sample Questions for CAT Exam

Let's Analyse the Trend of CAT Entrance Exam Pattern Over the Years

The CAT exam date 2024 is set to be conducted on November 24. Following table will help you understand how the CAT exam has evolved over past 13 years.

Year	Time (mins)	Sections (Abbreviation)	Questions per Section	Total Questions
2024 (expected)	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24, 20, 22	66
2023	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24, 20, 22	66
2022	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24, 20, 22	66
2021	120	VARC, DILR, QA	24, 20, 22	66
2020	120	VARC, DILR, QA	26, 24, 26	76
2019	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2018	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2017	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2016	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2015	180	VARC, DILR, QA	34, 32, 34	100
2014	170	QA & DI, VA & LR	50, 50	100
2013	140	VALR, QADI	30, 30	60
2012	140	QA, DI, VARC	21, 9, 30	60
2011	140	VALR, QADI	30, 30	60

**Note:

1. VARC: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
2. DILR: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
3. QA: Quantitative Ability
4. VALR: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
5. QADI: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Learn More | How Many Students Appear for CAT Exam Every Year

CAT Exam 2024 Paper Pattern [Expected]

The CAT exam full form is Common Admission Test (CAT). Overview of CAT Entrance Exam Pattern 2024 helps you start your CAT preparations for the CAT exam date 2024.

Ensure you go through the updated CAT Entrance Exam Pattern thoroughly. 

CAT Exam Paper Pattern 2024
Mode of CAT entrance exam	Computer Based Test
CAT 2024 exam Date duration	120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
Number of questions	66
CAT total marks	198
Language of question paper	English
Number of answer choices	4
Total Sections	3
Mode of Paper	Online (Computer-based Test)
Question Types	MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)
Section Names	1. Quantitative Aptitude 2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension 3. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Download Free Geometry Practice Questions Part 1

Section-wise Number of MCQ and non-MCQ Questions (as per CAT exam 2023)

The following table gives you an idea about the number of questions asked in each CAT exam subject or section divided into MCQ and non-MCQ.

Section	Number of MCQs	Number of Non-MCQs	Total Questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	21	3	24
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	14	6	20
Quantitative Ability	14	8	22
Total	49	17	66

What is CAT Exam Marking Scheme?

As per the official notification, the CAT 2024 exam date is November 24 and the following will be the marking scheme on the day:

• Each correct answer will receive 3 marks.
• There will be a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer to the objective questions.
• Non-MCQ-type questions will have NO negative marking.

Learn More | CAT Exam 2024 Shift Timings

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CAT Exam Syllabus 2024

The CAT 2024 exam date has been released. The CAT Exam syllabus 2024 is expected to be the same as CAT 2023, which was as follows:

CAT 2024 Exam Sections	Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude	Number System, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, Time and Work
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation	Seating Arrangements, Blood Relation, Syllogism, Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	Para-Jumbles & Para-Summary, Sentence Completion, Inferences, RC Passages-Based Questions

CAT 2024 Exam Registration Process

As per the CAT notification 2024, the CAT exam registration is crucial after the CAT exam date 2024 and notification is announced. You need to be careful while filling out the registration form.

The application can change for this year's CAT 2024 Exam date. The information below is curated based on the previous year's data. 

What are the CAT exam application fees?

• SC, ST, and PwD candidates must pay an application fee of ₹1250. 
• The general category must pay an application fee of ₹2500. 

Please note that a candidate needs to pay the CAT registration fees only once, regardless of the number of institutes he/she is applying to.

Steps to successfully register for the CAT Exam 2024

• Step 1: Registration for User ID and Password 
• Step 2: Log in to the CAT Official Website
• Step 3: Fill Application Form 
• Step 4: Choose your preferred PG programme
• Step 5: Pick a Test City
• Step 6: Make the Payment

Download Free VARC Daily Study Plan by Supergrads

CAT Exam 2024 Application Correction Window

The examination authorities will make the edit window live; students must log in using their user ID and password.

Please make use of this period if you wish to edit the following: 

• Photo
• Signature
• Test City preferences

What is CAT Exam Steps to Edit its Application 2024

With the official announcement of the CAT 2024 exam date, the registration date is also announced, which is August 1, 2024. 

• In order to edit your application form, log in by using your user ID and password. 
• After logging in, click on Go to application to start editing.
• Please read all the instructions carefully while editing the form. 

Also Check | CAT Exam Preparation Books 2024 

CAT Exam Score Accepting IIMs: NRIF Rankings and Programs Offered

List of IIMs	Establishment Year	NIRF MBA Ranking (MBA)	Programs Offered
IIM Ahmedabad	1961	1	PGP, PGP-FABM
IIM Calcutta	1961	4	MBA
IIM Bangalore	1973	2	PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA
IIM Lucknow	1984	6	PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM
IIM Indore	1996	8	PGP, PGP-HRM
IIM Kozhikode	1997	3	PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP Kochi
IIM Shillong	2008	26	PGP, PGPEX, PGPWE
IIM Rohtak	2009	12	PGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM
IIM Udaipur	2009	16	MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBA
IIM Ranchi	2010	24	PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics)
IIM Raipur	2010	11	PGP
IIM Kashipur	2011	19	MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA
IIM Tiruchirappalli	2011	22	PGPM, PGPM-HR, PGPBM
IIM Visakhapatnam	2015	29	PGP, PGPEX, PGPDGM
IIM Amritsar	2015	51	MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM
IIM Nagpur	2015	43	PGP
IIM Bodh Gaya	2015	53	PGP
IIM Sirmaur	2015	98	MBA, MBA (T&HM)
IIM Sambalpur	2015	58	MBA, Executive MBA
IIM Jammu	2016	41	MBA, Executive MBA (Blended Mode), PGP in Health Care Management (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu), PGP in Hospital Administration (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu)
IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE)	1963 (renamed in 2023)	7	MBA, MBA (Operations and SCM) and MBA in SM

Download Free VARC Preparation Tips by Supergrads

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Admit Card/Hall Ticket

The CAT exam full form is the Common Admission Test (CAT). CAT Admit Card is an official document issued by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to candidates who have successfully registered for the CAT exam in 2024.

It is mandatory to carry the CAT Admit Card on the day of the exam as it contains important details like the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, time, and venue.

What is CAT Exam 2024 Centers List?

• The exam will be conducted in a CAT Exam centres spread across 155 test cities. Candidates will be given the option to select any six test cities in order of their preference.
• The CAT website will include the test cities, and the admit card will list the exam centres' names. 
• IIMs maintain the right, in their sole discretion, to alter any test centers, city, and/or time and day.

Download Free VARC Sample Questions for CAT Exam

What is CAT Exam 2024 Selection Process?

The CAT exam full form is the Common Admission Test (CAT). Once the CAT exam date 2024 is officially notified, please be aware that IIMs use their own, maybe separate, criteria to shortlist applicants for the interview round. Generally, the IIM selection process is conducted in three parts, viz.,

1. Phase 1- CAT entrance exam and CAT results
2. Phase 2- Individual conduction of multiple rounds by IIMs like Personal Interview (PI), Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Group Discussion (GD)
3. Phase 3- Verification of Candidates and Final Selection

Note:

• IIMs may also shortlist and rank applicants at different stages of the admissions process using other criteria such as the applicant's prior academic performance, pertinent job experience, gender and academic diversity, and other comparable inputs. 
• There may be differences between IIMs in the procedures, academic cutoffs, and weights given to the evaluation metrics. For more details on the CAT entrance exam, consult the admissions policies of each IIM on their separate websites.

Check | CAT Exam Details About Preparation 2024

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CAT Exam 2024 Reservation Policies

According to regulatory regulations, the following are the reservations given to the candidates applying for the CAT exam 2024 as per different categories.

Category	Reservation (%)
Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC)	27
Schedule Caste (SC)	15
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)	10
Schedule Tribe (ST)	7.5
Person with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD)	5

For the CAT exam, "Specified disability" refers to the conditions listed in the RPwD Act 2016's Schedule. The types of disabilities include:

• a) blindness and low vision
• b) deaf and hard of hearing
• c) locomotor disability, including cerebral palsy, leprosy, dwarfism, acid attack victims and muscular dystrophy
• d) autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness
• e) multiple disabilities from amongst persons under clauses (a) to (d)
• f) other 'specified disabilities' mentioned in 'The Schedule' of the RPwD Act 2016

Note: After CAT registration, no change in category will be considered. Applicants are advised to pay attention while registering.

Check | CAT Exam Marks vs Percentile 2024

What are CAT Exam IIM Minimum Cut-Offs for 2024?

• IIM CAT cut-offs are the minimum scores required to be eligible for admission to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). 
• The CAT exam cut-offs are determined based on the number of available seats, the number of applicants, and the difficulty level of the exam. 
• The cut-offs are typically higher for the prominent IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta.

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CAT Exam 2023 Cut-Offs

Following are the minimum cut-offs released by different IIMs in 2023:

IIM	General	OBC	EWS	SC	ST
IIM Ahmedabad	80	75	70	70	60
IIM Bangalore	85	75	75	70	65
IIM Kozhikode	85	75	75	65	55
IIM Calcutta	85	75	75	70	65
IIM Lucknow	90	82	82	65	60
IIM Mumbai	85	75	75	70	65
IIM Indore	90	80	90	60	45
IIM Raipur	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Rohtak	95	78	90	55	30
IIM Udaipur	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Kashipur	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Trichy	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Ranchi	92	74	70	54	40
IIM Shillong	75	75	75	60	50
IIM Visakhapatnam	82	72	72	50	40
IIM Jammu	Male- 91	Male- 74	Male- 48	Male- 54	Male- 32
	Female- 89	Female- 72	Female- 47	Female- 52	Female- 30
IIM Nagpur	94	77	77	60	40
IIM Amritsar	88	78	88	55	40
IIM Bodh Gaya	92	74	70	54	40
IIM Sambalpur	92	74	70	54	40
IIM Sirmaur	92	74	70	54	40

Check | CAT Exam Documents

IIM Seats Campus Wise 2024

Check the official website for CAT entrance Exam fee details and other CAT exam information. 

Here is the seat matrix for the management program at each IIM.

IIM campus	PGP/MBA seats
IIM Ahmedabad	385
IIM Bangalore	412
IIM Calcutta	462
IIM Lucknow	436
IIM Kozhikode	375
IIM Raipur	210
IIM Udaipur	260
IIM Rohtak	240
IIM Visakhapatnam	60
IIM Trichy	180
IIM Sambalpur`	320
IIM Ranchi	240
IIM Bodhgaya	120
IIM Sirmaur	60
IIM Jammu	120
IIM Amritsar	60
IIM Shillong	120
IIM Kashipur	210
IIM Nagpur	130
IIM Indore	451

Check | CAT Exam Top Colleges 2024

Download Free DILR Sample Questions for CAT Exam

CAT Exam 2024 Preparation Tips

The CAT exam date 2024 is officially released. You must start your CAT entrance exam 2024 preparation with the help of the following expert tips:

1. Understand CAT entrance exam pattern: The first step to creating an effective preparation strategy for the CAT exam is understanding the exam pattern. You should know the type of questions asked, the marking scheme, the sectional time, and the syllabus for the exam.
2. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Allocate more time to challenging topics while improving your strengths.
3. Set Daily Targets: Once you clearly understand the exam pattern, the next step is to set daily targets for yourself. You should decide which sections to focus on, the number of questions you want to solve, and the time you want to devote to each section.
4. Daily Study Plan: A CAT exam study plan should be made in such a way that it covers all the topics of the syllabus. Make sure to allot more time to topics you are weak in and practice mock tests and sample papers.
5. Mock Tests are necessary: Mock tests help you familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and test your time management skills. Solving CAT mock tests regularly will help you to improve your speed and accuracy.
6. Revise: Revising the topics you have already studied is very important. This will help you recall the concepts and identify your weak areas.
7. If required, join CAT coaching classes, which will help boost your preparation level as the official CAT 2024 exam date is released.

Know the Admission Process of Top B-Schools

Conclusion

The CAT exam 2024 is essential in applying to a top business school in India. Hence it is vital to prepare well for the CAT entrance exam 2024 and clearly understand its topics and concepts. With the proper preparation and focus, a successful CAT exam result can help you achieve your goal of getting into a top business school. Prepare well now that the CAT exam date 2024 has been officially announced and will be conducted on November 24.