CAT 2024 Exam Date, Eligibility, Paper Pattern & Application Process [Check Complete Details]

Author : Akanksha

Updated On : March 28, 2024

SHARE

Overview: The provisional CAT exam date for 2024 is November 24, with IIM Calcutta likely to oversee its administration. Registration for the CAT entrance exam 2024 is expected to open in the first week of August.

What is CAT Entrance Exam?

  • Common Admission Test (CAT) or CAT exam is a gateway for students who wish to pursue a career in business and management at top IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) and other top business schools in the country.
  • CAT entrance exam besides taking admission to IIMs, gives benefit of having a strong alumni network that helps students build their careers.
  • The CAT exam is considered one of the toughest exams since it assesses your overall aptitude and preparedness for admission to a top-tier management program. 
  • Examination Authorities will release the CAT entrance exam 2024 notification once the previous examination cycle is over.


Table of Content

  1. CAT Exam 2024 Highlights
  2. CAT Exam Courses
  3. CAT Exam Date 2024
  4. CAT Exam 2024 Eligibility Criteria
  5. CAT Exam Registration Process
  6. CAT Exam 2024 Paper Pattern
  7. CAT Exam Syllabus
  8. CAT Exam Preparation Tips
  9. CAT Exam 2024 Centers List
  10. CAT Exam 2024 Paper Analysis
  11. CAT Exam 2024 Answer Key
  12. CAT Exam Selection Process
  13. CAT Exam 2024 Reservation Policies
  14. CAT Exam Cut-Offs 2024
  15. CAT Exam Counselling Process
  16. IIMs Seat Intake Through CAT Exam

Check: CAT Marks vs Percentile

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

CAT Exam 2024 Highlights

Here’s a brief overview of the CAT Entrance Exam 2024: 

CAT Exam Particulars CAT Exam 2024 Details
CAT entrance exam Full Form Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Institute IIMs
Exam Level National
Exam Frequency Once a year
CAT Exam Date 2024 Sunday, November 24, 2024 (tentatively)
CAT Exam Timings To be notified
CAT Entrance Exam Fees SC/ST/PwD - INR-1200
GEN - INR 2400 
CAT entrance Exam Eligibility Criteria Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students)
Number of Applications in CAT exam 3.28 lakh (in 2023)
CAT Entrance Exam Purpose Study at IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India
Courses Offered Through CAT Exam MBA/ PGDM
CAT entrance Exam syllabus Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)
CAT Entrance Exam Pattern Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs
No. of test cities for CAT Exam 150
CAT Entrance Exam Website https://iimcat.ac.in/
Exam helpdesk no. 1-800-210-8720 (Toll-Free); cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in

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

Check: CAT Exam Marking Scheme 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Courses

MAT Exam 2024

  • Post Graduate Programs in Management (PGP)
  • Fellow Program in Management (FPM) [Doctoral]

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Exam Date & Schedule

Important events and dates for CAT 2024 are tabulated respectively. 

CAT Exam 2024 Events Tentative Dates
CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Notification Date Second Week of August
CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Registration Date Opens Fourth Week of August
CAT Exam 2024 Application form last date Second Week of September
CAT Exam Admit Card Release Date First Week of November
CAT Entrance Exam Registration Fees INR 1200 (Reserved categories)
INR 2400 (Other categories)
CAT Entrance Exam Date 2024 November 24, 2024
CAT Exam Notification & Registration Official Website iimcat.ac.in

Please note that the CAT Exam date is tentative for this year.

Check: CAT Super-30 Course at SuperGrads

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 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 mere fulfilment of the minimum CAT exam criteria will not ensure consideration for shortlisting by IIMs.

Check: CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Registration Process

The application can change for this year's CAT Entrance Exam date. The information below is curated as per the previous year's data. 

CAT application fees:

  • SC, ST, and PwD candidates must pay an application fee of ₹1200. 
  • The general category must pay an application fee of ₹2400. 

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

Candidates who are SC, ST, or PwD must upload a copy of their appropriate documentation while registering.

Under no circumstances are fees that have already been paid refundable.

Steps to successfully register for the CAT Exam 2024

Step 1: Registration for User ID and Password

Use the following browsers: 

  • Mozilla Firefox (version 85 to 102)
  • Google Chrome (version 80 to 103)
  • Microsoft Edge (version 80 to 103)

The registration form to create your User Profile appears as shown below.

Enter the OPT and Captcha and submit the declaration. 

Step 2: Log in to CAT Exam Website

You can access the website as a "Registered Candidate" and complete the CAT application using the system-generated User ID and Password you received after completing Step 1 above.

Enter your User ID/Password as shown below: 

Step 3: Fill Application Form 

The CAT Application Form is categorized into the following six sections:

  • Personal Details
  • Academics
  • Work Experience
  • Programs
  • Test City
  • Payment

If you have another professional degree, add the degree and save it. 

Step 4: Pick the required program

Step 5: Pick a Test City

The drop-down box allows the applicant to choose any six test cities according to his or her preferences.

One of the six preferred test cities will be assigned after the registration deadline, pending availability. 

Rarely will a candidate be assigned to a nearby test city if none of the chosen test cities is available.

Step 6: Make the Payment

An SC/ST/PwD candidate would pay Rs. 1200 to take the CAT, compared to Rs. 2400 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates. Read the transaction fees in the table below carefully before paying.

Check: CAT Application Form 2024

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Application Correction Window

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

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

  • Photo
  • Signature
  • Test City preferences

Steps to edit CAT application 2024

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

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Paper Pattern

Overview of CAT Exam Pattern 2024 helps you get started with your CAT preparations for the CAT Exam date.

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

CAT Exam Paper Pattern 2024
Mode of CAT exam Computer Based Test
CAT entrance 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
Question Type MCQ and non-MCQ
Total Sections 3
Mode of Paper Online Only
Question Types MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)
Section Names 1. Quantitative Aptitude
2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
3. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Also Check: CAT Exam Pattern 2024

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

CAT Exam 2024 Syllabus

The CAT entrance exam date for 2024 is yet to be released. However, the CAT Exam 2024 syllabus is expected to be same as CAT 2023 which was as follows:

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

Check: CAT Exam Syllabus 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Admit Card/Hall Ticket

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 date.

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.

CAT Exam 2024 Preparation Tips

The CAT exam date for 2024 is yet to be released. However, you must start your CAT entrance exam 2024 preparation with the help of some following expert tips:

  1. Understand the 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, marking scheme, sectional time and syllabus for the exam.
  2. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Allocate more time to topics you find challenging while reinforcing your strengths.
  3. Set Goals: Once you clearly understand the exam pattern, the next step is to set realistic goals 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. Make a Study Plan: A 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. Practice Mock Tests: Mock tests help you get familiar 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 help boost your preparation level. 

CAT Exam 2024 Centers List

  • CAT will be conducted in test centers 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 centers' names. 
  • IIMs maintain the right, in their sole discretion, to alter any test centers, city, and/or time and day.

Check: CAT Exam Centers 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Paper Analysis

  • The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an all-India standardized test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The CAT is held yearly to shortlist applicants for admission to the IIMs and other top B-schools in India.
  • The CAT entrance exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability (VA) and Logical Reasoning (LR). The total duration of the exam is three hours. Through CAT 2023 analysis, we found that it was conducted in a computer-based format and is divided into three slots.
  • The Quantitative Ability section tests the candidate's quantitative, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
  • The Verbal Ability section tests the candidate's reading comprehension, verbal reasoning and grammar skills.
  • The Logical Reasoning section tests the candidate's ability to identify patterns, draw inferences, and make decisions.
  • Regarding difficulty, the Quantitative Ability section is considered the toughest section. It tests the candidate's knowledge of basic mathematics, algebra, geometry, arithmetic, statistics, and data interpretation.
  • The Verbal Ability section is considered the easiest and tests the candidate's basic English grammar and vocabulary knowledge.
  • The Logical Reasoning section is considered the second-toughest section and tests the candidate's ability to reason logically and make decisions.
  • Overall, the CAT exam requires high preparation and practice to ace it.
  • It is important to understand the concepts covered in the three sections and practice different types of questions to become comfortable with the CAT exam format.

Check: How to Prepare for the CAT Exam at Home?

CAT Exam 2024 Answer Key

  • The CAT exam answer key is a set of answers to the questions that appear on the CAT entrance exam. 
  • The answer key is released by the exam conducting body, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
  • The answer key includes the correct answers to the multiple-choice questions on the exam. 
  • Candidates can use the answer key to check their responses and calculate their scores.

Check: CAT Exam Cut Off 2024

SuperGrads CAT 2023 Toppers

SuperGrads CAT 2023 Toppers

CAT Exam 2024 Selection Process

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. 
  • Between IIMs, there may be differences in the procedures, academic cutoffs, and weights given to the evaluation metrics. Consult the admissions policies of each IIM on their separate websites for more about CAT exam details.

Check: CAT Exam Preparation 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Reservation Policies

According to regulatory regulations, 15% of the seats are set aside for applicants from Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for applicants from Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 27% for applicants from Other Backward Classes who are "Non-Creamy."

Layer (NC-OBC), up to 10% for applicants from economically disadvantaged groups (EWS) and 5% for those with benchmark disabilities (PwD).

According to The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act 2016), "Person with Benchmark Disability" refers to a person who, as certified by the certifying authority, has at least forty per cent (40%) of a specified disability when that disability has not been defined in measurable terms. 

This definition also includes people with disabilities where the specified disability has been defined in measurable terms.

"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 cured, 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: No change in the category will be entertained after CAT registration. The applicants are advised to pay attention while registering.

Check: CAT Exam Marks vs Percentile 2024

IIM CAT Cut-Offs 2024

  • IIM CAT cut-offs are the minimum scores required to be eligible for admission to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). 
  • The 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.

CAT Exam Cut-Offs for 2023

Following are the different 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 50
IIM Raipur 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Rohtak 95 78 90 55 30
IIM Udaipur 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Kashipur 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Trichy 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Ranchi 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Shillong 75 75 75 60 50
IIM Visakhapatnam 80 70 72 45 35
IIM Jammu Male- 90 Male- 72 Male- 68 Male- 52 Male- 37
Female- 87 Female- 70 Female- 65 Female- 50 Female- 34
IIM Nagpur 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Amritsar 85 75 85 55 40
IIM Bodh Gaya 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Sambalpur 74 74 70 54 40
IIM Sirmaur 92 74 70 54 40

CAT Exam 2024 Counselling Process

  1. Registration: The first step in the CAT exam Counselling process is registering for counselling. The registration process starts after the CAT 2024 result is declared.
  2. Filling out the Application Form: After registering, the candidate has to fill out the application form and provide all the necessary details, such as their personal information, educational qualifications, etc.
  3. Selection of Colleges: After submitting the application form, the next step is to select the colleges or institutions they wish to apply to.
  4. Payment of Counselling Fees: The candidate must pay the counselling fees per the instructions.
  5. Document Verification: The candidate must submit all the necessary documents, such as their educational certificates, mark sheets, etc., for verification.
  6. Seat Allotment: After the documents are verified, the candidate will be allowed a seat in one of the participating institutes based on merit.
  7. Reporting to the Allotted Institute: The candidate must report and complete the admission formalities to their allotted institute.

Check: CAT Exam Documents

IIM Seats – Campus Wise

Check the official website for CAT Exam fees 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 430
IIM Calcutta 210
IIM Lucknow 436
IIM Kozhikode 375
IIM Raipur 210
IIM Udaipur 260
IIM Rohtak 240
IIM Visakhapatnam 60
IIM Trichy 180
IIM Sambalpur 120
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

Conclusion

The CAT exam 2024 is important in applying to a top business school in India. Preparing well for the CAT entrance exam and clearly understanding its topics and concepts is important. With the right preparation and focus, a successful CAT exam result can help you achieve your goal of getting into a top business school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CAT exam open to international students?

Can I take the CAT exam with an existing degree?

How many times can I take the CAT exam?

Is there any age limit to appear for the CAT exam?

What important topics should I focus on while preparing for the CAT exam?

CAT 2024 Exam Date, Eligibility, Paper Pattern & Application Process [Check Complete Details]

Author : Akanksha

March 28, 2024

SHARE

Overview: The provisional CAT exam date for 2024 is November 24, with IIM Calcutta likely to oversee its administration. Registration for the CAT entrance exam 2024 is expected to open in the first week of August.

What is CAT Entrance Exam?

  • Common Admission Test (CAT) or CAT exam is a gateway for students who wish to pursue a career in business and management at top IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) and other top business schools in the country.
  • CAT entrance exam besides taking admission to IIMs, gives benefit of having a strong alumni network that helps students build their careers.
  • The CAT exam is considered one of the toughest exams since it assesses your overall aptitude and preparedness for admission to a top-tier management program. 
  • Examination Authorities will release the CAT entrance exam 2024 notification once the previous examination cycle is over.


Table of Content

  1. CAT Exam 2024 Highlights
  2. CAT Exam Courses
  3. CAT Exam Date 2024
  4. CAT Exam 2024 Eligibility Criteria
  5. CAT Exam Registration Process
  6. CAT Exam 2024 Paper Pattern
  7. CAT Exam Syllabus
  8. CAT Exam Preparation Tips
  9. CAT Exam 2024 Centers List
  10. CAT Exam 2024 Paper Analysis
  11. CAT Exam 2024 Answer Key
  12. CAT Exam Selection Process
  13. CAT Exam 2024 Reservation Policies
  14. CAT Exam Cut-Offs 2024
  15. CAT Exam Counselling Process
  16. IIMs Seat Intake Through CAT Exam

Check: CAT Marks vs Percentile

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

CAT Exam 2024 Highlights

Here’s a brief overview of the CAT Entrance Exam 2024: 

CAT Exam Particulars CAT Exam 2024 Details
CAT entrance exam Full Form Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Institute IIMs
Exam Level National
Exam Frequency Once a year
CAT Exam Date 2024 Sunday, November 24, 2024 (tentatively)
CAT Exam Timings To be notified
CAT Entrance Exam Fees SC/ST/PwD - INR-1200
GEN - INR 2400 
CAT entrance Exam Eligibility Criteria Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students)
Number of Applications in CAT exam 3.28 lakh (in 2023)
CAT Entrance Exam Purpose Study at IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India
Courses Offered Through CAT Exam MBA/ PGDM
CAT entrance Exam syllabus Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)
CAT Entrance Exam Pattern Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs
No. of test cities for CAT Exam 150
CAT Entrance Exam Website https://iimcat.ac.in/
Exam helpdesk no. 1-800-210-8720 (Toll-Free); cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in

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

Check: CAT Exam Marking Scheme 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Courses

MAT Exam 2024

  • Post Graduate Programs in Management (PGP)
  • Fellow Program in Management (FPM) [Doctoral]

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Exam Date & Schedule

Important events and dates for CAT 2024 are tabulated respectively. 

CAT Exam 2024 Events Tentative Dates
CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Notification Date Second Week of August
CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Registration Date Opens Fourth Week of August
CAT Exam 2024 Application form last date Second Week of September
CAT Exam Admit Card Release Date First Week of November
CAT Entrance Exam Registration Fees INR 1200 (Reserved categories)
INR 2400 (Other categories)
CAT Entrance Exam Date 2024 November 24, 2024
CAT Exam Notification & Registration Official Website iimcat.ac.in

Please note that the CAT Exam date is tentative for this year.

Check: CAT Super-30 Course at SuperGrads

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 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 mere fulfilment of the minimum CAT exam criteria will not ensure consideration for shortlisting by IIMs.

Check: CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Registration Process

The application can change for this year's CAT Entrance Exam date. The information below is curated as per the previous year's data. 

CAT application fees:

  • SC, ST, and PwD candidates must pay an application fee of ₹1200. 
  • The general category must pay an application fee of ₹2400. 

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

Candidates who are SC, ST, or PwD must upload a copy of their appropriate documentation while registering.

Under no circumstances are fees that have already been paid refundable.

Steps to successfully register for the CAT Exam 2024

Step 1: Registration for User ID and Password

Use the following browsers: 

  • Mozilla Firefox (version 85 to 102)
  • Google Chrome (version 80 to 103)
  • Microsoft Edge (version 80 to 103)

The registration form to create your User Profile appears as shown below.

Enter the OPT and Captcha and submit the declaration. 

Step 2: Log in to CAT Exam Website

You can access the website as a "Registered Candidate" and complete the CAT application using the system-generated User ID and Password you received after completing Step 1 above.

Enter your User ID/Password as shown below: 

Step 3: Fill Application Form 

The CAT Application Form is categorized into the following six sections:

  • Personal Details
  • Academics
  • Work Experience
  • Programs
  • Test City
  • Payment

If you have another professional degree, add the degree and save it. 

Step 4: Pick the required program

Step 5: Pick a Test City

The drop-down box allows the applicant to choose any six test cities according to his or her preferences.

One of the six preferred test cities will be assigned after the registration deadline, pending availability. 

Rarely will a candidate be assigned to a nearby test city if none of the chosen test cities is available.

Step 6: Make the Payment

An SC/ST/PwD candidate would pay Rs. 1200 to take the CAT, compared to Rs. 2400 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates. Read the transaction fees in the table below carefully before paying.

Check: CAT Application Form 2024

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Application Correction Window

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

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

  • Photo
  • Signature
  • Test City preferences

Steps to edit CAT application 2024

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

CAT Entrance Exam 2024 Paper Pattern

Overview of CAT Exam Pattern 2024 helps you get started with your CAT preparations for the CAT Exam date.

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

CAT Exam Paper Pattern 2024
Mode of CAT exam Computer Based Test
CAT entrance 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
Question Type MCQ and non-MCQ
Total Sections 3
Mode of Paper Online Only
Question Types MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)
Section Names 1. Quantitative Aptitude
2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
3. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Also Check: CAT Exam Pattern 2024

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

CAT Exam 2024 Syllabus

The CAT entrance exam date for 2024 is yet to be released. However, the CAT Exam 2024 syllabus is expected to be same as CAT 2023 which was as follows:

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

Check: CAT Exam Syllabus 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Admit Card/Hall Ticket

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 date.

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.

CAT Exam 2024 Preparation Tips

The CAT exam date for 2024 is yet to be released. However, you must start your CAT entrance exam 2024 preparation with the help of some following expert tips:

  1. Understand the 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, marking scheme, sectional time and syllabus for the exam.
  2. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Allocate more time to topics you find challenging while reinforcing your strengths.
  3. Set Goals: Once you clearly understand the exam pattern, the next step is to set realistic goals 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. Make a Study Plan: A 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. Practice Mock Tests: Mock tests help you get familiar 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 help boost your preparation level. 

CAT Exam 2024 Centers List

  • CAT will be conducted in test centers 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 centers' names. 
  • IIMs maintain the right, in their sole discretion, to alter any test centers, city, and/or time and day.

Check: CAT Exam Centers 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Paper Analysis

  • The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an all-India standardized test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The CAT is held yearly to shortlist applicants for admission to the IIMs and other top B-schools in India.
  • The CAT entrance exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability (VA) and Logical Reasoning (LR). The total duration of the exam is three hours. Through CAT 2023 analysis, we found that it was conducted in a computer-based format and is divided into three slots.
  • The Quantitative Ability section tests the candidate's quantitative, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
  • The Verbal Ability section tests the candidate's reading comprehension, verbal reasoning and grammar skills.
  • The Logical Reasoning section tests the candidate's ability to identify patterns, draw inferences, and make decisions.
  • Regarding difficulty, the Quantitative Ability section is considered the toughest section. It tests the candidate's knowledge of basic mathematics, algebra, geometry, arithmetic, statistics, and data interpretation.
  • The Verbal Ability section is considered the easiest and tests the candidate's basic English grammar and vocabulary knowledge.
  • The Logical Reasoning section is considered the second-toughest section and tests the candidate's ability to reason logically and make decisions.
  • Overall, the CAT exam requires high preparation and practice to ace it.
  • It is important to understand the concepts covered in the three sections and practice different types of questions to become comfortable with the CAT exam format.

Check: How to Prepare for the CAT Exam at Home?

CAT Exam 2024 Answer Key

  • The CAT exam answer key is a set of answers to the questions that appear on the CAT entrance exam. 
  • The answer key is released by the exam conducting body, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
  • The answer key includes the correct answers to the multiple-choice questions on the exam. 
  • Candidates can use the answer key to check their responses and calculate their scores.

Check: CAT Exam Cut Off 2024

SuperGrads CAT 2023 Toppers

SuperGrads CAT 2023 Toppers

CAT Exam 2024 Selection Process

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. 
  • Between IIMs, there may be differences in the procedures, academic cutoffs, and weights given to the evaluation metrics. Consult the admissions policies of each IIM on their separate websites for more about CAT exam details.

Check: CAT Exam Preparation 2024

CAT Exam 2024 Reservation Policies

According to regulatory regulations, 15% of the seats are set aside for applicants from Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for applicants from Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 27% for applicants from Other Backward Classes who are "Non-Creamy."

Layer (NC-OBC), up to 10% for applicants from economically disadvantaged groups (EWS) and 5% for those with benchmark disabilities (PwD).

According to The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act 2016), "Person with Benchmark Disability" refers to a person who, as certified by the certifying authority, has at least forty per cent (40%) of a specified disability when that disability has not been defined in measurable terms. 

This definition also includes people with disabilities where the specified disability has been defined in measurable terms.

"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 cured, 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: No change in the category will be entertained after CAT registration. The applicants are advised to pay attention while registering.

Check: CAT Exam Marks vs Percentile 2024

IIM CAT Cut-Offs 2024

  • IIM CAT cut-offs are the minimum scores required to be eligible for admission to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). 
  • The 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.

CAT Exam Cut-Offs for 2023

Following are the different 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 50
IIM Raipur 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Rohtak 95 78 90 55 30
IIM Udaipur 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Kashipur 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Trichy 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Ranchi 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Shillong 75 75 75 60 50
IIM Visakhapatnam 80 70 72 45 35
IIM Jammu Male- 90 Male- 72 Male- 68 Male- 52 Male- 37
Female- 87 Female- 70 Female- 65 Female- 50 Female- 34
IIM Nagpur 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Amritsar 85 75 85 55 40
IIM Bodh Gaya 92 74 70 54 40
IIM Sambalpur 74 74 70 54 40
IIM Sirmaur 92 74 70 54 40

CAT Exam 2024 Counselling Process

  1. Registration: The first step in the CAT exam Counselling process is registering for counselling. The registration process starts after the CAT 2024 result is declared.
  2. Filling out the Application Form: After registering, the candidate has to fill out the application form and provide all the necessary details, such as their personal information, educational qualifications, etc.
  3. Selection of Colleges: After submitting the application form, the next step is to select the colleges or institutions they wish to apply to.
  4. Payment of Counselling Fees: The candidate must pay the counselling fees per the instructions.
  5. Document Verification: The candidate must submit all the necessary documents, such as their educational certificates, mark sheets, etc., for verification.
  6. Seat Allotment: After the documents are verified, the candidate will be allowed a seat in one of the participating institutes based on merit.
  7. Reporting to the Allotted Institute: The candidate must report and complete the admission formalities to their allotted institute.

Check: CAT Exam Documents

IIM Seats – Campus Wise

Check the official website for CAT Exam fees 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 430
IIM Calcutta 210
IIM Lucknow 436
IIM Kozhikode 375
IIM Raipur 210
IIM Udaipur 260
IIM Rohtak 240
IIM Visakhapatnam 60
IIM Trichy 180
IIM Sambalpur 120
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

Conclusion

The CAT exam 2024 is important in applying to a top business school in India. Preparing well for the CAT entrance exam and clearly understanding its topics and concepts is important. With the right preparation and focus, a successful CAT exam result can help you achieve your goal of getting into a top business school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CAT exam open to international students?

Can I take the CAT exam with an existing degree?

How many times can I take the CAT exam?

Is there any age limit to appear for the CAT exam?

What important topics should I focus on while preparing for the CAT exam?

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