How to Apply for CAT 2024, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Preparation Tips
The CAT 2024 Exam will take place on November 24, 2024, in three sessions across 170 cities in India and will be held in computer-based test mode. IIM Calcutta will conduct the CAT 2024 exam and the CAT scores will be valid for admission into 21 IIMs and other top MBA colleges in India.
The CAT 2024 registration link is available on the CAT official website iimcat.ac.in, for filling out the CAT form from August 1, 2024, to September 13, 2024, till 5 pm. The CAT 2024 registration fee for the general category is Rs. 2,500; for the reserved category, it is Rs. 1,250 for submitting the CAT 2024 application form.
CAT 2024 Exam Highlights:-
| CAT Exam Particulars |
CAT 2024 Details |
| Examination Name |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute for 2024 |
IIM Calcutta (tentative) |
| Exam Level |
National |
| CAT Entrance Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
| CAT Exam Date 2024 |
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) |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students) |
| Number of Applications |
3.30 lakh (in 2023) |
| Number of Test Takers |
2.88 lakh (in 2023) |
| Exam Purpose |
Admission to IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India |
| Courses Offered |
MBA/PGDM |
| CAT syllabus |
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
|
| CAT exam mode |
Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs |
| No. of test cities |
170 |
| CAT exam website |
https://iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam helpdesk no. |
1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
CAT 2024 Registration Procedure:-
The CAT 2024 registration cum application form is available on the IIMCAT official website from August 1, 2024, till September 13, 2024. The candidates are advised to register and submit the application form before the deadline to become eligible for the exam by paying the required fee. Kindly go through the CAT registration and application process mentioned below:
Step 1: First visit the CAT official website - iimcat.ac.in.
Step 2: After visiting the website, click 'new candidate registration'.
Step 3: Enter details like name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID to register.
Step 4: Fill CAPTCHA code and verify registration with the OTP received.
Step 5: Log in with the CAT 2024 ID received through email to fill in the CAT application form.
Step 6: Enter academic and personal details.
Step 7: Upload a scanned signature and a recent passport-size photo.
Step 8: Select your desired courses and IIMs, and test city preference from the drop-down.
Step 9: At last, pay the CAT application fee via debit/credit card or net banking to complete the CAT registration process.
CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria:
This year in CAT 2024 eligibility criteria, there is no change. To become eligible for the CAT exam, the minimum academic requirement is graduation in any stream from a recognized university. The detailed CAT eligibility criteria are mentioned below:
1. The candidates must be undergraduates, whereas the general category candidates must have at least 50 percent aggregate or equivalent, and 5% percent relaxation is given to SC, ST, and PWD/DA category candidates i.e. 45% aggregate to appear in the CAT 2024 exam.
2. The candidates who hold a professional degree such as CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI with the compulsory percentage can also appear for the CAT 2024 exam.
3. Those candidates in the final year of their bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification or are waiting for their results, can also appear for the CAT 2024 exam. Still, the aggregate that they had in their first and second-year marks must meet the minimum score requirement.
4. The bachelor’s degree education mode can be regular or distance learning but needs to be a 3-year program.
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern:-
The CAT 2024 exam will be held in three sessions, where each session will be of 120 minutes. The CAT exam will consist of three sections i.e. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), where there will be a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. For every correct answer, three marks will be given and one mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. For non-MCQs and skipping questions, there will be no negative marking. In the CAT 2024 exam, there will be a total of 66 questions, and the CAT total marks will be 198. Attempting all questions is not compulsory.
Here is an overview of the CAT Paper Pattern 2024:
| Mode of CAT exam |
Computer Based Test |
| Duration of exam |
- 120 minutes
- 40 minutes per section
|
| CAT exam slots |
- Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
|
| Number of questions |
66 |
| CAT total marks |
198 |
| Language of question paper |
English |
| Number of answer choices |
4 |
| Question Type |
MCQ and non-MCQ |
CAT 2024 Preparation Tips:-
CAT preparation is ought to strategic in its approach. How to start are a few simple tips:
1. Understand the Syllabus
Learn the syllabus for each section The key areas where you should focus on are reading comprehension, basic arithmetic, and algebraic concepts like geometry, data interpretation as well logical reasoning.
2. Create a Study Plan
a) Time Management - Assign particular hours to study every day and cover all the sections over some time.
b) Mock tests - Keep taking mock tests at regular intervals to understand where you stand and align your preparation as per that.
c) Sectional practice - Work on lower areas while you keep practicing in stronger sections regularly.
3. Study Resources
a) Books - Arun Sharma Quantitative Aptitude for CAT, Word Power Made Easy for Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Nishit Sinha.
b) Internet Resources - Sign up for any other internet path or training software if you need it and achieve the final papers from numerous online sources properly.
4. Focus on Accuracy and Speed
Solve time-bound questions as it will increase your solving speed and accuracy
Prepare for quick fixes and time-saving tricks in Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation.
5. Stay Updated
Read the news and stay updated on national affairs/general knowledge as these are useful in group discussion rounds or interviews during the selection process.
Conclusion:-
Well, aspirants who are willing to appear in CAT 2024 for the first time and want admission into their dream B-school in India. You can read this complete article to know the in-depth details about the application process, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and a disciplined preparation strategy that will help you score high. Long-term planning, as well as regular practice and sustained focus, is the right way to go about this competitive exam. All the best for your CAT 2024 preparations!
