CAT, known as the Common Admission Test, is among the most stringent and exclusive entrance tests in India in the case of MBA and other postgraduate management courses offered by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and more than 1,200 top B-schools. It’s very much thought that CAT 2024 would be conducted in the last week of November 2024 for lakhs of aspirants to sit for the exams across this country. Probably one of the most critical exams for those wishing to enter India’s most elite business schools, famous for being one of the most rigorous selection processes, the CAT exam tests candidates on aptitude, analytical skills, and control over time.
Key Features of CAT Exam 2024
- Exam Name: Common Admission Test 2024
- Conducting Body: One of the IIMs on a rotational basis
- Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Exam Frequency: Once a year usually in November
- Application Mode: Online
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates)
- Score Validity: 1 year
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria CAT Exam 2024
The candidate must fulfill the eligibility requirements to appear in the CAT 2024 Examination.
Qualifying Educational Requirement
A bachelor’s degree from any recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA and the same for SC/ST/ PwD candidates.
Final-year students of bachelor’s degree programs shall also be eligible to apply provided the candidate completes his/her graduation by admission time.
Age Limit:
- Still, an applicant cannot age to be disqualified from appearing for the CAT exam.
- Nationality:
- Only Indians and overseas nationals who fulfill various eligibility criteria can take up the CAT exam.
CAT Exam Pattern 2024
The pattern of the CAT 2024 exam remains the same as before but is modified slightly every year. The test is divided into three sections, which check for different skills each time.
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VARC: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- No. of Questions: 24–26 questions
- Time Allotted: 40 minutes
- Important Topics: Reading Comprehension, Sentence rearrangement, Critical Reasoning, Para Summary.
- Comprehension, Language skills, and Analytical Skills.
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- No. of questions: 20–24
- Time Allotted: 40 minutes
- Important Topics: Interpreting data from charts, graphs, tables, and puzzles on logical reasoning.
- Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Data interpretation
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Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- No. of Questions: 22–26 questions
- Time Allotted: 40 minutes
- Key Concepts: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, trigonometry, mensuration
- Concepts Tested: Mathematical reasoning, numerical problem-solving, logical thinking
- Scoring System
- Right Answer +3 marks for each correct answer
- Wrong Answer: In MCQs, deduct 1 mark for each wrong answer. No negative marking for non-MCQs type-in-the-answer questions.
- Timings: 2 hours, 120 minutes – 40 minutes for each section. Candidates can’t navigate between sections during the CAT 2024 examination.
CAT Exam 2024 Registration
The CAT 2024 registration process is entirely online and usually opens in August. Candidates must go through the following steps in order to apply-
- Registration: Registration is done on the official CAT website with basic personal details like name, date of birth, and contact number. An OTP will be sent to the registered email or mobile no. to complete the entire process.
- Application Form: The candidates can get the forms completed once they are registered successfully. Details sought include academic qualifications, work experience if any, and preferences for test cities.
- Uploading of Documents: Scanned copies of photograph, signature, and other appropriate documents such as category certificates, where applicable, to be uploaded by the candidates.
Payment of Fees: The CAT 2024 application fee will be as follows:
- For candidates belonging to the General category–INR 2,400
- For candidates belonging to the SC/ST/PwD category–INR 1,200.
- Test City Option: Candidates can choose a maximum of six test cities as per their convenience. The conducting IIM will ensure that the actual test city is allotted as preferred by them.
- Submission of Form: Once all the steps are done, the candidate should cross-check the application form and then submit it.
Strategy for CAT Exam 2024
There is no alternative but a structured preparation strategy to crack CAT 2024 given the level of competition. Here is how the candidates can prepare effectively:
- Understand Syllabus and Exam Pattern: The candidates should study the syllabus and the exam pattern for each section as to what weightage is to which topic.
- Practice Mock Tests Frequently: It will simulate to what real exponents are going to face during the actual exam. They can clearly tell what they are good at and what they have to enhance. Simultaneously, practice tests will make them adept with time management skills.
- Sectional Strategy: Balanced Approach: Even if a candidate masters one section, he should work on his weaknesses in DILR or QA for better scores in total.
- Time Management
- Continuous Revision
Keep track of updates via alerts: Regularly glance at the CAT official website for pattern modifications, test dates, or application deadlines so one does not miss that vital update.
Admit Card and Examination Day Instructions
Once the registration process has been carried out, the admit card for the CAT 2024 will be downloaded from the official website.
Important documents carry before the exam day
- A printed copy of the admit card.
- A valid photo ID (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, etc.)
CAT 2024 Result and Scorecard.
Date of Declaration of Scores: The expected date for the declaration of CAT 2024 scores is January 2025. Its result is based on a scorecard, which contains the overall score, sectional scores, and also percentile ranking of the candidate. Shortlisting is done on the basis of CAT scores for the further rounds of the admission process, which is a B-school, but every school has a different admission process. It starts with group discussions (GD), followed by written ability tests (WAT) and personal interviews (PI).
Conclusion
CAT 2024 stands for a highly competitive exam and therefore requires keen-eyed preparation and strategy. A well-framed plan, practice, and understanding of the pattern would surely help in increasing the chances of getting admission into top B-schools, including the elite IIMs. From the registration process to the exam day and beyond, it will be key to stay updated and focused while cracking CAT 2024 to move on toward a successful management career.
