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21 September,2024 | By Brainwonders
Today, September 20, 2024, is the final day to register for CAT 2024. Candidates must submit their application forms and complete payment by 5:00 PM. After the registration period closes, a correction window will be available for 2-3 days, allowing applicants to modify their photo and signature and test city preferences.
The CAT 2024 exam will be conducted by IIM Calcutta on November 24, 2024, across three shifts in over 170 cities in India. The exam pattern remains unchanged, but the application fee has been increased by INR 100 for non-reserved categories and by INR 50 for reserved categories. Find all relevant details about CAT 2024 here.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance exam administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other postgraduate programs across 21 campuses, including NITIE Mumbai, which is now part of IIM Mumbai. Over 2 lakh candidates take the CAT annually, with a record 3.30 lakh applications in CAT 2023. Successful candidates gain eligibility for admission not only to the IIMs but also to more than 1,200 MBA colleges across India. However, CAT is recognized only for admissions within India.
The CAT exam assesses speed and measures skills in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The difficulty level ranges from moderate to high.
The CAT score is applicable not only for full-time MBA programs but also for Executive MBA, PhD, and FPM programs at IIMs and other B-Schools. This exam is open to graduates, postgraduates, and working professionals alike. Below is a list of courses available at IIMs through the CAT exam.
IIM | Courses Offered Through CAT | IIM | Courses Offered Through CAT |
IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGP, PhD | IIM Nagpur | PGP, PhD |
IIM Amritsar | MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, PhD | IIM Raipur | PGP, FPM/ PhD, EFPM |
IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PhD | IIM Ranchi | PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics), PhD, EPhD |
IIM Bodh Gaya | PGP, PhD (FPM) | IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM, PhD, Part-Time FPM |
IIM Calcutta | MBA, PhD | IIM Sambalpur | MBA, PhD, E PhD |
IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, FPM | IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGPWE, PhD, PhDWP |
IIM Jammu | PGP, PhD | IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (T&HM), PhD |
IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), MBA (WX), PhD, EFPM | IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM, PGPM-HR, PGPBM, FPM, E-FPM |
IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, PhD, PhD (PT) | IIM Udaipur | MBA, PhD |
IIM Lucknow | PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM, FPM | IIM Visakhapatnam | PGP, PGPEx, PGPDGM, PhD |
IIM Mumbai |
MBA, MBA in Sustainability Management MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management |
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Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CAT 2024 exam
Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
Sep '24 | CAT 2024 form correction process |
05 Nov '24 - 24 Nov '24 |
CAT 2024 admit card download |
24 Nov '24 | CAT 2024 exam |
Dec '24 | CAT 2024 answer key challenge |
Dec '24 | CAT 2024 result announcement |
CAT Exam Particulars | CAT 2024 Details |
CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
Conducting Institute for 2024 | IIM Calcutta |
Exam Level | National |
CAT Entrance Exam Frequency | Once a year |
CAT Exam Date 2024 | November 24, 2024 |
CAT Exam Timings |
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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 |
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CAT exam mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs |
To be eligible for CAT 2024, candidates must meet the following academic requirements:
The registration window for CAT 2024 will remain open until 5:00 PM on September 20, 2024. The entire process is conducted online. Below is a step-by-step guide for registering and applying for CAT 2024:
The CAT 2024 question paper will consist of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. The exam duration is 120 minutes, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. Key highlights of the CAT 2024 exam pattern are listed below:
CAT Paper Pattern 2024 | |
Mode of CAT exam | Computer Based Test |
Duration of exam |
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CAT exam slots |
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Number of questions | 66 |
CAT total marks | 198 |
Language of question paper | English |
Number of answer choices | 4 |
Question Type | MCQ and non-MCQ |
The CAT syllabus covers topics designed to develop essential skills for future business leaders. It is divided into three sections—VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. The main topics for CAT preparation are highlighted below, and candidates are encouraged to focus on these areas:
CAT Syllabus sections | CAT Syllabus topics |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary and Odd Sentence Out |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory + Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding and Series |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration |
Preparing for CAT 2024 should be approached in phases, starting with completing the syllabus, followed by mock test practice and revision. With only four months left before the exam, candidates should accelerate their study pace, aiming to finish the syllabus by September. This will allow them to dedicate at least a month to mock tests. Key preparation tips include:
The CAT admit card is a mandatory document for entry into the exam center. Candidates should download it well before exam day, as it will be released a month in advance. The CAT 2024 admit card will provide details such as the test centre location, exam slot, and reporting time. Here's how to download the CAT 2024 admit card:
CAT 2024 will take place at designated exam centres across India. Specific guidelines must be followed on the exam day, which will be outlined on the admit card. Review and adhere to these rules to avoid any issues at the centre. Key guidelines include:
Documents to carry on CAT exam day 2024
Items Prohibited in the Exam Hall:
Candidates with metal implants, pacemakers, etc., must carry medical certificates.
CAT Answer Key 2024
The CAT 2024 answer key will be available approximately one week after the exam. The preliminary answer key will be accessible through the login portal for a limited time. To download the CAT 2024 answer key and response sheet, follow these steps:
Objections can be raised during a 3-4 day window. Candidates must submit an online form, upload supporting documents, and pay a fee. Valid objections will be incorporated into the revised CAT 2024 answer key, which will be used to calculate the final result.
The first slot of the CAT exam starts at 8:30 AM, and candidates are required to arrive at the test centre by 7:00 AM. Refer to the table below for the detailed exam timings for CAT 2024. Candidates need to arrive at the exam centre according to the reporting time to ensure they can appear for the test.
CAT exam slot 2024 | Exam timing | Reporting time | Last entry allowed |
Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
Slot 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM | 12:15 PM |
Slot 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:15 PM |
CAT 2024 results will be available for download in the third week of December. Candidates can access their results by logging in with their ID and password. Follow these steps to download the CAT 2024 scorecard:
The CAT 2024 scorecard will display both raw scores and percentiles (sectional and overall). The link will remain active for one year, and no hard copies will be issued. The results are final, and there is no option for challenging them.
The IIM admission process involves shortlisting candidates based on CAT scores and assessing them through Written Ability Tests (WAT), Group Discussions (GD), and Personal Interviews (PI). Each IIM sets its cutoff percentile for shortlisting candidates. Here's a general outline of the selection process:
Each IIM releases its selection criteria and admission procedures prior to the CAT result declaration. The admission process includes:
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