CAT 2024: Exam Dates, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Registration, Eligibility, Pattern

The CAT 2024 exam is expected to be held on November 24, 2024, and is likely to be conducted by IIM Calcutta. This guide provides all the essential details for prospective CAT 2024 candidates.

CAT 2024 Exam Dates and Process

Important Dates (Expected)

• CAT 2024 Notification Release: July 30, 2024
• CAT 2024 Registration: August 3, 2024 (10:00 AM) to September 15, 2024 (5:00 PM)
• Form Correction: Last week of September 2024
• Admit Card Release: October 25, 2024
• CAT 2024 Exam Date: November 24, 2024
• Answer Key Release: First week of December 2024
• Result Declaration: Last week of December 2024 or First week of January 2025

CAT 2024 Exam Highlights

Eligibility Criteria

To appear for CAT 2024, candidates must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA category) from a recognized university.
• Final-year bachelor’s degree students or those awaiting results are also eligible.
• Hold a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI) with the required percentage.

Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Syllabus

The CAT syllabus includes:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Set Theory, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Series
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration

Exam Pattern

• Total Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
• Sections: VARC, DILR, QA
• Total Questions: 66
• Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers (MCQs only), no negative marking for non-MCQs
• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)

Preparation Tips

• Start Early: Ideally, begin preparing at least nine months in advance.
• Self-Study or Coaching: Decide whether to join a coaching institute or prepare through self-study.
• Time Management: Plan a study schedule based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Mock Tests: Regularly practice with mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and improve time management.

Registration Process

1. Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
2. Click on ‘New Registration’
3. Enter personal details and verify with OTP
4. Log in with CAT 2024 ID and fill in the application form
5. Upload a recent photo and scanned signature
6. Select preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities
7. Pay the application fee via credit/debit card or net banking

Admit Card

To download the CAT 2024 admit card:

1. Visit iimcat.ac.in
2. Log in with your application number and password
3. Go to the ‘Admit Card’ section and download the document

Answer Key and Result

• Answer Key: Expected to be released in the first week of December 2024.
• Result: Expected in the last week of December 2024 or the first week of January 2025.

Cut-Offs and Selection Process

Expected Cut-Off Percentiles

Selection Process

1. Shortlisting: Based on CAT score
2. WAT-PI Round: Written Ability Test and Personal Interview
3. Final Selection: Offer of admission based on composite score

Stay updated and start your preparation early to succeed in CAT 2024.