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CAT 2024 - Exam Dates, Registrations, Eligibility, Syllabus & more.

Overview
The CAT 2024 exam is scheduled for November 24, 2024, and will likely be administered by IIM Kozhikode. The notification is expected to roll out in the first week of August, with registration starting early August and ending in September 2024. The exam will be held in various cities across India and has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
The CAT is a computer-based MBA entrance exam conducted annually for admission to top MBA institutions, including 21 IIMs, several IITs, close to 25 Non IIMs and over 1200 B-schools in India. The exam carries 198 marks and lasts 2 hours, featuring about 66 questions across the three sections. Tarkashastra offers a comprehensive CAT preparation program to help candidates achieve their best results.
Exam Registration Starts Registration Ends Exam Date Registration Fee Section Considered What Tarkashastra Provides
CAT 2024
August 1st week
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September Last Week
24 Nov 2024
  • Rs. 2,500/- for general category students
  • Rs. 1,250/- for SC, ST PwD category students
  1. VARC 24 questions
  2. DILR 20 questions
  3. QA 22 questions
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What is the CAT Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most challenging national-level management entrance examination, furnishing aspirants with the opportunity to MBA programs at prestigious institutions like IIMs and other top B-schools. As the country’s most significant MBA entrance test, the CAT is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. IIM Lucknow administered CAT 2023, and IIM Kozhikode will likely be the conducting body for CAT 2024. This computer-based test for 2024 is scheduled for November 24th (last Sunday of November) & will be taking place in multiple cities across India.
The exam comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section is allocated 40 minutes, resulting in a total exam duration of 2 hours.
If you are a B-school aspirant aiming for CAT 2024, now is the time to ramp up your preparation with Tarkashastra’s comprehensive CAT learning program.
In 2023, IIM CAT registrations rose around 30%, setting the highest record with 3.28 Lakh candidates registering and approximately 88% appearing for the CAT MBA entrance exam. Over 3.5 lakh MBA aspirants are also expected to register for CAT this year.

CAT 2024 Exam Fees

To successfully submit the CAT 2024 form, the candidates must pay the CAT exam fees via an online payment gateway using UPI, credit or debit card, or internet banking.

Below are the CAT 2024 registration fees for various categories:

  1.  Rs 1250*: SC/ST/PwD category
  2.  Rs 2500*: General/EWS/NC-OBC category
*Fees have been taken from the CAT 2023 notification, and this amount might change this year after the release of the CAT 2024 notification.

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CAT Exam Age Limit

There is no maximum age limit for appearing in the CAT; however, the minimum age limit is 20, and the candidate must be a graduate with at least 50 percent aggregate (45 percent for SC/ST candidates). Final-year Bachelor’s degree students and candidates with professional degrees like CA/CS/ICWAI with a minimum of 50 percent aggregate can also appear for the CAT.
The exam is open to fresh graduates and working professionals. Accepted by over 1200 B-schools across India for full-time, executive MBA, and online professional courses, many working professionals take the CAT to pursue these programs.

CAT 2024 Important Dates

The key dates and timelines for CAT 2024, including the CAT registration date, the final deadline for CAT 2024 applications, the scheduled CAT exam date, and the anticipated CAT result date are as follows:
CAT Exam Events CAT Exam Date 2024
CAT 2024 notification date
Last week of July 2024
Beginning of CAT 2024 registration
1st August, 2024
CAT 2024 registration last date
13 September, 2024
CAT 2024 exam date
24 November, 2024
CAT 2024 result date
first week of January 2025

CAT 2024 Registration Process

Based on previous trends, we anticipate the IIMs will conduct CAT 2024 registration from the first week of August to the third week of September. Registration will be online, and candidates must complete the CAT 2024 application form on the official CAT website.

How to fill the CAT 2024 application form?

1. Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
2. Click on ‘new registration.’
3. Provide your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID.
4. Complete the CAPTCHA code and verify registration with the OTP received.
5. Log in using the CAT 2024 ID shared via email to fill out the form.
6. Enter personal and academic details.
7. Upload a recent passport-size photo and a scanned signature.
8. Choose preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities.
9. Pay the CAT application fee using a credit/debit card or net banking.

Documents required for CAT Application

The necessary documents for completing the CAT exam form are mentioned below.
  • The applicant must have mark sheets related to the 10th and 12th
  • Graduation mark sheets and certificates
  • Applicant’s Aadhar card
  • Caste certificate, if applicable
  • Certificate of Disability: If the applicant is disabled
  • Applicant’s bank account details
  • Address Proof etc

CAT 2024 Application Form Correction

CAT 2024 applicants should carefully complete the form to avoid errors. However, in case of a mistake, the authorities provide a three-day CAT form correction window, enabling candidates to amend specific details in the submitted form.

Outlined below are the details that can and cannot be corrected.

  • Personal details (Date of Birth, email address, mobile number, etc.) entered during registration cannot be edited. If an error occurs in these details, candidates must re-register using a new email ID.
  • Application form details such as Academics, Work Experience, etc., entered during registration cannot be modified. Candidates will need to re-register with a new email ID if an error is found in these details.
     
  • Other non-editable details
    • Candidate’s Name
    • Date of Birth
    • Mobile Number
    • Email ID
    • State
  • Editable information in CAT 2024 form:
    • Photo of candidate
    • Signature of candidate
    • Test City preferences

CAT 2024: Complete Registration Process Explained

Eligibility Criteria for the CAT exam

The eligibility criteria for CAT 2024 are as follows:

  1. Personal details (Date of Birth, email address, mobile number, etc.) entered during registration cannot be edited. If an error occurs in these details, candidates must re-register using a new email ID.
  2. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories).
  3. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate or an equivalent CGPA (Aspirants holding professional degrees such as CA/CS/ICWA are eligible for CAT 2024, provided they meet the minimum required percentage.% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories).
  4. No upper age limit is specified, allowing working professionals to apply for CAT 2024.
  5. While work experience is advantageous for IIM admission, it is not mandatory for CAT application.

CAT Exam Pattern

Please review the latest CAT exam pattern below:

CAT Exam Information CAT Paper Pattern
CAT 2024 exam sections
  • Verbal Ability & Reading 
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Time Duration of CAT section-wise
40 minutes per section (Total 120 minutes)
Total number of questions
66
Total marks
198
Language of question paper
English
Type of questions
MCQs and Non-MCQs
CAT 2024 Marking Scheme
  • Each question will carry 3 marks
  • 1 mark negative marking for every wrong MCQ answer
  • No negative marking for Non-MCQs
*The CAT exam 2024 will be conducted online. Candidates are expected to have basic computer usage knowledge.

Syllabus of CAT

The CAT syllabus includes subjects, chapters, and important topics from all three exam sections. Knowing the CAT 2024 syllabus is the first step to top scores. However, IIMs never officially release the CAT syllabus, as the exam tests analytical, logical reasoning, and critical thinking skills, not specific topics. The syllabus is determined from previous years’ question papers and trends.
The table below lists essential topics for the 3 sections of the CAT 2024 syllabus.
CAT Exam Sections CAT 2024 Syllabus (Important Topics)
CAT VARC Syllabus 2024 (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
Para jumbles, One-word substitution, Para summary, Odd sentence out, Odd one out, Syllogism and Analogies, Inferences and Verbal logic, RC passages
CAT DILR Syllabus 2024 (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
Blood Relations, Syllogism, Directions, Clocks and calendars, Connectives, Logical Sequence, Matching/ Puzzles, Number and Letter Series, Seating Arrangement, Venn Diagrams, Coding- Decoding, Tables, Graphs, Charts, Binary Logic and Caselets
CAT 2024 Quant Syllabus (Quantitative Aptitude)
Geometry, Trigonometry, Averages, Percentages, Number Systems, Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration, Modern Maths, Profit and loss, Simple & Compound Interest

List of IIMs accepting CAT scores

List of IIMs CAT 2024 Cutoff (Expected) IIM NIRF Rank 2023 IIM NIRF Score
IIM Ahmedabad CAT cut off
99-100
1
83.20
IIM Bangalore
99-100
2
80.89
IIM Calcutta
99
4
75.53
IIM Lucknow
97+
6
74.11
IIM Indore
97+
8
71.95
IIM Kozhikode
97 to 98
3
76.48
IIM Amritsar
95+
51
51.30
IIM Nagpur
95+
43
53.41
IIM Sambalpur
95+
58
50.90
IIM Trichy
94
22
60.83
IIM Raipur
94
11
66.18
IIM Ranchi
94
24
59.99
IIM Kashipur
94
19
61.07
IIM Vizag
92
29
57.57
IIM Udaipur
92
16
68.78
IIM Bodhgaya
92
53
51.28
IIM Shillong
90
26
59.12
IIM Sirmaur
95
98
43.26
IIM Rohtak
95
12
65.88
IIM Mumbai
97
7
68.84

List of IITs accepting CAT scores

List of IITs CAT 2024 Cutoff (Expected)
SJMSOM, IIT Bombay
99+ Percentile
DMS, IIT DELHI
98+ Percentile
Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras
95+ Percentile
IIT Kanpur
95 Percentile
IIT Roorkee
94.6 Percentile
VGSOM, IIT Kharagpur
90 Percentile
IIT-ISM Dhanbad
80 Percentile

Top Non IIM colleges that accept CAT scores

  • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi
  • Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
  • SPJIMR, Mumbai
  • FMS, Delhi
  • IMI, Delhi
  • NITIE, Mumbai
  • TISS, Mumbai

Other Top B-Schools Expected CAT 2024 Cutoff

List of CAT Colleges CAT 2024 Cutoff (Expected)
FMS
98.20 Percentile
BITSOM
94 Percentile
Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) Chennai
90+ Percentile
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad
90+ Percentile
MDI Gurgaon
95+ Percentile
SPJIMR
95+ Percentile
XIMB
90+ Percentile
TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) Manipal
85+ Percentile

CAT 2024 Preparation: Tips and Strategies

MBA aspirants aiming for IIMs can start CAT preparation now, with 5 months until the 2024 exam. Creating a study plan and following preparation strategies will help candidates ace the test.
Join Tarkashastra’s comprehensive CAT preparation program to establish a strong foundation for CAT exam success.

CAT 2024 Preparation Tips

Explore these CAT preparation tips and strategies to achieve a 95+ percentile in the CAT 2024 exam:
  1. Break down the syllabus and focus on weaker areas.​
  2. Aim to attend as many CAT mock tests as possible to enhance accuracy and speed.
  3. Utilize the CAT mock tests to identify the sections that require the most attention.
  4. Thoroughly cover all topics in the CAT syllabus by analyzing previous years’ question papers.
  5. Learn & apply shortcuts to solve questions efficiently, avoiding lengthy calculations.
  6. Dedicate 3 to 4 hours daily to CAT exam preparation without interruption.

CAT 2024 Study Plan

How do I start preparing for CAT 2024?
If you are starting your CAT preparation now, watch our recent videos related to CAT Exam Study Plan on YouTube (give link of YT channel here) Refer to this CAT exam preparation 12 months timeline to effectively prepare for the IIM CAT 2024 exam. It can help candidates develop a structured study plan.
  • January – May 2024: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the CAT 2024 MBA exam syllabus, including LR, VARC, and QA, over the first four months and complete QA by the fifth month.
  • June – August 2024: Finalize VA and LR in the initial two months and dedicate the final month to the DI section of CAT 2024.
  • September – October 2024: Review the CAT exam syllabus and practice CAT 2024 sample papers.
  • October – November 2024: In the final month, revisit all CAT 2024 concepts. Take CAT 2024 mock tests daily, evaluate your performance, and address weak areas.

CAT 2024 Topic-Wise Weightage

CAT Exam 2024 Sections CAT 2023 topic-wise weightage CAT 2022 topic-wise weightage CAT 2021 topic-wise weightage
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension- 16 (4+4+4+4)
Para Summary-2
Odd Sentence- 2 Para Completion- 2 Para Jumbles- 2
Reading Comprehension- 16 (4+4+4+4) Para jumbles- 3 Para Summary- 3
Para completion- 2
Reading Comprehension- 16 (4+4+4+4)
Para jumbles- 3 Para Summary-3
Para jumbles (Odd sentence out)- 2
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
College Elections (LR)- 5
Visa Applications (LR)
Time & Sequence set)- 5
12 Houses (LR-DI) Rectangular diagram (3*2)- 5
Restaurant→ Rating (Mean, Median, Mode)- 5
Token- 5
University Team- 5
15 girls get together- 5 Metro lines- 5
Smoothies- DI- 4
Bar Graph- 4
Arrangement - Researchers,
Publishing- 6
Arrangement - Friends, Strangers, Acquaintances- 6
Quantitative Aptitude
Number System- 1,
Algebra- 8 Arithmetic- 9
Modern Math- 1 Geometry & Mensuration- 3
Number System- 1, Algebra- 8 Arithmetic- 8 Modern Math- 2 Geometry & Mensuration- 3
Number System- 2, Algebra- 5 Arithmetic- 11 Modern Math- 1 Geometry & Mensuration- 3

Best Books for CAT 2024 Preparation (section-wise)

Selecting the best books for CAT preparation can be confusing for many aspirants. Below is a list of the best books for CAT 2024 exam preparation:
CAT 2024 Subjects CAT 2024 Preparation Books
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT - Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay Word Power Made Easy - Norman Lewis
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT - Nishit Sinha
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT - Pearson
Quantitative Aptitude
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude - Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT - Nishit K Sinha
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT - Sarvesh Verma

CAT Question Papers

Candidates preparing for the CAT 2024 exam should familiarize themselves with the syllabus, even though no official version exists. They can understand it using resources like free CAT mock tests, sample papers, and previous CAT question papers.

CAT 2024 BeginnerTests

Before starting CAT 2024 preparation, take 1-2 CAT 2024 mocks to assess your standing. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, then draft a CAT preparation strategy.
After completing the CAT 2024 Syllabus, attempt daily CAT 2024 mock tests. If you need to catch up in any section based on your mock analysis, improve that area promptly.
We at Tarkashastra provide a comprehensive CAT preparation program with daily mock tests, personalized study plans, and expert guidance to help you achieve your target score. 1 to 1 Mock Analysis is highly revered by our students.
Join us now!

CAT 2024 Score Vs Percentile (Expected)

The CAT score is the total marks a candidate obtains in the exam. At the same time, the CAT percentile is a relative score indicating the total number of candidates who qualify for the exam. Both the CAT score and percentile are crucial as they directly influence admission chances into IIMs and other top B-schools.
  • The CAT percentile is critical in screening candidates for the first round of IIM admissions, i.e., the written ability test and personal interview (WAT-PI).
  • The CAT score forms the basis of the CAT percentile calculation..
After the release of the CAT 2024 response sheet and answer keys, you can evaluate your CAT score and calculate the CAT percentile.
Please refer to the CAT score vs percentile based on past analysis.

Sectional & Overall Cut Off 2024, Check Previous Year Cut Off

Click the link to gain in-depth knowledge on sectional and overall cutoff scores for 2024 and the previous year’s CAT cutoffs.

CAT 2024 - FAQs

1. What are the sections in the CAT exam?

The CAT exam comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

2. What is the duration of the CAT exam?

The duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes (2 hours).

3. What is the registration fee for CAT 2024?

The registration fee for CAT 2024 has yet to be specified in the provided document. Please refer to the official CAT website for the details of the most current fee.

4. Is there an age limit for the CAT exam?

The CAT exam has no age limit. Candidates of any age can appear for CAT 2024, provided they meet the educational qualification criteria.

5. Can I correct mistakes in my CAT 2024 application form?

CAT 2024 applicants can correct mistakes in their application form during the correction window.

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