Common Admission Test (CAT-2024)

CAT 2024 stands as the largest MBA entrance exam for admission to 20 IIMs and over 1000 other top MBA colleges, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and IITs, among others. CAT scores will determine admission opportunities at more than 20,000 seats in top colleges for the 2024-25 batch. Experts and high scorers in CAT assert that while the exam is not overly challenging, success requires smart and timely preparation.

Anticipating more user-friendly modifications in CAT 2024, the Common Admission Test (CAT) for MBA admissions in all 20 IIMs is slated for November 24, 2024 – the final Sunday of the month. IIM Calcutta will oversee CAT Exam 2024, introducing novel alterations to the test's content and structure.

The evolution of changes within CAT may persist this year as well. The registration for CAT 2024 will be started from 1st August to 20th September and the admit card will be available from 5-24 November 2024. Each exam slot will have a duration of two hours. The CAT Registration 2024 Process is scheduled to commence in the first week of August 2024. Applicants holding a minimum of 50% marks in graduation are eligible to apply for CAT 2024

The exam will be divided into three sections, with the total number of questions reduced to 66 from 100. Grammar-based questions are no longer part of the CAT Exam. CAT Question papers with answer keys are routinely released by IIMs after each exam. In addition to the 20 IIMs, other premier MBA colleges such as FMS, SPJIMR, IITs, and MDI will admit students for the MBA program in 2024 based on their CAT 2024 scores.

To attain a 99 percentile score in CAT, it is recommended to focus on an IQ-based preparation strategy rather than cramming extensive knowledge. Over 2 lakh candidates register for CAT every year. Last year saw more than 2.55 lakh candidates applying for CAT 2024, with around 2.30 lakh candidates appearing for the exam.

While the CAT 2024 exam dates are yet to be officially announced by IIMs, it is anticipated to take place on November 24, 2024. For comprehensive details about the CAT exam, including its definition, key features, important dates, revised exam pattern, changes in the syllabus, preparation tips, month-wise and week-wise preparation plans, top coaching institutes, MBA colleges accepting CAT 2024 scores, and the CAT exam centers in India, continue reading below.

What is CAT Exam?

CAT 2024, the requisite entrance examination for MBA admissions in all 20 IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, NITIE Mumbai, and numerous other esteemed B-schools across India, is a pivotal step for aspirants. Over two lakh candidates participate in CAT annually, seeking entry into MBA programs provided by IIMs and other premier MBA institutions in the country. Key facets of the exam include:

1. Computer-Based Format: Administered in over 155 test cities and 400+ test venues, CAT 2024 adopts a computer-based testing approach.
2. Reduced Duration: Since 2020, the exam duration has been truncated to two hours, compared to the earlier three-hour format.
3. Sections Breakdown: The exam encompasses three sections – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
4. Sectional Time Limits: Each section mandates completion within a designated time frame, ensuring a structured and time-bound approach.
5. Exclusive Basis for Admission: The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) rely solely on CAT 2024 scores for admissions, excluding any other test scores.

In essence, CAT 2024 holds substantial importance as the primary gateway for securing coveted seats in premier MBA institutions, setting the stage for a competitive and standardized evaluation process.

CAT Exam 2024: Key Features & Highlights

Here are the essential attributes of the IIM CAT 2024 examination, covering aspects such as the CAT full form, notification, CAT 2024 exam dates, eligibility criteria, exam structure, and various other pertinent details:

CAT Exam 2024 Important Dates

Below are the crucial dates for CAT 2024, encompassing the CAT notification date, CAT exam date, and various other key activities associated with the CAT examination in 2024:

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024

Here are the key considerations defining the eligibility criteria for CAT 2024:

1. An aspirant with a minimum of 50% marks in their graduation is eligible to participate in CAT 2024.
2. Final-year graduation students are also eligible to take CAT 2024 conducted by IIM.
3. There is no upper age limit for application and participation in CAT 2024.

Feel free to read and verify your eligibility for the CAT exam.

CAT Exam 2024 Registration & Application: CAT 2024 Form Filling Process

The CAT 2024 registration process is exclusively conducted online. To initiate your registration and application for CAT 2024, you must utilize the official CAT website. The CAT 2024 registration fee is set at Rs. 2500/- for General candidates and Rs. 1250/- for SC/ST/PWD candidates. Payment of the CAT exam fee is to be made through online channels.

The application window for CAT 2024 commences in the first week of August, coinciding with the release of the CAT Notification 2024. Completing the CAT 2024 registration and application involves three fundamental steps:

How to apply

Step 1: Visit the official website and register themselves

1. Candidates should have visited the official website, http://www.iimcat.ac.in/ click on the ‘register’ button .
2. To register, provide the email address and phone number for verification.

Step 2: Login to CAT website

1. Candidates have to login by using their User ID and password that they received in the registration process.
2. After logging to the website, candidates will be directed to the applicant details page then go to application.

Step 3: Fill out the application form

1. Candidates should have to go through the application form, where they need to mention their personal details, academics, work experience, programs, test city and declaration.
2. Candidates should have uploaded their documents in the personal details.

• Upload the scanned image of the passport size photograph within the dimensions of 1200 pixels*1200 pixels. Also upload the scanned image of the signature within the dimensions of 80mm* 35mm.
• The documents should be in jpg or jpeg format and not more than 80 KB.
• Valid EWS/NC-OBC/SC/ST certificates.
• Valid PwD certificate.

Step 4: Select the test city

1. Candidates should have selected any five different test cities as per their preference from the drop-down list.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

1. After filling out the application form, the general/ EWS/NC-OBC candidates should have to pay Rs. 2500 while SC/ST/PwD candidates will have to pay Rs. 1250/-.

Step 6: Confirm the application

1. After submitting the application form, candidates will receive the mail stating the successful submission of the CAT 2024 application form.

CAT Exam Registration Trends

CAT 2022 witnessed a registration surge, with over 2.55 lakh candidates enrolling for the exam. Comparatively, in 2021, 2.29 lakh candidates applied for CAT, and in 2020, the number exceeded 2.27 lakh applicants. The escalating volume of CAT registrations underscores the intensifying competition, necessitating candidates to achieve high scores for consideration by the top three IIMs and other leading MBA institutions.

While the trends in CAT registrations initially depicted a decline from 2010, a significant shift occurred in 2013. Since then, the registration count has consistently risen, indicating a restoration of confidence among CAT aspirants. This surge is indicative of their optimism regarding enhanced career prospects post-MBA/PGP from an IIM or another esteemed B-school.

CAT Exam 2024: Key Features & Highlights

Here are the essential attributes of the IIM CAT 2024 examination, covering aspects such as the CAT full form, notification, CAT 2024 exam dates, eligibility criteria, exam structure, and various other pertinent details:

CAT Exam Pattern 2024

The CAT exam, since 2015, has adhered to a consistent pattern, with the last two years likely setting the template for CAT 2024. The continuity encompasses aspects of time duration, the number of questions, and the section structure:

1. 120-Minute Exam: CAT 2024 is a computer-delivered test lasting 2 hours, emphasizing that it is not an online exam.
2. 66 Questions: Mirroring the previous year, CAT 2024 will feature 66 questions distributed across three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability. This represents a shift from the earlier format of 100 questions divided into three sections.
3. 18-20 No Penalty Questions: Out of the total 66 questions, 18 or more will not incur negative marking. CAT 2024 employs a combination of MCQs and non-MCQs, with the latter exempt from negative marking. In instances where a non-MCQ entails negative marking, certain MCQs are converted into no-negative-marking questions.
4. 48-50 CAT Questions with Negative Marking: CAT 2024 will include over 48 MCQ-type questions, each carrying a penalty of 1/3 negative marking.
5. CAT Cut-off Requirement by IIMs: IIMs necessitate a minimum qualifying score ranging from 70 to 90 percentile in each of the three sections of CAT 2024 to shortlist candidates for the final admission round.
6. IIM Shortlisting Criteria: Beyond high scores in the three sections, candidates with a robust academic profile, diverse experiences, and work history are given preference for admission into IIMs.

CAT Pattern 2024: Revised Structure of Question Paper

The table provided below outlines the sequence of sections, the quantity and type of questions in each section, and differentiates questions with and without negative marking for the two-hour exam:

VARC in CAT with Highest Weightage

As indicated earlier, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section in CAT carries the highest weightage. Your performance in this section can significantly impact your percentile, either elevating it or bringing it down, as explained below:

CAT Previous Year Exam Analysis

The CAT 2024 overall exam difficulty level was assessed as moderate. Noteworthy changes included a reduction in the total number of questions to 66 from the previous year's 76, comprising 48 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 18 Non-MCQs. The CAT exam was categorized into three sections – VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and Quantitative Ability.

1. In Section-1 (VARC), there were a total of 24 questions, consisting of 19 MCQs and 5 Non-MCQs. This section comprised 4 Reading Comprehension (RC) passages with a cumulative 16 questions. The overall difficulty level of VARC was assessed as moderate.
2. Section-2 (DILR) encompassed 20 questions, with 15 MCQs and 5 Non-MCQs. It included 2 Logical Reasoning (LR) sets, each followed by 6 questions, and 2 Data Interpretation (DI) sets, each followed by 4 questions.
3. Section-3 (Quantitative Ability) involved a total of 22 questions, with 14 MCQs and 8 Non-MCQs. The Arithmetic category featured the highest number of questions at 9, followed by Algebra and Geometry with 5 and 3 questions, respectively. The difficulty level for this section was deemed moderate.

Achieving a 99 percentile in the exam corresponded to a raw score of 90.

CAT 2024 Exam Syllabus: Overall and Section-wise syllabus

While the IIMs do not provide a predefined syllabus, the CAT exam comprehensively evaluates candidates in Verbal Ability and reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and logical Reasoning. Over the last five years, significant alterations have been made to the CAT exam syllabus. Key modifications in the CAT Syllabus for 2024 include:

1. Diverse Question Types: The syllabus has been revamped, featuring a variety of question types, including a combination of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs.
2. Introduction of No Penalty Questions: A notable shift is the inclusion of 25-30% of questions without negative marking, adding a new dynamic to the exam.
3. Emphasis on Reading Comprehension: The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section has witnessed substantial changes, with an increased focus on Reading Comprehension-based questions compared to Verbal Ability questions.
4. Alterations in Quantitative Ability: Changes have been introduced in the Quantitative Ability section, particularly with a heightened emphasis on Arithmetic questions.

These modifications reflect an evolving CAT syllabus, designed to assess candidates more comprehensively and adapt to the evolving landscape of aptitude testing. 8.1 CAT Syllabus Section-Wise

CAT 2024 Admit Card

Candidates should have downloaded the hall ticket from the official website. To download the admit card, candidates should have to enter their registered email ID and password that was generated during the registration process.

Candidates have to carry a print copy of the hall ticket along with two passport-size recent color photographs at the exam center on the day of the exam.

How to download CAT Hall Ticket 2024

Candidates can download the hall ticket for 2024 by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit the official website.

• To download the admit card, candidates should have to visit the official website.

Step 2: Log in to the portal.

• Candidates have to log in to the portal using the application number and password.

Step 3: Download the admit card.

• Click on the tab “CAT 2024 Admit Card.”
• Admit cards will appear; check all the details.
• After checking all the details, download the admit card/hall ticket.

CAT 2024 Result

The exam conducting authority will declare 2024 on their official website. The link to check the result will be updated on the website. To check the result, candidates have to provide their email ID and password.

Steps to check the CAT 2024 result

Step 1: Visit the official website.

• Candidates must visit the official website.
• Go to the homepage and click on the CAT 2024 direct result link.

Step 2: Log in

• A login page will open.
• Enter the required login credentials.
• Click on the submit button.
• The result will be displayed on the screen.

Step 3: Download the result.

• Candidates should download the result and print a copy for future reference.

CAT 2024 shortlisting

The CAT 2024 results will be tentatively available from the second week of January 2025 on the official website. Shortlisted candidates can go for the next step of selection and will be made available on the website of the respective IIMs. Each IIMs college will send interview letters to the candidates.

CAT 2024 Cut off

Candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps to calculate their CAT 2024 obtained percentile score. For example, the QA section is chosen. This process can also be used for the other two sections, i.e., DILR and VARC in CAT 2024.

How to calculate

Step 1: the total number of candidates (N) who appeared in the examination.

Step 2: Assign a rank ( r), based on the scaled scores obtained in the QA section. In the case of two or more candidates obtaining identical scaled scores in the QA section, assign identical ranks to all those candidates.

Step 3: Calculate the percentile score (P) of the rank of candidate ( R ) in the QA section

P= (N-R)/N * 100

Step 4: Round off the calculated percentile score (P) of the candidates up to two decimal points.

CAT Exam Preparation Books for VARC, DILR, Quant

The optimal books for CAT preparation must align with the evolving pattern of the IIM CAT exam. Given the annual introduction of diverse question types, it becomes imperative for preparation materials to stay current. In recent years, CAT has undergone comprehensive modifications, challenging the relevance of many CAT preparation books currently available in the market.

However, the recommended CAT preparation books presented here stand out as they are regularly updated to integrate changes in the anticipated question types for the CAT exam. When selecting the finest books for CAT preparation, it's crucial to ensure that these resources are well-acquainted with the altered exam pattern and the associated level of difficulty.

Here are a few key considerations for evaluating CAT preparation books:

1. Conceptual Clarity: The books should offer a clear and in-depth conceptual understanding of the relevant CAT topics.
2. Comprehensive Exercises: They should provide a wealth of exercises, practice questions, and mocks after each topic, facilitating thorough practice.
3. Customizable Focus: Effective CAT books should cater to individual needs by offering a variety of practice questions to address weak areas.
4. Latest Edition: Opt for the latest edition of CAT preparation books, as they not only incorporate the updated exam pattern but also reflect any changes in the syllabus.

Ensuring these criteria are met in the chosen CAT preparation books enhances the effectiveness of your study materials and contributes to a more targeted and successful preparation strategy.

Section-Wise 10 Best books for CAT Preparation

Whether you're pursuing self-preparation for CAT or benefiting from the guidance of a CAT coaching institute, having access to the most recent editions of CAT preparation books, as outlined below according to sections, can significantly enhance your conceptual understanding, offer abundant practice questions, and aid in tackling sample papers.

CAT Preparation Books for VARC

1. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT’- by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
4. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

CAT Preparation Books for DILR

1. How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
2. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
3. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
4. CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri, Publisher Career Launcher

Preparation Books for QA

1. How to prepare for Quantitative for the CAT by Arun Sharma, published by MGH Education
2. Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
3. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
4. CAT Preparation with Top CAT Coaching Institutes Dedicating a few months to focused preparation can empower you to excel in the CAT exam, given its demand for 'Smart Preparation.' Consider enrolling in coaching programs for their provision of expert guidance. The essential elements of CAT preparation in collaboration with CAT coaching include:

10.1 Benefits of CAT 2024 Preparation with CAT Coaching

1. CAT coaching institutes play a crucial role in facilitating a systematic and focused preparation for CAT, ensuring you stay on track without deviation.
2. Top CAT coaching institutes prioritize smart and intensive preparation for CAT 2024, aiming to optimize time utilization and minimize wastage.
3. These institutes offer various CAT preparation modules, ranging from 1 year to 2 months, providing tailored options to help you achieve a high score in the exam.
4. For those requiring a solid foundation and conceptual clarity before engaging in practice sessions, CAT coaching centers recommend initiating CAT preparation with a 6-month time margin.
5. Top CAT Coaching Centers in India The selection of a CAT coaching mode is contingent on factors such as your interest, time availability, financial considerations, and your current level of preparation for the CAT 2024 exam. Here is an overview of the leading CAT coaching institutes, outlining their key centers and the coaching options they provide:

Conclusion

The CAT exam pattern is designed to assess candidates' quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning skills. The exam is highly competitive, and a good understanding of the exam pattern is essential for success. In this blog, we have discussed the following aspects of the CAT exam pattern:

1. Number of sections: The CAT exam has three sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation and logical Reasoning.
2. Types of q