CAT 2024 Exam: Application Form (Closed), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Question Paper, Mock Test, Eligibility Criteria

The official CAT 2024 notification was released by IIM Calcutta on the official website at iimcat.ac.in. The notification includes all important information about the CAT exam 2024 date, application form, registration fees, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, number of test centres, reservation criteria, and syllabus. Download the PDF files of the notification from the links given below:

Related Questions

Ques: Why is CAT considered a difficult exam?

Ans: CAT is considered difficult due to its challenging question format, time constraints, and high level of competition. The exam assesses candidates' problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making under pressure. Additionally, the extensive syllabus and the need for quick and accurate answers add to its difficulty.

Ques: Is the use of a calculator allowed in the CAT exam?

Ans: The use of a basic on-screen calculator is allowed in the CAT exam. You can use the calculator provided on the computer screen during the quantitative section of the exam to perform calculations. However, you are not allowed to bring your calculators into the exam hall.

The official website for the CAT 2024 exam is iimcat.ac.in. This is the sole platform to refer to for official announcements, admission process stages, exam schedules, and any other information or communication regarding the CAT exam. The CAT official website is updated whenever an event related to the CAT exam begins or ends. You have to register on the official website to fill out the CAT application form and download other important documents.

The CAT admit card, CAT answer key (both preliminary & final), CAT scorecard, and any other important documents will be released on the CAT 2024 official website. You will be able to access these using their CAT login credentials, which include the CAT User ID and Password. If you are appearing for the exam this year, keep checking the CAT official website 2024 regularly to stay updated with the latest events and information.

If you are appearing for the exam, you must be aware of the CAT date 2024 provided in the table below so that you don't miss out on any important event.

The following table displays some of the major highlights of the CAT 2024:

The CAT exam 2024 will be conducted by IIM Calcutta. IIMs are responsible for conducting the CAT exam every year on a rotational basis. The conducting body is also responsible for all the activities, such as the release of the CAT official notification, CAT exam 2024 registration date, CAT exam date, conducting the exam, declaring the result, and screening qualified students for admissions. Last year, IIM Lucknow was the conducting body.

Through the CAT exam, you can get admission into 21 IIMs and more than 1,000 management schools across India. IIM Lucknow, IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore are regarded as some of the top premier B-Schools in India, providing world-class management education, practical training, and lucrative placement opportunities to students.

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Ques: How many times can I take the CAT exam?

Ans: You can take the CAT exam as many times as you want. There are no restrictions on the number of attempts for the CAT exam. You can appear for the exam every year if you wish to improve your score or for any other reason.

CAT Login 2024 will be provided to you in an auto-generated SMS who register for the exam within the stipulated time. The first step of CAT registration is creating the login credentials (User ID and Password), which are used during the various stages of the exam. The CAT login 2024 will be required for filling out the application form, downloading the admit card, taking official CAT mock tests, checking the response sheet & answer key, checking results, etc.

Related Questions

Ques: Is it possible to crack CAT without joining a coaching institute?

Ans: Yes, it is possible to crack the CAT exam without joining a coaching institute. Many self-preparation methods, such as studying from the right books, taking online mock tests, and seeking guidance from online forums, can help you prepare effectively. Self-discipline, dedication, and a strategic study plan are essential for success.

If you are seeking MBA admission to IIMs and other participating colleges, you have to follow the given steps to fill out the CAT application form:

• Step 1: Open your web browser and go to the CAT 2024 official website at iimcat.ac.in.
• Step 2: Look for the "New Candidate Registration" link and click on it to begin registration.
• Step 3: Provide your name, date of birth, and contact details, including address, email, and phone number.
• Step 4: An OTP will be sent to your mobile number for authentication. Enter it to complete the registration.
• Step 5: Log in again using the CAT User ID and password you created to complete the application form.
• Step 6: Upload the necessary documents, such as your photograph and signature, in the specified format as per the guidelines provided on the website.
• Step 7: Provide your academic history from SSC/Class 10 onwards, including board details, year of passing, and percentage/CGPA obtained.
• Step 8: If applicable, add details of your work experience, including the name of the organization, your role/designation, and the duration of your employment.
• Step 9: Choose your preferred exam cities, with the option to select up to six choices based on your convenience and accessibility.
• Step 10: Pay the registration fee as per your category: INR 2500 for general category candidates and INR 1250 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. You can make the payment online through the available payment modes.
• Step 11: After completing the registration and payment, print a copy of the filled CAT 2024 application form for your future reference and record keeping.

Also Read: CAT 2024 Application Form Correction

IIMs release the CAT registration guide and important certificates PDF on the official website every year. Take a look at these certificates and download them by clicking on the links below.

Related Questions

Ques: Can an average student crack the Common Admission Test?

Ans: Yes, an average student can crack the Common Admission Test (CAT) with dedication, consistent preparation, and a strategic study plan. While it may require more effort compared to high-achieving students, hard work, perseverance, and the right guidance can help an average student succeed in the CAT exam.

Ques: How should I prepare to get 99+ percentile in CAT?

Ans: To achieve a 99+ percentile in CAT, focus on mastering the concepts, practice regularly, and take mock tests. Develop strong time management skills and improve your accuracy. Stay updated with current affairs and business news. Additionally, work on your problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

The CAT eligibility criteria 2024 are the basic requirements that you must fulfil when registering for the examination. Only those who meet the eligibility criteria will be allowed to seek MBA/PGDM admission through the CAT exam at some of the most prestigious management institutes and B-schools in the country. The eligibility criteria are put in place by the exam conducting authorities of CAT 2024 to make sure that every aspirant who wishes to pursue management education in a CAT-accepting institution meets a certain standard. That being said, the CAT 2024 eligibility criteria are as follows:

Educational Qualifications Required

• You must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any stream from a recognized university.
• You must have scored at least 50% aggregate marks in their undergraduate course (45% for reserved category students).
• If you have professional degrees/qualifications like Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, Cost and Management Accountancy, etc., you are also eligible for CAT.

Age Requirement

• You are not required to meet any age requirements when applying for the CAT exam.

Exceptions to Educational Qualifications

• One of the most common exceptions to the CAT eligibility criteria when it comes to educational qualifications is that candidates who are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree course are also allowed to appear for the CAT exam. However, such candidates have to meet certain conditions, the most important of which is the submission of requisite documents at the specified time to ensure that their admission to MBA/PGDM programs through the CAT exam is not revoked.

Note:The CAT eligibility criteria for various aspects are explained in further detail in the CAT notification and also the official website for CAT. Candidates must make sure that they check the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam to avoid any problems during the admission process.

For all candidates who intend to take the CAT exam 2024, it is critical to be aware of the timetable. The CAT notification includes all the information about the CAT exam date and slot timings. The CAT exam is normally conducted on a single day in three separate sessions to accommodate all applicants. Candidates can select their test city based on convenience, as the exam is offered in several test cities across the nation. The table below lists the CAT exam 2024 slot timings:

On the CAT 2024 exam day, candidates are expected to arrive at the exam centre at the reporting time mentioned on their admit cards for a smooth experience. Arriving late or not carrying important documents can lead you into trouble. Thus, ensure you reach the exam centre on time and carry everything important. Here’s the CAT exam day flow that every candidate needs to follow:

• Arrive at the exam center
• Locate the lab from the notice board
• Get the CAT admit card checked
• Submit bags, mobile phones, etc.
• Undergo frisking
• Get all the approved documents verified
• Reach the lab/block
• Complete biometric capture
• Locate console
• Login to the test screen
• Verify and confirm profile details
• Read instructions and agree to the declaration
• Start the CAT exam
• Finish the test and submit feedback
• Return the notepad and pen to the exam invigilator
• Exit the test tab
• Exit the exam center

CAT 2024 test takers will have to agree to a Non-Disclosure Agreement, which means that the test takers are barred from disclosing any sort of content about the CAT exam. Candidates who violate the rules will have to face a punishment of up to three years in jail and should also pay a fine of up to INR 2,00,000. 

During the admission or selection process, if it is found that a candidate has furnished any incorrect information or has violated any process, he/she will be barred from participating in the selection process. Also, the candidate will not be allowed to appear for the CAT exam in the future.

Candidates applying for the CAT 2024 exam must note that they are free to contact the concerned authorities if they have any issues or queries related to the exam. 

Contact Details for Queries Related to Registration, Payment, and Document Uploading

Contact Details for Academic Queries such as Eligibility, Category, and PwD Certificate

The CAT syllabus 2024 PDF is quite extensive. The conducting IIMs don't have a fixed CAT syllabus, so MBA aspirants can get an idea of the CAT syllabus by going through CAT previous years' question papers, sample papers, and mock tests. CAT syllabus will include topics from sections such as Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). The questions asked in the exam are mostly based on Middle School Maths and English topics. The table below highlights the important topics from the CAT syllabus: 

Also Check:

The CAT 2024 question paper will comprise 66 questions of 198 marks in total. There is a sectional limit of 40 minutes for each of the three sections, including VARC, DILR, and QA. The CAT exam pattern 2024 can be found below. 

CAT Marking Scheme

Related Questions

Ques: How do I start CAT preparation from zero?

Ans: Starting CAT preparation from zero can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller goals can help. Begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Focus on building a strong foundation in quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and English. Utilize online resources, join coaching classes if possible, and practice regularly to track your progress.

Ques: How can I prepare for CAT in one week?

Ans: Well, the truth is that you can’t do much in one week. All you can do is take the mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas for improvement. While it's challenging to make substantial progress in such a short time, staying calm and practising time management can still be beneficial.