Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
Devising a proper strategy to crack CAT 2024 is of utmost importance. Hence, to crack the CAT exam 2024, one must know when and how to start preparation. India’s top management institutes (IIMs) rotationally conduct the CAT exam every year to provide admission to MBA courses in top B-Schools in India. Candidates who are aiming for the top B-Schools for the academic year 2024-26 should get on their toes and start preparing for CAT 2024, India’s top management exam.
Free Study Material: VARC | DILR | Quant | Chapter-wise Practice MCQs
CAT 2024: 60-day study material | CAT'23 Official Question with Solutions (Slot 1, 2, 3)
Test: 20 Free Mock Test | 10 Year PYQs | Most Scoring Concepts
The question is when and how to start preparing for CAT 2024. The answer is 'NOW'. Common Admission Test (CAT) being a national-level management exam marks the participation of more than 2 lacs candidates every year. This year, the CAT 2024 is expected to be held on November 24, 2024. To know about the preparation plan and timing, the best books for CAT 2024, and the strategy to devise a study plan for CAT, candidates must go through this complete article on CAT 2024 when and how to start preparation by Careers360.
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Scoring a good percentile will require extensive preparation for CAT 2024. Candidates who going to fill out the CAT 2024 application form must check the exam pattern beforehand in order to prepare and do well in the CAT exam. The exam pattern of CAT 2024 is in similar lines as was in last year. Given below is an exam pattern for CAT 2024.
Particulars | Details |
Exam Duration | 2 hours |
Total no. of questions | 66 MCQs |
Mode of CAT 2024 | CBT i.e. computer-based |
Marking scheme |
|
Sections (3) | Quantitative ability |
Data interpretation & logical reasoning | |
Verbal ability and reading comprehension |
Along with the CAT exam pattern, candidates must also have a know-how of the CAT 2024 syllabus to prepare in advance. According to some management experts, six months of committed preparation will push you forward toward your goal of being a CAT topper.
Based on the past year CAT syllabus 2024 is likely to be the same with not many changes. The overall question paper will be divided into three sections Verbal ability and reading comprehension, Quantitative Ability, and Data interpretation & .Logical Reasoning Candidates will be required to solve 100 questions in total.
Once aware of the CAT 2024 syllabus, candidates must divide their preparation to answer the question of when to start preparing for CAT 2024. It is quite common for candidates to get confused even after knowing the exam pattern and syllabus and end up wasting a lot of CAT 2024 precious time. Better scores than others will open your gateway to top B-Schools of Candidates can break their preparation into 3 stages as mentioned below-
Quick Links: How to prepare for CAT 2024
Strategy Planning of When and How to Start CAT 2024 Preparation
Month-wise Strategy Division | Target Points |
6 Months |
|
3 Months |
|
1 Month |
|
How to start CAT preparation? There is no better way than starting your CAT preparation at home. Preparing for the CAT 2024 exam at home can be effective with the right approach. Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, and then create a study schedule that covers all the sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning/Data Interpretation. Use high-quality study materials and online resources, and practice regularly with mock tests and previous years' papers to improve your speed and accuracy. Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing them. Additionally, maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and adequate sleep to keep your mind sharp and focused. Consistency, discipline, and a positive mindset are key to successful CAT preparation at home.
Most of the CAT toppers admitted that their major portion of preparation started when CAT was 6 months away. Below mentioned points can be referred to by candidates if they are planning to start their CAT 2024 Preparation within 6 months of duration -
Time Management
CAT Toppers say, “Time management should be considered as the fourth section of the CAT exam. It is not just preparing Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability but preparing all these 3 and attempting them within the stipulated time”. Attempting questions with a time allotment of 40 minutes for each section itself makes the CAT exam difficult. To achieve fruitful results, candidates must try to divide their study timetable such that within 24 hours, they practice each section daily.
Quick Link: How to do Time Management for CAT?
Join Coaching/FB groups
If some candidates feel that they will be unable to study and prepare for CAT 2024 on a self-basis, then it is advisable for such candidates they join some coaching institutes. Another answer to the question CAT 2024: when and how to start preparation is nowadays popular social media groups are in trend and help candidates to crack CAT and other management exams. Topper of CAT told us that he joined the coaching institute and began preparing from their study material in order to learn new and efficient approaches to solving the questions.
Concept clarity with shortcuts
In the initial 6 months of CAT preparation, candidates should only focus on clearing their concepts. One of the assets of CAT toppers is the clarity of fundamental concepts. Most of the toppers believe that it is easy to guess what type of questions will form part of the data interpretation & logical reasoning and quantitative ability section. But to even guess what will come in VARC i.e. Verbal ability and reading comprehension is very challenging. In order to clear concepts, candidates must be aware of the CAT exam pattern and CAT 2024 syllabus.
Quick Link: CAT Exam: Important topics for preparation
Once done with the basic knowledge of the CAT exam 2024, candidates will be nearer to the exam day. Agitation and stress are the most common. Do not panic and follow the below-mentioned points for CAT 2024;
Break preparation into sections
Keeping track of past papers, mainly there are three sections in CAT. Candidates are advised to draw an efficient section-wise strategy when CAT 2024 is almost near.
Work on areas of improvements
As for CAT 2024, candidates can focus and try improving the areas in which they feel are not as strong as compared to some others. Instead of being melancholy about what all new can be learned, candidates should take the initiative to focus on and enhance their preparation for weaker areas.
Practice sample paper/past years' questions
Candidates are advised to check the previous year's question papers of CAT. After finishing the syllabus, candidates should try to revise at least 2-3 sample papers on a daily basis. It will help in improving speed as well as let candidates know how accurate they are. While solving the questions papers or sample papers of CAT rigorously there will be a time when candidates will not find any question of a new type.
Quick Link- CAT Sample Paper
With almost a month left until CAT 2024, candidates will be required to keep calm and emphasize only what is majorly required. Below mentioned points will help candidates in scoring great and most likely a call from any of the IIMs.
Mock tests
IIM will release the official CAT mock Test for giving candidates a gist of the actual exam simulated environment. Solving the mock tests helps candidates to understand and access the difficulty level of CAT 2024. Lakshya the topper of CAT said that “he was regular at testing myself via mock tests (once a week). Post any mock he gave some time to analyze the test and figure out what went wrong and then focused on that”. The most effective method of evaluating the current preparation level is the mock test.
Quick Link- Why, When, and How to Take CAT Mock Test
Focus on Strong Topics
Starting any new topic will lead to confusion. So it is advisable for candidates to focus on and improve their strong areas. Do not waste your time figuring out new topics or trying to learn new concepts.
CAT results will be declared by the authorities on the second first of January 2025, in online mode. Around 2.0 lakh candidates will appear for the exam. To Know and read the success stories of the toppers, when and how they started their CAT preparation as well as their message for future candidates, go through the complete article on CAT toppers.
Read more-
The student cannot join the postgraduate MA program directly in the second year of the MA after completing the MBA.
Universities generally expect students to begin the first year of a masters' program even though they had qualifications at the level of a bachelor's degree. The university's curriculum along with the courses are planned to give an in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
But you could opt for:
Postgraduate Studies:
Research Career: In case research interests you, then you can pursue a Ph.D. in your specific interest.
Specialized Master's Programs: Find any specific master's course that supports the career goal.
Professional Certifications:
Make a professional certification in CFA, CA, or FRM to enhance the professional skills and better opportunities in the career field.
Job Entry via MBA
After gaining an MBA from a renowned institution, it's possible to get entry into the corporate world where the diversity in the career field is assured.
In the end, it would depend on what you would like and what you are particularly interested in. It will be better if you take a suggestion from your academic advisor or career counselor.
Hello Pratik,
If your family income exceeds 8 LPA, it will affect your eligibility for the NC-OBC category under the CAT reservation rules. The NC-OBC category requires that the family income should be below 8 LPA to qualify. If you anticipate that your income will exceed this threshold, you should update your status and notify the CAT authorities .
Here's what you can do:
Email the CAT authorities
: Inform them about the potential change in your income status and request to be considered under the
General
category, if applicable. You should do this before the examination or any further processing, as your eligibility for the OBC category depends on the income criteria.
Documents and Proof
: Make sure you have a valid
OBC certificate
and any relevant documentation regarding your family income, in case they require verification. Also, be aware that if your income exceeds 8 LPA, you might need to apply under the
General
category, as the OBC-NC reservation is no longer applicable.
General Category Consideration : If your application is accepted as General, you will be evaluated based on the General category criteria, including cutoffs and ranking.
To summarize, notifying the CAT authorities is the correct approach to avoid discrepancies later, and if your income is above the threshold, you will be treated as a General candidate for the admissions process.
For more details about CAT exam you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
Link: https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hi Shreya ,
Having a tattoo on your wrist should not create a problem during the CAT exam as long as it does not contain any content that violates exam rules , such as communication-related symbols , unauthorised messages or any text resembling formulas or answers .
For a safe side , it is recommended :
1. Inform the Invigilators : Let them know about your tattoo during the identification check , so there are no misunderstandings .
2. Follow the Guidelines : Ensure you follow all instructions regarding permissible items and dress code on the exam day .
Hope this helps you .
ALL THE BEST .
To know about this please prefer our college predictor
Hello,
Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:
Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.
MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.
Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
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In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
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