CAT Exam 2024 - Know All About Common Admission Test

The CAT exam question paper is divided into three sections: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Aptitude. The duration of the CAT exam is 120 minutes, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. The types of questions are MCQ and Type in the Answer (TITA). Check below the highlights of the CAT Exam Pattern 2024:

CAT Exam Pattern & Test Structure: Overview

CAT Exam 2024 Marking Scheme

• 3 marks will be given for each right response.
• There is a provision for a deduction of 1 mark for each incorrect response.
• No marks will be given for questions not answered.

To appear in the CAT exam 2024, one must meet the CAT 2024 eligibility criteria specified by the IIMs. This includes meeting the specified criteria of academics, passing the qualifying exam, and meeting the age limit. So, what is CAT exam eligibility? The details are below:

Eligibility Criteria for CAT exam 2024

• Qualifying exam and pass percentage: To appear in the CAT exam 2024, a bachelor's degree with a CGPA of at least 50% (aggregate 45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories) from a recognized university is a must.
• Degree duration and mode: It must be a 3-year programme. The mode can be regular, distance, or online.
• Final year students: Anyone in their final year or awaiting their degree results can apply for the CAT exam 2024.
• Professional degree: Candidates with a professional degree (CA/ CS/ ICWA/ FCAI) are also eligible.
• Working experience: The CAT entrance exam is open to both fresh graduates and working professionals. However, work experience is an advantage during admissions after the CAT exam.

CAT Exam Age Limit

There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam. If you want to take the CAT exam, you can take it anytime throughout your life. Although there is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in the CAT exam, we tell you that a candidate must be a graduate to appear in this CAT 2024 exam.

NOTE: This is just the CAT exam eligibility. However, eligibility for admissions will differ and involve various parameters.

IIM Calcutta commenced the registration window for the CAT exam on August 1, 2024. Candidates could register at iimcat.ac.in to appear for the CAT exam 2024 till September 20, 2024.

Is the correction window for the CAT exam opened?

IIM Calcutta will open the correction window for CAT 2024 after the registrations close. The dates to correct the mistake in the CAT application form tentatively are September 26 to 29. Mistakes in details and scanned images (signature or photograph) are some inputs that may be allowed for correction.

How to register for CAT Exam?

• Visit iimcat.ac.in, the official IIM CAT website.
• Click on the 'New registration' link.
• Enter your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID and register for the CAT entrance exam.
• Use ID received in the email to fill out the application form for CAT 2024.
• Next, enter your personal and academic details.
• Upload a recent passport-size photo and signature in the prescribed format and size.
• Choose the preferred MBA/PGDM courses and IIMs in the order of preference.
• Then, select 5 CAT test cities as per preference. Check the list of CAT test cities before submitting.

• Finally, pay the CAT exam fees via credit or debit card or net banking.

All the latest CAT exam news and live updates will be available on the CAT 2024 website.

Documents required for CAT Exam Application

• Personal details, including a valid email, category
• Academic details from class 10 onwards with marks, percentage and year of passing
• Clear photograph with a white background, not more than 6 months old (1200 pixels x 1200 pixels) in a .jpg or .jpeg file of a size not more than 80KB. 
• Scanned signature with dimensions of 80mm X 35mm in a .jpg or .jpeg file of a size not more than 80KB.
• Academic certificates
• PwD certificate as applicable (if any)
• EWS/Category Certificate as applicable (if any)
• Identification document

How much is CAT exam fee?

• SC, ST and PwD category candidates have to pay Rs 1250 
• All others have to pay Rs 2500 as CAT exam fee.

Check out the detailed explanation on How to fill CAT Exam Application Form

What cannot be corrected in the CAT exam form?

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Mobile Number
• Email ID
• State

IIM Calcutta will activate the CAT exam mock test link tentatively by November 12, 2024. Students can use the link given on iimcat.ac.in, the official CAT exam website. However, it is useful to use any mock test series for CAT exam preparation, as practice will make the student better at answering. An ideal figure is 40–50 mock tests for any student to get good scores in the CAT 2024 exam. The official CAT mock test can be used to get an idea of the actual CAT exam day. 

CAT Exam: Previous Years Mock Tests

Click to avail yourself of the free CAT Mock Test by Careers360

Where can I download free CAT mock tests pdfs?

A lot of sites offer free mock tests for CAT exam. Some are online, while others are downloadable. The strategy to crack CAT is to use the downloadable mock tests to get a feel and practice well. Once most of the topics are done and dusted, its time to use the online mock tests for CAT exam. Given below are links to the official mock tests for CAT exam from 2017 to 2022.

Links to free mock tests for CAT exam

How mock tests help crack CAT exam is explained best in Reasons to take the CAT exam mock test, tips and timing.

Some reasons can be summarized:

• Mock tests will help understand strengths and weakness in one's preparation for CAT exam 2024
• Time management can be honed if one uses the CAT mock test for practice
• CAT exam day fear can be combated with frequent mock test practice sessions
• The actual exam pattern and nature of CAT 2024 exam can be understood better.
• Mistakes to avoid on CAT exam day are generally learnt with frequent CAT mock test practice.

Preparation for the CAT exam should start nine months before the CAT 2024 exam date. CAT exam preparation includes completing the CAT syllabus phase-wise, mock test practice, and revision. Candidates can join a coaching institute for the CAT exam or study on their own with the help of online study groups, books, and resources. Check the table below for important articles about CAT exam preparation.

CAT 2024 Exam Preparation from May to November 2024

May is the month when every CAT exam aspirant gets serious about their preparation. If you haven't started your CAT exam preparation yet, May is the best time to start your preparation. We have created a detailed map of your CAT exam 2024 preparation from May to November.

Can CAT be cleared in 6 months?

Usually, students search for whether they can ace the CAT entrance test with six months of preparation, so the answer is yes, it is quite possible and feasible. Candidates need to believe in themselves and stay committed to their goals.

6 Months Roadmap to CAT 2024: Tips and Tricks for 99%tile

Which subject is hard in CAT exam?
As per most of the CAT aspirants' feedback, they find the DILR subject hard in the CAT exam.

Benefits of Preparation through CAT Coaching

• Thinking Beyond
• Troubleshooter
• Focus & Motivation
• Interaction with peer group

CAT exam preparation without coaching or self-study mode

• Join online study groups across the internet, such as Handakafunda, iQuanta, and many more on Quora, Facebook, Telegram, and Youtube.
• Obtain online CAT exam study material and subscribe to various online free CAT test series from coaching institutes.
• Download MBA entrance exam preparation apps
• Buy the best books for CAT exam preparation

• Set CAT exam preparation timetable

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How to prepare for CAT exam 2024?

• Give yourself enough time to study for CAT
• Revise CAT exam syllabus and subject report
• Organize group study with friends
• Take a regular break
• Practice on CAT exam past year papers
• Snacks on 'Brain Food'
• Plan you CAT exam day
• Organize your study space
• Get plenty of sleep

The admit card for CAT exam 2024 will be released by IIM Calcutta on November 5, 2024. The admit card is the identity document for anyone who will appear for CAT 2024 exam. Most candidates download the admit card the day before CAT exam.

How to download CAT exam admit card?

• Go to iimcat.ac.in which is the official CAT exam website
• Click on the 'Login' button.
• Enter the application number for CAT 2024 exam and password.
• Go to the 'Admit Card' section.

• Click on the 'Download' button.

Note: Check the details printed on the admit card for CAT 2024 as any discrepancies must be checked before appearing for CAT exam. 

CAT Exam Timings

Check the below table for CAT exam timings. Candidates must reach the examination centre as per the official time to appear in the examination.

Know more; What is a good CAT score? How to achieve it in the CAT exam

CAT Exam Day Guidelines

The CAT exam will be conducted at designated exam centres and candidates have to follow certain guidelines. Read below for CAT exam day guidelines, Documents to carry, and Prohibited items at the test centre.

NOTE: Candidates with a metal implant, pacemaker, etc. should bring the medical certificate to the examination centre.

The preliminary CAT exam answer key will tentatively be released in the first week of December 2024. To download the CAT exam 2024 answer key, students have to log in to their dashboard using valid login credentials.

Check out the steps to download the CAT answer key and response sheet from the official website:

• Go to the official website of CAT: iimcat.ac.in.
• Next, find and click on the 'Login' tab.
• Then, enter the CAT login ID and password.
• Click on the 'CAT answer key' tab at the top of the screen.

• It will download automatically in pdf format.

An answer key objection window will be opened for three to four days to raise objections. Candidates have to fill out the online form, upload a supporting document to prove the subject is valid, and required payment.

Snapshot of Official CAT Exam Answer Key

CAT Exam Answer Key: How to Calculate CAT Scores?

The score obtained = 3 x the number of correct answers (MCQ and Non-MCQ) - 1 x the number of incorrect MCQ answers.

The CAT scores will be normalized as per the methodology announced by the conducting  IIM in light of the changes in the duration of the exam and other parameters. The details are available on this page in the result section.

The IIM CAT exam analysis 2024 will be released separately after the conclusion of each CAT exam slots. As per last year's CAT exam analysis, the overall paper's difficulty level was moderate to tough for all the slots. Slot 3 was tougher than CAT exam slot 1 and slot 2. In all three CAT slots, the QA section was tougher than VARC and DILR section.

 CAT Exam Analysis for Slot 1

Rounak Tikmani (CAT aspirant) took the first slot and said it went quite well. The English section of the CAT exam was moderate and DILR was quite time-consuming. The QA section was a bit long and time-consuming as well. As per him, the VARC was easy and DILR & Quant were difficult. VARC had 24 questions and the remaining two sections had 20 & 22 questions respectively.

CAT Exam Analysis for Slot 2

As one of the students, Pulkit Daga who took CAT slot 2, said, "The VARC section had 2 RCs and some of the VA was easy to moderate. For LRDI, he says, "I don't think there was any easy set; it was moderate or tough. (I hardly did one set.)". He also said that QA questions were not very straightforward; you really have to search for easy targets.

CAT Exam Analysis for Slot 3

According to Suvam Debnath who appeared in last year's CAT exam slot 3, the overall difficulty level was moderate when compared to CAT exam slot 1 and slot 2. Candidates who took CAT exam slot 2, said, "The CAT exam was moderately difficult. The quant was easy but tricky.". As per the slot 3 paper, the Verbal, and DILR were moderately difficult. No surprises were there in the number of questions.

IIM will most likely declare the CAT entrance exam result in the second week of January 2025. The CAT exam 2024 results will be available on the official website. By using a login ID and password, candidates can download their CAT exam scorecard. The result cum scorecard of the CAT exam will contain each candidate’s raw scores (sectional and overall) and percentiles (sectional and overall).

Here’s the process to download the CAT exam results:

• Visit the official IIM CAT website - iimcat.ac.in.
• Find and click on the 'CAT result/ scorecard' link.
• Then, enter the CAT application number and password.
• Next, click on the ‘Scorecard’ section.

• Find and click on the ‘Download’ option and save the pdf of the CAT scorecard.

Also Check; CAT Score Vs CAT Percentile

How many CAT attempts are allowed?

CAT exam is conducted once a year. There are no restrictions on the number of times one can appear for CAT exam.

What after CAT Result?

Candidates who achieve the minimum CAT exam cut-off score will receive an email notification from the relevant IIMs for additional examination rounds after the announcement of the CAT exam results. Each IIM will send the interview letters directly to the shortlisted candidates by registered e-mail or speed post.

Check the CAT Exam - Percentile Predictor

The CAT exam percentile predictor is an online tool developed exclusively by Carriers 360 that helps you evaluate your performance in the CAT exam and predict your sectional and overall score. The CAT predictor tool uses the expected or estimated CAT score to predict the CAT exam percentile.

The CAT cut-off for IIM admission will be fixed by each institute category-wise. While the qualifying cut-offs are between 80 and 90 percentile (general category), the final cut-offs are much higher. Below are the qualifying CAT cut-off percentiles of 20 IIMs:

Question: What CAT score is required for IIM?

Answer: The CAT score for IIMs varies depending on the IIM campus. The highest CAT cutoff for major IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, etc., is 94 to 99+ and the minimum is 80. For baby IIMs like IIM Ranchi, IIM Udaipur, IIM Nagpur, IIM Trichy, etc., the CAT cutoff falls between 82 to 94+.

Question: What is CAT exam for IIM?

Answer: CAT exam for IIM is a computer-based exam for admission to MBA programmes. It consists of three sections VARC, DILR and QA.

IIM selection process and admission include shortlisting of candidates based on CAT exam score and Written Ability Test (WAT) / Group Discussion (GD) / Personal Interview (PI). Each IIM sets a minimum CAT exam cutoff percentile to participate in the next round of the IIM admission process. Below is an overview of the selection process for IIMs and non-IIMs:

IIM MBA Selection Criteria:  The CAT selection procedure for IIM admissions starts with shortlisting based on scores in CAT exam before being called for a GD and PI. Each IIM has its own parameters and different weightage for each. Students are advised to check the same before applying or putting in their preferences. Check out the IIM selection process given below:

IIMs release the admission criteria and selection process for PGP/ MBA before the CAT exam result declaration. The documents contain parameters, processes, cutoffs, etc. for MBA admission. The selection process through the CAT exam for all IIMs includes:

• Screening of candidates on the basis of their CAT exam score
• WAT/ GD/ PI
• Computation of Composite Score followed by final selection

Note: Candidates do not apply to the IIMs. All CAT qualified candidates are issued call letters if they meet the criteria for the respective IIM in the order of their preference in CAT application form.

Check out  all about the IIM Common Admission Process

Non-IIM Selection Process through CAT exam

Other than IIMs, institutions accepting CAT exam score conduct GD/ PI for admission to their MBA/ PGDM programmes. However, a few colleges admit students only based on CAT exam scores without conducting a personality assessment round.

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Candidates willing to appear in the CAT exam 2024 should solve the CAT exam question paper, as it is the best study source and also helps in effective preparation. Understanding the types of questions asked, the marking scheme, the weightage of various sections, and, most importantly, learning how to solve a problem quickly, which will help in the CAT exam, are just a few advantages of solving the CAT exam previous year's paper.

CAT Exam Paper with Solution PDF (2012-2022)