Common Admission Test - Know All About IIM CAT Exam 2024

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis usually on the last Sunday of November every year. IIM CAT is considered one of the toughest MBA entrance exams to crack for admission to top B-schools and over 1000 colleges in India. IIMs are one of the top MBA colleges in India offering MBA and PGDM programmes through CAT exam and score between 82 to 99+ percentile. Other top MBA colleges in India accepting CAT are IITs, SPJIMR, FMS Delhi, MDI, IIFT, etc. Check out more CAT exam details given below.

What is CAT exam?

• The Indian Institutes of Management ( IIMs ) conducts a national-level MBA exam in CBT mode called the Common Admission Test for PGDM /MBA admissions to various B-schools in India.
• What are the 3 subjects of CAT exam? CAT exam 2024 syllabus consists of three sections: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
• The CAT exam pattern consists of 66 questions to be solved within 120 minutes. Questions asked in CAT exam are a mix of MCQs and non-MCQs.
• Cracking CAT is perceived as difficult by many on account of the high cutoff scores needed for MBA admissions . CAT is designed to test candidates on their analytical and reasoning abilities.

CAT Exam Details - Quick Facts

All the latest updates and CAT notification is regularly published here and on the official iimcat.ac.in website for candidates planning to appear for CAT exam 2024.

CAT Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips And More

CAT Exam 2024: Key Points

• IIM Calcutta is expected to conduct CAT 2024.
• The last date to apply for CAT exam will likely be in the third week of September 2024.
• CAT exam registration is expected to start on August 7 and CAT 2024 notification to be released by July 30 on iimcat.ac.in 2024.
• CAT exam will be held on November 24 (tentative).
• CAT exam 2024 will be held in 375 exam centres across 167 cities.
• IIM Admission 2024 : All the IIMs have announced their admission criteria and the process is ongoing.
• IIT MBA Admission 2024 : MBA at IITs on the basis of CAT exam scores are ongoing
• CAP 2024 ongoing : Admissions to newer IIMs are through CAP at cap2024.iimkashipurportal.org.
• MBA Admissions at leading BSchools: Check the list of top Bschools accepting CAT scores .
• When CAT exam will be conducted in 2024? IIM Calcutta will hold the CAT entrance exam on November 24.
• With the help of the CAT 2023 question paper, candidates can get familiar with the topics and subjects.
• IIM does not specified the CAT exam syllabus officially, it is based topics like Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Percentages, RC, Puzzles, Para-Jumbles

IIMs Courses through CAT exam

IIMs will consider scores of CAT exam 2024 for MBA, Executive MBA , PhD, and FBM programmes. The same applies to top B-schools in India. The list of IIM courses through CAT can be checked below.

Know more about the Distance MBA

CAT Exam - Registration Trends (2013 to 2023)

In 2023, CAT exam saw a 30% increase in registrations. As per the official CAT result notification, 88% of the registered candidates appeared for CAT exam. Registration trends and figures for CAT exam can be seen below for the past 10 years.

CAT exam score for admissions

Students who score 99+ percentile + in CAT exam have a higher chance of admissions in the older and more popular IIMs. This also applies to leading bschools like MDI, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai etc. MBA colleges like XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI, etc. will use the CAT cutoff for shortlisting candidates for GD  and PI.

Question: Is CAT compulsory for MBA?
Answer: No, CAT is not compulsory for MBA. But the 21 IIMs and 1000+ B-schools in India offer MBA admissions based on CAT exam which is one of the toughest exam in India with high competition. This is the reason many management aspirants apply for CAT exam 2024.

Question: Who is eligible for CAT exam?
Answer: Candidates having a bachelor's degree and minimum 50% marks (45% in case of SC, ST and PwD) are eligible to appear for CAT exam.

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

• Qualifying exam and pass percentage : To appear in the CAT exam, 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 or distance or online.
• Final year students: Anyone in the final year or awaiting their degree results can apply for CAT exam 2024.
• Professional degree: Candidates with a professional degree ( CA / CS / ICWA / FCAI) are also eligible.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the CAT entrance exam.
• Working experience: CAT exam is open to both fresh graduates and working professionals. However, work experience is an advantage during admissions after CAT exam.

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

Mode of Application : Online

Mode of Payment : Net Banking | Credit Card | Debit Card | NEFT | Paytm | Other

IIM Calcutta will open the registration window for CAT exam by August 4, 2024 tentatively. Candidates can register at iimcat.ac.in to appear for CAT exam 2024. As to what is the last date for CAT form 2024; it is tentatively - September 21.

What are the requirements for CAT registration?

• 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 I can apply for CAT?

• Visit iimcat.ac.in - the official CAT website.
• Click on the 'New registration' link.
• Enter name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID and register for 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  6 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.

How much is CAT exam fee?

• SC, ST and PwD category candidates have to pay Rs 1200
• All others have to pay Rs 2400 as CAT exam fee.

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

Is there any correction window for CAT exam?

Yes. IIM Calcutta will open the correction window for CAT 2024 after the registrations close. The dates to correct mistaked in the CAT application form tentatively are September 25 to 28. Mistakes in details, scanned images (signature or photograph), are some inputs that may be allowed for correction.

What cannot be corrected in the CAT exam form?

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

CAT Exam Form Correction - Common FAQs

1. Can we edit CAT form after payment?
Ans. Since all details are submitted and fee payment is the last step in the application process for CAT exam, candidates will need to wait till the correction window is opened.

2. What happens if I fill wrong percentage in CAT form?
Ans. Edit the details when IIM Calcutta opens the Correction window for CAT exam form.

3. Can I edit my CAT application form?

Ans. Yes, you can edit the details till the submission of the form and payment of CAT exam fee. Thereafter, correction is possible when the correction window for CAT exam form is opened.

4. Can I cancel my CAT application?

Ans. If you have not completed the form and paid the CAT exam fee, then its as good as cancelled.However, if you have paid and submitted the details, then you cannot. Also you will not get a fee refund for the CAT exam 2024.

5. What happens if I fill wrong percentage in CAT form?

Ans. Nothing much happens for CAT exam if the details show the candidate meeting the eligibility criteria. If not, the application for CAT exam is cancelled. There is no refund of the fee for CAT 2024 exam. The problem may come when the admissions start as there may be a mismatch between the details in the CAT exam form and the academic documents needed for verification.

6. Does CAT reject applications?

Ans. IIMs will reject applications if the details dont meet the eligibility criteria or if the uploaded documents are not correct as per specifications.

Application Fees

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)

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.

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.

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

People also search for

• How to Score 100 Percentile in the CAT Exam?
• One-Year Study Plan for CAT Exam

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

What is the pattern for the CAT exam? One of the most common questions asked by CAT aspirants and an important aspect of preparation for CAT 2024. The test pattern for CAT exam 2024 includes details of the sections, subjects and topics, duration, mode and language as well as marking scheme.

CAT Exam Pattern - Overview

Common Questions on CAT Exam 2024

What are the 3 sections in CAT exam?
They are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

What questions are asked in CAT exam?
Multiple Choice questions (MCQs) and Non MCQ questions. The number of questions are not disclosed.

What are the marks for CAT exam questions?
3 marks for correct answer. 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

What is the total marks for CAT exam?
If there will be 66 questions then the total marks will be 198 considering that all questions carry 3 marks each.

Is IIM CAT exam tough?
This is always dependent on the preparation but in general, CAT exam is not very tough. There is a lot of competition but with a good amount of dedication and preparation, its easy to crack CAT exam.

What is the pass mark for CAT exam?
There is no designated pass marks. In fact CAT exam scores are in the form of percentile which are used by various BSchools including IIMs for admission purposes.

Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong attempt in the CAT exam.

IIM Calcutta will activate the mock test for CAT exam 2024 by November 12 (tentative). 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 more better at answering. An ideal figure is 40–50 mock tests for any student to get good scores in 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 the free CAT Mock Test by Careers360

Where can I download free CAT mosk tests pdfs?

A lot of sites offer free mock tests for CAT exam. Some are online while some are downloadable. The strategy to crack CAT is using the downloadable mock tests to get a feel and practise 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 summarised:

• 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 pracise 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.

The admit card for CAT exam 2024 will be released by IIM Calcutta in the last week of October. 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 can I download CAT 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 slot. 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 slot 1 and slot 2. Candidates who took CAT exam slot 2, said, "The 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.