A comprehensive guide to the IIM entrance exam
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is a gateway to the prestigious MBA programmes offered by IIMs and other top business schools in India. This article provides a detailed overview of CAT 2024, covering essential aspects such as important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and preparation tips.
Key Dates to Remember
- Notification Release: July 30, 2024
- Application form start date: July 30, 2024
- Application form end date: August 3, 2024
- Start of Registration: August 1, 2024
- Last Date to Register: September 15, 2024
- Admit Card Release: October 2024
- Exam Date: November 24, 2024
- Result Announcement: December 2024
Academic Qualifications :
- Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification exam can also apply.
Age Limit :
- No Age Limit: There is no age restriction for appearing in the CAT exam. Additional Criteria
- Professional Degrees : Candidates with professional degrees (CA/CS/ICWA) with the required percentage can also apply.
Step-by-Step Guide :
- Registration: Visit the official CAT 2024 website: https://iimcat.ac.in/ and register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Filling the Application Form: Provide personal, academic, and work experience details. Uploading Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required certificates.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the application fee through net banking, credit card, or debit card.
- Submit and Print: Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Application Fee :
- General Category: INR 2400
- SC/ST/PwD: INR 1000
Here are the key highlights for CAT 2024, including the conducting institute, full form, notification date, exam details, and other essential information:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | CAT (Common Admission Test) |
| CAT 2023 Conducting Body | IIM-L, Indian Institute of Management Lucknow |
| CAT Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Frequency of CAT exam | Once every year |
| CAT Application Process | Online |
| CAT Application Fees (Increased) | ₹ 2400 for GN category |
| ₹ 1200 for Reserved category | |
| Minimum Marks Eligibility | 50% and 45% in Graduation for GN & Reserved category respectively |
| Duration of CAT Exam | 2 Hours |
| CAT Exam Slots | 8:30 to 10:30 am, 12:30 to 2:30 pm, |
| 4:30 to 6:30 pm | |
| Number of Sections | Section 1: Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Section 2: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | |
| Section 3: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | |
| Number of Questions | 66 |
| CAT exam total marks | 198 |
| Medium of Exam | English (Exam is conducted in CBT mode) |
| Admission | 20 IIMs + Various other Institutes |
Section-wise Breakdown
The CAT exam consists of three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 mins |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | 20 | 40 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 40 mins |
| Total | 66 | 120 mins |
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (for MCQs only)
- No Negative Marking: For non-MCQs
Study Plan
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the CAT syllabus and identify key topics.
- Create a Timetable: Allocate specific times for each section and stick to the schedule.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests to get a feel of the exam pattern.
Section-wise Preparation
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension: Practice reading passages and answering questions.
- Vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary through regular reading and word lists.
- Grammar: Brush up on grammar rules and practice sentence correction.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Data Interpretation: Practice graphs, charts, and data sets.
- Logical Reasoning: Solve puzzles and logical reasoning questions regularly.
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Basic Concepts: Strengthen your understanding of basic mathematical concepts.
- Practice Problems: Solve a variety of problems from different topics.
- Time Management: Focus on accuracy and speed.
- What is the CAT exam?
The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to MBA programs at IIMs and other top business schools in India. - Who can apply for CAT 2024?
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or those in the final year of their degree program can apply. There is no age limit. - How do I register for CAT 2024?
Register on the official CAT 2024 website with a valid email ID and mobile number, fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee. - What is the application fee for CAT 2024?
The application fee is ₹2000 for General category candidates and ₹1000 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. - What is the exam pattern of CAT 2024?
CAT 2024 consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). There are 66 questions in total, with a duration of 120 minutes. - Is there negative marking in CAT 2024?
Yes, there is a negative marking of -1 for incorrect answers in MCQs. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs. - How should I prepare for CAT 2024?
Understand the syllabus, create a study plan, practice regularly with previous years’ papers and mock tests, and focus on section-wise preparation. - When will the CAT 2024 exam be held?
The CAT 2024 exam is scheduled to be held in November 2024. - When will the CAT 2024 results be announced?
The CAT 2024 results are expected to be announced in January 2025. - Can I apply for CAT 2024 if I am in the final year of my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification exam can apply for CAT 2024.
