CAT Exam 2024

CAT 2024: Registration (Started), Exam Date (OUT), Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern, Preparation Tips

The CAT 2024 registration began on August 1, 2024. IIM Calcutta has officially launched the CAT 2024 website. The examination is scheduled to take place on November 24, 2024. Candidates who hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks are eligible to apply for CAT 2024.

The CAT 2024 exam is scheduled for November 24, 2024, and will be conducted in three sessions. This computer-based test will take place in over 170 cities across India. The CAT score is essential for admission to 21 IIMs and numerous other MBA colleges in India. Organized by one of the top six IIMs on a rotational basis, CAT 2024 will be administered by IIM Calcutta. The official notification was released on July 28, 2024. The registration process began on August 1, 2024, at iimcat.ac.in and will continue until September 13, 2024. Notably, the exam fee has increased this year.

Given the high difficulty level of the CAT, thorough preparation is crucial. Aspirants are advised to start their CAT 2024 preparation at least nine months in advance, with many likely having already begun. For more detailed information on CAT 2024, continue reading this article.

CAT 2024 Exam Highlights

CAT Exam Particulars

CAT 2024 Details

CAT Full Form

Common Admission Test (CAT) 

Conducting Institute for 2024

IIM Calcutta

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency

Once a year

CAT 2024 Exam Date

November 24, 2024

CAT Exam Timings

  • Session 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • Session 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Session 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

CAT Exam Fees

INR 2,500 (General category) and INR 1,250 (Reserved category)

Number of Test Takers

3.30 lakh (in 2023)

CAT exam mode

Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs

No. of test cities

170

CAT exam website

https://iimcat.ac.in

Exam helpdesk no.

1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free)

CAT 2024 Exam Dates

Events Dates 2024 (Announced)
Notification releases 28th July 2024
Start of registration process On 1st August 2024
Last date to apply 13th September 2024 (5 pm)
Correction facility opens 4th week of September 2024
Availability of admit card 5th- 24th November 2024
CAT Exam 2024 24th November 2024
Answer key releases 1st week of December 2024
Submission of objections/ suggestions Till 1st-2nd week of December 2024
Declaration of result 2nd week of January 2025
Starting of CAP (common admission process) January 2025
 Cut off releases by participating institutions January/ February 2025

CAT 2024 Registration

Get the complete details about the CAT 2024 application form, from online registration to submission:

  1. Online Registration:

    • The online registration process for CAT 2024 started on 1st August 2024.
    • Detailed information about the exam and registration dates was made available in the notification released on 28th July 2024.
  2. Important Instructions:

    • Ensure you read all the instructions provided before filling out the form to avoid any confusion.
    • The online registration facility is available until 13th September 2024.
    • Use a unique and valid email address and mobile number for registration, as all official communications will be sent through them.
  3. Required Details:

    • Gather all necessary details such as personal information, academic records, work experience, preferred test city, chosen programs, and required documents before registering.
  4. Form Submission:

    • After completing the form, review all the details before final submission. No changes can be made once the form is submitted.
    • Avoid submitting multiple forms to prevent rejection.
  5. Registration Fee:

    • The application fee can be paid online.
    • For ST, SC, PWD categories, the fee is Rs. 1250.
    • For General, EWS, NC-OBC categories, the fee is Rs. 2500.
    • Payment can be made via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
    • Pay the fee only once, regardless of the number of institutions applied for.
    • The fee is non-refundable.

How to Register for CAT 2024

Follow the steps below to register for CAT 2024:

  1. Visit the Official Website:

    • Click on the link provided above to access the registration portal.
  2. Create User Profile:

    • Register online by creating a user profile under the 'New Candidate Registration' option.
    • Generate an OTP and verify it through SMS sent to your mobile.
  3. Fill in Basic Details:

    • Provide your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number.
    • Once submitted, these entries cannot be edited.
  4. Agree to Declaration:

    • Confirm your registration by agreeing to the declaration.
  5. Login and Complete the Application:

    • Log in using the generated User ID and Password.
    • Fill in the application form with personal details, work experience, academic qualifications, test city preferences, and chosen programs.
  6. Upload Documents:

    • Upload the required documents as per the specified format and size.
    • Provide details of your 10th, 12th, undergraduate, and postgraduate qualifications.
  7. Add Work Experience and Programs:

    • Add/select your work experience (if any) and the programs you are applying for, along with your preferred test city.
  8. Payment:

    • Complete the payment process using the provided payment gateways.
    • Ensure all details are correct before submitting the form.
  9. Print the Application Form:

    • Take a printout of the completed application form for future reference.

CAT Eligibility 2024

To be eligible to appear for the CAT 2024 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  1. Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA categories) from a recognized university.
  2. Candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, or those awaiting their results, are also eligible to appear for the CAT 2024 exam.
  3. Candidates with a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI) who have achieved the required percentage are also eligible to apply.

CAT Syllabus 2024

The CAT 2024 syllabus includes the following sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Refer to the table below for the important topics you need to prepare for CAT 2024.

CAT sections

CAT 2024 Syllabus topics

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary and Odd Sentence Out

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory + Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding and Series

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration<

CAT Exam Pattern 2024

The CAT 2024 exam is a 120-minute MCQ-based test. Candidates must solve 66 questions from the sections VARC, DILR, and QA. Below are the key highlights of the CAT 2024 exam pattern:

  1. The CAT exam is conducted in three sessions.
  2. Each session lasts for 120 minutes.
  3. There is a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section.
  4. The exam comprises three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
  5. Candidates are awarded 3 marks for every correct answer.
  6. 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
  7. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs and unanswered questions.
  8. The total number of questions is 66.
  9. The total marks are 198.
  10. It is not mandatory to attempt all the questions.

CAT Admit Card 2024

The CAT admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the entrance exam. It is issued only to registered candidates. Those who register for CAT 2024 will receive the admit card online. Follow the steps below to download the CAT 2024 admit card:

  1. Open the CAT Website: Visit iimcat.ac.in.
  2. Navigate to the login section on the homepage.
  3. Enter Application Number and Password:
  4. Go to 'Admit Card' Section:
  5. Click on the download link to obtain your admit card.

CAT Answer Key 2024

The CAT 2024 answer key will be released three to four days after the exam. It will be available in the form of a candidate response sheet. Follow the steps below to download the CAT 2024 answer key and response sheet:

  1. Go to the official CAT 2024 website.
  2. Enter your CAT login ID and password.
  3. Click on the 'CAT 2024 Answer Key' option that appears on the screen.
  4. Download:
  5. Click on the 'Download' icon to save the answer key as a PDF file.

The CAT answer key objection window will be open for three to four days. If a candidate believes there are errors in the official answer key, they can challenge it by filling out an online form. The exam authorities will re-examine the objections and revise the answer key if necessary.

CAT Result 2024

The CAT 2024 result will be announced on the IIMCAT website within 20-30 days of the exam. The CAT scorecard will display both sectional and overall marks, along with percentiles. Follow these steps to download your CAT 2024 result:

  1. Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.
  2. Select the 'CAT 2024 result/scorecard' tab.
  3. Enter your CAT application number and password.
  4. Navigate to the scorecard section.
  5. Click on the download option and save the PDF of your CAT 2024 scorecard.

CAT Cut Offs 2024

IIM

Qualifying CAT cut offs

IIM Ahmedabad

85

IIM Bangalore

85

IIM Calcutta

85

IIM Lucknow

90

IIM Indore

90

IIM Kozhikode

85

IIM Amritsar

90

IIM Nagpur

94

IIM Sambalpur

94

IIM Trichy

94

IIM Raipur

94

IIM Ranchi

94

IIM Kashipur

94

IIM Vizag

80

IIM Udaipur

94

IIM Bodhgaya

94

IIM Shillong

75

IIM Sirmaur

94

IIM Rohtak

95

IIM Nagpur

85

IIM Jammu

94

IIM Mumbai

94

Chapter Wise Solutions - Download Free PDF

Frequently Asked Questions on CAT Exam 2024

Ans. The CAT 2024 exam will be conducted on November 24, 2024​

Ans. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD) or equivalent are eligible for CAT 2024​

Ans. IIM Calcutta will conduct the CAT 2024 exam

Ans. The CAT 2024 syllabus includes three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Ans. The CAT scorecard is valid for one year from the date of the exam.

Ans. No, CAT applications can only be submitted online via the official IIM CAT website​.