CAT 2024: Syllabus, Eligibility, Notification, Registration, Pattern, Preparation

CAT 2024: Key Highlights
CAT 2024 - The official notification of Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 will be released in July 2024 (expected). Last Sunday of November (24th November 2024) is the tentative date of CAT 2024. The expected conducting body of CAT 2024 exam is IIM Calcutta. CAT 2024 Registration starts in August and ends in September. The 120 minutes CAT exam consists of around 66 MCQs and type in the answer (TITA) questions. These 66 questions divided into 3 sections (VARC - 24, DILR - 20 and QA-22).
Many other top B schools like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IITs and IMI accept CAT scores for their admission process. In India CAT is one of the top exams. Every year over 2-3 lakh students appear for this exam. The MBA has become an important gateway for candidates who want to take their careers to new heights. This is clear because the CAT 2023 registration had the most applicants (nearly 3 lakh) compared to any other year.This article explores all aspects of CAT 2024.
Detailed Outline of the CAT Exam 2024
Category
Details
Exam Name
Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Body
Indian Institutes of Management, Calcutta (Expected)
Exam Level
National
Frequency
Annual
Exam Mode
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration
2 hours (with designated time-slots)
Number of Questions
66
Question Types
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in The Answer (TITA) Questions
Sections
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 questions
 
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 questions
 
3. Quantitative Ability (QA) 22 questions
Marking Scheme
+3 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer (for MCQs), 0 for incorrect TITA questions only
Eligibility
Bachelor’s Degree final year or passed Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories)
Selection Process
Based on CAT scores, followed by Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) for some IIMs
Score Validity
1 year
Admission Offered
Postgraduate MBA Programs/PGDM
Number of IIMs Participating
21 IIMs
Other Institutes Accepting CAT Scores
999 + Prestigious management institutes and business schools in India
CAT 2024 Preparation Time
At least a year of focused and dedicated preparation
MBA Masterclass
CAT 2024 Important Dates
CAT 2024 Important Dates & Timeline
Important dates (Tentative)
CAT 2024 Notification Date
Last week of July 2024
CAT 2024 Registration Start Date
First week of August, 2024
Last Date of CAT 2024 Registration
First week of September 2024
CAT 2024 Registration Fees
For General/EWS/OBC - 2500 and For SC, ST and PwD -1250
CAT 2024 Exam Date
November 24, 2024
CAT 2024 Result Date
First week of January 2025
MBA Courses Offered by IIMs through CAT
MBA Course at IIM
Details
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP) or Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The flagship program of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) available at all 21 of their locations. This program serves as an equivalent to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) culminating in a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) upon completion. Spanning two years the coursework is divided into six trimesters.
The PGP is an all-encompassing management program providing foundational courses in a variety of managerial disciplines. In their second year students have the opportunity to select specialized electives according to their preferences. Following the enactment of the IIM Bill in Parliament several of the premier IIMs have transitioned from awarding the PGP diploma to conferring MBA degrees.
PGP-FABM (Food and Agribusiness Management)
 
The two-year program was previously known as the PGP-ABM. During the initial year participants in both the PGP (Flagship) and FABM engage in identical coursework with the exception that FABM students deal with problems of additional subjects. As the program progresses into its second year the focus for FABM students shifts mainly towards topics related to agriculture.
PGP in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM)
The PGPHRM stands out as the premier program at IIM Ranchi conducted on a full-time basis. There are six semesters in this program and a summer project is an important part of the curriculum.
PGP in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM)
This program is designed to offer extensive educational opportunities, enhancing the leadership abilities and efficiency of those in policy-making roles. The PGPPM is dedicated to cultivating leadership capabilities and assisting professionals in public policy and management as they navigate emerging challenges. The PGPPM spans one year and features a two-week international immersion initiative as part of its curriculum.
PGP in Enterprise Management (PGPEM)
This programme is offered by IIM Bangalore and is a 22-month weekend residential programme.
The programme can be pursued by mid-level and senior executives having at least four years of work experience after Graduation.
PGP in Business Management (PGPBM)
PGP in Business Management is a program that spans 24 months and is meticulously designed to equip working executives for upper-management positions. The objective of this program is to mold versatile professional managers ready to excel in various segments of a corporation.
PGP in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM)
PGP-SM is a two-year full-time programme in Sustainable Management offered by IIM Lucknow.
The programme is spread across six semesters which includes an international immersion programme.
PGP in Agri-Business Management (PGP-ABM)
PGP ABM is designed exclusively to develop entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs in the field of agribusiness.
The two-year full-time residential programme is offered by IIM Lucknow.
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CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria 
Before the start of CAT 2024 registration candidates must verify whether they are eligible to appear for the exam or not. Only those who meet the requirements will be allowed to take the CAT 2024. Given below is the CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria.
  • Candidates applying must possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline and achieve a minimum score of 50% for the General and NC-OBC categories. For SC, ST, and PWD candidates, a score of 45% is required.
  • The candidate's bachelor's degree must have validation from any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.
  • Final-year bachelor's degree candidates are eligible to take the examination, provided they meet the required grade point average. However, failure to meet this requirement in subsequent stages will result in the cancellation of admissions.
  • Individuals holding a professional degree, such as CA/CS/ICWS, are eligible to take the CAT exam.
  • CAT 2024 has no age restrictions which provides opportunities for individuals of all ages to take the CAT 2024.
CAT 2024 Application Process
The CAT 2024 registration process is very simple, to begin registration simply login to the official https://iimcat.ac.in/ website to begin the registration process. 
CAT 2024 Registration Process
  • To register as a new candidate a candidate must visit the official website and provide their basic information under "New Candidate Registration."
  • After submission they will receive an OTP for registration verification
  • After the verification is complete candidates will receive a login ID and password on their registered email and mobile number.
  • Candidates can now begin adding the necessary information to the application form
  • Candidates can choose up to six preferred test cities for the CAT 2024 exam
  • Candidates do not have the option to choose the interview city
Uploading Documents
During the application process it is crucial for the candidate to upload the necessary documents as specified.
  • Passport size Photograph
  • PwD certificate (if needed)
  • Signature
  • EWS, NC-OBC/SC/ST certificate
  • Candidates will be required to present their mark sheets and degrees in person.
Application Fee Payment (Tentative)
  • In order to finalize the CAT 2024 registration candidates are required to make a payment of the application fees which can only be submitted online.
  • Additionally candidates will have the opportunity to review their application before making the payment and submitting the form.
  • After successful payment candidates will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

CAT 2024 Admit Card
The CAT 2024 admit card is anticipated to be released in October 2024. Here are some key points that candidates should keep in mind:
  • Candidates can access and download their admit card by logging in to their account on the official website.
  • The admit card will contain information regarding the test location, date and time.
  • On the day of the examination candidates must bring their admit cards with them.
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
Here is the tentative overview of the CAT 2024 exam pattern
Mode of Examination
Computer-based
Medium
English
No. of Exam Slots
3
Total Questions
66
Questions Per Section
VARC: 24
DILR: 20
QA: 22
Time-Allotted
120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
Questions-Types
MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer)
Correct Answer Marks
+3 for every right answer
Negative Marking
-1 for every wrong answer
No negative marking for TITA
CAT 2024 Marking Scheme
Section
MCQ
TITA Questions
Marks(MCQ)
Marks(TITA)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
20-24
4-6
+3, -1
+3, no negative
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
20-24
2-5
+3, -1
+3, no negative
Quantitative Ability
20-24
4-7
+3, -1
+3, no negative
CAT 2024 Syllabus
The CAT 2024 exam consists of three sections each with its own weightage. The CAT syllabus is designed according to the format established by IIM Ahmedabad.
  • The DILR section consists of sets based on Number series, Data Sufficiency, Graphs and common reasoning concepts.
  • Verbal reasoning, reading comprehension and grammar are components of VARC.
  • In the Quant section topics such as Mensuration, Geometry, Number System, Algebra, and Arithmetic are covered.
Detailed Section-wise Syllabus
Below is an in-depth breakdown of the CAT syllabus for the CAT 2024 exam:
CAT 2024 SYLLABUS: VARC
VARC is the first section of the exam to be completed. VARC comprises two subsections which are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Lets examine the main points this section presents:
DILR Section
The DILR section plays a very crucial role in CAT 2024 preparation. DILR is subdivided further into two sections which are Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
Below are some of the most important DILR topics:
QA Section
The QA sections play an important role in CAT preparation. QA comprises of Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra and Arithmetic, etc. The detailed list is given below:
Check out these essential QA topics:
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CAT 2024 Sample Papers
CAT 2024 sample papers help candidates prepare for the CAT 2024. From the CAT sample papers 2024 candidates can practice multiple types of questions. CAT sample papers are the best way to analyze how the pattern of previous years CAT exam was set up. By solving the questions from the sample papers candidates gain a comprehensive understanding of the CAT 2024. The CAT sample paper also assists candidates in identifying their areas of strength and areas of weakness.
Advantages of the CAT Sample Paper
  • CAT sample papers provide you with the exact exam pattern to expect in the CAT exam 2024.
  • CAT sample papers can help you manage your exam time effectively.
  • CAT sample papers make you feel more comfortable and less nervous for the CAT 2024.
  • CAT sample papers give you a chance to work on questions that are not in your study materials.
  • CAT sample papers provide you with questions with answers.
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FAQ
  • Q: How many times can candidates appear in the CAT 2024 exam
  • A: There no limit on the number of CAT attempts permitted.
  • Q: What is the CAT exam pattern?
  • A: The CAT 2024 syllabus will include three sections which are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude
  • Q: When is the CAT 2024 expected to be scheduled?
  • A: The CAT 2024 is anticipated to be scheduled on the last Sunday of November 2024.
  • Q: When is the official announcement regarding CAT 2024 expected?
  • A: Aspiring candidates can expect the official announcement in the final week of July 2024.
  • Q: Where can candidates register for the CAT 2024?
  • A: Candidates can register online for CAT 2024 at official website
  • Q: When is the CAT 2024 admit card expected to be released?
  • A: The admit card for CAT 2024 is expected to be available in October 2024.
  • Q: What are the tentative exam slot timings for CAT 2024?
  • A: The expected timings are 8:30 am - 10:30 am, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
  • Q: When are the CAT 2024 results expected to be announced?
  • A: The CAT 2024 results are expected to be announced in December followed by interview rounds by IIMs for the 2025-27 batch.
  • Q: Are there any age restrictions for CAT 2024?
  • A: No CAT 2024 has no age restrictions.
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