CAT 2024 exam will be held on November 24, 2024. The exam will be conducted by IIM Calcutta. CAT 2024 registration started from August 1, 2024 and the last date to apply was September 13, 2024. The form submission deadline has been extended till September 20, 2024.

CAT Eligibility 2024

To be able to appear for CAT 2024 exam, candidates need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

• Candidate must have completed bachelor’s degree with minimum 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent CGPA (45 per cent aggregate for SC, ST and PWD/DA category) from a recognised university.
• Candidates in the final year of bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification or awaiting result can also appear for CAT 2024 exam.
• Candidates having a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI) with the required percentage are also eligible.

CAT Syllabus 2024

CAT syllabus comprises Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude. Check the table below for important topics that you need to prepare for CAT 2024.

CAT Question Papers

The CAT question paper is unique for every session but the sectional weightage is the same. Due to uniqueness of every question in every session, one paper can be a bit tougher than another. However, overall, the difficulty level of CAT question paper is moderate to high, every year.

CAT Exam Pattern 2024

There is no change in CAT 2024 pattern. CAT exam is an MCQ-based test of 120 minutes. In the exam, candidates have to solve 66 questions from VARC, DILR and QA. Given below are the key highlights of CAT 2024 exam pattern.

• The CAT exam 2024 will be held in three sessions
• Each session will be of 120 minutes
• There will be sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section
• The CAT exam will have three sections – VARC, DILR and QA
• 3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer
• 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer
• There will be no negative marking for non-MCQs and skipping questions
• Total number of questions will be 66
• Total marks will be 198
• It is not mandatory to attempt all the questions

CAT 2024 Answer Key

IIM releases the CAT 2024 answer key approximately a week after the examination in the form of a candidate response sheet. The following steps explain how to download the CAT answer key and response sheet:

• Visit the official website of CAT.
• Click on the ‘login’ tab.
• Enter the CAT login ID and password.
• Click on the ‘CAT 2024 answer key,’ which will be displayed on the screen.
• Click on the ‘download’ link to save it as a PDF.

After releasing the CAT answer key, IIM provides the objection window for three to four days. If a candidate believes that there are errors in the official answer key, they can challenge it by filling out an online form. The exam authorities will then re-examine the CAT answer key and make revisions if necessary.

CAT Result 2024

After releasing the official answer key, IIM announces CAT result 2024, containing the score of every candidate. For 2024, the anticipated CAT result date is in the final week of December.

To access the result, candidates must visit the official website, locate the provided link for CAT result 2024, and enter their login credentials, including ID and password. The CAT scorecard remains valid for 1 year. Candidates must take admission to MBA colleges within this time using their CAT result 2024.

CAT Selection Process

The IIMs shortlist candidates on the basis of CAT score of MBA admission. The CAT score is valid for admission to several other IIM courses such as Executive MBA, PhD and FPM. For full-time MBA admission, candidates have to appear for WAT-PI round of the IIMs. Check below three stages of IIM CAT selection process for Regular MBA.

• Stage 1: Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of CAT score
• Stage 2: Conduct of WAT-PI round

• Stage 3: Final selection and offer of admission

How to Prepare for CAT 2024?

CAT is recognised as one of the most challenging MBA entrance exams. Therefore, candidates must follow a strategic preparation plan to excel in the CAT exam with a high score. Candidates can adopt the following tips for effective preparation:

• Break down the syllabus into small sections and allocate time accordingly.
• Focus on enhancing weaker areas while maintaining proficiency in strong sections.
• Seek expert guidance from Quantika classes. An effective preparation plan, thorough guidance, and reliable resources available at Quantika are imperative to achieve success in the CAT exam 2024.
• Set realistic study goals and adhere to a well-structured schedule.
• Regularly take mock tests to evaluate progress and enhance time management skills.
• Solve CAT previous year papers to grasp the exam pattern and boost confidence.
• Learn about the current events, particularly for the general awareness section.
• Maintain a positive mindset and believe in one’s abilities.
• Review concepts, engage in question practice, and remain committed to the study plan.