Aspiring management professionals across India eagerly await the Common Admission Test
(CAT) each year, as it serves as a gateway to some of the most prestigious business schools in
the country. CAT is not just an exam; it’s a journey that tests not only a candidate’s aptitude
but also their perseverance, analytical skills, and time management abilities. Let’s delve deep
into all aspects of CAT 2024, providing aspiring candidates with the information they need to
embark on this transformative journey.
Understanding CAT
CAT, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is one of the most
competitive management entrance exams in India. It serves as the primary criterion for
admission to the prestigious IIMs and other premier management institutes across the
country. CAT evaluates candidates on three major parameters: Quantitative Ability (QA),
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical
Reasoning (DILR).
CAT 2024: Important Dates
To kickstart your CAT preparation journey, it’s crucial to stay updated on the important dates
associated with the exam. While the official notification for CAT 2024 is yet to be released,
based on past trends, here’s an approximate timeline:
● Commencement of CAT Registration: Likely Aug 2024
● CAT Admit Card: Likely Oct 2024
● CAT Exam Date: Likely Nov 2024
● Declaration of CAT Results: Likely Dec 2024
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2024
Before registering for CAT 2024, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set
by the conducting authority. While the specific eligibility criteria may vary slightly from year
to year, here are the general requirements:
● Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a
recognized university or institute.
● Minimum Percentage: Most institutes require candidates to have a minimum
aggregate percentage in their bachelor’s degree, usually ranging from 50% to 60%.
● Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree
or awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
CAT 2024: Registration Process
The registration process for CAT typically involves the following steps:
● Online Registration: Candidates need to visit the official CAT website and complete
the online registration process by providing basic details such as name, date of birth,
email address, and mobile number.
● Fill Application Form: After registration, candidates must fill out the CAT application
form, providing detailed information about their educational background, work
experience (if any), and preferred exam centers.
● Upload Documents: Candidates are required to upload scanned images of their
photograph, signature, and other relevant documents as per the specifications
provided.
● Payment of Application Fee: The final step involves the payment of the CAT
application fee through online modes such as debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
CAT 2024: Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. While the
official CAT syllabus document is not released by the IIMs, candidates can analyze previous
years’ question papers to decipher the major topics of the CAT syllabus. The CAT syllabus for
2024 is expected to cover the following main topics:
● Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Para jumbles,
Sentence-Completion, Reading Comprehension, Para-Summary, Inferences
● Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets,
Blood Relation, Venn Diagram, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism
● Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest-Compound
Interest, Time & Distance, Averages-Mixtures-Alligations, Numbers, Mensuration,
Logarithms, Functions & Graphs, Indices & Surds, Quadratic Equations, Special
Equations, Statistics
CAT 2024: Marking Scheme
Understanding the CAT marking scheme is crucial for optimizing performance and
maximizing scores. The CAT 2024 marking scheme includes:
● Total Marks: CAT 2024 will have a total of 198 marks, with each question carrying 3
marks.
● Number of Questions: CAT 2024 will consist of a total of 66 questions divided
section-wise as VARC – 24, DILR – 20, and QA -22.
● Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer in
MCQs.
● Skipping Questions: It is not mandatory to attempt all the questions, and there will be
no deduction of marks for skipping questions.
● Non-MCQ Questions: Some questions in the QA section will be non-MCQ, and there
will be no negative marking for these questions.
CAT 2024: Exam Pattern – Overall and Sectional Time Limit
The CAT exam imposes a time limit for each section, requiring candidates to solve the paper
in a predefined sequence and within the allocated time frame. They are not permitted to
choose any section to begin with or switch between sections. The sequence of sections is
fixed. It will be:
● Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
● Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
● Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The time limit for each section is as follows:
● Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 40 minutes
● Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 40 minutes
● Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 40 minutes
For PwD (Persons with Disabilities) students, the time limit for each section is extended to 53
minutes and 20 seconds.
CAT 2024: Preparation Strategy
Preparing for CAT requires a structured and disciplined approach. Here are some tips to help
you prepare effectively:
● Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the CAT syllabus and focus on
strengthening your weaknesses while consolidating your strengths.
● Time Management: Practice time management techniques to ensure you can complete
each section within the allotted time frame.
● Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify
areas that need improvement.
● Revision: Allocate sufficient time for revision, especially in the weeks leading up to
the exam, to reinforce concepts and formulas.
CAT 2024: Admit Card and Exam Day
Once the CAT admit card is released, candidates can download it from the official website
using their login credentials. On the day of the exam, candidates must carry a printed copy of
the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof for verification purposes. It’s advisable to
reach the exam center well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
CAT 2024: Results and Further Process
After the successful completion of the exam, candidates can expect the CAT results to be
declared within a few weeks. The results are usually published on the official CAT website,
and candidates can check their scores using their login credentials. Based on their
performance in CAT, candidates will be shortlisted for further rounds of selection, which may
include a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).
Is Online Coaching Good for CAT?
With the rise of digital learning platforms, many aspiring CAT candidates find themselves
pondering over whether online coaching is a viable option for their exam preparation. Let’s
delve into the pros of online coaching for CAT to help you make an informed decision.
- Flexibility: Online coaching offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing candidates to
access study materials, lectures, and practice tests at their convenience. This
flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals and students juggling
multiple responsibilities. - Accessibility: Online coaching breaks down geographical barriers, enabling
candidates from remote areas to access high-quality study materials and expert
guidance. It democratizes education and ensures equal opportunities for all aspirants,
regardless of their location. - Cost-Effectiveness: CAT online coaching fees are often more affordable than
traditional classroom coaching, as it eliminates the need for commuting expenses and
physical infrastructure costs. Additionally, many online platforms offer multiple
course options, allowing candidates to choose a plan that suits their budget. - Customized Learning Experience: Online coaching platforms leverage technology to
offer personalized learning experiences tailored to each candidate’s strengths,
weaknesses, and learning pace. Adaptive learning algorithms, interactive quizzes, and
performance analytics help identify areas for improvement and track progress over
time. - Expert Faculty: Leading online coaching platforms collaborate with experienced
faculty members, industry experts, and CAT toppers to deliver high-quality content
and mentorship. Candidates can benefit from the insights and strategies shared by
these experts, enhancing their overall preparation.
Conclusion
CAT 2024 is not just an exam; it’s a stepping stone towards a promising career in
management. By understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategies,
aspiring candidates can embark on this journey with confidence and determination. With
meticulous planning, dedication, and perseverance, success in CAT is well within reach. So,
gear up, stay focused, and unleash your potential as you prepare to conquer CAT 2024 and
pave the way for a bright future in the world of management
