The Common Admission Test (CAT) remains one of the most important entrance exams for aspiring MBA students in India. In 2024, IIM Calcutta will be responsible for conducting this critical exam. This guide covers all essential aspects of CAT 2024, including registration, key dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategies.
Overview of CAT 2024
CAT is recognized by over 1300 business schools across India, making it a highly sought-after exam. The 2024 exam is scheduled for November 24, 2024. The registration period runs from August 1, 2024, to September 13, 2024. The exam will take place across approximately 375 centers in 167 cities, ensuring wide accessibility.
Key Details:
- Full Name: Common Admission Test
- Conducting Body: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta
- Exam Date: November 24, 2024
- Eligibility: Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates)
- Application Mode: Online
- Exam Format: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer
Important Dates for CAT 2024
Here are the critical dates for CAT 2024. Do not forget to take note:
Notification Release: July 28, 2024
Registration Starts: August 1, 2024
Registration Ends: September 13, 2024
Admit Card Download: November 5, 2024
Exam Date: November 24, 2024
Result Declaration: January 2025
Eligibility Criteria
To sit for CAT 2024, candidates need to meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) from a recognized university.
- Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation or awaiting results are eligible to apply.
- Professional Degrees: CA, CS, or ICWA holders are eligible if they meet the minimum percentage criteria.
- Work Experience: Not mandatory but can be beneficial.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit.
CAT Registration
The registration process for CAT 2024 is entirely online. Follow these steps to register:
- Visit Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
- New Registration: Click on ‘New Registration’ and fill in the required details.
- Create User ID: Complete the CAPTCHA and verify your registration with the OTP received.
- Fill out the Application Form: Log in with your CAT 2024 ID and fill in your details.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.
- Select Preferences: Choose your preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities.
- Payment: Pay the application fee using a credit/debit card or net banking.
Application Form Fees:
- General Category: INR 2,500
- SC/ST/PwD Category: INR 1,250
Essential Documents for CAT Exam 2024
Photograph
- Recency: Must be taken within the last 6 months, against a white or off-white background.
- Dimensions: 30mm x 45mm.
- File Size: Up to 1 MB.
- Formats Accepted: JPEG, JPG.
Signature
- File Size: Up to 80 KB.
- Dimensions: 80mm x 35mm.
- Formats Accepted: JPEG, JPG.
Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Required Formats: SC-ST, NC-OBC, EWS.
Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Required Formats: PwD Form V, VI, or VII.
Academic Records
- Details Needed:
- 10th grade marks.
- 12th grade marks.
- Graduation marks.
- Masters/Professional Degree marks.
- Note: Ensure CGPA or grades are converted to percentages.
Work Experience
- Criteria: Only full-time work experience post-graduation, up to July 31, 2024, will be considered.
Important Note
- Document Scanning: Use a proper scanner to digitize your documents. Avoid using mobile devices to scan photographs, signatures, and certificates to ensure clarity and quality.
CAT Exam: Admit Card 2024
As you prepare for the CAT 2024 examination, it’s vital to remember the following about your admit card:
- Essential Document: The admit card is your ticket to the exam center; without it, entry is not permitted.
- Must-Have on Exam Day: Every candidate must bring their admit card to the exam venue on the test day.
Additional Information:
- Eligibility for Access: Only candidates who have successfully registered and paid the application fee will be able to download the CAT 2024 admit card.
- How to Download: To access the admit card, log in to the official IIM CAT website (iimcat.ac.in) using your registration ID and password.
- Key Information Included: The admit card will contain important details like the test center address, exam date, and other critical instructions.
- Verify Details: Ensure all information on the admit card is accurate. If you find any errors, contact the examination authorities immediately to make corrections.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Admit Card: Download and print your admit card from the official website.
- ID Proof: Carry a valid photo ID proof along with the admit card.
- Reporting Time: Arrive at the test center well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
- Prohibited Items: Do not carry electronic gadgets, calculators, or study material to the exam center.
Check the Exam Pattern and Syllabus here
Post-Exam Steps
Answer Key
The CAT answer key will be released a week after the exam. Candidates can download the response sheet and raise objections if any discrepancies are found.
Result Declaration
CAT 2024 results are expected in January 2025. Candidates can download their scorecards from the official website.
Cutoff Scores
Each IIM and participating institute will release their cutoff scores for admissions. Candidates meeting the cutoff will proceed to further selection processes, including group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests.
Conclusion
Successfully preparing for the CAT exam requires a combination of strategic planning, consistent effort, and the right resources. By following the above-mentioned preparation tips, you can enhance your chances of securing admission to a prestigious MBA program. Stay focused, and motivated, and make the most of your preparation period to excel in CAT 2024. Good luck!