The IIM CAT 2024 exam, scheduled for November 24, 2024, will be held in three sessions across more than 135 cities in India. Conducted as a computer-based test, CAT is a crucial gateway for admission into 21 IIMs and over 1300 MBA colleges nationwide.
This year, IIM Calcutta is responsible for organizing the exam, with official notifications released on July 30, 2024. Registration begins on August 1 and will continue until September 13, 2024.
If you’re interested in preparing or applying for the CAT, consider reading this article until the end to learn more about it.
Contents
Overview of IIM CAT Exam 2024
Here is a quick overview of this exam –
| CAT Exam Particulars | CAT Details |
|---|---|
| CAT Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Institute for 2024 | IIM Calcutta (to be confirmed) |
| 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 2,400 (General category) INR 1,200 (Reserved category) |
| Number of Test Takers | 3.30 lakh (in 2023) |
| CAT Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs |
| Number of Test Cities | 155 |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| CAT Exam Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam Helpdesk No. | 1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free) |
IIM CAT Exam 2024 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for IIM CAT Exam 2024, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD) from a recognized university. Final-year students and those with professional degrees can also apply.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, PwD/DA category) |
| Final Year Students | Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are eligible to apply |
| Professional Degrees | Aspirants with CA/CS/ICWA are eligible, provided they meet the minimum acceptable percentage |
| Exam Date | Expected to be held on the last Sunday of November 2024 |
| Official Notification | Expected release in July 2024 |
| Upper Age Limit | No upper age limit specified |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory for CAT application; however, it is advantageous for IIM admission |
How to Apply for IIM CAT 2024?
To register for the IIM CAT Exam 2024, follow the steps listed below –
- Visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in
- Click on ‘New Registration.’
- Provide your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID.
- Verify the CAPTCHA code and verify registration with the OTP received.
- Log in using the CAT ID shared via email to fill out the form.
- Enter personal and academic details.
- Upload a recent passport-size photo and a scanned signature.
- Choose preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities.
- Pay the registration fee: Rs 2300 for general category, Rs 1150 for SC/ST/PwD.
- Print the filled CAT 2024 application for future reference.
IIM CAT Exam 2024 Syllabus
The IIM CAT Exam syllabus covers three main sections: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. Each section tests different skills, with a focus on problem-solving, data analysis, and language proficiency.
| Section | Topics | Weightage in Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Arithmetic, Modern Maths, Number System, Algebra, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Geometry | 34-36% |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Data Charts, Data Tables, Bar Graphs, Venn Diagrams, Seating Arrangement, Team Formation, Clocks & Calendars | 30-32% |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Long & Short Passages, Jumbled Paragraphs, Para-summary, Picking the Out Sentence | 32-34% |
IIM CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The IIM CAT exam is designed to challenge candidates across three key sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Held in three sessions, the exam spans 120 minutes, during which candidates must tackle 66 questions.
Each section has a strict 40-minute time limit, making time management crucial. The exam’s scoring system awards three marks for each correct answer, with a deduction of one mark for each incorrect answer. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQs, and skipping questions does not incur any penalty. The highest possible score is 198, but attempting all questions is not required.
Here’s a breakdown of the IIM CAT 2024 exam pattern:
| CAT Exam Sections | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | Moderate to High |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) | 20 | Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | High |
This format requires a strategic approach, emphasizing accuracy and effective time management to maximize scores.
IIM CAT Admit Card 2024
The admit card is an essential document that candidates must bring to the exam centre on the examination day.
To access it, candidates need to log in to the official IIM CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, using their ID and password.
The admit card will contain crucial details such as the test centre location, exam date, and other important information related to the exam. It’s vital to check all the details on the admit card for accuracy. If any discrepancies are found, candidates should immediately contact the authorities to have them corrected.
IIM CAT Exam 2024 Answer Key
The IIM CAT Exam 2024 answer key is typically released by IIM about a week after the exam. It comes in the form of a candidate response sheet, allowing candidates to review their answers. To download the CAT answer key, candidates should visit the official CAT website, log in using their ID and password, and click on the ‘CAT 2024 answer key’ link. The answer key can be saved as a PDF for reference.
After the answer key is released, IIM opens an objection window for three to four days. If candidates spot any errors in the answer key, they can challenge it by filling out an online form. The exam authorities will then review these objections and make necessary revisions if required.
IIM CAT Result 2024
The IIM CAT 2024 result will be announced by IIM shortly after the release of the official answer key, likely in the final week of December. This result will display the scores of all candidates.
To check their results, candidates need to visit the official CAT website, enter their login ID and password, and access the result link.
The CAT scorecard is valid for one year, so candidates must secure admission to MBA colleges within this period using their CAT 2024 scores.
How to Prepare for IIM CAT Exam 2024?
To prepare for CAT 2024, follow the steps listed below carefully –
- Break down the syllabus into small sections and allocate time accordingly.
- Focus on weaker areas while maintaining proficiency in strong sections.
- Seek guidance from Online Coaching for expert support and reliable resources.
- Set realistic study goals and follow a well-structured schedule.
- Regularly take mock tests to track progress and improve time management.
- Solve previous year’s CAT papers to understand the exam pattern and boost confidence.
- Stay updated on current events, especially for the general awareness section.
- Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your abilities.
- Review concepts and practice questions, and stay committed to your study plan.
Important Dates
| CAT Exam Events | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2024 Notification | 28 July 2024 |
| CAT 2024 Registration Starts | 01 August 2024 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Ends | 13 September 2024 (5:00 PM) |
| CAT Form Correction | Last week of September 2024 |
| CAT Admit Card 2024 | 05 November 2024 |
| CAT Exam 2024 Date | 24 November 2024 |
| CAT Answer Key Release | First week of December 2024 |
| Answer Key Challenge Process | First week of December 2024 |
| Declaration of CAT 2024 Result | Last week of December 2024 or First week of January 2025 |
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FAQs
Can I Correct My CAT 2024 Application After Submission?
Yes, form corrections can be made during the last week of September 2024.
How Can I Challenge Errors in the CAT 2024 Answer Key?
You can challenge the answer key through the online process in the first week of December 2024.
What Should I Do if There’s an Error on My CAT Admit Card?
Contact the authorities promptly to rectify any discrepancies.
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