IIM CAT Exam 2024, Apply Now, Check Eligibility Criteria, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Results, and More

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.

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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