Detailed Guide To IIM Cat Exam 2024

You may be curious about the CAT exam 2024, key dates, eligibility, syllabus, how to prepare, and more. In this article, we will discuss it all in detail. 

CAT Exam

In the first place, the candidates should know what is the CAT exam and why is it important. The CAT Exam is a Common Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance exam for management programmes at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other business schools. The CAT exam is a top choice for students seeking admission to MBA programmes in India. If you too wish to get admission to top IIM colleges or Business colleges, CAT is the most accepted entrance. The CAT 2023 was held on 26 November by IIM Lucknow. This year 2024, the CAT exam is likely to be conducted by IIM Calcutta. 

Why Choose CAT Exam 2024?

According to the reports, around 2.88 lakh students took the CAT exam in 2023. But why does this entrance hold so much importance? 

Here are a few reasons to opt for the CAT exam:

• CAT is the minimum eligibility criteria for admissions into the IIMs and other top B – Schools.
• The best thing about CAT is that 1000 business schools in India accept its scores.
• CAT tests the candidates on various skills such as verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability. These skills are essential for management education and career.
• It prepares the candidates for the strict selection process of the B-schools. Also, it includes group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests.
• In addition, the CAT opens up opportunities for lucrative and rewarding careers in various sectors and industries, as well as for higher research in management.

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CAT 2024 Important Dates

The CAT 2024 is likely to be held in November 2024. The estimated schedule for CAT 2024 is as follows: 

CAT 2024 Eligibility

If you decide to take the CAT exam, you should know its eligibility guidelines. The eligibility criteria for CAT exam 2024 are as follows:

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or coequal from a recognized university.
• Students must obtain 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
• Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results can also apply.
• There is no age limit or work experience required.
• Candidates belonging to the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) must have a valid reservation certificate issued per the Government of India norms.

CAT 2024 Exam Fees

As we know the qualification criteria for the CAT exam 2024. Now, let’s see what charges are there to apply for the exam based on the candidates’ category.

Tentative Exam Pattern CAT 2024

Here is the estimated exam pattern for CAT 2024, based on the previous years’ exams:

• Each section may consist of 40 minutes fixed timeframe. Candidates will not be allowed to switch between sections during the exam.
• The exam nights have a total of 66 questions: 48 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 18 non-MCQs or type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions.
• For each correct answer, candidates will get +3 marks. 
• For each incorrect answer, candidates will lose a -1 mark. There will be no negative markings for non-MCQs or unattempted questions.

Tentative CAT 2024 Syllabus

The detailed syllabus for CAT 2024 has yet to be officially released by the IIMs. However, it can be inferred from the previous years’ exam patterns and topics.

Most importantly, the CAT 2024 exam will have three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The VARC section will test the candidates on their verbal reasoning, grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. It will have 24 questions where 19 will be MCQs and 5 will be non-MCQs. The topics covered in this section include:

• Reading comprehension passages (4 passages with 16 questions)
• Para jumbles (3 questions)
• Para summary (3 questions)
• Para completion (2 questions)
• Inferences, odd one out, one-word substitution, syllogism, analogies, and verbal logic.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

The DILR section will test the candidates on their data interpretation and logical reasoning skills. It will have 20 questions: 15 MCQs and 5 non-MCQs. The topics covered in this section include:

• Data interpretation (4 sets with 10 questions on pie charts, bar graphs, tables, etc.)
• Logical reasoning (4 sets with 10 questions on puzzles, blood relations, missing data, etc.)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The QA section will test the candidates on their quantitative aptitude skills. It will have 22 questions, out of which 14 will be MCQs and 8 will be non-MCQs. The topics covered in this section include:

• Geometry (6-7 questions on triangles, circles, and polygons, etc.)
• Arithmetic (10-12 questions on percentages, ratios, averages, time and work, etc.)
• Algebra (5-6 questions on linear and quadratic equations, functions, and inequalities, etc.)
• Mensuration (2-3 questions on areas, volumes, etc.)
• Trigonometry (1-2 questions on angles, identities, etc.)
• Modern maths (1-2 questions on permutations, combinations, and probability, etc.)

CAT 2024 Preparation

The right preparation strategy for CAT 2024 can help the students in the long run. The student should always start with the basic concepts. If your basics are clear, you can gradually increase the questions and topics level. You should analyze your performance in each section and topic and identify your areas of strength and weakness. Finally, you should focus more on your weak areas and improve them by revising the concepts. Create daily, weekly, and monthly goals for better time management and preparation. The books or study materials are equally important. Gradually, you will realize your strengths and weaknesses in topics that will help you study in an effective manner.

We, TathaGat, have all the curated courses for the CAT aspirants. You can choose between modules, online mode, or offline mode. Explore all the courses offered by TathaGat here.  

Also Read:

CAT Offline Classroom Courses

Online Courses for CAT

Learn Vocabulary

Learn Quantitative Aptitude

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When will be the CAT exam conducted in 2024?

The CAT exam is likely to be held in November 2024. The official CAT 2024 exam date notification is yet to be released by the IIM.

Q. When should I start preparing for the CAT exam 2024?

The beneficial time to start preparing for the CAT 2024 exam before one year or 7 months at least. If you are new to the concepts mentioned in the syllabus, you should start your studies one year before the exam. Ultimately, the CAT scores matters the most to get ahead with the admission process.

Q. Is CAT held twice a year?

No. The CAT exam is conducted once a year.

Q. What is the mode of the CAT exam?

The CAT exam is taken in the CBT (Computer Based Exam) mode. Here, the students have to visit the allotted exam centre on the specified date and take the test on the computer. 

Q. Is CAT difficult to clear?

CAT holds a more difficult level than other management entrances. However, if you have the right guidance, determination, and will to practice, you can clear the CAT exam.

Q. How many CAT attempts are allowed?

The CAT exam is held once a year and has no age barriers for many attempts. What's more? There are no guidelines for a specified limit of attempts. Hence, the candidates can attempt the exam every year by fulfilling the eligibility criteria.