CAT 2024: Exam Dates, Application, Paper Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus, Results

Given below are the tentative dates for the CAT 2024 exam-

To get admissions to the top MBA colleges in India, candidates must clear admission rounds, including entrance exams and interviews. Among the various MBA entrance exams, CAT, Common Admission Test, is the most popular as it offers admissions into the IIMs. CAT 2024 will allow students to apply for admissions to various top institutes for the batch of 2025-27.

Clearing the CAT exam does not guarantee admissions to the IIMs as all the institutes follow their own admission processes, including interviews and discussions.

Given below is the overview of CAT 2024-

Before the registrations for CAT 2024 begin in August 2024, candidates should check the eligibility criteria. Candidates fulfilling the criteria will be allowed to sit for CAT 2024. These are the tentative requirements of the CAT eligibility criteria for 2024-

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, having a minimum score of 50% for the General and NC-OBC categories can apply. For SC, ST and PWD candidates, the required score is 45%.
• Candidates in the final year of completing their bachelor’s degree can also appear for the exam. However, they are expected to complete their graduation with the required marks. For candidates who are unable to meet this requirement in the later stages, the admission will stand cancelled.
• If a candidate holds a professional degree such as CA/ CS/ ICWS, they are eligible for the CAT exam.
• CAT 2024 has no age limit though a bachelor’s degree is required.

Registrations for the CAT 2024 exam will be online on the official CAT website- iimcat.ac.in. Based on the process of previous years, here is an expected understanding of the fees and documents required for registration-

Registration Process-

• When the candidates open the official website, they should select ‘New Candidate Registration.’ They will be required to fill in their basic details.
• After submission, they will receive an OTP for verification of the registration. 
• After the verification is complete, on the email and mobile number registered, candidates will get a unique ID and password to log in.
• Now the candidates can begin entering the required details in the application form.
• The candidates will also choose the programmes of their choice along with the Interview City.
• The candidates are allowed to pick 6 preferred test cities for the CAT 2024 exam.

Uploading Documents-

While filling out the application form, the candidate must also upload the required documents in the given format-

• Photo
• Signature
• EWS.NC-OBC/SC/ST certificate
• PwD certificate

Candidates will be required to present their mark sheets and degrees in person.

Pay the Application Fee (Tentative)-

To complete the registration process, the candidates must pay the application fees.

• The fee can be submitted online only.
• The candidates will also have the option to preview the application before making the payment and submitting the application form.
• The candidate will receive a confirmation email a few minutes after paying successfully.

The admit card for CAT 2024 can be expected to be released in October 2024. Here are a few details that must be kept in mind for the same-

• Registered candidates will be able to access and download the admit card by logging into their account from the official website.
• Details such as the test centre, date and time of the exam will be provided on the admit card.
• Candidates have to carry their admit cards for the exam on the day of the examination.

Due to the pandemic, the exam pattern for the CAT exam has been changing. In 2019, the exam had 100 questions across 3 hours which was reduced to 76 in 2020 and 66 in 2021. Here is the tentative overview of the exam pattern for CAT 2024-

Following the trends of the past few years, we can expect the CAT 2024 exam to be divided into 3 sections. Due to the lack of a defined syllabus for the CAT exam, CAT aspirants largely focus on studying school-level mathematics and English. Based on the same conclusion, given below is the tentative syllabus for the three sections of the exam-

MBA is one of the most sought degrees for master’s and the 2 lakh candidates applying for CAT is a testimony to this statement. So to outdo the competition, candidates must study and strategise effectively. So we have compiled preparatory tips to help you score well in CAT 2024 exam-

• Devise a Plan for Studying: You must identify a preparation strategy that suits you. Allot hours on a daily basis for your CAT study and stay disciplined. Monitor your daily progress and areas of improvement.
• Identify the Weakspots: Devote time to the topics you are not entirely familiar with as establishing the basics is essential. Before you take CAT preparations further, ensure that your foundation for all the concepts is strong.
• Practice Regularly: Most sections and topics are dependent on your ability to practice regularly and extensively. For calculations, you must increase your speed to calculate and sections such as reading comprehension are entirely dependent on your daily practice questions.
• Preparation Mode: A major factor in your CAT preparations is whether you are studying by yourself or planning to enrol in a CAT coaching program. The mode of preparation you choose will also change the strategy you might follow to achieve the goals for the CAT exam.
• Give Mock Exams: Mock exams are an essential and effective way to identify your weaknesses and strengths. They will guide you better on areas you need to strengthen or improve upon. Free CAT Mock Exams are a good way to check your abilities.

Declaration of the CAT results takes place on the official website tentatively in the month of December. Soon after the results and cut-offs are announced, the IIMs will begin their interview and discussion rounds for admissions to the 2025-27 batch.