CAT 2024 Registration soon: Eligibility, Registration, Exam Dates, Pattern, Syllabus, and more

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024, the gateway to prestigious MBA programs in India, is scheduled to be conducted on November 24, 2024, by IIM Calcutta. Prospective candidates can expect the CAT 2024 notification to be released tentatively on July 30, with the registration process commencing in the first week of August via the official CAT 2024 website.
Candidates must complete their CAT 2024 registration by September 21, 2024, to secure a slot for the exam. CAT is a computer-based test held annually for admission to 21 IIMs, IITs, and over 1200 other B-schools across India. Last year, a staggering 3.28 lakh candidates registered for CAT, underscoring its popularity and significance in the MBA admissions landscape.
Key Dates and Information:
CAT 2024 Exam Date: November 24, 2024 (Last Sunday of November)
Expected Conducting IIM: IIM Calcutta
CAT 2024 Registration Window: First week of August 2024 (Tentative) to September 21, 2024
Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in/
Eligibility for CAT 2024
Eligibility criteria for CAT 2024 include possessing a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates). There is no age limit or restriction on the number of attempts for the CAT exam.
• Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates)
• It's recommended to check individual IIM admission criteria for program-specific requirements.
• No age or attempt limit exists for the CAT exam.
Registration Fees
The CAT 2024 registration fee is Rs. 2,400 for General category candidates and Rs. 1,200 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
CAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The CAT syllabus encompasses various topics from Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) sections. Some key areas of focus include:
• Quantitative Ability (QA): Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Coding-decoding
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Para-jumbles, Sentence completion, Reading comprehension
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Data tables, Bar graphs, Pie charts, Logical reasoning puzzles
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list. It's crucial to refer to past CAT papers and official resources for a more comprehensive understanding of the exam format and difficulty level.
• Number of Expected Questions: Around 66 MCQs and non-MCQs (may vary)
• Total Marks: 198 (Expected)
• Negative Marking: -1 (minus 1) mark for every incorrect answer.
Important Note: The information above is based on past trends and official announcements. The official CAT 2024 notification is expected in July, which will confirm all details.
Exam Timings and Slot Options
The CAT 2024 exam is likely to be conducted in three slots:
Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Candidates will have the option to choose their preferred slot during the registration process.
Participating Colleges and Previous Year Stats:
CAT scores are accepted by over 1200+ B-schools in India, including the prestigious 21 IIMs, IITs, NITs, and MNITs. In 2023, around 3.28 lakh candidates registered for the CAT exam.
For aspirants aiming to secure admission into premier institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and FMS Delhi, aiming for a percentile score of 99 or above is recommended. This competitive exam demands thorough preparation across its syllabus, which covers topics ranging from Algebra and Geometry to Verbal Ability and Data Interpretation.
Remember, consistency and a well-defined study plan are key to success in CAT. Start early, stay focused, and good luck!