CAT

CAT Exam 2024 - All You Need to Know About the Common Admission Test

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Examination Start Date
24th Nov 2024

exam date

Avantika Bhardwaj
Avantika Bhardwaj Avantika Bhardwaj

New Updates About CAT

CAT Highlights

Particular Details

Common Admission Test (CAT)

IIM Calcutta

24th Nov 2024

₹ 2,500

National

online

https://iimcat.ac.in/

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Table of Content

What is CAT Exam?

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a Top MBA Entrance Examination in India for admission to MBA courses offered by IIMs. The exam is conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis every year. Apart from Indian Institutes of Management, there are more than 1200 Business Schools that accept CAT Score for admission to their MBA programs. As per the CAT Eligibility Criteria, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in any field with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) in aggregate from a recognized university.

  • Every year, more than 2 lakh candidates register for the Common Admission Test except the year CAT 2023, when the number of registrations for the exam reached up to 3.30 lakh. 

Read in Detail - What is CAT Exam?

IIM Calcutta has extended the CAT 2024 Registration by a week. Now, the last date to fill CAT Exam Form 2024 is extended till September 20, 2024. Candidates who wish to register themselves must apply for the CAT 2024 before the window finally closes.

 

 

 

 

This year, IIM Calcutta will conduct CAT Exam on 24 November, 2024, and it will be held in three shifts i.e. morning, afternoon and evening shifts. The IIMs released CAT 2024 Notification on July 30, 2024. The official notification of the exam was also released on the official website of IIMCAT i.e. iimcat.ac.in. Students willing to take the Common Admission Test this year can visit the official website and check other related details such as CAT 2024 dates, application fees, eligibility criteria, courses offered for admission, etc. Also Read - How to score 99+ percentile in CAT 2024?

The CAT 2024 Application Process began from August 2, 2024 and will continue to last till 13 September. Candidates must fill the online CAT application form and they must also make the payment of CAT fees in order to register themselves for the exam successfully. They must ensure filling the form before the last date to register for the exam.

What is new in CAT 2024 Exam?

It hardly happens that there are any changes introduced in the question paper of Common Admission Test. This year, in CAT 2024, there has been an increase in the fees. The exam fees last year for general category candidates was INR 2400 and for SC/ST candidates, the fees was INR 1200. But for CAT 2024, the cat exam fees for general candidates is INR 2500 and for SC/ST candidates, it is INR 1250.

Why is the CAT Exam tougher than other MBA entrance exams?

There is no doubt that CAT is the toughest MBA exam and there are various factors that make it the most difficult exam. There are almost 3 lakh candidates who take the exam every year hence increasing the competition. There is a sectional time limit for each section asked in the CAT Exam Pattern which means if a candidate completes a section in less time than the allotted time, he/she will have to wait until the sectional time limit is over. This time duration goes in waste and can't be used for other sections' questions. Apart from these two factors, the difficulty level of the questions asked in CAT Question Paper also contribute to the overall difficulty level of the examination.

What is the CAT Application Fee?

The CAT Exam Fee for general candidates is INR 2500 and for SC/ST candidates it is INR 1250. As per the changes in the exam this year, there has been an increase in the fees. Earlier the fees was INR 2400 for general candidates and INR 1250 for SC/ST candidates.

CAT Exam Highlights

The exam will be conducted in three shifts at almost 375 CAT Exam Centers located in 170 test cities across the country. MBA Aspirants planning to take the exam and admission in premier MBA institutions must begin with their CAT preparation for the exam yet to be conducted in November 2024.

Below mentioned are some of the important the highlights:

Particular

Detail

What is CAT Full Form?

Common Admission Test (CAT)

CAT 2024 Exam Date

November 24, 2024

Examination Type

National Level Examination

Shifts of CAT 2024

3 sessions – Morning, Afternoon, and Evening

Conducted by

IIM Calcutta

CAT Exam Mode

Computer Based (but not Online)

CAT Eligibility

No age limit

Graduates with 50% marks in aggregate can apply

No. of Questions in CAT Question Paper

Expected 64-68 questions divided among 3 sections

CAT Negative Marking

1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer of MCQs.

No mark would be deducted for Non-MCQs

CAT Exam Duration

2 hours, i.e. 120 minutes (40 min for each section)

Section wise questions

Expected:

VARC – 22 questions

DILR – 20 questions

QA – 22 questions

CAT Total Marks

198 marks

Type of Questions

MCQ and TITA (Type in the Answer questions)

Difficulty Level of CAT Exam

Moderate to Difficult

Colleges Accepting CAT Score 2024

20 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs, IMI, JBIMS & 500 other MBA colleges in India

New CAT Fees

INR 2500 for General Category

INR 1250 for SC/ST/PwD

Official Website

iimcat.ac.in

No. of Candidates Registered

 

Can I get admission to IIMs without CAT Exam Score?

No. CAT is the only gateway for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management. IIMs are the management institutes of national importance and students with no valid cat score can't be considered eligible for admission to IIMs. There are total 21 IIMs and all these IIMs accept CAT Score for admission.

CAT Exam Dates

This year, IIM Calcutta will be conducting the CAT 2024. The important dates of the exam along with the other dates such as cat registration date 2024, the final date to fill cat application form, and the schedule of the exam have been mentioned below in the table. Read in Detail - CAT Exam Dates 2024 - Complete Schedule

Event

Date

CAT 2024 official notification release

August 1, 2024

CAT Registration Starts

August 1, 2024

Last Date to Fill CAT Application Form

September 13, 2024

CAT Application Form Correction Window

September 2024

CAT Admit Card 2024 Release Date

November 5, 2024

CAT Exam Date 2024

November 24, 2024

CAT Answer Key Release Date

1st Week of December 2024

CAT Answer Key Objection Raising Window

1st Week of December 2024

CAT Result Declaration

1st Week of January 2025

IIM Counselling Process

February 2025

What is the date of the CAT exam?

The exam date of CAT 2024 is November 24, 2024. The exam is typically held once a year, on the last Sunday of November. The exact date is announced by the conducting body, which is the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

Are the CAT exam dates the same every year?

No, the dates vary from year to year. The exam is usually scheduled for the last Sunday of November or but the specific date changes annually.

How do I register for the CAT exam?

The CAT Registration details such as registration start and end dates, are announced along with the other important dates. You need to visit the official CAT website i.e. iimcat.ac.in to complete the registration process, by filling out an online cat exam form and paying the cat application fee.

Will there be any change in CAT Exam Date?

No. Once released, there will not be any change in the date. Only under some unprecedented circumstances could there be a change in the same.

CAT Registration Process

IIM Calcutta released the CAT Application Form for the exam on August 2, 2024 at the official website i.e. iimcat.ac.in 2024. The last date to apply for CAT 2024 Exam is 13th September 2024. The candidates will easily have more than 1 month to complete the registration process and then fill the application form of cat. CAT Registration Process 2024 - Step-by-Step Guide

Also, they must fill the form before the deadline of the same arrives. The application form link will expire and no longer exist after the deadline is reached. 

Which documents are required to fill CAT Application Form?

The documents required to fill CAT Application Form are class 10th and 12th marksheet, graduation certificate & marksheets, date of birth certificate, certificate of identification, final year certificate from the director (for final year candidates), passport size photograph, scanned signature, caste certificate (if applicable), PwD category certificate (if applicable), scribe certificate (if applicable), net banking credentials or credit/debit card, and work experience certificate.

How to Fill CAT Application Form 2024?

Below mentioned are the steps to fill CAT Form 2024:

  • Visit the official website of CAT 2024 - iimcat.ac.in 2024.
  • Navigate to and Click on ‘New Registration'.
  • Enter your name, date of birth, nationality, mobile number, and email address to register.
  • Once the registration is done, candidates will receive a login ID and password on their registered email id.
  • Proceed to fill the cat 2024 application form.
  • Enter your personal as well as educational details.
  • Upload scanned passport sized photograph and signature.
  • Select the preferred courses and respective IIMs.
  • Select the cat center from the drop down given there.
  • Proceed to make the payment of CAT application fee via credit/debit card or net banking.
  • Review the duly filled cat application form and click on ‘Submit'.

How can I apply for CAT Exam?

To apply for the exam, candidates must visit the official website - iimcat.ac.in 2024 and fill the application form of CAT available online. There are certain steps to fill the form such as registration, academic details, uploading of documents, and payment of registration fee. Once everything is done, candidates will receive a confirmation email on their registered email address and mobile number.

What is the last date to fill CAT 2024 Application Form?

CAT Registration began from August 2 and the last date to apply for CAT 2024 Exam is 13th September, 2024. MBA Aspirants are advised to register themselves for CAT 2024 before the CAT Application Window closes. They must fill the form with all the correct details and also pay the fees which is INR 2500 for general candidates and INR 1250 for SC/ST candidates.

Can I fill the CAT Application Form offline?

No. You can not apply for the exam hrough offline mode. It can only be done through online mode. Candidates can register themselves for the CAT 2024 Exam can visit the cat official website i.e. iimcat.ac.in. There are links to register for the exam for new candidates, and also the link link to apply for registered candidates. The uploading of documents, payment of cat application fees, and selecting of preferred institutes and courses can only be done online on the official website of cat.

Things to keep in mind while filling CAT 2024 Application Form:

  • Candidates must make sure that all the details filled by them are correct as any incorrect detail may lead to cancellation of their candidature. 
  • The cat application correction window will be made available only to make corrections in the images uploaded or the chosen exam centers. 

CAT Exam Fees

The CAT registration fees varies according to the category of candidates. CAT Fees for general/obc candidates will be INR 2500 while the cat registration fee for SC/ST candidates will be INR 1250.

  • The payment of application fee must be made through any online mode of application such as Debit card, Credit card, or Net Banking.
  • The payment can also be made through Demand draft but in such case, they are required to provide the details in the duly filled application form.
  • The CAT Fees for general category candidates is INR 2500 and SC/ST/PwD candidates it is INR 1250. CAT Fees for OBC Candidates is INR 2500.

Can I apply for the CAT Exam if I am in the final year of graduation?

Yes, candidates who are in the final year of their graduation can fill the cat application form since they stand eligible as per the CAT Eligibility Criteria defined on the CAT official website. You will need to provide proof of your ongoing education and must meet the eligibility criteria specified by the CAT authorities.

What to do if there is a discrepancy in my application details?

If there are any discrepancies in your cat application form after the submission, please contact the CAT helpdesk immediately and get the issues rectified as soon as possible.

Category

Fees

General and OBC candidates

INR 2500

SC, ST andidates

INR 1250

How can I register for the CAT exam?

To register for the CAT exam, visit the official CAT website and complete the online application form. You'll need to provide personal details, educational background, and other relevant information, as well as pay the application fee.

What documents do I need for CAT registration?

Candidates will have to upload scanned copies of your passport sized photograph and signature, educational certificates, and category certificates (if applicable).

Is there an application fee for CAT?

Yes, there is an application fee for CAT. The application fee for CAT Form is INR 2500 for general candidates and INR 1250 for SC/ST candidates.

How do I pay the CAT application fee?

To make the payment of CAT application fees through online mode such as via credit/debit card, net banking, or other electronic payment methods.

CAT Registration Dates 2024

Below mentioned are the registration dates of CAT exam 2024:

Event

Date

CAT Application Date

August 2, 2024

Last Date to fill cat exam form

September 20, 2024

CAT 2024 application correction window opens

3rd week of September 2024

What is the fees of CAT Exam 2024?

For the Exam, the fee for general candidates is INR 2500 and for SC/ST candidates, INR 1250. OBC candidates will also have to pay INR 2500. This year the fees for CAT Exam has been increased. Last year the fees was INR 2400 for general category candidates and for SC/ST candidates, the fees was INR 1200.

Can I edit my CAT application form after submission?

Once the CAT application form is submitted, changes to certain details may be allowed on after the application form correction window. Candidates must review their application form carefully before submitting it.

How can I check the status of my CAT application?

You can check the status of your CAT registration by logging into the official website of CAT - iimcat.ac.in, online portal with your CAT Application ID and Password. The status will be updated and you can check if your application has been successfully submitted or not.

Can I change my CAT exam center after registration?

During the registration process, you can choose up to 5 preferred exam cities from the options given in the dropdown. However, changing the exam center after submission is generally not permitted. Ensure you select your center carefully during the application. You can try changing your exam city once the cat application correction window is open.

CAT Eligibility Criteria

The CAT 2024 eligibility criteria has not undergone any changes in the last few years. Even for CAT 2024, the eligibility criteria remain the same. The minimum educational qualification to be eligible to take CAT Exam 2024 is possessing a bachelor's degree in any field from a recognized university. 

Below mentioned are the cat eligibility criteria that candidates must fulfill in order to be eligible for the same:

  • Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree securing at least 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university (45% for SC, ST, and PwD/DA category candidates).
  • Candidates with a professional degree such as CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI securing the minimum marks can also appear for the exam.
  • Candidates in their final year of graduation or awaiting the results are also considered eligible for the exam. 
  • They must make sure that the aggregate marks of their 1st and 2nd year should meet the minimum marks required for the exam.
  • The graduation of MBA aspirants can be regular or distance learning but it should be a 3-year program degree. 

Read more about CAT Exam Eligibility 2024

What is the CAT Eligibility Criteria?

Candidates willing to appear for the exam must fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria defined by the examination conducting body. Below are the eligibility criteria that students must fulfill: They must possess a bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years of duration. Candidates must also possess at least 50% marks in aggregate (45% for reserved category candidates). Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply. Candidates with professional degree such as CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI with minimum aggregate marks can also apply for CAT 2024.

What is the age limit to appear in CAT 2024 Exam?

There is no age limit. As per the CAT Eligibility Criteria, as long as the candidates fulfill the defined minimum qualification and the other requirements, candidates will not face any issues concerning their age.

CAT Admit Card

CAT Admit Card is one of the most important documents that candidates must carry to the cat exam center to appear in the cat examination. They must note that they will not be allowed to enter the examination hall without the admit card. Below mentioned are some of the important points that candidates must keep in mind about the How to Download CAT Admit Card 2024:

  • Candidates who have registered themselves for the exam successfully and made the payment of cat registration fees, can download the CAT 2024 Admit Card. 
  • They must log in to the official website of IIMCAT i.e. iimcat.ac.in using their cat login credentials i.e. login id and password in order to download the hall ticket of cat exam. 
  • The details mentioned in the CAT admit card such as cat test centres, exam date, etc. must be correct.
  • Candidates must verify all the details mentioned on the admit card. In case any information is incorrect, please get that rectified by contacting the authorities concerned.

How to Download CAT Admit Card?

Candidates must possess their login credentials for cat 2024 admit card download as it can only be downloaded through online mode. Below mentioned are the steps to download cat admit card:

  • Visit the official website of cat mba exam - iimcat.ac.in 2024. 
  • Navigate to and click on ‘Login' button. 
  • Enter your CAT Login Credentials - cat application number and password.
  • Enter the security number or captcha code and click on ‘Submit'.
  • The screen will display the cat admit card.
  • Candidates must download and take a printout of the same for future reference.

CAT Syllabus

CAT Syllabus 2024 is divided into three sections namely VARC, DIRL, and QA. The full form of VARC is Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, DILR full form is Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and QA stands for Quantitative Aptitude. There are several other topics under each section of the cat syllabus for mba.

Mentioned below are some of the important topics from each section of the mba cat syllabus: Read in Detail - Complete CAT Syllabus 2024: All Sections

CAT 2024 Syllabus

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 odd Sentence

32-34%

Related Articles:

CAT Exam Pattern

There are three sections in which the CAT Exam Question Paper is divided. All the questions in the cat question paper are multiple choice questions (MCQs) and TITA (type in the answer) i.e. Non MCQ type. The total duration of CAT Exam is 2 hours (120 minutes). In these 2 hours, candidates need to solve 66 questions from all three sections VARC, DILR, and QA. There is also a sectional limit of 40 minutes each section. 

Below are the main highlights of CAT exam pattern:

  • CAT Exam will be held in three shifts.
  • The total cat exam duration is 2 hours i.e. 120 minutes.
  • CAT question paper is divided in three sections - VARC, DILR, and QA. 
  • There will be +3 marks for each correct answer and for every incorrect answer there will be a deduction of 1 mark. 
  • There is no negative marking for non-MCQs. 
  • There will be no deduction of marks for skipping the questions.
  • CAT Total marks i.e. the maximum achievable score in the CAT 2024 Exam is 198 marks. 
  • It is not mandatory to attempt all the questions in cat question paper.

Read in Detail - CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Section-Wise Breakdown

What is the sectional time limit in CAT Exam?

There are three sections in CAT 2024 Exam namely VARC, DILR, and QA. The total duration to complete the CAT Exam is 2 hours i.e. 120 minutes. Out of these 2 hours, 40 minutes is allotted to each section of CAT Exam. The sectional limit for each section in CAT Exam is 40 minutes.

Please refer to the table mentioned below for CAT Test Structure 2024:

CAT Paper Pattern 2024

CAT exam mode

Computer Based Test

CAT exam duration

2 hours i.e. 120 minutes

40 minutes per section

CAT exam slots

Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Number of questions in CAT Question paper

66

CAT total marks

198

Language of question paper

English

Number of answer choices

4

Question Type

MCQ and non-MCQ

CAT Exam Timings

The table mentioned below is for exam timings for CAT 2024. Candidates applying for the exam must see the table below:

CAT Exam Slot

CAT Exam Timing

Reporting Time

Last Entry Allowed

Slot 1

8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

7:00 AM

8:15 AM

Slot 2

12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

11:00 AM

12:15 PM

Slot 3

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

3:00 PM

4:15 PM

CAT Previous Year Question Paper

Candidates preparing for the exam can go through the CAT Syllabus and get a fair understanding of what topics are asked in the CAT Question Paper. The previous year question papers of CAT Exam can help students peek into the sectional weightage, difficulty level of questions asked, and the types of questions in the cat question paper. Solving CAT Exam previous year question papers is one foolproof way to understand the difficulty level of the exam and secure good marks in the exam. Read in Detail - Download Previous Year CAT Question Papers

Here are the previous years' CAT papers PDFs links. Students can download these CAT Question Paper PDFs and start preparing for the exam.

CAT Exam Preparation Tips

For CAT 2024 Preparation, candidates must start at least 6 months before the examination is commenced. Six months of duration is a must to secure 99+ percentiles in CAT 2024. The three elements candidates must consider before starting the preparation of CAT exam are Conceptual Clarity, Practice, and Revision. Candidates taking the CAT Exam for MBA for the first time should start in the month of March as it gives you 7-8 months before the exam is conducted in November. 

Also Read - How to Score 99 Percentile in CAT Exam 2024?

  • Candidates appearing in the Common Admission Test must first get familiar with CAT Syllabus 2024 and CAT Exam Pattern and then make a preparation plan to study. 

Below are some of the tips on How to Start CAT 2024 Exam Preparation:

  • Check CAT Syllabus of previous year as it is likely to remain the same.
  • Make a list of topics as per your strengths and weaknesses. 
  • Join online study groups on various social media platforms such Youtube and Telegram.
  • Collect study material relevant to you CAT Syllabus and CAT Preparation Books. 
  • Make daily plans and allot topics as per your capacity each from VARC, DILR, and QA.
  • Revise and practice questions from the topics you prepared from each section. 
  • Practice CAT Previous Year Question Papers in order to increase your speed of solving questions.

Quick Links

Preparation Tips for Verbal Ability for CAT Exam

Preparation Tips for CAT Quantitative Aptitude

How to Prepare for Reading Comprehension for CAT Exam?

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT?

Preparation Tips for Data Interpretation for CAT Exam

How to Prepare for CAT Entrance Exam 2024?

Now that CAT Exam Date has been announced by the examination conducting authority, students have started preparing for the exam. The biggest question that still remains unanswered is how to prepare for the examination. It is very important to be aware of the minute details of each subject in order to crack the examination with good marks.

  • Aspirants may visit the official website to get the detailed description of syllabus one must prepare in order to qualify the entrance examination.
  • To ensure that is up to the mark, consistency and practice are the keys. Solve questions pertaining to various sections to ensure perfection. Do not focus only on one section. Preparation needs to be well-rounded. 
  • During the initial phase of study, try to make your accuracy more perfect than your speed. Solve questions pertaining to various sections to ensure perfection.

Also Read - Best CAT Preparation Tips 2024

CAT Mock Test

IIM Calcutta will release the official CAT Mock Test in the month of October, right before one month of the exam commencement. Solving the CAT Mock Test will help students assess their preparation level. These mock tests are similar to the previous year question papers of CAT Exam and have the same kind of questions asked in the CAT question paper. 

Below mentioned are the sample mock tests that students can solve before appearing in the examination.

 

Also Check - Take Free CAT Mock Tests 2024

CAT Toppers Tips and Strategy

As per the survey, most of the CAT Toppers started their CAT Exam Preparation from March or April and onwards. Previous toppers studying at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, IIM Udaipur, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI have shared their preparation strategy. These preparation strategies include how they overcame their weaknesses and secured high marks in CAT Exam. The last-minute preparation tips from these toppers turn out to be very helpful when you wish to secure a good score in the examination.

Also read more about CAT Toppers and their Strategies to Ace CAT

List of CAT Toppers:

Topper Name

CAT Exam Year

CAT Exam Percentile

Kartik Bhageria

CAT 2023

99.99 percentile

Riddhi Dugar

CAT 2023

99.91 percentile

Rounak Tikmani

CAT 2023

99.90 percentile

Nisakar Kumar

CAT 2023

99.83 percentile

Risshi Agrawal

CAT 2022

99.99 percentile

Parul Arora

CAT 2022

99.93 percentile

Aditya Singh

CAT 2022

99.90 percentile

Atish Naskar

CAT 2022

99.81 percentile

CAT Exam Day Guidelines

CAT Exam is scheduled to be conducted on November 24, 2024 and it will only be conducted at the allotted exam centres. Candidates appearing in the exam must follow a certain set of guidelines which is also mentioned in the CAT Admit Card. Below mentioned are the important CAT Exam Day Guidelines along with the list of documents to carry and prohibited items at the exam centre:

Documents to Carry

Candidates appearing for CAT Exam must carry the below mentioned documents to the exam centre as without these documents, they will not be allowed to enter the examination hall:

  • CAT Admit Card – Printout of CAT Admit Card with a passport sized photo affixed on the given space.  
  • Photos Identity Proof – Photo ID proof such as College ID (must be supported with a valid debit/credit card), employer ID, driving license, passport, PAN card, Voter ID or Aadhaar card
  • Name change document – In case a candidate has made changes in his/her name, he/she will be required to carry a name change certificate or any relevant document.
  • PwD/Scribe Certificate – Candidates belonging to PwD category will be required to carry a certificate indicating their disability and the scribe certificate attested by the competent authority, in case they are to avail scribe services.

List of Prohibited Items in CAT Exam Hall

  • Calculator, watch, phone, iPad or any other electronic item
  • Bags and purses
  • Eatables and beverages
  • Jewellery and accessories that contain metal
  • Jackets and clothes with pockets
  • Closed footwear

Note: Candidates with a metal implant, pacemaker, etc. in their body will be required to bring medical certificate of the same to the test centre.

CAT Exam Centres

CAT Exam is conducted across several designated CAT Exam Centres in India. As per the official notice at iimcat.ac.in, CAT 2024 Exam will be conducted at over 375 CAT Exam Centres in almost 170 cities. The exam centre is allotted in the city chosen by candidates while filling out the CAT Exam Form. Candidates can choose up to 5 cities in the most to least preferred order. The list of test cities for CAT 2024 is released along with with the release of the application form. The registration process of CAT 2024 Exam began on August 1, 2024 and the last date to register for the exam is September 13, 2024. 

CAT 2024 Exam Date is November 24, 2024. 

Read more - CAT Exam Centres

How many cities CAT Exam is held in?

CAT 2024 Exam is scheduled to be held in 170 cities. There are more than 400 well equipped labs where the exam will be conducted.

What is the process to select CAT Test City for exam centre allotment?

Candidates can select their CAT Test City while filling the CAT Application Form @iimcat.ac.in. They will have to enter various details such as personal, academic, work experience, upload scanned photograph & signature and pay cat fees. After these details are filled correctly, candidates will be taken to the option of selecting the CAT Test City. They can choose from the list of 170 cities in the dropdown.

CAT Answer Key

CAT 2024 Answer Key will be released after a week the exam is conducted. The CAT provisional answer key will be made available on the official website only for a limited time period. Below are the steps to download CAT Answer Key as well as the response sheet from the official website:

  • Visit the official website of CAT 2024 Exam - iimcat.ac.in.
  • Navigate to and click on ‘Login' tab.
  • Enter your CAT login ID and password.
  • Click on ‘CAT Answer Key' will display on the screen. 
  • Click on the ‘Download' icon to save it as a PDF. 

The CAT Answer Key objection window will open once the provisional answer key is released. The window will remain open only for 3 or 4 days. In order to raise an objection, candidates will have to fill an online form, upload supporting documents to prove that the objection is valid. Candidates must also pay the requisite fees for each objection raised by them. The objections raised by candidates will be analyzed by the subject matter experts and in case any objection is found valid, the provisional answer key of CAT 2024 will be revised. The result of cat exam will be calculated based on the revised answer key. No objections can be raised against the Final CAT Answer Key.

CAT Result and Scorecard

The scorecard of CAT Exam will be released in the form of a PDF. Students who take the exam can download the same from the official website - iimcat.ac.in. There will be no hard copies for the same. Candidates can download their respective result by entering their login ID and password. Here is how you can download the CAT Result:

  • Visit the official website of CAT 2024 - iimcat.ac.in. 
  • Click on the ‘Login' tab. 
  • Enter your CAT Application number and password.
  • Navigate to and click on the scorecard section.
  • Click on Download to save the scorecard for future reference.

Read in Detail - CAT Result 2024 - How to Check Your Score

The CAT Result or CAT Scorecard will have details such as candidate's raw score, sectional and overall, and percentiles, both sectional and overall. The link to download the CAT Scorecard will remain active for one year. 

Courses Offered through IIM CAT

Below mentioned are the various MBA Programs Offered by IIMs in which admission takes place through CAT Score:

Indian Institute of Management (IIM)

MBA Programs Offered by IIM

IIM Ahmedabad Courses

PGP, PGP-FABM

IIM Amritsar Courses

MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM

IIM Bangalore Courses

PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA

IIM Bodh Gaya Courses

PGP

IIM Calcutta Courses

MBA

IIM Indore Courses

PGP, PGP-HRM

IIM Jammu Courses

MBA

IIM Kashipur Courses

MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA

IIM Kozhikode Courses

PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP (At Kochi campus)

IIM Lucknow Courses

PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM

IIM Nagpur Courses

PGP

IIM Raipur Courses

PGP

IIM Ranchi Courses

PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics)

IIM Rohtak Courses

PGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM

IIM Sambalpur Courses

MBA, Executive MBA

IIM Shillong Courses

PGP, PGPEX, PGPWE

IIM Sirmaur Courses

MBA, MBA (T&HM)

IIM Tiruchirappalli Courses

PGP, PGPM-HR, PGPBM

IIM Udaipur Courses

MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBAWE

IIM Visakhapatnam Courses

PGP, PGPEX, PGPDGM

 

Which courses are offered by IIMs through CAT Exam?

The courses offered by IIMs through CAT Score are PGP, MBA, Executive MBA, Ph.D. and FPM courses. Here is the list of courses offered by every IIM. IIM Ahmedabad: PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGD-ABA (post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Business Analytics), PhD IIM Amritsar: MBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, EMBA, PhD IIM Bangalore: PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PhD IIM Bodh Gaya: PGP, Ph.D. (FPM) IIM Calcutta: MBA, PhD IIM Indore: PGP, PGP-HRM, MSDSM (Master of Science in Data Science and Management), FPM IIM Jammu: MBA, MBA (Hospital Administration & Healthcare Management, Executive MBA (Blended Mode), Ph.D. (Full-Time Mode), Ph.D. (Part-Time Mode) IIM Kashipur: MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA, EMBAA (Executive Master of Business Administration Analytics), PhD IIM Kozhikode: PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP Kochi, PhD IIM Lucknow: PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-some, PGPWE, PhD IIM Nagpur: MBA, MBA (Executive), Ph.D. (Executive) IIM Raipur: PGP, FPM/PhD, EFPM IIM Ranchi: PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics), Ph.D. EPhD IIM Rohtak: PGP, EPGDSM, PhD IIM Sambalpur: MBA, Executive MBA, Ph.D. Executive PhD IIM Shillong: PGP, PGPEX, MBA (WE), Ph.D. PhDWP IIM Sirmaur: MBA, MBA (T&HM), ExMBA (Digital Transformation & Analytics), PhD IIM Tiruchirappalli: PGPM & PGPM-HR, DPM, E-DPM IIM Udaipur: MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBAWE, PhD IIM Visakhapatnam: PGP, PGPEx, PGPDGM, Ph.D.

Can I get MDI Gurgaon at 94 percentile?

It all depends on how well you perform in the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds conducted at MDI. Some students can get admission to MDI even with 94 percentile and some can't get even at 98 percentile. In order to qualify the GD and PI rounds at the institute, you must possess exceptionally great communication skills.

How much CAT Score is required for admission to MBA at IIM Ahmedabad?

The overall qualifying CAT Cutoff for admission to MBA program at IIM Ahmedabad has been 80 percentile for General category candidates, 75% for NC-OBC candidates and transgender category, and 70 percentile for SC and PwD candidates, and 60 percentile for ST category candidates.

IIM Selection Process/IIM Admission Process

CAT Result are expected to be announced during the second week of January 2025. Candidates would be able to check their percentiles and scaled scores once the results are announced. The candidates can download their score card and save it for future reference until the CAT Admission Process gets complete.

  • In order to know more about the previous year's result and how and why the result matters, visit CAT Results.

IIM Calcutta will declare a specific date to release CAT result, but as per the notification released by the examination conducting authority, it is usually declared during the 2nd week of January. However, the result of CAT Exam is generally declared during the first week of January every year, we can expect that the result will be declared on 5th January 2025 in morning hours. Right after the result is declared, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) begin their admission procedure. The candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in CAT Exam along with Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT) conducted by the institutes.

The final admission offer is made to the candidates in the months of April and May by these institutes. 

Also Read - IIM Admission Process for 2024 - Selection Criteria Explained

What is the IIM Selection Criteria through CAT?

In order to be eligible for IIM Selection Criteria through CAT Exam, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in any field securing at least 50% marks in aggregate and they must have qualified the CAT Exam with at least 95+ percentile. Marks obtained in graduation should be at least 45% for reserved category candidates.

IIM Admission Process

Each IIM has its own admission criteria in order to shortlist candidates for personal interview round conducted by them. These criteria of IIMs may be independent of one another and there may exist various other parameters besides qualifying the exam. The final admission procedure of every IIM primarily consists of Personal Interviews, Written Ability Test, and Group Discussion.

Other Considerable Parameters for Admission Besides CAT Score:

  • Qualifying CAT Exam for MBA is one primary factor for admission to all 20 IIMs. Every IIM has its own eligibility criteria for admission besides CAT Score and candidates must stand eligible as per the below mentioned parameters:
  • CAT Score (Mandatory)
  • Previous Academic Performance
  • Relevant Work Experience
  • Gender and Academic Diversity
  • Extracurricular Achievements, Social Services, etc.

Also Read - How to get admission to IIM after CAT Exam?

Non IIM Admission Process Through CAT Exam

Institutes that accept CAT Score for MBA Admission other than IIMs also conduct GD/PI rounds for admission to their MBA/PGDM programs. However, there are only a few colleges that do not conduct personality assessment rounds and they admit students based on their performance in CAT Exam only.

CAT Cutoff

After the examination, the conducting body releases the cut off marks based on which the students are selected and given admission to the courses they are willing to pursue their career in.

The Cutoff is the minimum marks a candidate must score to qualify for the next round of selection process. If the difficulty level of the exam is high, the cutoff would be low. The cutoff set would depend on the difficulty level of the exam, the number of institutes and number of seats available.

CAT Cutoff explains a lot about the analysis of previous year's cut off list released by the Indian Institute of Management. The expected cut off marks have been displayed in a tabulated form to provide a brief idea about selection.

Know more about CAT Cutoff 2024 - Expected Cutoff for IIMs

IIM CAT Cutoff Percentiles

CAT Cutoff for IIM Admissions is individually fixed category wise by every institute. While the qualifying CAT Cutoff ranges between 80 and 90 for the general category, the final cutoff is much higher than the qualifying cutoff. Below mentioned table provides you the qualifying Cutoffs for admission to IIMs: Selection Process of IIM PDF

Also Read - Understanding CAT Score vs Percentile - What it Means for You

Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score

CAT Score is accepted by all the 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and more than 1200 business schools across the country. Candidates can check the list of IIMs across the country in the table given below:

Non IIM Colleges Accepting CAT Score

Below mentioned is the list of Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score other than IIMs:

CAT Score vs Percentile 2024

The expected CAT Marks vs Percentile will be given here on this page to help students understand the idea of the score required in CAT to get the required percentile: Read More - CAT Score vs Percentile 2024

  • For 99+ percentiles, 100+ score is a good score in CAT.
  • For 98+ percentiles, CAT Score should be between 95 and 100.
  • For 80+ percentiles, 60+ marks are good enough in CAT Exam.

CAT Percentile

VARC Score

DILR Score

Quant Score

CAT Score

99.5+

38-40

32-34

39-41

105-108

99+

34-35

28-30

36-37

98-102

98+

32-33

27-28

30-32

90-93

95+

32-34

20-21

28-30

80-82

90+

29-30

17-19

26-27

72-75

85+

24-25

14-15

20-22

59-61

80+

20-22

11-13

15-16

46-48

Since CAT Exam will be conducted across three slots, CAT Scores will be normalized in order to ensure that all the candidates are assessed based on an equal level of difficulty of the exam.

Read in Detail - CAT Normalization Process

How much percentile is a good score in CAT Exam?

CAT Exam is the most competitive exam for admission to MBA offered by the Top business schools. The percentile score is calculated based on the relative performance of the other candidates who take the exam. In general, the percentile score of 90 or above is considered a good CAT score and it can actually help you get admission to some of the top business schools in India. However, for admission to the top-tier business schools, candidates are required to obtain 95 or above percentile.

CAT 2024 Contact Information

Queries regarding CAT Registration, Application and Payment Processing, Document uploading:

  • 1-800-210-8720 (Toll Free)
  • Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (excluding National holidays).
  • cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in

Academic queries like eligibility, category and PwD certificate contact CAT Centre office with the following details.

  • Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (excluding holidays)
  • +91-080-26993388 / 3017 / 3013
  • cat2022@iimb.ac.in

Q. How can I apply for CAT?

A. To apply for CAT Exam 2024, candidates must visit the official website of CAT Exam - iimcat.ac.in 2024 and fill the application form of CAT available online. There are certain steps to fill the form such as registration, academic details, uploading of documents, and payment of registration fee. Once everything is done, candidates will receive a confirmation email on their registered email address and mobile number.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is CAT Exam 2024??

CAT 2024 Exam will be conducted on 24th November 2024.

Who is conducting CAT 2024 Exam??

IIM Calcutta will be conducting CAT Exam 2024 on 24 November 2024.

Who sets CAT Exam Question Paper??

CAT Exam is generally conducted by one of the present IIMs on a rotational basis. The conducting IIM is held responsible for release of notifications, setting cat question paper, releasing cat cutoff, etc.

Is CAT Exam very difficult??

Being one of the most prominent and sought after MBA Entrance Examinations, CAT Exam is comparatively tough. The Quantitative Aptitude section is considered the toughest among all. While Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning stand 2nd and 3rd.

Which is the best coaching institute to prepare for CAT Exam??

Some of the best institutes to prepare for cat exam include Career Launcher, IMS, Triumphant Institute of Management, PT Education, and Bulls Eye. Self study will also be sufficient for exam preparation.

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Latest News on CAT 2024

CAT 2024 Admit Card Released - Live Updates

Nov 07 10:35 AM

CAT Admit Card 2024 - The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta has released the admit cards for the Common Admission Test (CAT) scheduled to

CAT 2024 Admit Card Releasing Tomorrow @iimcat.ac.in. Check All The Details Here.

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The CAT 2024 admit card is set to release tomorrow, 5th November 2024, and the candidates can download their admit card using their login credentials

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