Get a complete detailed information about CAT Exam 2024

Common Admission Test or CAT, stands out as one of India's stiffest national-level entrance examinations for entry to reputed business schools such as premier Indian Institutes of Management IIMs and other similar top management institutes. Catering to candidates who compete from all over the nation at large, the examination gauges their aptitude every year in areas related to analytical, verbal, as well as quantitative skills. CAT 2024 is going to be as competitive and tough as the previous editions of the exam. Lakhs of aspirants will again target premier management programs with CAT 2024. Here is a detailed guide to the CAT 2024 exam structure, eligibility, syllabus, preparation, and more.

1. Overview of the CAT 2024 Exam

The CAT exam is conducted on a rotational basis by one of the IIMs as a computer-based test comprising three major sections. These sections evaluate skills that will be needed for management studies and a future in business administration. Candidates who want to apply for CAT 2024 can expect the exam around late November, usually with multiple slots across various centers in India.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To get eligible for the CAT 2024 exam, candidates must have passed some necessary academic requirements:

Undergraduate Degree: The applicant should possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline awarded by any recognized university or approved institute.

Minimum Marks Required: General category candidates are needed to have a minimum aggregate of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. SC/ST/PwD candidates require at least 45%.

Final Year Students: For instance, students who are attending the final year of the graduate level course or awaiting the final year results can also appear for the test. A candidate who is applying through such students must present at the time of joining their graduation proof along with that specific percentage.

No upper or lower age bar-As there is no upper as well as lower age bar and all the aspirants that fall in the range specified fall under this category so a wide group of aspirants falls under this category.

3. CAT 2024 Exam Pattern

The pattern of CAT 2024 includes three main sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. The sections will assess three different types of skill sets. Here is the pattern.

• Section? No. of Questions Time Allotted
• VARC 24–26 40 minutes
• DILR 20–24 40 minutes
• QA 22–26 40 minutes
• Total 66–76 120 minutes

There are 40 minutes per section, and you cannot switch between sections when the examination is going on. In CAT 2024, the question paper will comprise MCQ and non-MCQ questions requiring candidates to input their answers directly.

Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +3 marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (There is no negative marking on non-MCQs)
• No penalty for questions not attempted. 4. CAT 2024 Syllabus
• Although CAT does not prescribe a syllabus, still there are common topics included under each section: VARC
• Reading Comprehension: Passages cutting across business, science, social sciences, and humanities.

Verbal Ability: This also includes para-jumbles, sentence correction, summary-based questions, and odd-sentence-out questions.

Grammar and Vocabulary: Vocabulary and grammar questions appear occasionally.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data Interpretation: This includes data interpretation and analysis of data given in tables, graphs, charts, and caselets.

Logical Reasoning: It includes problems related to the seating arrangement, blood relationship, Venn diagrams, and syllogisms as well.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Arithmetic
• Percentages
• Ratios and Averages
• Time, Speed, Work
• Profit and Loss
• Algebra
• Linear and Quadratic Equations
• Inequations
• Geometry and Mensuration
• Circle
• Triangle
• Polygon
• Area Volume
• Number System
• Factorization
• Division
• Modules
• Modern Math
• Permutation and Combinations
• Probability
• Progressions?

5. Important Dates of CAT 2024

Though the actual dates of CAT 2024 will be announced on the CAT website, the following dates are just an estimate using previous years' trends

Registration starts in early August 2024

Registration Closes: Mid-September 2024

Release of Admit Card: Late October 2024

Test Date: Last Sunday of November 2024

Result Declared: Early January 2025

Candidates must visit the official CAT website and register themselves online; the application fee is Rs 2,300 for general candidates and Rs 1,150 for reserved category candidates.

6. CAT Preparation Strategy 2024

CAT 2024 exam preparation requires strategy, practice, and time management. Here's how you should prepare and plan for it:

A. Get Acquainted with the Pattern and Syllabus

Knowing the pattern and syllabus is the first step. Familiarize yourself with each section's pattern, question types, and commonly tested topics in order to minimize rework and repetition while preparing.

B. Make a Study Plan

?Divide the preparation into phases. Different sections can be covered in each phase. Spend more time on weaker areas, but ensure that each section gets fair attention. The plan needs to be updated regularly, which would mean giving consistent improvement.

C. Take Mock Tests Regularly

Mock tests are a must for CAT preparation. Take the mock tests early, analyze the results, and improve speed and accuracy. The mock tests also help simulate the real test experience, so that the anxiety on the day of the test will be less. Many online platforms provide CAT test series with detailed performance analytics.

D. Time Management and Accuracy

CAT is a time-bound exam, so proper management of time is a very important aspect. Try solving questions under timed conditions. Do not spend too much time on one question. It is equally important to have accuracy because, in MCQs, an incorrect answer has a negative marking.

E. Improving Reading and Vocabulary Skills

The VARC section tests reading comprehension and verbal skills, so improve reading speed and vocabulary by reading newspapers, magazines, and business journals. Reading diverse materials also enhances comprehension and inference skills, which are crucial in handling complex passages.

F. Revise Regularly and Avoid Last-Minute Preparation

Regular revision is very important, especially for Quantitative Ability and DILR. Revise your material on a weekly basis and do not cram at the last minute.?

The CAT admit card is to be published on the official website by the end of October 2024. As it is a must, one needs to download and get the admit card printed from it as it is used to get inside the center of the examination. It will contain the candidate's name, photograph, test center, and time of the exam.

Candidates are expected to carry an admit card, and a valid photo ID along with them on the exam day and must adhere to every instruction. CAT is a computer-based exam; so, some familiarity with computer interfaces is a good start. It would be prudent for candidates to report at the center well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.

8. Results and Percentile Calculation

Results for CAT are declared in early January. The scores of all the sections are given to the candidates along with an overall score that is converted into a percentile. Percentiles report a candidate's position against other test-takers; this is an important element that B-schools rely upon while shortlisting.

?Conclusion

A serious and competitive exam like CAT does require strategic preparation, strict time management, and intense practice. Understanding the patterns involved, preparing in a step-by-step manner, taking mock tests at regular time intervals, and being completely determined, and focused, with the right resources, are all that will unlock the doors for CAT aspirants to seek entry into the prestigious b-schools and get as close as possible to earning an MBA.