IIM Calcutta to Conduct CAT 2024 Exam on Nov 24; Check Key Dates, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, How to Prepare, Top Colleges
IIM CAT 2024 is the largest MBA entrance exam. It is expected to be held on Sunday November 24, 2024 in three slots of two hour duration each. This year, the Common Admission Test 2024 will be conducted by IIM Calcutta in more than 155 cities and the exam Notification is likely to be out in July last week. The registration process will begin in August 2024 first week. Read below all about the exam details:
Latest Updates
- IIM Calcutta to Conduct CAT 2024 on Nov 24, 2024
- 21 IIMs to Accept CAT 2024 Score for MBA Admission 2025
- CAT 2024 Registration Process Expected to Begin in Aug 2024 First Week
- Read CAT 2024 Preparation Strategy with Toppers’ Tips
Table of Contents
1. What is CAT Exam?
2. CAT 2024 Highlights
3. CAT 2024 Important Dates
4. CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
5. CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
6. Previous CAT Exam Analysis, Difficulty Level
7. CAT 2024 Exam Syllabus: Overall and Section wise syllabus
8. How to Prepare for CAT 2024? CAT Preparation Strategy
9. Role of CAT Mocks in CAT 2024 Preparation?
10. CAT 2024 Registration & Application Process
11. CAT 2024 Admit Card Release: How to Download?
12. CAT Exam Centers in India
13. CAT 2024 Answer Key
14. CAT 2024 Cut offs for IIMs
15. MBA Courses Offered by IIMs
16. Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT other than IIMs with cut offs
17. CAT 2024 Result & IIMs’ Final Selection Process
18. FAQs on Common Admission Test: Answers by Experts
1. What is CAT Exam?
Conducted by one of the top IIMs every year by rotation, Common Admission Test is the largest MBA entrance exam for MBA admission in 21 IIMs and other top B-schools. So, it is the mandatory entrance exam for MBA admission 2025 in all the 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, IIFT Delhi & Kolkata, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, and hundreds of other top B-schools in India. More than two lakh candidates appear in CAT every year to explore admission opportunity in MBA programmes offered by IIMs and other top MBA colleges in India. Salient Points about the Exam are:
- A computer based test conducted at more than 155 test cities and 400+ test venues
- Since 2020, the exam duration is reduced to two hours from earlier three hours
- The exam is divided into three sections of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension; Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning; Quantitative Ability
- Each Section in the exam has to be attempted in a fixed individual time limit.
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will offer admission 2025 based on Common Admission Test only and will not accept any other test score
FAQs
Q: Is CAT conducted by Government or by some Institute?
A: CAT is conducted only by one of the six Old IIMs namely IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode and IIM Lucknow Q: Which IIM is conducting Common Admission Test 2024?
A; IIM Calcutta is expected to conduct CAT 2024 for MBA admission 2025 in all the 21 IIMs and other top CAT accepting B-schools. Q: Is CAT a larger exam than XAT and CMAT?
A: Yes, number of CAT Test takers in 2023 has gone up by 30% at 2.88 lakhs which is higher than the total number of XAT and CMAT test takers |
2. CAT 2024 Highlights
It is not only the largest MBA entrance exam in India, it is the gateway to top 1000+ MBA colleges. Following are the key highlights like of CAT Exam:
CAT Exam Particulars
|
Key Details
|
CAT Exam 2024 Full Form
|
Common Admission Test 2024
|
Who Conducts CAT Exam?
|
One of 6 old IIMs conducts CAT every year
|
CAT 2024 Conducting Institute
|
IIM Calcutta
|
CAT 2024 Exam Date
|
Sunday, November 24, 2024
|
Total Questions in the Exam
|
66
|
No. of sections & Questions
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: 24 Qs
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: 20 Qs
Quantitative Ability: 22 Qs
|
Number of Answer Options for MCQs
|
4
|
Number of Answer Options for Non-MCQs
|
No Answer Option; Type In the Answer on Computer screen
|
Scoring Pattern in CAT exam
|
+3 Marks for Each Correct Answer
-1 Mark for Each Wrong Answer (Only for MCQs)
0 Mark for Each Wrong Answer or Unattempted Question for Non-MCQs
|
Exam Slots
|
Likely to be Conducted in 3 sessions – Morning, Afternoon & Evening on same day
|
Exam duration
|
2 hours for each slot
|
CAT Sectional Time Limit
|
40 Minutes for Each of the 3 sections
|
Facility to Choose Order of Sections
|
No, Must answer the sections in pre defined order from section 1 to 3
|
Testing Mode
|
Computer based exam at test centres but not an online exam
|
CAT 2024 Notification Release
|
July 2024 Last week
|
Details to Check in Notification
|
CAT Exam details, Application fee, Registration dates, MBA courses by IIMs through CAT 2024
|
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2024 for MBA admission 2025
|
21 IIMs, FMS, IIFT, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs, IMI, IMT & 1000 other MBA colleges in India
|
How to Apply for CAT 2024?
|
Application process is online only
|
CAT 2024 Registration Fee
|
Rs.2500
|
CAT Official Website for Form Filling
|
|
Number of CAT 2024 Applicants
|
3.30 lakhs (CAT Registration Data 2023)
|
Number of Test Takers in Previous CAT Exam
|
2.88 lakhs (CAT 2023 test takers)
|
FAQs
Q: How many times CAT is conducted in one year?
Q: What is the mode of the exam? |
3. CAT 2024: Important Dates
Important dates and timelines for the IIM Common Admission Test 2024 are as below:
CAT 2024 Important Dates & Timeline
|
Important dates
|
CAT Notification Date 2024
|
July 28, 2024
|
Registration Start Date 2024
|
August 4, 2024
|
Registration Last Date
|
September 15, 2024
|
Registration Fees
|
Rs.2500
|
Admit Card Release
|
October 15, 2024
|
Exam Dates
|
November 24, 2024
|
CAT answer key release date
|
November 28, 2024
|
Answer key challenge process last date
|
December 2, 2024
|
Result Date
|
January 4-5, 2025
|
IMS Coaching CAT 2024 Preparation Courses Get Special 10% additional Discount MBAUniverse.com Readers | Register Now |
4. CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
Below are the important points that determine eligibility criteria 2024
- A candidate with minimum 50% marks in graduation is eligible
- A final year student in graduation is also eligible
- There is no age limit to apply and appear in the exam
Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
FAQs
Q. Is there any difference in CAT eligibility criteria and IIM Admission eligibility criteria?
Q. I'm 2020 BE passed out but I have an arrear am I eligible to write the CAT exam? |
5. CAT Exam Pattern 2024: Key Changes & Revised Structure
- The exam since 2015 has remained on similar pattern. However, from 2020 due to Covid pandemic, the time duration and number of questions have been reduced without change in pattern and structure of the exam. The same pattern is likely to be followed for 2024 also, as under:
CAT 2023
Section
|
No. of Questions (MCQs/Non MCQs)
|
Topics
|
No. of Questions
|
VARC
|
24 (19 MCQs,
5 Non MCQs)
|
Verbal Ability
4 RC Passages
|
8
16
|
DILR
|
20 (15 MCQs, 5 Non MCQs)
|
Data Interpretation (3 Sets)
Logical Reasoning (1 Set)
|
15
5
|
QA
|
22 (14 MCQs, 8 Non MCQs)
|
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Modern Math
|
10
8
3
1
|
CAT 2022
Section
|
No. of Questions (MCQs/Non MCQs)
|
Topics
|
No. of Questions
|
VARC
|
24 (20 MCQs, 4 Non MCQs)
|
Verbal Ability:
4 RC Passages with 4 Qs Each:
|
8
16
|
DILR
|
20 (15 MCQs, 5 Non MCQs)
|
Data Interpretation (3 Sets of 5 Qs)
Logical Reasoning (1 Set of 5 Qs)
|
15
5
|
QA
|
22 (14 MCQs, 8 Non MCQs)
|
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
|
12
7
3
|
CAT 2021
Section
|
No. of Questions (MCQs/Non MCQs)
|
Topics
|
No. of Questions
|
VARC
|
24 (19 MCQs,
5 Non MCQs)
|
Verbal Ability
4 RC Passages
|
8 Qs
16 Qs
|
DILR
|
20 (14 MCQs, 6 Non MCQs)
|
Data Interpretation (2 Sets with 4 Qs)
Logical Reasoning (2 Sets with 6 Qs)
|
8 Qs
12 Qs
|
QA
|
22 (14 MCQs, 8 Non MCQs)
|
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Modern Math
|
10 Qs
5 Qs
3 Qs
4 Qs
|
CAT Pattern 2024: Sectional Composition of Question Paper
The table below shares the sectional order, number and type of questions in each section, questions with and without negative marking for each section for the exam
CAT Exam Components
|
No of Questions (Divided in MCQs & Non MCQs)
|
Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes)
|
Scoring Pattern (Negative Marking is only for MCQs)
|
Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
|
24
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Section-2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
|
20
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Section-3: Quantitative Ability (QA)
|
22
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Total
|
66
|
120
|
198
|
Source: Based on CAT 2023 Pattern Read all about Revised Exam Pattern
CAT Exam Pattern FAQs
Q. In how many days the exam will be conducted?
A. The exam will be conducted in a single day as a computer based test
Q. In how many sessions will CAT 2024 exam be conducted?
A. Like previous years, this year also, the exam will be conducted in three slots of 2 hours duration for each slot
Q. What is the Mode of CAT 2024 exam?
A. It is a computer based test and is conducted at test centres. Last year the exam was conducted in more than 160 test cities.
Q. Is CAT a difficult exam?
A. Yes, to some extent it is a difficult exam. Last year, the exam was considered most difficult during previous 5-6 years with Quant & DILR very difficult.
Q. Can I attempt any section in CAT within over all time limit?
A. No, while the overall time limit to attempt the exam is 2 hours, its each section has individual time limit of 40 minutes.
|
Exam Pattern: Toppers Tips
“Attempt 80% Questions with 80% accuracy. It is much better than 100% attempt with 50% accuracy. - Shubham Bajaj; CAT Topper 99.98%, IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23
“I made a point of attempting every question, unless I can’t understand the meaning of a problem”
- Nandan Goel, CAT Topper 99.95%, IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23 |
6. Previous CAT Exam Analysis: Pattern, Difficulty Level
CAT 2023 Analysis Slot-1
|
Exam Summary - Exam: CAT, Year: 2023 Slot-1
Sectional Order: Must Attempt Sections in Pre-Defined Order
Section
|
No of Questions
|
MCQ/ NMCQ
|
Sectional Time Limit
(In Minutes)
|
Scoring Pattern (Negative Marking is only for MCQs)
|
Difficulty Level
|
Type of Questions Appeared Summary
|
Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
|
24
|
19/5
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Moderate
|
VA: Para Jumbles (2 Questions); Para Summary; Out of Context Sentence from jumbled Paragraph; Completion of Last Sentence of Paragraph
RC: 4 RC Passages followed by 4 Questions on True False Statement, Argument, Inference, Main Idea, Interpretation of Phrase as used in RC; Author’s Thought Process; Passage Title
|
Section-2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
|
20
|
15/5
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Difficult
|
DI: 3 sets of 5 questions on each problem set.
Questions based on 5 firms raised funds in consecutive years; Drawing Competition; Nine Boxes puzzle of sudoku type
LR: 5 Questions on one problem set based on 3 friends visited a park, took many rides.
|
Section-3: Quantitative Ability (QA)
|
22
|
14/8
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Very Difficult
|
Arithmetic: Time Speed Distance (2 Qs), Time & Work (1Q); Ratio (1Q); Simple Interest/ Compound Interest (3); Profit & Loss (1Q); Mixture (1Q); Clock (1Q);
Algebra: Log (1Q); Equations (3 Qs); Surds (1Q);
Sequence & Series (2Qs)
Geometry/Mensuration
Triangle (1 Q); Quadrilateral (1Q);
Circle (1Q)
Modern Math: P&C (1 Q)
|
Total
|
66
|
66
|
120
|
198
|
Overall Difficult
|
66
|
CAT 2022 Analysis Slot-1
|
Exam Summary Year: 2022 Slot 1
Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate
Section
|
No of Questions
|
MCQ/
NMCQ
|
Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes)
|
Scoring Pattern (Negative Marking is only for MCQs)
|
Difficulty Level
|
Type of Questions Appeared Summary
|
Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
|
24
|
21/3
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Moderate
|
Para jumbles, Para-completion, Para Summary; (Total 8 Questions with 2 and 3 Questions on Each Topic); RC Passages on Supernatural Figures, The Chinese and western views on imitation, Stoicism, Political Philosophy
(Total 16 Questions with each RC Passage followed by 4 Questions)
|
Section-2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
|
20
|
14/6
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
DI-10 Questions in 2 sets of 5 questions each on –
Venn Diagram of 3 variables, Routes & Networks (Metro Map - 4 metro Lines);
LR-10 Questions in two sets of 5 questions each on - Games & Tournament (4 people making 12 goals in 8 games); Distribution of tokens
|
Section-3: Quantitative Ability (QA)
|
22
|
14/8
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Moderate
|
Arithmetic-7 Qs; Algebra-8 Qs; Modern Math-2 Qs; Geometry-3 Qs; Number System-2 Qs
|
Total
|
66
|
66
|
120
|
198
|
Overall Moderate
|
66
|
CAT 2021 Analysis Slot-1
|
CAT 2021 Exam Summary Slot-1
Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Section
|
No of Questions
|
MCQ/
NMCQ
|
Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes)
|
Scoring Pattern (Negative Marking is only for MCQs)
|
Difficulty Level
|
Type of Questions Appeared Summary
|
Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
|
24
|
19/5
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
Para jumbles (3 Qs); Para Summary (3 Qs); Out of Context Sentence (2); (Total 8 Questions; RC Passages on Utopia and Dystopia; Mayan Civilization – personhood; Marshmallow Theory; The Thirst Empire – Chinese Tea
(Total 16 Questions with each RC Passage followed by 4 Questions)
|
Section-2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
|
20
|
14/6
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Moderate
|
DI-8 Questions in 2 sets of 4 questions each on – Bar graph with numbers for 2019 and 2020 for different items grouped in furniture, tech and office stationery; Cost price of various fruits getting mixed in various smoothies
LR-12 Questions in two sets of 6 questions each on - Friends, Acquaintances, Stranger among 7 friends; 8 people, 3 countries, 4 issues and 18 papers
|
Section-3: Quantitative Ability (QA)
|
22
|
14/8
|
40
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Moderate
|
Arithmetic-10 Qs; Algebra-5 Qs; Modern Math-4 Qs; Geometry-3 Qs
|
Total
|
66
|
66
|
120
|
198
|
Overall Moderate
|
66
|
Read in detail Complete previous year Analysis
FAQs
Q: Will CAT 2024 be more difficult than last year?
A: It is not necessary. It may be easier than last year or have similar or higher difficulty level. Q: If CAT 2024 remains a high difficulty level exam and I score low, what are my chances to be shortlisted by IIMs?
A: Higher difficulty level exam leads to high percentile at low score and vice versa. A difficult exam is difficult for all and the score normalization process awards equal opportunity for all test takers
|
7. CAT 2024 Exam Syllabus: Overall and Section wise syllabus
Although the exam Syllabus is not pre-defined by IIMs, it overall tests the candidate on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension; Quantitative Aptitude; Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. During the last 5 years, CAT exam syllabus has substantially changed. Major changes in the Syllabus 2024 are:
- The Syllabus is changed and contains different type of questions with a combination of MCQs & Non-MCQs.
- 25-30% Questions are no penalty questions now
- Most of the changes in syllabus have taken place in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section as the share of Reading Comprehension based questions has increased as compared to Verbal Ability questions
- A few changes in syllabus have been introduced in Quantitative Ability section with more focus on Arithmetic questions
IMS Coaching CAT 2024 Preparation Courses
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7.1 CAT Syllabus Section-Wise
Sectional Division |
Syllabus |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Para Summary; Jumbled paragraphs; Out of Context Sentence; Error Correction in Sentences; Sequence of sentences; Fill in the blanks; Completion of Last Sentence of Paragraph; Analogies; Critical Reasoning; Sentence Completion RC Passages on Literature, Current Affairs, Social, Economic, Business issues followed by questions based on Inferences, Statements, Arguments, Main idea in the RC Passage; Author’s assumption; Synonyms-antonyms; Meaning of the phrase; Vocabulary usage |
Data Interpretation& Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Bar charts - Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts; Pie charts; Caselets; Data Analysis; Data comparison from Table; Graphs; Line Graphs; Data Sufficiency. Comparison of Data of various years, ages, classes, Groups; Decoding and finding out the data of missing period, taking clues, interpreting the missing links; Analysis of data and coming to conclusion, making future projections, Direction sense, Team formation, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Clocks, Calendars, Binary logic, Logical Sequence, Assumption, Premise, Conclusion, Linear and matrix arrangement, Input-Output, Series, Syllogism, Cubes, Rows, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams. Seating arrangement, Ranks, different type of team formation, puzzles on words, letters, statements, arguments |
Quantitative Ability (QA)
|
Arithmetic: Averages; Ratio & Proportion; Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; LCM and HCF; Percentages, Profit and Loss; Interest (Simple and Compound); Number System. Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations; Inequalities; Functions; Progressions; Algebraic Expressions to Polynomials; Complex numbers; Sequences and series; Permutations and combinations Geometry/Mensuration: Triangles, Lines and Angles (Supplementary, Complementary, Obtuse, Acute, and Right), Quadrilaterals, Circles; Theorems (Pythagoras, Midpoint, Apollonius, Basic Proportionality, Internal and External Angular Bisector), Co-ordinate Geometry, Quadrant System, Areas of Hexagonal Polygon, Triangle, and Rectangle. Square, Rhombus, Trapezoid, Volume, Total Surface Area, and Lateral Surface Area of Different Solids like Cubes, Cuboids, Cylinders, Pyramids, Cones, Spheres, Hemispheres, and Frustum. Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, identities, and heights and distances, Sine, Cosine. Modern Math: Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Probability, Permutation & Combination |
FAQs
Q: Is the CAT 2024 Syllabus Changed? What are the important changes
A: The most recent changes in the syllabus were in 2021 with reduced number of questions to 66 from 76 in 2020. In 2022 and 2023 same syllabus was followed. It is expected that the syllabus in 2024 will remain the same with fewer questions on fewer topics.
Q: Is CAT exam syllabus published by IIMs before the exam?
A: No, the syllabus is neither fixed nor published by IIMs. It is based on earlier topics that appeared in the exam.
Q: Which Section syllabus in CAT is considered more difficult to cover?
A: It depends on your aptitude. If you have Mathematics back ground, you may find Quant and DILR easier and VARC difficult, but if you have Arts/Humanities back ground, you may find VARC easier than QA and DILR
Q: How much time is sufficient to cover complete CAT syllabus?
A: If you are devoting time and studying 3-4 hours a day, 6 to 8 months are considered sufficient to cover the syllabus.
|
Toppers Tips to Cover the Syllabus
“As I am a working professional, I had prepared month wise schedule for myself, to effectively utilize my time to cover the CAT syllabus. I joined an online course in a coaching platform as well specifically for study materials and mock tests”
“I sacrificed my leisure time as well as uninstalled social media platforms like Facebook & Instagram. Even I took it to another level and uninstalled YouTube from my phone to avoid wasting time”
|
8. CAT 2024 Preparation: How to Prepare?
You can prepare with self preparation through Books, Mocks or through coaching as per your convenience. Shared below are the details of best preparation books section wise, how to prepare with Coaching, how to prepare with self preparation, Preparation with Mocks, toppers’ tips and more:
8.1 CAT Preparation Books for VARC, DILR, Quant
The Best Books for Preparation should keep pace with the changing exam pattern. Most of the preparation books in the market are based on the previous exam pattern but the best books shared here are the updated books which have incorporated changes with the anticipated question type in the exam. Every year different types of questions appear in the exam. During the last few years, the exam pattern has been modified completely. So, while choosing the best books for CAT preparation, it should be kept in mind that the books are conversant with the changed exam pattern and difficulty level. Few things to check in the books are:
- Should Provide conceptual clarity on the relevant topic
- Rich on the exercises, practice questions and Mocks given after each topic
- Caters your need to focus more on the weak areas with variety of practice questions
- Latest edition of CAT preparation Book offers the updated exam pattern and syllabus also
8.1.1 Section-Wise 10 Best books for CAT Preparation
If you are self-preparing for the exam or are preparing with the support of coaching institute, in both the cases, the latest edition of the books for preparation as shared below section wise will help you in getting more conceptual clarity, practice questions and attempting the sample papers
8.1.2. CAT Preparation Books for VARC
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT’- by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
8.1.3 CAT Preparation Books for DILR
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
- CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri, Publisher Career Launcher
8.1.4 CAT Preparation Books for QA
- How to prepare for Quantitative for the CAT by Arun Sharma, published by MGH Education
- Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
Check & Read about the key features, price for Best CAT Preparation Books
8.2. CAT Preparation with Top CAT Coaching Institutes
A few months of devoted preparation can enable you to crack the exam as it requires ‘Smart Preparation.’ You can join a coaching as it offers expert guidance.
8.2.1 Benefits of CAT 2024 Preparation with Coaching
- Coaching institutes help you to prepare systematically without deviating from your preparation path.
- While offering smart and intensive preparation for the exam, the top coaching institutes help you to minimize the wastage of time with optimum utilization.
- There are 6 months, 3 months and 1 month preparation time modules offered by the good coaching institutes that help you crack the exam with high score
- If you need to clear the concepts and build your basics before practicing sessions, coaching centers suggest to start the preparation with a 6 month time margin.
8.2.2 Top CAT Coaching Centers in India
The choice of coaching mode depends upon your interest, time, money and preparation level while preparing for the exam. Shared below are the top coaching institutes with their key centres and available options for coaching:
Top CAT Coaching Institutes
|
Type of Courses
Online/Offline/Both
|
City wise CAT Preparation Center Location
|
TIME
|
Both
|
Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Gurgaon among total 100+ centres
|
Career Launcher
|
Both
|
Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Gurgaon among 80+ centres
|
IMS
|
Both
|
Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow among 50+ centres
|
Byju’s
|
Online
|
Online Coaching via Tablet anywhere in India & Abroad
|
2IIM.com
|
Online
|
Online coaching course with videos, quizzes, practice tests, and slideshows. Classroom coaching in Chennai only
|
MBAGURU
|
Both
|
Centres across Delhi located in CP, Rajouri Garden, Pitampura, Kailash Colony
|
Arun Sharma’s Mindworkzz
|
Both
|
Mindworkzz has 3 centres in C P, Delhi and offers online coaching as well
|
Endeavor
|
Both
|
Lucknow, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune among 20+ centres across India
|
BullsEye
|
Online
|
Offers Online Coaching
|
Tathagat
|
Classroom coaching
|
Centres located in Delhi, Noida
|
Alchemist
|
Classroom coaching
|
CP-Delhi, North Delhi, West Delhi and Gurgaon
|
Coaching Institutes offering Attractive Discounts, Check program details of Top Institutes
8.3 Self & Coaching Mixed CAT Preparation
Exam preparation can be self, with the support of online or offline coaching or a mix of both. To begin and advance with your preparation, experts suggest:
- You should have strong basics with clarity on concepts
- Improve your weak areas and strengthen your strong areas
- Consistent revision is required with Mocks, practice tests, Quizzes
- Prepare a list of topics as per the syllabus and improve on each of them
- Form a peer group on social media for preparation
- Focus more on RC in VARC section; focus equally on DI & LR and practice more Arithmetic questions to clear the section wise cut offs
- Time Management with Accuracy & Speed is required. Consistently improve on them
- Consult best preparation books and attempt their practice questions
- Read Interviews and tips from Toppers studying at IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, on their CAT preparation strategy published on MBAUniverse.com and other channels
8.3.1 Preparation for VARC, DILR, Quant
The section wise preparation strategy is very important. Key tips to prepare for each section is as below:
8.3.1.1 Preparation for VARC
- Go through the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus
- Choose the Best books
- Read the strategy for Verbal Ability Preparation of past toppers
- Questions on RC passages in the exam constitute 70% share and Verbal questions are 30%. So focus and practice more RC based questions
Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Composition
Topic
|
Type of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023
|
No of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023
|
Verbal Ability
|
Para Jumbles (2 Qs); Para Summary (2 Qs); Out of Context Sentence from jumbled Paragraph (2 Qs); Completion of Last Sentence of Paragraph (2 Qs)
|
8
|
Reading Comprehension
|
4 RC Passages followed by 4 Questions on True False Statement, Argument, Inference, Main Idea, Interpretation of Phrase as used in RC; Author’s Thought Process; Passage Title.
Passages based on Second-hand Shopping and Fast Fashion; Translated Streaming on Netflix in Europe; Why Liberalism Failed (Book Review); What is Historical Fact. |
16
|
MBAUniverse.com Analysis based on CAT 2023 slot-1
Check in Detail How to prepare for VARC
Topper Tips
“I started with 10 Books, a mix of fiction and notification books for VARC Preparation and then switched to CR practice over free resources like the GMAT club. Also, I enrolled for GEJO's VARC 1000 that helped me know the techniques or strategies I was missing” Ekansh Gupta, CAT Topper 99.91%; IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23
“VARC is one section which requires existing acumen and little of current preparation” Nandan Goel, CAT Topper 99.95%, IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23
|
8.3.1.2 Preparation for DILR
DILR is the 2nd section in the exam. It plays very important role to clear the cut off percentile. The section has equal number of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Questions. You need to practice more to score high in this section. Experts advise following tips to prepare for DILR:
- Data Interpretation questions for CAT test your analytical skills of interpreting the Data given to you in the form of Table, Chart, Graph or in other form
- Logical Reasoning constitutes 50% share in the newly created Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Comprehension (DILR) Section
- The goal of scoring high in the exam can be achieved with small but consistent efforts and time devoted to the DILR section.
- DILR preparation requires you to first get as many as DILR practice questions
- To move in direct DILR preparation direction, it will be better to refer to sample and previous year DILR questions with solutions
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Section: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Topic
|
Type of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023
|
No of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023
|
Data Interpretation (DI)
|
3 sets of 5 questions on each problem set.
Questions based on 5 firms raised funds in consecutive years; Drawing Competition; Nine Boxes puzzle of sudoku type;
|
15
|
Logical Reasoning (LR)
|
5 Questions on one problem set based on 3 friends visited a park, took many rides.
|
5
|
Topper Tips
“Learn and use better methods to solve any particular LRDI Set instead of focusing on all” Shubham Bajaj; CAT Topper 99.98%, IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23
|
Read Expert Guidance How to prepare for DILR
8.3.1.3 Preparation for Quantitative Ability Section
Quantitative Ability (QA) is the last section in CAT exam. It can improve or reduce your CAT score substantially. To score high in this section, experts advise following tips:
- A three dimensional approach is recommended on CAT Preparation for Quant section
- Strengthen your basics and formulae in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math and allied topics
- Practise on variety of questions of different difficulty level
- Finally solve previous CAT papers and Mocks for each topic. The more you do it, the more expertise in Quant section for CAT, you will get.
- QA Sectional Composition
Topic
|
Type of Questions Appeared
|
No of Questions Appeared
|
Arithmetic
|
Time Speed Distance (2 Qs), Time & Work (1Q); Ratio (1Q); Simple Interest/ Compound Interest (3); Profit & Loss (1Q); Mixture (1Q); Clock (1Q)
|
10
|
Algebra
|
Log (1Q); Equations (3 Qs); Surds (1Q);
Sequence & Series (2Qs)
|
8
|
Geometry/Mensuration
|
Triangle (1 Q); Quadrilateral (1Q);
Circle (1Q)
|
3
|
Trigonometry
|
No questions appeared in CAT 2023.
|
0
|
Modern Math
|
Permutation & Combination (1 Q)
|
1
|
Topper Tips
“To prepare for Quantitative Ability, I Built up QA concepts, followed “Quantitative Ability by Nishit K. Sinha” and made detailed notes. I used to revise my notes regularly from page-1 till the last. The motive was to achieve good accuracy while attempting questions” Nancy Jain, CAT Topper 99.72%; IIM Calcutta MBA 2021-23
|
Read Quant Preparation Strategy by Experts
FAQs
Q: What is the ideal CAT preparation time?
A: Although there is no thumb rule on it, the aspirants should remain steady and regular in their preparation and always think that the exam is round the corner.
Q: I wish to self prepare. How do I start preparation without coaching?
A: First know the exam pattern & syllabus and gather the best preparation books, study material and start your preparation by section without leaving anything to chance.
Q: What is the role of RC in CAT? How can I improve on it?
A: Most aspirants find themselves weak in RC preparation but with consistent reading and practice, they can score high percentile in RC section. As suggested above, you should follow the RC preparation tips.
Q: Is there sufficient time now to start CAT preparation?
A: Yes, it is good time to start your preparation. Since the exam is scheduled in November, there is still good preparation time which if fruitfully used, can turn the table in your favour.
|
8.4 How did CAT Toppers Prepare for Each Section? Check Strategy
Sectional preparation strategy as followed by these toppers is shared below:
Topper Name & College
|
VARC
|
DILR
|
Quant
|
Shubham Bajaj; IIMC
|
1.Attempt 80% with 80% accuracy, much better than 100% attempt with 50% accuracy
2.VARC is not a lot about having a very good vocabulary knowledge or extremely great grammatical skills. It is more about comprehending what you are reading
|
1. Learn better methods for solving a particular LRDI set
2. Use Elimination Option, you can easily eliminate 2 options out of four and for the remaining 2 options, you need a little bit careful attention
|
1. Found Rodha YouTube playlist on Quants quite helpful for most of the basic understanding.
2. Referred to Prepzone daily events organized on the Facebook Page
3.Attended free workshops on topic wise discussion organized by CrackU on YouTube
|
Nancy Jain; IIMC
|
1.Read from various online platforms. The Hindu, The Indian Express, Medium, Knappily, Guardian were some of the major online platforms I followed
2. Made it a habit to read at least 6-7 articles/day
3. Solved questions from question banks of the test series
4.Also followed “Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K.Sinha
|
1.Started with getting familiarized with a variety of sets
2.Began with solving 4-5 sets/day
3.It is important to choose the right sets in the exam
4.Daily practice and proper analysing of the sets are very crucial for DILR preparation
|
1. Build up QA concepts
2.Followed “Quantitative Ability by Nishit K. Sinha” and made detailed notes
3.Used to revise my notes regularly from page-1 till the last
4. Motive was to achieve good accuracy while attempting questions
5. My mock strategy for QA was mainly to solve the questions in three phases:
1) I would first attempt the questions that could be solved within 1-2 mins
2) Next to the question which I could solve within 3-4 mins
3) Questions that are time-consuming but could be solved
In the end, if time permits, I’d solve the remaining questions.
|
Ekansh Gupta; IIMC
|
1.Started with 10 books, a mix of fiction and nonfiction books
2.Switched to CR practice over free resources like the GMAT club
3.Started practicing 4.VARC from previous year mocks, past CAT papers
5.Some telegram groups provide free VARC practice resources like RC a day or google form-based tests
6.Also enrolled for GEJO's VARC 1000 that helped me know the techniques or strategies I was missing. It was also a great practice resource too.
|
1.Previous mocks in a time-based environment was my strategy to tackle this section
2.Two YouTube resources that I followed were the LRDI master and Anastasis Shankar
|
1. Master individual topics and practice them as extensively as you can
2. I relied on the Cracku study room, used to practice there a lot
3. Was also active in some FB groups such as Elites Grid, Quantifiiers where I used to do freely available mixed practice sets
|
Nandan Goel; IIMC
|
1.VARC is one section which requires existing acumen and little of current preparation
2. I solely focused on mocks and sectional tests
3.I made a point of attempting every question in this section, unless I can’t understand the meaning of a problem.
|
1.Refined my basics using the material I had by attempting some questions from some chapters
2.Major preparation was through sectional tests and mock exams
3.There was no test in my student portal which was not attempted by me
|
1. Completed the material (TIME books) and had for 3 times, attempted each and every question.
2. Took sectional tests on a regular basis
|
Read 100+ CAT Toppers’ Preparation Strategy
IMS Coaching CAT 2024 Preparation Courses Get Special 10% additional Discount MBAUniverse.com Readers | Register Now |
9. Role of Mock Tests in CAT Preparation
Toppers are of the view that taking Mocks is of utmost importance as it is a very important preparation tool. If you are seriously preparing for the exam and wish to score high percentile, it is necessary to attempt more and more Mock Tests to get ready for the exam day. All the CAT toppers studying at IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode found Mocks the most important part of their preparation and have recommended to take more mocks just like taking the actual exam and analysing mistakes in each mock. You can attempt the full length CAT Mock and sectional Mocks prepared by experts at MBAUniverse.com
FAQs
Q: How many Mocks before CAT exam are sufficient to take?
A: You should take a minimum number of 40 Mock tests before the exam of different difficulty level. To prepare for the exam, it is not only sufficient to take Mocks but more important is to analyse your mistakes in them and improve for future.
Q: Is writing Offline Mocks for CAT helpful to score high in the exam?
A: Although CAT is a computer based test, taking offline Mock can also help you in improving your score. Whenever, you are writing an Offline Mock, you should adhere to sectional time limit and overall time limit of two hours. This will give you actual exam feeling with time management and improving your score.
Q: Where can I get online computer based Mocks Free?
A: You can take Online computer based free Mocks at MBAUniverse.com as well as other websites including the websites of coaching institutes
Q: If I score low in Mock, what should I do?
A: The first step after writing Mock test, you should analyse it for your errors. Ensure that the errors are not repeated. Make sure to bring clarity on concepts and practice more mocks of similar pattern.
|
Toppers Tips
“The CAT Mocks were extremely insightful to understand the pattern of questions and for proper time management”
“I attempted around 50-60 mocks. Mock exams played a pivotal role in my CAT preparation journey. They offered a simulated exam environment, helping me acclimatize to time constraints and pressure”
“I was more or less dependent upon mocks for most of my preparation. And I wanted the mocks, where the number of people attempting the mocks are more. So, I chose Time and IMS (both having 15k people approx)”
“Mocks played a major role in my CAT prep. I started with 1-2 mocks/week and eventually increased it to 1-2 mocks/day”
“Mocks played a really big role in my preparation. Around 40% of the time of my preparation went towards mocks. I attempted around 45 full mocks (2-hr mocks) and around 200 sectional tests.”
|
10. CAT 2024 Registration & Application Process
Registration process is online. You can register & apply online only on the official website iimcat.ac.in. The registration fee is likely to go up at Rs. 2500 /- for General candidates and Rs.1250/ for SC/ST/PWD candidate. The exam fee should be paid online only. The application process for the exam will open in August first week after release of Notification in last week of July. You can complete registration and application process in following steps:
CAT Registration: 3 Step Process
CAT Registration Steps
|
Description
|
Step-1: Login
|
Login to CAT website iimcat.ac.in and Create Profile
|
Step-2: Fill In Registration Form
|
Fill in the Registration Form and check for message of successful Registration to get User Id and Password
|
Step-3: Fill Application Form
|
Login to CAT Application form with CAT User Id & Password
Fill in Personal Details, Academic details, Work Experience, Select IIMs & Programs, Choose 6 preferred exam cities, Make Payment online of CAT Registration fees and submit
|
FAQs
Q: If I apply for CAT after 5 PM on the last date of registration, can I get successful registration message from IIMs?
A: No, you should complete your registration process before 5 PM. Usually IIMs close the registration process but in case of any technical glitches it may remain open for few hours more. However, the move is fraught with risk chances Q: Can I apply for CAT 2024 in offline mode also?
A: No, you can submit only online application |
10.1 Key Points to Note during Exam Registration & Application Process
- During registration, the mobile number and email address provided by the you will be verified through an OTP sent to that mobile number and email address
- Once the OTP is verified, the User ID and the Password will be sent on the registered email address and or on the registered mobile number to complete the registration process.
- You can complete the application form in a single session or in multiple sessions
- Save your current completed application pages and login later to complete the remaining Application Form
- Once the payment is made and the Application Form is submitted, you cannot make any changes
- You can only view and print the Application Form after submitting it
FAQs Q: Is it possible to amend mistake in registration after form submission? |
10.2 IIMs’ Common Admission Test (CAT): Application Trends Over the Years
3.30 lakh candidates had applied for CAT 2023 registering an increase of 30% over last year which witnessed 2.55 lakh candidates. The rising number of registrations signify that candidates have to compete with more candidates in the exam and need to score high to get shortlisted by top three IIMs and other top MBA colleges.
Although the trends in registrations since 2010 show a downward journey initially, but from 2013 it has been showing a rising registration count reflecting the regaining trust of aspirants and anticipation of better career opportunities after completing MBA/PGP from an IIM or other top B-school
CAT Year
|
Candidate Registrations
(No. in lakhs)
|
% Increase/Decrease over last year
|
2023
|
3.30
|
30%
|
2022
|
2.55
|
11%
|
2021
|
2.3
|
0.9%
|
2020
|
2.28
|
-6.6%
|
2019
|
2.44
|
1.2%
|
2018
|
2.41
|
4.3%
|
2017
|
2.31
|
-0.4%
|
2016
|
2.32
|
5.9%
|
2015
|
2.19
|
11.2%
|
2014
|
1.97
|
1.0%
|
2013
|
1.95
|
-8.9%
|
2012
|
2.14
|
4.4%
|
2011
|
2.05
|
--
|
Source: MBAUniverse.com Research & Analysis
FAQs
Q: Can I apply and pay registration fees for CAT 2024 in offline mode also?
A: No, you can submit only online application. The registration and application fee can be paid in online mode only. Q: Is it possible to amend mistake in CAT 2024 registration after form submission?
A: After submitting the online application, it is not possible to rectify the errors in registration and application form. The only way is to re-register for the exam Q: What is the size and type of Photograph & signature to be uploaded on CAT 2024 application form?
A: The scanned image of your passport photo must be within the dimensions of 30mm X 45mm and for signature the dimensions are 80mm X 35mm Q: I have not received the CAT Registration Password although the registration was successful. What to do now?
A: Click on the Forgot User ID/Password option on the Existing User login page. You will be prompted to enter your registered Email ID and a Captcha string. You will get your new password on your registered email address but not by SMS. Q: I scored 49% in the Bachelor’s degree and am EWS candidate, am I eligible to apply online for CAT 2024?
A: No, an EWS category candidate must have scored minimum 50% marks in graduation to become eligible to apply online |
Toppers Tips
“I was really motivated by Steve Jobs and Apple’s marketing strategies. I registered for CAT and was determined to get a good CAT score and get into as good a B-school as I could”
“I wanted to have a faster growth in my career and to take leadership positions in business. I realized that in any sector to leapfrog to leadership position a professional management degree is required. That’s why my motivation of doing MBA comes from and I applied for CAT”
|
11. CAT 2024 Admit Card Release: How to Download?
The Admit Card download will start from mid October 2024 on in the last week of October 2024. IIMs will upload the Admit card on official CAT exam website 2024 iimcat.ac.in. The admit card release date may be extended by a few days. The last date to download the Admit Card is exam date.
IMS Coaching CAT 2024 Preparation Courses Get Special 10% additional Discount MBAUniverse.com Readers | Register Now |
3 Steps to Download CAT 2024 Admit Card
- Logon to CAT official Website iimcat.ac.in
- Enter Login ID & Password & Click on ‘Admit Card’
- Click on Download & Take Print of Admit card
FAQs
Q: How to confirm that I will get my CAT 2024 Admit Card?
A: You should check your mail from IIMs that your application form has successfully been submitted. If yes and still you don’t receive the Admit Card you should immediately contact the help desk. Q: I am unable to access CAT Website, how can I download the Admit Card?
A: After a few minutes from the Admit card release, thousands of the candidates try to get access to website simultaneously due to which some technical glitches may come up. The best strategy at that time is to access the website after some time when the rush gets subsided. Q: Can I download CAT 2024 Admit card from my Mobile Phone?
A: You should view the Admit Card only using the recommended browsers and not from your mobile phone. You should use one of the three correct versions of the recommended Internet browsers-Internet Explorer – version 11 and above; Mozilla Firefox – 50 to 61; Google Chrome 50 to 69. Q: I have got CAT Admit Card which is Blank? What should I do?
A: If the Admit Card is blank, you need not worry. If the candidate registers multiple times, CAT Centre 2024 will consider only the most recent (last) registration as the official application. The Admit Card generated for you is for the most recent (last) registration. Thus, if you login by using User ID of earlier registration attempts, you may find your Admit Card as blank. Q: Do I need to take Color print of Admit Card?
A: It is not necessary, you can also have Black &White print of your Admit card from laser printer. Don't forget to affix your photo on the hard copy of admit card in the space provided beside the printed photograph |
12. CAT Exam Centers in India
The exam will be held in 160 test cities having around 400 exam centres across the country. List of State Wise Test Cities is given below in the Tabular Form
State
|
Test Cities
|
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
|
Port Blair
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
Guntur; Kakinada; Kurnool; Nellore; Rajahmundry; Tirupathi; Vijayawada; Visakhapatnam
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
Itanagar
|
Assam
|
Dibrugarh; Guwahati; Silchar
|
Bihar
|
Aurangabad; Muzaffarpur; Patna; Purnea
|
Chandigarh
|
Chandigarh
|
Chhattisgarh
|
Bhilai; Raipur
|
Delhi
|
Delhi; New Delhi
|
Goa
|
Madgaon; Panaji
|
Gujarat
|
Lucknow; Anand; Gandhinagar; Rajkot; Surat; Vadodara
|
Haryana
|
Ambala; Bahadurgarh; Faridabad; Gurgaon; Hisar; Palwal; Panipath; Rohtak; Sonipat
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
Simla; Waknaghat
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
Jammu; Samba
|
Jharkhand
|
Bokaro; Dhanbad; Jamshedpur; Ranchi
|
Karnataka
|
Banglore; Belagavi (Belgaum); Dharwad; Gulbarga; Hubli; Mangalore; Mysore; Udupi
|
Kerala
|
Ernakulam; Kasaragod; Kollam; Kozhikode; Malappuram; Thrissur; Trivandrum
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
Bhopal; Gwalior; Indore; Jabalpur; Sagar
|
Maharashtra
|
Ahmednagar; Amravati; Aurangabad; Jalgaon; Kolhapur; Mumbai, Navi Mumbai; Nagpur; Nanded; Nashik; Pune; Raigad; Satara; Solapur; Thane; Ulhasnagar
|
Meghalaya
|
Shillong
|
Odisha
|
Balasore; Berhampur; Bhubaneswar; Cuttack; Dhenkanal; Sambalpur; Rourkela
|
Puducherry
|
Puducherry
|
Punjab
|
Bhatinda; Chandigarh; Fatehgarh Sahib; Jalandhar; Ludhiana; Mohali; Pathankot; Patiala; Ropar; Sangrur
|
Rajasthan
|
Ajmer; Alwar; Jaipur; Jodhpur; Kota; Sikar; Udaipur
|
Tamilnadu
|
Chennai; Coimbatore; Madurai; Namakkal; Thanjavur; Tiruchirappalli; Tirunelvelli
|
Telangana
|
Hyderabad; Karim Nagar; Warangal
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
Agra; Allahabad; Barabanki; Bareilly; Ghaziabad; Gorakhpur; Greater Noida; Kanpur; Lucknow; Mathura; Meerut; Muzaffarnagar; Noida; Varanasi
|
Uttarakhand
|
Dehradun; Roorkee
|
West Bengal
|
Asansol; Bankura; Burdwan; Durgapur; Hooghly; Howrah; Kalyani; Kolkata; Siliguri
|
FAQs
Q: How many CAT Exam cities I can choose?
A: You can choose a maximum number 6 exam cities
Q: Can I change my CAT Test City Preference after completion of Registration?
A: Yes, CAT Exam Center will open Application error correction window after close of last date of application submission for 2-3 days. During this period you can change your test city preference Q: Can IIMs increase or decrease CAT exam cities after release of Admit Card?
A: No, the exam cities can be increased or decreased before release of admit card. After release of admit card, test cities can neither be increased nor decreased.
Q: How and When I will know the CAT Exam city and Center allotted to me?
A: The details of exam city and test venue with exam slot is mentioned in admit card. As such, you will know all the details about your exam center after release of admit card.
|
13. CAT 2024 Answer Key
IIMs release CAT answer key to maintain transparency in exam and to help candidates to check their responses with the correct answers. The Answer key 2024 will be released 3-4 days after the exam date on official website. You can download your answer key from official website by login with your login ID and password. The Slot wise response sheet will be released separately to enable the exam takers to raise & file objection to the answers which appear wrong to the test takers.
You should look for answer key 2024 release announcement on the home page of official website. Immediately after the announcement, IIMs release the answer keys along with the question paper with all the important instructions
FAQs
Q: When & Where to Look for CAT Answer Key 2024?
A: You should look for CAT answer key 2024 release announcement on the home page of official website iimcat.ac.in 2-3 days after the exam date
Q: How can I download CAT Answer Key?
A: You can download the answer key of your slot, from official website with your login ID and password
Q: What details are available with CAT Answer key?
A: The Answer key contains your responses and official correct answers to the exam questions for all the three sections-VARC, DILR, Quant
Q: If I am not satisfied with official CAT answers, can I challenge the official answers?
A: Yes, IIMs will release answer key objection form alongwith answer key. You can challenge the official answers online by paying the requisite objection fee.
|
14. CAT 2024 Cut offs for IIMs
All the 21 IIMs including the top IIMs namely, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore in which average salary in placement is more than Rs.25 lakhs per annum, offer MBA admission through high exam score. The required CAT cut off percentile in all these IIMs for admission 2025 is shared below.
Top IIMs
|
Minimum CAT Cut off percentile Required
|
IIM Ahmedabad
|
80
|
IIM Bangalore
|
85
|
85
|
|
85
|
|
90
|
|
90
|
|
IIM Mumbai
|
85
|
94
|
|
90
|
|
IIM Udaipur
|
94
|
IIM Rohtak
|
95
|
IIM Kashipur
|
94
|
IIM Ranchi
|
94
|
IIM Raipur
|
94
|
IIM Bodhgaya
|
90
|
IIM Jammu
|
90
|
IIM Sambalpur
|
94
|
IIM Sirmaur
|
90
|
IIM Amritsar
|
85
|
IIM Nagpur
|
90
|
IIM Visakhapatnam
|
90
|
15. CAT 2024 Cut off for Non-IIMs: Top MBA Colleges accepting CAT other than IIMs
More than Top 500 MBA colleges in India will accept CAT 2024 score for MBA admission 2025. Apart from 20 IIMs, other top MBA colleges with CAT cut offs in non-IIM category, include FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, SJMSoM IIT Mumbai, DoMS IIT Delhi among others. Some of the top colleges with their expected cut offs are as below:
Top MBA Colleges (Non-IIMs)
|
Expected CAT 2024 Cut Off Percentile for Admission 2025
|
97
|
|
94
|
|
85
|
|
DMS-IIT Delhi
|
90
|
SJMSoM-IIT Bombay
|
90
|
90
|
|
90
|
|
85
|
|
85
|
|
85+
|
|
85
|
|
80
|
Check and Read all about the CAT Accepting Colleges
FAQs
Q: What is the CAT Cut off for IIMs?
A: IIMs announce cut offs as the first criterion to consider a candidate for shortlisting. For example, if an IIM announces cutoff at 85 percentile, it is not necessary that it will shortlist you at that score, but you will at least be considered for shortlisting at that overall and sectional cutoff by the respective IIM.
Q: Do IIMs announce CAT Cut offs after release of Result?
A: No, all the 21 IIMs release cutoff for MBA admission much before result date
Q: How IIMs calculate CAT cut off?
A: IIMs round off all percentile scores greater than or equal to 99.995 to 100. Similarly, all percentile scores greater than or equal to 99.985 but strictly less than 99.995 are rounded off to 99.99 and so on
Q: How can I make best use of CAT Cutoff?
A: You can match MBA Colleges Cut off with your CAT Scores and Percentile for admission after the cutoff is announced and result is out
|
Toppers Tips
“I cleared CAT cut off and other exam cut off and was shortlisted by IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode, Shillong and all the 9 CAP participating IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI, IIFT, XLRI, SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, NMIMS. I converted IIM Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, FMS, all CAP IIMs, IIFT, SPJIMR, SCMHRD, NMIMS. I had a list of colleges in my list to which I had applied and finally chose IIM Calcutta which is the oldest IIM and has a separate cult”
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16. MBA Courses Offered by IIMs
Apart from being the most important entrance test for the flagship 2 years full time post graduate management program (MBA/PGDM), the Common Admission Test is the gateway for one year MBA programmes in IIMs and other prominent management institutes. Following are the various MBA courses and other management programs at IIMs in which admission 2025 is available through Common Admission Test 2024
Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
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MBA Courses Open for Admission 2025
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IIM Ahmedabad
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PGP, PGP-FABM
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IIM Amritsar
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MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM
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IIM Lucknow
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PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA
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IIM Bodh Gaya
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PGP
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IIM Calcutta
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MBA
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IIM Indore
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PGP, PGP-HRM
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IIM Jammu
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MBA
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IIM Kashipur
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MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA
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IIM Kozhikode
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PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP (At Kochi campus)
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IIM Lucknow
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PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM
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IIM Mumbai
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MBA, MBA OSCM, MBA SM
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IIM Nagpur
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PGP
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IIM Raipur
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PGP
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IIM Ranchi
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PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics)
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IIM Rohtak
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PGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM
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IIM Sambalpur
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MBA, Executive MBA
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IIM Shillong
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PGP, PGPEX, PGPWE
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IIM Sirmaur
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MBA, MBA (T&HM)
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IIM Tiruchirappalli
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PGP, PGPM-HR, PGPBM
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IIM Udaipur
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MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBAWE
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IIM Visakhapatnam
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PGP, PGPEX, PGPDGM
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FAQs
Q: Which course I should choose, if I get admission in an IIM?
A: Selecting a course in IIM or other B-school is based on your aptitude and interest. If you have interest in HR or Finance you should choose the IIM which offers this course
Q: Which IIMs offer best courses?
A: The full time MBA/PGP programmes are the best courses offered by IIMs. Apart from 2 years full time courses, the IIMs offers a wide range of one year full time MBA, Executive MBA, PhD and Certificate programmes.
Q: Is the course fee for all the IIMs is same?
A: No, All the 21 IIMs have different fee structure for all the courses. The course fee ranges from Rs.15 lakhs to Rs.25 lakhs
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Toppers Tips
“I finally opted for IIM Kozhikode PGP 2023-25 batch as the B-school has best kind of culture in terms of learning environment, peer learning and student teacher interaction.”
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17. CAT 2024 Result & IIMs’ Final Selection Process
CAT 2024 exam official result declaration date is 2nd week of January 2025. However, IIMs release the the result in the third week of December or first week of January. Immediately after the result declaration, IIMs will start announcing their shortlist on the basis of CAT scores and other parameters in their shortlisting criteria for final selection round. The final admission offer will be made to the candidates in the months of April/May 2025 by IIMs
IIMs release their individual admission process after CAT notification. The admission process in IIMs depends upon your performance in three major areas – Your exam score; your academic record and performance in Personal Interview round. There are three stages through which IIM Admission Process is completed, they are:
- Stage-1: Performance in CAT Exam
- Stage-2: Shortlisting by IIMs for PI round
- Stage-3: IIMs Final Selection Process 2025 comprising WAT & PI Round
Your final admission offer depends upon your performance in all the above three stages of IIMs selection process. While the older IIMs conduct their individual selection process, 9 new and baby IIMs conduct common admission process (CAP) for admission. Remaining IIMs conduct their individual selection process.
17.1 Top IIMs Conduct Individual Admission Process
IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, Mumbai, Shillong individually shortlist the candidates and conduct their own admission process that award high weightage to academics, diversity, work experience apart from exam score
17.2 Common Admission Process (CAP) for 10 IIMs
The final selection process at 10 new IIMs is conducted as a common process. One of the six new IIMs co-ordinates this selection process which is referred to as Common Admission Process (CAP). The CAP 2025 will consist of common WAT and PI round for 10 new IIMs namely IIM Kashipur, Raipur, Ranchi, Trichy, Udaipur, Nagpur, Bodhgaya, Sambalpur, Sirmaur and Jammu.
17.3 IIM Rohtak, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Amritsar, to conduct individual admission process
IIM Amritsar, IIM Rohtak and IIM Visakhapatnam do not participate in CAP round and conduct their own final selection process to make admission offer to the students. The final admission offers will be generated as per the merit lists prepared on the basis of CAT scores, Academic profile, Work experience and gender diversity in accordance with the weightage awarded to each of these factors.
FAQs
Q: What are the key components in IIMs’ selection process?
A: Each IIM shorts the candidates based on CAT exam score, academic profile and award high weightage to exam score. In final selection round, IIMs conduct PI and WAT and release final merit list based on PI-WAT score, Academic & Gender diversity, work exp among other components
Q: What is CAT weightage in final selection in IIMs?
A: While in shortlisting, IIMs award high weightage of 50 to 70 percent, in the final selection of candidates, IIMs award a weightage of 25 to 30 percent to exam score.
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Toppers Tips
“I chose not to enroll in any coaching centers or institutes for Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), or Written Ability Tests (WAT). Instead, I proactively connected with alumni from particular B-schools, seeking their valuable insights on effective strategies and pitfalls to avoid during these processes. Moreover, I dedicated time to expand my general knowledge regarding current events and pertinent subjects”
“To clear the final selection round of IIMs, I took IMS’s GDPI WAT preparation course. They helped me via taking my mock PIs, giving out material for WAT and also the daily current affairs lectures were very useful. And the best thing was the WATPI Bible”
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18. FAQs on CAT: Answers by Experts
Q: When CAT is Conducted?
A: The exam is conducted annually preferably on the last Sunday of November every year
Q: What is Mode of CAT?
A: It is a computer based entrance test of two hours duration
Q: When to look for CAT Notification and complete CAT Information?
A: IIMs release all the details about the exam in leading news papers on the last Sunday of July every year. A day before this publication, the CAT convener sends the press release with important details about the exam on the designated web portals. The process to register and apply for the exam starts in the 1st week of August.
Q: How difficult is CAT?
A: Despite being a highly competitive and most important MBA entrance exam in India, the difficulty level of the exam is considered moderate to high.
Q: What is the Scoring Pattern in CAT
A: Each correct answer in the exam is awarded with 3 marks. The raw score obtained in the exam is converted to scaled score and then converted to percentile score after allowing for equating and normalizing the scores for all the 3 exam slots. IIMs and other top MBA colleges consider percentile awarded in the exam to shortlist the candidates for final selection round.
Q: Is CAT syllabus pre defined by IIMs?
A: No the syllabus is not predefined by IIMs. In fact, the syllabus goes on changing with the change in exam structure.
Q: What are important and latest changes in CAT syllabus?
A: The syllabus has increased the number of RC based questions and has dropped some Verbal Ability based questions like correction of errors in sentences, fill in the blanks among others
Q: Should I prepare as per the latest pattern of CAT syllabus?
A: Yes, the key topics in the syllabus are same, so you should prepare as per the latest syllabus which is likely to remain same as last year.
Q. How many Questions are expected in CAT 2024?
A: The exam is expected to consist of 66 questions
Q. How difficult is the CAT exam
While some of the questions are of moderate difficulty level, some are more difficult
Q. Do IIMs provide any document and guide how to attempt CAT Exam?
A. IIMs release practice test with complete navigation guide on the official website iimcat.ac.in. You can familiarize yourself with the functionality and navigation of the actual exam. You can also attempt Mock Tests and Previous years question papers with answers at MBAUniverse.com
Q. Quant and DI questions require too much calculations. Can I take a calculator to the testing centre?
A. No, but the onscreen calculator is available throughout the exam. You can use that
Q. What is the Scoring Pattern in CAT? Do the wrong answers carry any penalty of negative marking?
A. The question paper is divided into MCQs and Non-MCQs. Each correct answer in the exam is awarded +3 marks for all the questions but the MCQs carry a penalty of -1 mark for each wrong answer. For the Non-MCQs (Known as TITA Questions), there is no penalty of negative marking. Besides there is no penalty for any unattempted questions whether MCQ or Non-MCQ.
Q. How a Non-MCQ is different from MCQ type question?
A. For a non-MCQ type question, you must type the answer in the given space while for the MCQ you only need to click on the most appropriate answer option
Q. What is the number of Non-MCQs overall and section wise in the CAT question paper?
A. Out of the total overall questions in the exam, there are about 25% Non-MCQs. The same principle applies to each section. Exact number of Non-MCQs in the exam depends upon the total questions in the Exam.
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Q. Can I choose the order of sections while attempting the CAT question paper?
A. No, you should answer the sections in a pre-specified order. This order is same for all the candidates. Besides, each section has an individual time limit of 40 minutes, so after the individual section time is over, you will be taken to next section automatically.
Q. Can I submit the paper early and leave the test center before the exam time is over?
A. No, the paper cannot be submitted before the test duration of 2 hours is over. You can neither leave your seat, nor can leave the test centre early
Q. What have been the important changes in CAT exam over the years?
A. The exam has seen substantial changes over the years. Key changes in time duration, pattern are as below (Table 20)
CAT Exam Year
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Name of Sections
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Total Questions
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Time Duration
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2023
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VARC, DILR, QA
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66
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120 Minutes
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2022
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VARC, DILR, QA
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66
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120 Minutes
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2021
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VARC, DILR, QA
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66
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120 Minutes
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2020
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VARC, DILR, QA
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76
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120 Minutes
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2019
|
VARC, DILR, QA
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100
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180 Minutes
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2018
|
VARC, DILR, QA
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100
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180 Minutes
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2017
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VARC, DILR, QA
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100
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180 Minutes
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2016
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VARC, DILR, QA
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100
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180 Minutes
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2015
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VARC, DILR, QA
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100
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180 Minutes
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2014
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QA & DI; VARC & LR
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100
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170 Minutes
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2013
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QA & DI; VARC & LR
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60
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140 Minutes
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2012
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QA & DI; VARC & LR
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60
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140 Minutes
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