The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an annual entrance exam held by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), which opens a door to excellent opportunities to thousands of students who dream of getting admissions in leading IIMs and business schools. The detailed information on CAT has been provided below:

When Is the CAT Exam Scheduled?

The CAT exam typically takes place in November. In 2024, it will be held between November 20th and 30th. The official notification will be released around 30th of July, 2024.

What Is the Schedule for the CAT Exam?

What Is the Syllabus of the CAT Exam?

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the CAT Exam?

Note: Just meeting the eligibility criteria is not enough. As each institute has its individual selection criterias, please go through the official websites of the institutes you are interested in for more information.

What Is the Selection Criteria of IIMs?

There are 21 IIM campuses, all carrying similar selection criteria. Candidates are shortlisted based on the following factors:

• Written Ability Test (WAT)
• Group Discussion
• Personal Interview
• CAT score
• Marks obtained in the graduation
• Marks obtained in 12th
• Marks obtained in 10th

What Is the Format of the CAT Exam?

How to Prepare for the CAT Exam?

The preparation strategy varies for each individual when it comes to the entrance examinations. There are a few basic strategies that every candidate can look forward to, when it comes to the CAT exam preparation.

Focus on the Basics

Go through the syllabus in detail. Often, candidates start from mock tests but they forget about the most important component that can make or break their strategy, that is the syllabus. 

Go through the Previous Year Question Papers

Previous year question papers are the bible for any exam preparation. Every candidate should make their strategy keeping the previous year's analysis in mind.

Practice Mock Tests

After analyzing the syllabus and previous year questions, one should start practicing as many mock papers as possible. This provides a habit of completing the question paper on time, and each candidate can analyze their own performance as an addition.

Focus on your Reading Skills

Often, the most overlooked part is the reading comprehension. Most of the candidates excessively focus on mathematics and data analysis, forgetting that comprehension is considered to be one of the areas where candidates can fetch the most marks. Practicing comprehension daily can act as a cherry on the cake, and candidates can fetch more marks than expected.

Join Study Sessions/Groups

This strategy does not work for every candidate, as many students are comfortable when they study alone. But, joining study groups provides more analysis on one's performance, and candidates can find new strategies that they did not think of, or overlooked by mistake.

Keep Yourself Motivated and Take Extra Care of your Diet

The preparation timeline is hard, and often students make it double hard, when they forget to take care of their diet, or start feeling low when faced with self-doubt. After all, the candidates should not forget the famous saying, that is true as well, ‘A Healthy Mind Resides in a Healthy Body.’

How to Register for the Cat Exam 2024?

The candidates should check the official website for regular updates. Below are the steps for the CAT 2024 exam registration.

• Visit the official website, that is www.iimcat.ac.in.
• Click on the ‘New Registration.’
• Provide your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number and valid Email ID.
• Enter the CAPTCHA code to complete the verification process.
• Log in using your CAT 2024 ID, which will be sent to your registered email address.
• Fill in your rest of the information.
• Upload your scanned signature and a recent passport size photo.
• Choose your preferred IIMs, test cities, and courses from the provided list.
• Pay the CAT application fee using credit or debit cards, or using net banking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I submit my application for CAT 2024?

The CAT exam 2024 is expected to take place between the 20th and 30th of November. Every candidate should regularly check the official website for updates.

1. Is CAT held twice a year?

The CAT exam can be taken only once a year. Each conducting IIM decides about the schedule for that particular year.

1. What is the syllabus for the CAT exam 2024?

The syllabus for the CAT exam includes a mix of mathematics, data analysis, numerical ability, graphs, reading comprehensions, and more.

1. Can I pursue an MBA without a CAT?

Yes, many institutes conduct their own management entrance exams. While the CAT is the most recognized, candidates can also consider other tests like MAT, GMAT, SNAP, etc.

1. Is a CAT score compulsory for admission to IIMs?

Yes, a CAT score is mandatory for admissions to the IIMs. However, GMAT and GRE scores are accepted for executive MBA programs.

1. What is the exam format for the CAT exam?

The CAT exam consists of three sections: VARC (Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Aptitude). There are a total of 66 questions, with 3 marks awarded for a correct answer, and 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer.