CAT 2024: Exam Dates, Registration Details

CL Team September 16 2024
8 min read

The schedule for CAT 2024 is officially out! With the CAT Notification released on July 28, 2024, MBA aspirants have key details to prepare for this crucial exam. Registration has already begun and will continue until September 13, 2024. Scheduled for November 24, 2024, the CAT will be conducted in a computer-based format. This guide covers all you need to know about the exam dates, eligibility criteria, registration process, exam pattern, and essential preparation tips to help you get ready for CAT 2024.

 

About CAT Exam

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a prestigious computer-based entrance exam held annually in India, designed for admission to postgraduate management programs such as MBA. Renowned for its rigor and competitiveness, CAT is one of the most sought-after exams for aspiring management professionals.

Administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, CAT may also involve other leading management institutions in its administration. For CAT 2024, the exam is scheduled to take place on the last Sunday of November. According to the previous year’s notification, IIM Calcutta is expected to be the organizing body for this year’s exam.

The CAT exam is divided into three key sections:

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section evaluates your proficiency in English through questions on reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This part tests your skills in analyzing data and solving logical problems.
  • Quantitative Ability (QA): This section focuses on mathematical and problem-solving abilities.

The exam format typically includes a combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs, with a total duration of approximately two hours.

CAT 2024: Key Exam Dates

The CAT 2024 notification was officially released on July 28, 2024, marking the beginning of the countdown to this crucial exam. Scheduled for November 24, 2024, the CAT will provide opportunities for students to apply for admission to top institutions, including IIMs, for the 2025-27 academic batch.

Here are the important dates for CAT 2024:

  • CAT Notification Release: July 28, 2024
  • Registration Start Date: August 1, 2024 (Starting at 10:00 AM)
  • Registration End Date: September 13, 2024 (Until 5:00 PM)
  • Form Correction Window Opens: September 14, 2024
  • Admit Card Release & Download: November 5, 2024 – November 24, 2024
  • CAT Exam Date: November 24, 2024
  • Results Announcement: December 2024

Be sure to mark these dates in your calendar to stay on track with your CAT 2024 preparations.

CAT 2024: Exam Highlights

Understanding the key aspects of the CAT 2024 exam is crucial for effective preparation. Here's a detailed overview of what you need to know, based on the latest CAT notification:

  • Exam Name: Common Admission Test (CAT)
  • Official Website: www.iimcat.ac.in
  • Conducting Body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Registration Mode: Online
  • Exam Mode: Computer-based
  • Medium of Exam: English
  • Total Duration: 2 hours
  • Total Number of Questions: 66
  • Sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)
  • Marking Scheme: +3 points for each correct answer, -1 point for each incorrect answer

Being familiar with these highlights will help you approach CAT 2024 with a well-informed strategy.

Discover more about the CAT exam by clicking here. -  We will add link for the blog CAT Exam: Full Form, Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus, and Past Trends

 

CAT 2024: Eligibility Criteria

Before diving into your CAT 2024 preparation, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Educational Qualification:
    • You must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in any discipline.
  • Minimum Marks:
    • General and NC-OBC Categories: At least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
    • SC, ST, and PWD/DA Categories: A minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
  • Final Year Students:
    • If you are in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree or awaiting results, you are eligible to apply. Ensure you complete your graduation with the required percentage by the time of admission.
  • Professional Degrees:
    • Candidates with professional degrees such as CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI, with the required percentage, are also eligible.
  • Other Criteria:
    • There is no upper or lower age limit for CAT 2024.
    • While work experience is not mandatory for CAT 2024, it can be beneficial for admission to IIMs.

Understanding these criteria will help you determine your eligibility and streamline your preparation for CAT 2024.

To get detailed information on the CAT 2024 eligibility criteria, click here. - CAT Eligiblity Criteria 2024 - Age Limit, Qualification, Reservation Criteria

 

CAT Registration 2024

As per the CAT 2024 notification, registrations for the CAT exam 2024 will be conducted online through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. Below are the following information provides an overview of the fees and documents needed for registration:

Registration Process:

1.       New Candidate Registration: Candidates should visit the official website and select the "New Candidate Registration" option. Here, they will need to fill in their basic personal details.

2.       OTP Verification: After submitting their details, candidates will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on their registered mobile number for verification purposes.

3.       Unique ID and Password: Upon successful verification, candidates will receive a unique ID and password on their registered email and mobile number. These credentials will be used to log in to the application portal.

4.       Application Form: Once logged in, candidates can begin filling out the application form by providing the necessary details.

5.       Program and Interview City Selection: Candidates will also need to select their preferred programs and the city for their interview.

6.       Test City Preference: Candidates can choose up to 6 preferred test cities for the CAT exam 2024.

7.       Uploading Documents

8.       While completing the application form, candidates are required to upload certain documents in the specified formats:

 

Document

 

Format

 

 

Photograph

.jpg/.jpeg

Signature

.jpg/.jpeg

EWS/NC-OBC/SC/ST Certificate

.pdf

PwD Certificate

.pdf

Candidates will be required to present their mark sheets and degrees in person at a later stage.

Pay the Application Fee

To finalize the registration process, candidates must pay the application fee online. Before making the payment and submitting the application form, candidates will have the opportunity to preview their application. Upon successful payment, a confirmation email will be sent to the candidate within a few minutes.

The application fees for CAT 2024 are as follows:

 

Category

 

CAT Application Fee

General, EWS, and NC-OBC

INR 2400/-

SC, ST, and PwD

INR 1200/-

 

CAT Events After Registration

After submitting your CAT 2024 application form, the organizing IIM will provide you with updates on all upcoming events related to CAT 2024, including:

  • Confirmation of the successful completion of the CAT 2024 application process
  • Availability of the CAT 2024 admit card for download
  • Instructions and any changes related to CAT 2024
  • Application correction window for CAT 2024
  • Objection window for CAT 2024
  • Announcement of CAT results
  • Your CAT 2024 percentile

CAT Admit Card

The CAT 2024 admit card is expected to be released in October 2024. Here are some important points to remember regarding the admit card:

  • Registered candidates can access and download their admit card by logging into their account on the official website.
  • Candidates must bring their admit card to the exam on the day of the test.
  • The CAT admit card is also needed for some post-exam procedures.
  • The CAT admit card includes important details such as:

Details

Name

CAT 2024 Time Slot

Category

CAT 2024 Registration Number

Exam Center Instructions

Authorized Candidate Signatory

Declaration Form

Candidate's photograph

 

 

As the CAT 2024 registration period unfolds, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared. With the official exam date set for November 24, 2024, and registration open until September 13, 2024, now is the time to begin your preparation journey. Understanding the exam's structure, eligibility criteria, and registration process will set you on the right path towards success.

If you’re determined to excel in CAT 2024, Join Career Launcher at the Wakad branch. With expert guidance, comprehensive study materials, and personalized coaching, Career Launcher can help you achieve your goals and navigate the path to top management schools effectively.

Good luck with your CAT 2024 preparations!