Do you intend to sit for the CAT examination this year? Well, now that CAT examination dates 2024 are approaching fast, it gets very crucial that you put everything on track so you can prepare with ease if you are targeting top business schools of India.
Common Admission Test, CAT not only opens the gates of prestigious institutes like IIMs but also to more than 1,200 other B-Schools across the nation.
This step-by-step guide will cover every little bit of information regarding the CAT exam date 2024, the application process, important dates, exam structure, and so much more tips to help you prepare so you go through the competition fearlessly. Keep reading to get all the information!
Also learn – CAT Exam Syllabus
Overview of the CAT Exam
The CAT exam is the gateway to get admission in the management programs in India. As conducted by the IIMs on a rotational basis. In this detailed guide, we will cover everything about the CAT exam date 2024, the application process, important dates, exam structure and preparation tips to ensure you are well prepared to excel in the exam.
What is the Full Form of CAT?
The full form of CAT is Common Admission Test; it’s the computer-based entrance examination held at all India levels conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management, IIMs. The CAT test mainly focuses on testing the analytical, verbal, logical, and quantitative skills of candidates required for the management programs at IIMs and other B-Schools across India.
Why is CAT important?
This exam is crucial as it provides an entry opportunity to some of the best managerial and business leadership schools in the country. Thousands apply each year in a desperate attempt to seek entry into the IIMs, apart from other premier B-schools such as FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, etc.
A very high percentile really goes to make a really big difference while getting admitted to these elite institutions.
Another thing is that CAT also tests a huge variety of skills, ranging from problem-solving and analytical reasoning to verbal communication skills and general time management, thus making it a holistic test for management aptitude.
Important Dates and Deadlines for CAT Exam Date 2024
| Particulars | Details |
| Full Form of CAT Exam | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| CAT Exam Date 2024 | Sunday, November 24, 2024 |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Test Cities | 170 cities |
| Exam Timings | Conducted in 3 slots |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) |
| Number of Applications (2023) | 3.33 lakh |
| Purpose | Admission to IIMs and over 1,200 B-Schools |
| Degrees Offered | MBA/PGDM |
How to Apply for CAT Exam 2024
The following are the steps for successfully applying for the CAT exam 2024:
- Registration: Log in at the official site, iimcat.ac.in, with all details like name, e-mail address, and the mobile number to create a user ID and password.
- Login: After successful registration, open the CAT application form using the login credentials.
- Fill-in Application: Fill out the personal & academic details in the application form carefully. Before submitting a check from original documents to avoid any errors.
- Choose Preferred Programs: Choose your preferred management programs and institutes in which you want to apply
- Choose Test Cities: You can choose up to six test cities
- Upload documents: After filling out the application form upload scanned passport-size photographs and signature as per the format prescribed.
- Pay Application Fee :
- Any Category Candidate: Rs. 2,500/-
- SC/ST/PwD Category: Rs 1,250/
- Application SUBMISSION
Before submitting the application form verify all the details in the application form. Further take a printout and download the confirmation page after the submission of an application form for further processing.
CAT Correction Window 2024
CAT 2024 allows students to make corrections in applications through the official login portal. Students are allowed to modify their applications following their choice through the official login portal. Modifications can be made based on the following
Photograph
Signature
Test cities of preference
Step by step how to rectify
- Log in to your CAT application website and click on “Go to application.”
- Now, whatever changes need to be done, do accordingly.
- Correct everything from your end before saving it.
- Log out for proper saving of all the changes.
CAT Exam Pattern and Format
Knowing the pattern of a CAT exam before your preparation is important. The format generally consists of three sections, which are as follows:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
VARC is that section where your skills in the English language, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning are tested. A considerable part of this section is formed by reading comprehension passages. - Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
This is used to test the competency of the candidate while extracting data from different types of graphs, tables, charts. The puzzles, seating arrangement, pattern related questions are logical reasoning.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
This section contains a region called Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems that falls under the mathematics test of mathematical abilities and problem-solving abilities.
The duration of every segment is 40 minutes. This simply implies that after that duration, changes are carried to the segments. Questions can also be categorised as MCQ and non-MCQ. The overall time taken for the examination would be 120 minutes and, in most cases, the number of questions used would be about 64-66 in numbers.
Tips for CAT Preparation 2024
As CAT exam date 2024 is now at the doorstep, here are some crucial preparation tips to ride across it:
1. Syllabus: The syllabus is diverse, detailing out all that is in one section and the others. Since the sections are categorised as VARC, DILR, and QA; break those sections into subtopics and master each one.
2. Mock Tests: Mock tests are the same scenario. In other words, it is the set of tests that would very nearly resemble the actual examination and therefore train you on working under time constraints with accuracy and speed. There must be at least 10-12 full-length mock tests taken before the CAT exam date 2024.
3. Sectional Preparation:
VARC: Work on quick reading and comprehension by reading varied materials.
DILR: Practice data interpretation and logical reasoning exercises daily.
QA: Try to remember formulas and theorems and look forward to improving your speed and problem-solving.
4. Time Management:
Like accuracy, time management also turned out to be the soul of CAT. Practice questions within a set time frame helps become more efficient.
5. Revision Regular:
Revise topics often to make sure you are learning whatever you’re doing. You can judge your weaker areas and practice as much as possible.
6. Staying Calmness and Positivity:
Like this preparation in academia, mental preparation doesn’t differ much either. You need to have both body as well as mind calm and confident at one end while preparing regularly until the CAT Exam date 2024. CAT Exam Day Instructions
CAT Exam Date 2024 instructions:
- Carry Admit Card : Download it from the official website. A print out of the same should be carried while going to the reporting place for the exam. If you forget the printed version of your admit card at the exam centre, then also they may not allow you to sit inside, and thus time would have been wasted sitting idle without attempting the exam.
- Valid ID Proof: Bring a photo ID issued by the government, such as an Aadhaar or PAN or passport at the time of sitting in the exam.
- Reach Early: Report to the test centre at least one hour in advance about the reporting time to avoid last minute tensions.
- Follow Instructions: Listen to what the invigilators say; listen to them very carefully during the exams.
Conclusion
The CAT exam plays a pivotal role in securing admissions to Top B-Schools in India and considers CAT one of the most important entrance exams for college admissions. Staying informed about the CAT Exam Date 2024 preparing for each section thoroughly and knowing the application process are essential steps for success. By following the right strategy of preparation while keeping an eye on the timeline, you will be better equipped to achieve your MBA dreams.
