CAT 2024 Exam will be held on November 24, 2024 in three shifts in over 170 cities in India. CAT Admit Card will be released on November 5 on CAT Official Website iimcat.ac.in. Admit Card has key information like Test City, Exam Centre, Time Slot and is mandatory document for entering CAT exam hall. Top MBA colleges accepting CAT scores include 21 IIMs, 7 IITs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai. CAT experts recommend taking CAT Mock Tests to improve score. This article has latest information on CAT Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation and more.
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:
Q: Is CAT conducted by Government or by some Institute?
Q: Which IIM is conducting Common Admission Test 2024?
Q: What is the Last date for CAT 2024 Registration and Application?
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 | 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 28, 2024 |
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 | https://iimcat.ac.in |
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) |
Q: How many times CAT is conducted in one year?
Q: What is the mode of the exam?
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 1, 2024 |
Registration Last Date | September 20, 2024 (Extended from Sept 13) |
Registration Fees | Rs. 2500 |
Admit Card Release | November 5, 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 CAT Coaching & MOCK TEST | Get Upto 40% Discount! | Register Now | Take Free CAT MOCK TEST by ARUN SHARMA (CAT Guru) | Register Now |
Below are the important points that determine eligibility criteria 2024
Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
Q: Is there any difference in CAT eligibility criteria and IIM Admission eligibility criteria?
Q: I scored 76% in Masters but 49% in graduation, can I apply for CAT 2024?
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
CAT 2022
CAT 2021
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
Source: Based on CAT 2023 Pattern
Read all about Revised Exam Pattern
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Q: Can I attempt any section in CAT within over all time limit?
Q: How many sections are there in CAT 2024 exam?
Q: What is the expected number of questions in CAT Exam 2024? What is the sectional division?
CAT 2023 Analysis Slot-1
Exam Summary - Exam: CAT, Year: 2023 Slot-1
Sectional Order: Must Attempt Sections in Pre-Defined Order
CAT 2022 Analysis Slot-1
Exam Summary Year: 2022 Slot 1
Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate
Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Read in detail Complete Previous Year CAT Exam Analysis
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 |
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 |
Section | No of Questions | MCQ/ NMCQ | Sectional Time Limit (In Minutes) | CAT Marking Scheme (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 |
Q: Will CAT 2024 be more difficult than last year?
Q: If CAT 2024 remains a high difficulty level exam and I score low, what are my chances to be shortlisted by IIMs?
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:
7.1 CAT Syllabus Section-Wise
Sectional Division | Syllabus |
---|---|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 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 |
Q: Is the CAT 2024 Syllabus Changed? What are the important changes
Q: Is CAT exam syllabus published by IIMs before the exam?
Q: Which Section syllabus in CAT is considered more difficult to cover?
Q: How much time is sufficient to cover complete CAT syllabus?
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:
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
8.1.3 CAT Preparation Books for DILR
8.1.4 CAT Preparation Books for QA
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
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:
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
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:
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Section: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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:
Check Top CAT Coaching Centers in India
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:
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
Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Composition
MBAUniverse.com Analysis based on CAT 2023 slot-1
Check in Detail How to prepare for VARC
Topic | Syllabus | Type of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023 | No of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023 |
---|---|---|---|
Data Interpretation (DI) | 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 | 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) | 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 | 5 Questions on one problem set based on 3 friends visited a park, took many rides. | 5 |
Topic | Syllabus | Type of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023 | No of Questions Appeared in CAT 2023 |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 |
Topic | Syllabus | Type of Questions Appeared | No of Questions Appeared |
---|---|---|---|
Arithmetic | Averages; Ratio & Proportion; Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; LCM and HCF; Percentages, Profit and Loss; Interest (Simple and Compound); Number System; | Time Speed Distance (2 Qs), Time & Work (1Q); Ratio (1Q); Simple Interest/ Compound Interest (3); Profit & Loss (1Q); Mixture (1Q); Clock (1Q) | 10 |
Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations; Inequalities; Functions; Progressions; Algebraic Expressions to Polynomials; Complex numbers; Sequences and series; Permutations and combinations | Log (1Q); Equations (3 Qs); Surds (1Q); Sequence & Series (2Qs); Algebraic Expression (1Q) | 8 |
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 | Triangle (1 Q); Quadrilateral (1Q); Circle (1Q) | 3 |
Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios, identities, and heights and distances, Sine, Cosine | No questions appeared in CAT 2023. | 0 |
Modern Math | Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Probability, Permutation & Combination | Permutation & Combination (1 Q) | 1 |
Top CAT 2024 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 |
Q: What is the ideal CAT preparation time?
Q: I wish to self prepare. How do I start preparation without coaching?
Q: Is there sufficient time now to start 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.
Take free CAT Mock tests based on previous years CAT papers on MBAUniverse.com.
Q: How many Mocks before CAT exam are sufficient to take?
Q: Is writing Offline Mocks for CAT helpful to score high in the exam?
Q: Where can I get online computer based Mocks Free?
Q: If I score low in Mock, what should I do?
CAT Registration process is done online. You can register & apply online only on the official website iimcat.ac.in. The registration fee is Rs. 2500 /- for General/EWS/OBC candidates and Rs.1250/ for SC/ST/PWD candidates. CAT 2024 Registration process was closed on September 20, 2024.
CAT Registration: 3 Step Process
10.1 Key Points to Note during CAT Exam Registration & Application Process
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
Source: MBAUniverse.com Research & Analysis
CAT Year | Candidate Registrations | % Increase/Decrease |
---|---|---|
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 | -- |
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 5 preferred exam cities, Make Payment online of CAT Registration fees and submit |
Q: What is the CAT 2024 Registration Start date & Time
Q: What is the CAT 2024 Registration Fees
Q: Is it possible to amend mistake in registration after form submission?
The Admit Card download will start from November 5, 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.
3 Steps to Download CAT 2024 Admit Card
Q: How to confirm that I will get my CAT 2024 Admit Card?
Q: I am unable to access CAT Website, how can I download the Admit Card?
Q: Can I download CAT 2024 Admit card from my Mobile Phone?
Q: I have got CAT Admit Card which is Blank? What should I do?
Q: When CAT 2024 Admit Card will be released?
The exam will be held in 170 test cities having around 400 cat exam centres across the country. List of State Wise Test Cities is given below in the Tabular Form. More test cities are proposed for CAT 2024
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 |
Q: How many CAT Exam cities I can choose?
Q: Can I change my CAT Test City Preference after completion of Registration?
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
Q: When & Where to Look for CAT Answer Key 2024?
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 |
IIM Calcutta | 85 |
IIM Lucknow | 85 |
IIM Indore | 90 |
IIM Kozhikode | 90 |
IIM Mumbai | 94 |
IIM Shillong | 90 |
IIM Udaipur | 94 |
IIM Rohtak | 95 |
IIM Kashipur | 94 |
IIM Ranchi | 94 |
IIM Raipur | 94 |
IIM Bodhgaya | 94 |
IIM Jammu | 90 |
IIM Sambalpur | 94 |
IIM Sirmaur | 90 |
IIM Amritsar | 85 |
IIM Nagpur | 90 |
IIM Visakhapatnam | 90 |
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:
Check and Read all about the CAT Accepting Colleges
Top MBA Colleges (Non-IIMs) | Expected CAT 2024 Cut Off Percentile for Admission 2025 |
---|---|
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) New Delhi | 97 |
Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon | 94 |
SPJIMR Mumbai | 85 |
DMS-IIT Delhi | 90 |
SJMSoM-IIT Bombay | 90 |
International Management Institute (IMI) New Delhi | 90 |
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad | 90 |
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai | 85 |
T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal | 85 |
FORE School of Management (FSM) New Delhi | 85+ |
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM) New Delhi | 85 |
Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM) Chennai | 80 |
Q: What is the CAT Cut off for IIMs?
Q: Do IIMs announce CAT Cut offs after release of Result?
Q: How IIMs calculate CAT cut off?
Q: How can I make best use of CAT Cutoff?
CAT 2024 exam official result declaration date is 2nd week of January 2025. However, IIMs release 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:
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.
Q: What are the key components in IIMs’ selection process?
Q: What is CAT weightage in final selection in IIMs?
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: 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. 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.
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. 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
CAT Exam Year | Name of Sections | Total Questions | Time Duration |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | VARC, DILR, QA | 66 | 120 Minutes |
2022 | VARC, DILR, QA | 66 | 120 Minutes |
2021 | VARC, DILR, QA | 66 | 120 Minutes |
2020 | VARC, DILR, QA | 76 | 120 Minutes |
2019 | VARC, DILR, QA | 100 | 180 Minutes |
2018 | VARC, DILR, QA | 100 | 180 Minutes |
2017 | VARC, DILR, QA | 100 | 180 Minutes |
2016 | VARC, DILR, QA | 100 | 180 Minutes |
2015 | VARC, DILR, QA | 100 | 180 Minutes |
2014 | QA & DI; VARC & LR | 100 | 170 Minutes |
2013 | QA & DI; VARC & LR | 60 | 140 Minutes |
2012 | QA & DI; VARC & LR | 60 | 140 Minutes |