CAT 2024 FAQs: Dates, Eligibility, Application, Pattern, Syllabus

Notification Release Date: 28-30 July 28-30
Registration Start Date: 2-4 August 2024.
Registration Last Date: 15-21 September 2024.
Admit Card Release Date: 7 November 2024.
Exam Date: 24 November 2024.
Answer Key Release Date:  5 December 2024.
Result Announcement: First week of January 2025​

The CAT 2024 exam will be conducted on 24 November 2024. The exam is expected to be held in three slots: morning, afternoon, and evening​ 

The official answer key for CAT 2024 is likely to be released in the first week of December 2024. Candidates will also receive their response sheets, allowing them to compare their answers and estimate their scores​. 

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university. Candidates with professional degrees (CA, CS, ICWA) are also eligible with the same minimum mark requirement

No, there is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in the CAT exam​. 

Yes, candidates in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply. If selected, they must complete their degree with the required percentage and submit the necessary documents during the admission process

The application fee is INR 2300 for General and NC-OBC candidates, and INR 1150 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates​. 

You need to upload a scanned copy of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and relevant category certificates (if applicable). Final-year students need to upload a certificate from the Principal/HOD/Registrar of their institution​ 

Yes, a correction window is usually provided after the application process closes. During this period, you can make corrections to certain fields like photograph, signature, and test city preferences. 

Yes, you can select up to six test city preferences during the application process. The test centre will be allocated based on availability and preference order​

The CAT 2024 exam is a computer-based test divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam consists of 66 questions in total, with each section having an individual time limit of 40 minutes, making the total duration of the exam 120 minutes​. 

Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQ. 

Yes, each of the three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA) has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes. Candidates cannot switch between sections and must complete each section within the allotted time​ 

There are no significant changes in the syllabus for CAT 2024 compared to previous years. The format and topics have remained consistent, focusing on the same key areas within each section​. 

The VARC section includes:

Reading Comprehension: Passages with questions to test comprehension.
Verbal Ability: Para-jumbles, para-summary, odd sentence out, sentence completion, grammar, and vocabulary​

For the DILR section follow the tips mentioned below:

Practice sets of different types, such as seating arrangements, puzzles, and data interpretation charts.
Improve your ability to quickly analyze and interpret data.
Work on developing a logical approach to solving complex problems by breaking them down into manageable parts​.

The CAT 2024 admit card is expected to be released in October 2024. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.

If you forget your login credentials, you can reset your password by clicking on the “Forgot Password” link on the login page and following the instructions provided​ 

You need to bring:
A valid government-issued photo ID (such as an Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.)
Two passport-sized photographs
Blue or black ballpoint pen
A mask and gloves (mandatory due to health guidelines)

If you find any discrepancies on your admit card, immediately contact the CAT helpdesk via email ([email protected]) or the toll-free helpline (1-800-210-8720) for corrections​

The final selection for IIMs and other top B-schools considers multiple factors, including:

CAT Scores: Both overall and sectional percentiles.
PI/WAT/GD Performance: Scores obtained in these rounds.
Academic Record: Scores from 10th, 12th, and graduation.
Work Experience: Duration and relevance of work experience.
Diversity Factors: Academic diversity (non-engineering backgrounds) and gender diversity (female candidates)

The expected CAT cutoffs for IIMs can vary each year. For instance, older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta usually have cutoffs above the 99th percentile, while newer IIMs like Amritsar, Sambalpur, and Sirmaur might have cutoffs around the 90th percentile​

The composite score is calculated by assigning different weights to various components such as CAT scores, PI/WAT/GD performance, academic scores, work experience, and diversity factors. Each IIM has its own formula and weight distribution for these components. For example, the composite score for IIM Shillong includes a 30% weight for CAT scores, 40% for PI performance, and 15% for academic performance​. 

The results for CAT 2024 are expected to be announced in the first week of January 202

Candidates can check their results by visiting the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). They need to log in using their registration ID and password. Once logged in, they can view and download their scorecard​.

Yes, the CAT 2024 answer key will likely be released in the first week of December 2024. Candidates can use the answer key to estimate their scores before the official results are declared​.

If there is an error in the scorecard, candidates should immediately contact the CAT helpdesk or the conducting IIM for rectification. Contact details are usually provided on the official CAT website.

Books like “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Arun Sharma, “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis for verbal ability, and “Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT” by Nishit K. Sinha are highly recommended.

While books are important, they should be supplemented with online resources, mock tests, and possibly coaching material to get a comprehensive preparation.

It’s generally recommended to use the latest editions as they often incorporate updates in CAT exam patterns and question types. However, if you have access to slightly older editions, they can still be useful for foundational concepts.

The official CAT 2024 mock tests are expected to be released in November 2024. These mock tests will help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam pattern.

Yes, it’s highly beneficial to replicate exam conditions as closely as possible when attempting mock tests. Find a quiet place, time yourself strictly, and adhere to the same rules and procedures as the actual CAT exam.

Many coaching institutes and educational websites offer free sample/mock tests. Official CAT websites also provide some free resources. However, for comprehensive and varied practice, consider investing in a mix of free and paid mock tests.