Master the CAT 2024: Your All-Inclusive Guide to Exam Dates, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Registration & More

Cracking the Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to prestigious MBA programs in India. Are you aiming to ace the CAT 2024 and unlock your dream B-school journey? This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to know, from the crucial CAT 2024 exam date to strategic preparation tips and registration details.

CAT 2024 Exam Date: Mark Your Calendar!

The highly anticipated CAT 2024 exam date is set for November 24, 2024. Typically conducted across three slots in various cities throughout India, it's crucial to mark this date on your calendar and start planning well in advance. CAT 2024 Exam Highlights

CAT is the top MBA entrance exam in India. It is accepted by over 1000 B-schools in India for admission to MBA/PGDM courses. Check here key highlight of the same.

CAT Exam Particulars	CAT 2024 Details
CAT Full Form	Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Institute for 2024	IIM Calcutta (to be confirmed)
Exam Level	National
Exam Frequency	Once a year
CAT 2024 Exam Date	November 24, 2024
CAT Exam Timings	Session 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Session 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Session 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
CAT Exam Fees	INR 2,400 (General category) and INR 1,200 (Reserved category)
Number of Test Takers	3.30 lakh (in 2023)
CAT exam mode	Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs
No. of test cities	155
CAT exam website	https://iimcat.ac.in
Exam helpdesk no.	1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free)

CAT 2024 Exam Dates

The CAT 2024 convening IIM will announce the dates on July 30, 2024. Check here tentative CAT 2024 exam dates and events.

CAT Exam Events	CAT Exam Date 2024
CAT 2024 notification release	30-July-2024
CAT exam 2024 registration dates	03-Aug-2024 (10:00 AM) to 15-Sep-2024 (5:00 PM)
CAT form correction	Last week of September 2024
CAT admit card 2024	25-Oct-2024
CAT exam 2024 date	24-Nov-2024
CAT answer key release	First week of December 2024
Answer key challenge process	First week of December 2024
Declaration of CAT 2024 result	Last week of December 2024 or First week of January 2025

Unveiling the CAT 2024 Syllabus: Know Your Battleground

The CAT syllabus encompasses three key sections:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Test your language skills through reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): Analyze data efficiently and solve problems using logical reasoning.
Quantitative Ability (QA): Demonstrate your quantitative aptitude with questions from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.

Remember, the official syllabus might undergo minor changes, so stay updated by checking the official IIM CAT website regularly.

Check the table below for important topics that you need to prepare for CAT 2024.

CAT sections	CAT 2024 Syllabus topics
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary and Odd Sentence Out
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory + Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding and Series
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration

Conquer the CAT 2024 with Powerful Preparation Tips:

Start Early: Don't underestimate the CAT's demands. Begin your preparation at least 9 months before the exam to build a strong foundation.
Master the Syllabus: Understand the intricacies of each section and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Enroll in Mock Tests and Coaching: Simulate the real exam experience with mock tests and consider professional coaching for personalized guidance.
Develop Time Management Skills: Practice solving questions within the allotted time frame to ensure efficiency in the actual exam.
Focus on Accuracy over Speed: Aim for accuracy first, as negative marking can penalize hasty attempts.
Stay Motivated: Set realistic goals, celebrate your progress, and join online communities for support and encouragement.

CAT 2024 Registration Date: Don't Miss the Deadline!

The exact CAT 2024 registration date is yet to be announced, but it's usually in the first week of August 2024. Stay tuned for the official notification from IIMs in July 2024. Remember, registration typically closes within 45 days, so mark your calendars and be ready to act swiftly.

Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified?

Before registering, ensure you meet the CAT 2024 eligibility criteria, which typically include:

Bachelor's degree from a recognized university (final year students can also apply).
Minimum percentage requirement (varies for different categories).

Exam Pattern: Know What to Expect

The CAT 2024 exam will likely follow the same pattern as previous years:

Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Sections: 3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
Number of Questions: Approximately 66 questions with variable distribution across sections
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and each wrong answer incurs a penalty of 1 mark.

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Valuable Resources:

Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in/
Previous Year Papers & Solutions: Analyze past exam trends and practice with authentic questions.
Online Forums & Communities: Connect with fellow CAT aspirants for peer-to-peer learning and support.
Blogs & Articles: Stay updated with the latest CAT news, tips, and strategies.