CAT Exam 2024: Ultimate Guide to Cracking the CAT Exam & Preparation Tips
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Calcutta will be conducting the prestigious Common Admission Test (CAT) in 2024. The exam is scheduled for Sunday, November 24, 2024, and will be divided into three sections, each lasting two hours. With over 155 cities hosting the exam, this is an opportunity for aspiring MBA candidates to secure admission in top-tier management institutes across India. The registration for the CAT exam will commence on August 1, 2024.
Important Announcement:
IIM Calcutta will oversee the CAT 2024 exam on November 24, 2024. All 21 IIMs will accept CAT 2024 scores for the 2025 academic session.
- Registration Start Date: August 1, 2024
- Registration Deadline: September 13, 2024
- Registration Fee: ₹2500
- Admit Card Release: November 5-24, 2024
- CAT Exam Date: November 24, 2024
- Answer Key Release Date: November 28, 2024
- Answer Key Challenge Deadline: December 2, 2024
- Result Announcement: Second week of January 2025 (Tentative)
CAT Exam 2024 Structure:
The CAT 2024 exam is computer-based and consists of 66 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into three sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
- Focuses on algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and basic mathematics.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
- Includes topics like bar graphs, line charts, logical puzzles, blood relations, seating arrangements, and data sufficiency.
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
- Comprising reading comprehension, para-summary, grammar correction, and sentence completion exercises.
The exam format and difficulty vary across sections, with QA being the most challenging, followed by VARC and DILR.
CAT 2024 Preparation Strategy:
Preparation Tips from the Toppers:
The key to cracking CAT 2024 lies in a blend of disciplined preparation and strategic practice. Top performers from previous years have followed a similar path: self-study, regular practice, and mock exams. If you are aiming to be among the top scorers, here are some strategies:
- Mock Tests:
Regular mock exams are essential to familiarize yourself with the exam format, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and manage your time effectively. - Practice and Revise:
Practice solving questions from past years, focus on areas of improvement, and continually refine your approach. - Time Management:
Practice under time constraints to improve speed and accuracy. - Study Materials:
Choose the right books, online courses, and materials that align with the latest syllabus. - Seek Mentorship:
Engage with mentors or consider enrolling in coaching programs for expert guidance.
Key Sections to Focus On:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
- Regular reading improves comprehension and vocabulary. Focus on understanding context, authorship, and underlying assumptions in passages.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
- Develop problem-solving skills with a variety of questions such as puzzles, bar graphs, and caselets.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
- Strengthen your fundamentals in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number theory.
CAT Exam 2024 Registration Process:
- Visit the official IIM CAT Portal at iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on “New Registration” and fill in your details such as name, email address, date of birth, and contact number.
- Complete the CAPTCHA verification.
- After receiving the OTP, use it to verify and complete the registration.
- Log in with the provided CAT ID to complete your application.
Syllabus Overview:
The CAT 2024 syllabus is divided into three primary sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
Topics include para-jumbles, critical reasoning, vocabulary, sentence correction, and RC passages. - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
Key topics include bar charts, pie charts, seating arrangements, logical puzzles, blood relations, and direction sense. - Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
This section covers algebra, arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, probability, and modern mathematics.
CAT Exam 2024 Selection Process:
- CAT Exam Result & Shortlisting: The CAT results will determine your eligibility for the next phase of the selection process, which includes personal interviews (PI), group discussions (GD), and written ability tests (WAT).
- Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Personal Interview (PI), where their communication skills, personality, and fit for the program will be assessed.
- Written Ability Test (WAT): Candidates will also face a Written Ability Test (WAT), designed to evaluate their writing skills and clarity of thought.
- Final Selection: The final selection process combines CAT scores, WAT, PI performance, academic records, and work experience. The weightage for each parameter is as follows:
- CAT Exam: 20%
- WAT: 10%
- PI: 20%
- Class 10 & 12: 20%
- Graduation: 20%
- Work Experience: 10%
MBA/PGDM Admissions – Apply Now!
The following institutions are currently accepting applications for their MBA/PGDM programs:
- UBS Mumbai
- GIMS Gr. Noida
- IMI Kolkata
- Shanti Business School Ahmedabad
- ISME Bangalore
- JIMS Kalkaji
- ISB&M Pune
- RIIM Pune
- I Business Institute Gr. Noida
- IMI Bhubaneswar
- Bennett University Gr. Noida
- Dhoon B-school Dehradun
Visit their websites to apply now!
Stay ahead of the competition by beginning your preparation early and following a structured study plan. Best of luck with your CAT 2024 journey!