Unlocking Opportunities: Common Admission Test 2024 Guide

The Common Admission test CAT (2024) is the mandatory entrance test for students willing to do an MBA in all 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, IIFT Delhi and Kolkata, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, and hundreds of B_schools in India. Top MBA colleges in India and IIMs are offering programs for MBA, and more than 2 lakh students appear in CAT tests every year. 

If a student is pursuing a 3-year program and is in their 2nd year, or if a student is pursuing a 4-year program and is in their 3rd year, they are also eligible to appear in the common admissions test in 2024. The registration fee for CAT will go up to Rs. 2500 in 2024, from Rs. 2400 in 2023. After reviewing the views of toppers, it was concluded that the CAT test is not so difficult. It is basically a test of nerves, and students should crack it conceptually rather than cramming. 

Key Points For the CAT Test

• It is a computer-based test and is conducted in 155 test cities and more than 400 venues

• The exam time was 3 hours, which was reduced to 2 hours in 2020

• The exam is divided into three sections, such as verbal ability and comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning

• Each section of the exam should be solved in the given time 

• Indian Institute of Management (IIM) will offer admission to those candidates who pass the CAT test in 2024; other tests will not be considered for admission to IIM

CAT Exam At A Glance: Highlights

Some of the highlights about the CAT exam 2024, including institutes, registration fees, criteria, and the full form, are given below:

 Eligibility Criteria For Cat 2024

The points that determine the eligibility criteria for CAT 2024 are given below:

• The candidate must have 50% marks in graduation to appear in the CAT test in 2024

• A final-year student of graduation can also appear in CAT test 

• There is no age limit set to appear in CAT test

CAT Registration And Application Process

• CAT registration process is online

• The candidate can apply for CAT test on the official website only

• CAT registration fee is Rs. 2500 and the fee can be paid online only

• The application process will start in August 2024, after the CAT admissions notification

The process for registration and application for CAT can be completed in 3 major steps

• Login to CAT website and create a profile

• Make online payment for CAT registration fee

CAT Registration Trends

3.30 lakh candidates have applied for the CAT test in 2023, which is 30% more than in 2022. The rising number of CAT registrations shows more competition for incoming students who are willing to take admission in 2025 for an MBA in the top three IIM institutes. 

Although the trend was declining in 2010, there has been a rise in registrations since 2013 as people are trusting the CAT test and acquiring an MBA degree from the top IIM and B schools in India.

CAT Exam Pattern and Revised Changes

Till 2015, the CAT exam remained similar, but from 2020 on, due to the pandemic, the duration of the CAT exam has been changed without changing the structure or pattern of the exam. The same pattern will be followed for the 2024 CAT exam.

• Computer-delivered test but it is not an online exam

• The CAT test is divided into 66 questions and is divided into three sections

• Out of 66 questions given in the CAT test, 18-20 questions are based on penalty questions. The test is divided into MCQs and non-MCQs questions of which MCQs type questions have negative markings while non-MCQs questions don’t have negative marking

• More than 48-50 questions have negative marks in the CAT test

• A minimum qualifying score is between 70 and 90 percentiles in CAT test to get admission to a top IIM institute and each of the three questions is for the final admission round

• Despite getting top scores in each section in the CAT test, candidates must have the experience to get admission to a top IIM institute

CAT 2024: Revised Structure Of Question Paper

The below table will show the number and types of questions asked in the CAT test, questions with and without negative marking for a section of a 2-hour paper.

Analysis Of The CAT Exam

• Difficulty of the CAT exam: Moderate

• Total questions asked in the CAT exam 2023: 66

• Division of the CAT section: CAT section is divided into 3 sections

• Overall, VARC has a moderate difficulty level

• There are 2 LR sections and each section is divided into 6 questions

• There are 2 DI sections and each section is divided into 4 questions

• 99 percentile of scores can be achieved and can be secured roughly at 90

Section Wise Syllabus Of The CAT Exam 2024

As previously discussed, the section-wise syllabus is not mentioned by the IIM institute. The syllabus of the CAT exam is about ability and logical reasoning and is a concept-based exam. Since the last 5 years, the syllabus of the CAT exam has changed. Major changes in the CAT exam in 2024 are listed below:

• The syllabus has been changed and has different types of questions with combinations of MCQs and non-MCQs.

• 25-30% of questions are penalty based now

• Most of the changes have occurred in general  verbal ability and reading comprehension

• A very minor changes have been seen in the Quantitative ability section

CAT Coaching Benefits: Preparation For CAT Exam 2024

• CAT preparation institute prepares the syllabus without deviating from the path

• With smart preparation and methodology used in the CAT exam, the coaching institutes save time without being wasted

• To crack the CAT exam with the highest scores, coaching institutes are offering 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year-time modules for preparation

• If the candidate is willing to start the exam with clear concepts and basic knowledge, these coaching institutes suggest a time frame for 6 months

Steps To Download CAT Admit Card

• Login to CAT official website

• Enter your CAT Login ID & password, & Click on Admit Card

• Click on Download & Take Print of CAT Admit card

Final Thoughts

The Common Admission Test (CAT) represents a pivotal opportunity for aspiring business leaders to showcase their aptitude and potential. As one of the most competitive entrance exams for management programs, CAT not only evaluates candidates' academic proficiency but also their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 

Success in CAT opens doors to prestigious management institutes, shapes career trajectories, and fosters personal growth. However, it's not merely about achieving high scores but about demonstrating resilience, determination, and adaptability in facing challenges. Ultimately, CAT serves as a gateway to fulfilling professional aspirations and embarking on a transformative journey toward excellence in the dynamic world of business and management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for the CAT exam?

A: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized university. Final-year students are also eligible to apply.

Q: How many times can I take the CAT exam?

A: There is no limit to the number of times you can take the CAT exam. However, it is typically held once a year, so you can attempt it annually.

Q: What is the exam pattern for the CAT?

A: CAT is a computer-based test consisting of three sections: verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and quantitative ability (QA). Each section has a time limit, and the total duration of the exam is 2 hours. The test comprises multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice questions.