CAT EXAM 2024 | CRACK YOUR CAT EXAM | COMPLETE PREPARATION TIPS
IIM Calcutta will conduct the CAT exam in 2024, CAT exam will be held on 24 November 2024
The most comprehensive MBA entrance exam is the CAT 2024, which is administered by IIM Calcutta. It is slated to take place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, and will be divided into three two-hour sections. More than 155 cities are expected to host this year’s test. The registration will begin on 1st AUGUST, 2024.–
Latest Notification
IIM Calcutta will conduct the CAT 2024 exam on November 24, 2024.
All 21 IIMs will accept CAT 2024 exam scores for MBA admissions in 2025. Registration for CAT 2024 is expected to begin in the first week of August 2024.
The CAT 2024 exam will be held in a computer-based mode and will feature 66 multiple-choice questions.
The exam will take place in three sessions across 156 test cities on November 24, 2024.
CAT 2024 includes three main sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The DILR and VARC sections each contain 20 questions.
DILR Section Includes Topics Such As:
- Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Tables
- Caselets, Missing Data
- Logical Reasoning Puzzles
- Blood Relations, Calendars, Clocks
- Coding-Decoding, Cubes
The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section includes Algebra and other school-level mathematics concepts.
READ: Toppers’ Tips for Preparing for CAT 2024
Many CAT toppers prepare through a combination of self-study, mentorship, and extensive practice exams. Coaching is optional, but consistency and mock-test practice remain the most important success factors.
Importance of CAT Mock Tests
Taking mock tests is essential for CAT aspirants as they simulate the actual exam environment and help measure preparation level.
- Improves time management
- Enhances question-solving speed & accuracy
- Boosts confidence before exam day
- Provides a clear idea of exam pattern and difficulty
Students should attempt multiple mock exams to maximize their performance and increase their chances of scoring high in CAT 2024.
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Latest Notification
On November 24, 2024, IIM Calcutta will host CAT 2024.
All 21 IIMs will accept CAT 2024 scores for MBA admissions in 2025. Registration for CAT 2024 is expected to open in the first week of August 2024.
The CAT 2024 exam will consist of 66 multiple-choice questions and will be conducted in three sessions across 156 cities.
The exam contains three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC).
The DILR and VARC sections have 20 questions each, covering topics like logical reasoning, line charts, pie charts, tables, puzzles, blood relations, and reading comprehension.
The QA section covers school-level mathematics such as algebra, arithmetic, and geometry.
Tip: One of the best ways to prepare is by following toppers’ strategies, solving mock tests, and practicing regularly.
Mock tests simulate the real exam environment and help students evaluate performance, improve time management, and build confidence.
1. What is CAT Exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based exam conducted for admission into postgraduate management programs such as MBA & PGDM. The exam consists of three sections—Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
Traditionally, the exam duration is 3 hours, but since 2020 it has been conducted for 2 hours (120 minutes) with 40 minutes allocated per section.
CAT is conducted every year by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. For 2024, IIM Calcutta will conduct the exam on 24 November 2024.
2. CAT Exam 2024 – Important Dates
| CAT 2024 Important Dates & Timeline | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| CAT Notification Date 2024 | July 28, 2024 |
| Registration Start Date 2024 | August 01, 2024 (10:00 am) |
| Registration Last Date | September 13, 2024 (5:00 pm) |
| Registration Fees | Rs. 2500 |
| Admit Card Download | November 5 – November 24, 2024 |
| Exam Date | November 24, 2024 |
| CAT Answer Key Release | November 28, 2024 |
| Answer Key Challenge Last Date | December 2, 2024 |
| Result Date | Second week of January 2025 (Tentative) |
3. CAT Exam 2024 – Pattern
The CAT 2024 exam is conducted in a computer-based MCQ format. A total of 66 questions are asked from the three major sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
The exam is conducted in 3 sessions on the same day.
| CAT Exam Sections | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | Moderate to High |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) | 20 | Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | High |
4. CAT Exam 2024 – Admit Card
The CAT admit card is a mandatory document that candidates must carry on the exam day.
Candidates can download their admit card from the official IIM CAT website by logging in with their registered credentials.
The admit card contains essential details such as exam date, session time, test center, and candidate information.
Candidates must check all details thoroughly. If any mistakes are found, they should immediately contact the CAT helpdesk.
5. How to Prepare for CAT 2024? (Preparation Strategy)
Plan Your Studies: Prepare a balanced timetable covering all topics from VARC, DILR, and QA.
Practice Daily: Use mock tests and previous year papers to strengthen speed and accuracy.
Read Regularly: Build reading comprehension skills by reading newspapers, magazines, and blogs.
Know the Syllabus: Understand important chapters like algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and logical topics.
Seek Guidance: Join a coaching class or online mentorship program if needed to understand difficult concepts.
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CAT 2024 – Latest Notification & Full Details
Latest Notification
On November 24, 2024, IIM Calcutta will host CAT 2024.
All 21 IIMs will accept CAT 2024 exam scores for MBA admissions in 2025. Registration is expected to begin in the first week of August 2024.
CAT 2024 is a computer-based test consisting of 66 multiple-choice questions conducted in three sessions across 156 cities.
The exam includes three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC).
DILR contains 20 questions, and VARC contains 20 questions.
Topics include bar graphs, puzzles, missing data, logical reasoning, tables, charts, caselets, clocks, cubes, calendars, and more.
QA section includes algebra and mathematics from school syllabus.
Preparation Tips from Toppers
Students can prepare through coaching or self-study. Many previous toppers chose self-study with guidance and extensive mock tests.
Mock tests help evaluate preparation, improve time management, practice strategies, and boost confidence.
CAT Exam 2024 – Registration & Application Process
- Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
- Click on “New Registration”
- Enter your name, email, nationality, DOB, and mobile number
- Enter CAPTCHA and verify using OTP
- Log in with your CAT 2024 ID received via email
- Fill the complete application form
CAT Exam 2024 – Section-wise Syllabus
| SECTION | SYLLABUS |
|---|---|
| VARC | Para Summary, Jumbled Paragraphs, Error Correction, Analogies, Critical Reasoning, RC Passages (Literature, Economy, Business, Current Affairs), Synonyms-Antonyms, Vocabulary, Main Idea, Inferences & more. |
| DILR | Bar Charts, Pie Charts, Caselets, Data Analysis, Line Graphs, Missing Data, Data Comparison, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Calendars, Clocks, Puzzles, Cubes, Syllogism, Binary Logic & more. |
| QA | Arithmetic (Ratio, Time-Speed, Profit & Loss, Interest), Algebra (Equations, Functions), Geometry, Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability, P&C, Modern Maths. |
CAT Exam 2024 Result & IIMs’ Final Selection Process
The CAT exam is required for admission into MBA and PGDM programs. It evaluates arithmetic skills, reasoning ability, and reading comprehension.
Overview: CAT 2024 notification will be available on July 30, 2024. Registration starts in August. Admit cards will be available from October 25, 2024.
CAT Selection Process 2024 – Stages
- Round 1: Shortlisting based on CAT scores
- Round 2: Personal Interview (PI), Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD)
- Round 3: Final Selection & Document Verification
IIMs’ Evaluation Criteria
| Parameter | Weightage |
|---|---|
| CAT Exam | 20% |
| WAT | 10% |
| PI | 20% |
| Class 10 & 12 | 20% |
| Graduation | 20% |
| Work Experience | 10% |
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