The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024, one of India’s most sought-after MBA entrance exams, was successfully conducted on November 24, 2024. Over 2 lakh aspirants appeared for the exam across 170 cities, with IIM Calcutta overseeing the process. This year’s exam pattern, difficulty levels, and upcoming answer key release have generated significant interest among candidates.
CAT 2024 Exam Analysis
The CAT 2024 exam was conducted in three slots, with each offering a unique challenge:
- Slot 1 and Slot 2: These slots were rated as easy to moderate, with candidates reporting a fair balance of questions across sections. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) were deemed slightly tricky but manageable.
- Slot 3: This slot posed a significant challenge, especially in the Quantitative Ability (QA) section. Many candidates found it difficult to manage time, impacting their overall attempts.
CAT 2024 Overview
| Exam Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | IIM Calcutta |
| Exam Date | November 24, 2024 |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| Registration Fee | ₹2,500 (General), ₹1,250 (Reserved) |
| Result Declaration | Late December 2024/January 2025 |
CAT 2024 Question Paper Analysis
The exam was held in three slots, each presenting unique challenges:
- Slot 1 and Slot 2: Moderate difficulty; balanced sections.
- Slot 3: Toughest among all slots, particularly in the Quantitative Ability (QA) section.
Section-wise Distribution (Expected)
| Section | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability (VARC) | 24 | Moderate to High |
| Data Interpretation (DILR) | 20 | Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | High |
CAT 2024 Syllabus
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Topics: Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Number Systems, Modern Math, Mensuration.
Weightage: 34-36% - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Topics: Bar Graphs, Data Tables, Seating Arrangements, Team Formation.
Weightage: 30-32% - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Topics: Paragraph Jumbles, Long Passages, Para-summary.
Weightage: 32-34%
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2024
- Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
- A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA is required for General and NC-OBC candidates.
- Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories are eligible with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
- Final Year Students
- Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
- However, such candidates must provide proof of their qualification within the deadline specified by the respective IIMs.
- Professional Degrees
- Aspirants holding professional qualifications such as CA, CS, or ICWA are eligible, provided they meet the minimum percentage criteria.
- Age Criteria
- There is no upper age limit for CAT 2024, making it accessible for both recent graduates and working professionals.
- Work Experience
- While work experience can strengthen your profile during the selection process, it is not a mandatory requirement for appearing in CAT.
Important Dates for CAT 2024
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 28, 2024 |
| Registration Period | Aug 1 – Sept 20, 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | Nov 5, 2024 |
| Exam Date | Nov 24, 2024 |
| Answer Key Release | First week of December 2024 |
| Result Declaration | Late December 2024/January 2025 |
How to Register for CAT 2024
Follow these steps to complete your registration:
- Visit the Official Website
- Go to iimcat.ac.in.
- New Registration
- Click on the ‘New Registration’ link.
- Fill in the required details, including:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Email ID
- Mobile Number
- CAPTCHA Verification and OTP Confirmation
- Enter the CAPTCHA code and verify your registration using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Login Credentials
- Upon successful registration, you will receive a CAT ID and password via email. Use these credentials to log in.
- Fill Out the Application Form
- Log in with your CAT ID and complete the form with:
- Personal Information: Address, category, and ID proof details.
- Academic Details: Marks from Class X, Class XII, and graduation.
- Work Experience (if any): Relevant professional details.
- Log in with your CAT ID and complete the form with:
- Upload Documents
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph and scanned signature as per the specified format.
- Select Preferences
- Choose your preferred IIMs, courses, and six test cities for the examination.
- Payment of Application Fee
- Pay the application fee online via credit card, debit card, or net banking. The fee structure is as follows:
- General/OBC candidates: ₹2,400
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: ₹1,200
- Pay the application fee online via credit card, debit card, or net banking. The fee structure is as follows:
- Submit and Confirm
- Review the filled details carefully before submitting the application form. Ensure no errors to avoid discrepancies later.
CAT 2024 Application Form Availability
The application form will be accessible from August 1, 2024, on the official website. Candidates should ensure timely registration to avoid last-minute issues.
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
- Exam Duration
- The exam lasts for 120 minutes (2 hours).
- Each section is allotted 40 minutes, and candidates must complete one section before moving to the next.
- Sections
CAT 2024 consists of three sections:- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Number of Questions
- A total of 66 questions are divided across the three sections.
- Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer earns 3 marks.
- For MCQs, each incorrect answer results in a penalty of 1 mark.
- There is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions.
- Scoring and Maximum Marks
- The highest possible score in CAT 2024 is 198 marks.
- Exam Sessions
- The exam is conducted in three sessions, ensuring a fair distribution of candidates.
- No Obligation to Attempt All Questions
- Candidates can choose to skip questions without penalty, allowing for strategic time management.
CAT 2024 Section-Wise Breakdown
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | ~22 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | ~20 | 40 minutes |
| QA | ~24 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 66 | 120 minutes |
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the format and time distribution.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Dedicate extra time to challenging topics.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Build accuracy and improve time management.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Analyze question trends and difficulty levels.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Enroll in coaching programs if necessary.
Stay updated on CAT 2024 by visiting the official website iimcat.ac.in.
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