CAT 2024 Exam: Provisional Answer Key (OUT), Response Sheet, Question Paper Analysis, Result, Dates, Pattern, Syllabus

Common Admission Test 2024 ( CAT )

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Vipra Shrivastava

Vipra ShrivastavaSenior Manager - Content

Updated on Dec 3, 2024 18:20 IST

CAT 2024 answer key challenge window opened on December 3, 6:00 pm. Candidates can raise objection on the preliminary CAT 2024 answer key till December 5, 2024 (11:50 PM).

CAT 2024 response sheet/answer key for November 24, 2024 was available for download on November 29, 2024 through login. However, in an official notification, the IIM Calcutta has announced that the provisional CAT 2024 answer key will be released today, December 3, 2024. The 

CAT exam 2024 was conducted by IIM Calcutta in three shifts at over 400 test centres in 170 cities across India. The CAT 2024 question paper this year was moderately difficult for all three slots. The total number of questions has been increased to 68. DILR had 22 questions instead of 20. There were no parajumbles in the paper. The number of sets in DILR section of CAT 2024 was 5. You can check CAT 2024 analysis and student reviews below on this page.

 

Q:   How much percentile is a good score in CAT exam?

A:

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a highly competitive entrance exam for admission to various management programs offered by top business schools in India. The percentile score in CAT exam is based on the relative performance of the test taker compared to all the other test takers.

The cutoff percentile for admission to top business schools varies from year to year and also depends on factors such as the number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, and the number of available seats. In general, a percentile score of 90 or above is considered a good score and can help you secure admission to some of the top business schools in India. However, to increase your chances of admission to the top-tier business schools, a percentile score of 95 or above is preferred.

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Q:   What is CAT exam pattern 2024?

A:

CAT is a computer based test which is conducted in three shifts. The CAT is conducted for two hours in which candidates have to solve 68 questions.

These 68 questions are divided into three sections Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension VARC Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning DILR and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The VARC section has 24 questions, the DILR section has 28 questions and QA section has 22 question. Each question carries 3 marks for correct entry and -1 for incorrect entry. There is no negative marking for unanswered question. A unique aspect of CAT is the sectional time limit. Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes (53.20 minutes for PwD candidates).

Candidates have to complete the section within the time limit as the moment the onscreen timer shows 0 minutes left, the screen will automatically move to the next section. There is no option to go back to older questions. Also, candidates have to follow the question paper chronology. They have to first solve the VARC section, then the DILR section and then the QA section.

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Q:   From where can I download CAT question papers?

A:
CAT question papers are released within a week of the exam in the form of a PDF as a response sheet and answer key. Candidates who have appeared for the test are able to access the CAT question paper and answer key. The question paper of every slot is released on the same day along with candidate response sheet and official answer to all question. If any candidate needs previous year CAT question papers for preparation purpose, then they can download them from Shiksha website. We have hosted last five years' CAT question papers for aspirants to download and practice. These official CAT question papers are available for download free. You can download the CAT question paper PDFs at this link: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam-question-papers Candidates must check and practice the latest CAT question paper to know the latest exam pattern and difficulty level.
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Q:   What is CAT cut off for Great Lakes Gurgaon MBA course?

A:

To get admission to the MBA course at Great Lakes Gurgaon, candidates need to appear for the CAT/XAT/CMAT exam and have a valid score. Further, candidates who meet the overall cutoff need to participate and perform well in the PI round for admission. Considering the past few years' cutoff percentile, Great Lakes Gurgaon has maintained an overall CAT/XAT percentile of 70 for its MBA course for the General All India category students. Therefore, Aspirants must look to score above the 70 percentile in the CAT/XAT exam to high their chances for admission to the Great Lakes Gurgaon MBA course. However, the cutoffs may change for different category students therefore candidates are advised to check the Great Lakes Gurgaon official website regularly for the latest updates on cutoff scores. 

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What is CAT Exam?

Common Admission Test or CAT is a national level management aptitude test conducted by the IIM for admission to MBA and other postgraduate courses offered by its 21 campuses (NITIE Mumbai has been added to the cluster as IIM Mumbai). Over two lakh candidates apply for the CAT exam every year. In CAT 2023, applications touched the record high of 3.30 lakh. The total number of CAT 2024 registration is 3.29 lakh. Candidates who clear the CAT exam are eligible for admission to over 1300 MBA colleges in India, apart from the IIMs. 

CAT exam iis a speed based test that includes questions from Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). Difficulty level of the exam is moderate to high. 

Latest Updates:

Dec 3: CAT 2024 answer key challenge begins, check details

Nov 29: CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key out, download here

Nov 27: About 2.93 lakh candidates appeared for CAT 2024

Nov 24: CAT 2024 exam held, check analysis and question paper

Nov 13: CAT 2024 registrations recorded at 3.29 lakhs

Nov 13: Official CAT mock test 2025 released, get link here

Nov 5: CAT admit card 2024 released, download here

Courses Offered Through CAT at IIMs

Apart from full-time MBA programmes, the CAT score is valid for admission to Executive MBA, PhD and FPM programmes of IIMs and other B-Schools. This exam is open for not only graduates but also post graduates and working professionals. Check below the list of courses offered by the IIMs through CAT.

IIM

Courses Offered Through CAT

IIM Ahmedabad

PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGP, PhD

IIM Amritsar

MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, PhD

IIM Bangalore

PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PhD

IIM Bodh Gaya

PGP, PhD (FPM)

IIM Calcutta

MBA, PhD

IIM Indore

PGP, PGP-HRM, FPM

IIM Jammu

PGP, PhD

IIM Kashipur

MBA, MBA (Analytics), MBA (WX), PhD, EFPM

IIM Kozhikode

PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, PhD, PhD (PT)

IIM Lucknow

PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM, FPM

IIM Nagpur

PGP, PhD

IIM Raipur

PGP, FPM/ PhD, EFPM

IIM Ranchi

PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics), PhD, EPhD

IIM Rohtak

PGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM, PhD, Part-Time FPM

IIM Sambalpur

MBA, PhD, E PhD

IIM Shillong

PGP, PGPEX, PGPWE, PhD, PhDWP

IIM Sirmaur

MBA, MBA (T&HM), PhD

IIM Tiruchirappalli

PGPM, PGPM-HR, PGPBM, FPM, E-FPM

IIM Udaipur

MBA, PhD

IIM Visakhapatnam

PGP, PGPEx, PGPDGM, PhD

IIM Mumbai

MBA, MBA in Sustainability Management

MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management

CAT 2024 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CAT 2024 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates

03 Dec '24 -

05 Dec '24

CAT 2024 answer key challenge

ONGOING

Dec '24

CAT 2024 result announcement

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates

24 Nov '24

CAT 2024 exam

05 Nov '24 -

24 Nov '24

CAT 2024 admit card download

27 Sep '24 -

30 Sep '24

CAT 2024 form correction process

CAT 2024 Exam Highlights

The number of test cities have been increased this year. Here are the highlights of CAT 2024, take a look at the table below:

CAT Exam Particulars

CAT 2024 Details

CAT  Full Form

Common Admission Test (CAT) 

Conducting Institute for 2024

IIM Calcutta

Exam Level

National

CAT Entrance Exam Frequency

Once a year

CAT Exam Date 2024

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 2,500 (General category) and INR 1,250 (Reserved category)

Eligibility Criteria

Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students)

Number of Applications

3.29 lakh (in 2024)

Number of Test Takers

2.93 lakh (in 2024)

Exam Purpose

Admission to IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India

Courses Offered

MBA/PGDM

CAT syllabus

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) 
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Ability (QA)

CAT exam mode

Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs

No. of test cities

170

CAT exam website

https://iimcat.ac.in

Exam helpdesk no.

1-800-210-1088 (Toll Free)

Also Read: CAT 2024 important dates

Every year, CAT sees the largest number of registrations among all MBA entrance exams in India. About 2 lakh candidates apply for CAT every year. In 2023, CAT recorded the highest ever registration of over 3.30 lakhs out of which about 2.88 lakh candidates appeared for the exam. The number of students registered for CAT 2024 was also 3 lakh plus. IIM Calcutta received a total of 3.29 lakh applications. Check below how many students registered for CAT 2024 and previous years. 

CAT registration numbers 2014-2024

CAT registration numbers 2014-2024

 CAT Answer Key 2024

CAT answer key 2024 is available through login for a limited time period. Check the steps to download CAT 2024 answer key and response sheet from the official website:

  • Visit the official website of CAT 2024 (iimcat.ac.in)
  • Click on the 'login' tab
  • Enter CAT login ID and password
  • Click on 'CAT 2024 answer key' will appear on the screen
  • Click on 'download' icon to save it as PDF

The CAT answer key objection window will open for 3-4 days for raising objections. Candidates will have to fill an online form, upload a supporting document to prove the objection is valid and pay the requisite fee. The objections will then be analysed by a team of subject matter experts and if any objection is found to be valid, the preliminary CAT 2024 answer key will be revised. CAT result 2024 will be prepared on the basis of the revised answer key. No objection can be raised against the final CAT answer key 2024.

CAT 2024 Result and Scorecard PDF

CAT 2024 scorecard PDF will be available for download at the official website in the third week of December 2024. Candidates will be able to download their result by using login ID and password. Here’s the process to download CAT 2024 result:

  • Log on to CAT website iimcat.ac.in
  • Click on 'login' tab
  • Enter CAT application number and password
  • Click on the scorecard section
  • Click on download option and save the PDF of CAT 2024 scorecard

The CAT 2024 result cum scorecard will contain the candidate’s raw scores (sectional and overall) and percentiles (section and overall). The link to download the CAT scorecard will remain active for one year. Candidates must note that no hard copies will be issued so they must download the scorecard as soon as it is released. 

There is no option to challenge the result. Scores printed on the CAT 2024 scorecard will be final.If a candidate wishes to improve their score, they will have to appear for CAT exam again in the next session. 

Also Read:

MBA Admission Through CAT Exam Score
IIM selection process and admission includes shortlisting of candidates on the basis of CAT score and Written Ability Test (WAT) /Group Discussion (GD) /Personal Interview (PI). Each IIM fixes minimum CAT cut off percentile to shortlist candidates for participation in the next round of admission process. Given below is an overview of selection process of IIMs and non-IIMs:
IIM Admission Process
The IIMs release admission criteria and selection process for PGP/MBA prior to the CAT result declaration. The documents contain cutoffs, parameters, process, etc. for MBA admission. Selection procedure through CAT for all the IIMs includes the following:
  • Screening of candidates on the basis of their CAT score
  • Written Ability Test/Group Discussion/Personal Interview (WAT/GD/PI)
  • Computation of Composite Score followed by final selection

Also Read: 

Non-IIM Admission Process Through CAT

Institutes accepting CAT score other than IIMs also conduct GD/PI for admission to their MBA/PGDM programmes. However, there are a few colleges that do not conduct personality assessment round and admit students based on CAT score only. 

Also Read:

Check CAT cut offs and predict calls from IIMs and Non-IIMs accepting CAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CAT Admission Calls

IIM CAT Cut Offs 2024

CAT cut off for IIM admission is fixed by each institute category wise. While the qualifying cut offs range between 80 and 90 percentile (General category), the final cut offs are much higher. For the top IIMs, the final CAT cut offs are usually between 98-100 percentile, whereas for other IIMs, the cut offs range between 90-97 percentile. PI shortlisting is based on final CAT cut offs. Given below is the table indicating qualifying CAT cut off percentiles of 21 IIMs:

IIM

CAT cut offs (qualifying)

IIM Ahmedabad

85

IIM Bangalore

85

IIM Calcutta

85

IIM Lucknow

90

IIM Kozhikode

85

IIM Indore

90

IIM Rohtak

95

IIM Visakhapatnam

80

IIM Trichy

92

IIM Udaipur

92

IIM Ranchi

92

IIM Amritsar

85

IIM Shillong

75

IIM Kashipur

92

IIM Sambalpur

92

IIM Jammu

92

IIM Sirmaur

92

IIM Nagpur

85

IIM Raipur

92

IIM Bodhgaya

92

IIM Mumbai

94

*The CAT cut off percentiles mentioned in the above table are of General category. For the SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS categories, the cut CAT cut offs are lower. 

Need Help with identifying the best college for you? Chat with Shiksha Counsellor and get a personalized list matching your preferences.

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List of IIMs for MBA/PGP Courses 

CAT scores are accepted by 21 IIMs. These institutions accept CAT score mainly for MBA/PGDM, PhD, FMP and ePGP. You can visit the links in the below table to know admission cut offs, placements, fees, rankings and selection process of each IIM: 

List of IIMs Accepting CAT Score
 

Also Read: MBA colleges accepting CAT score

IIM Fees for MBA – Campus Wise

Below is the list of MBA/PGP programme fees of each IIM. The amount mentioned here is course fee of PGP/MBA (two years) that is paid semester wise in instalments.

IIM campus

PGP/MBA seats (approx.)

*MBA/PGP fees

IIM Ahmedabad

385

INR 24.61 lakh

IIM Bangalore

430

INR 24.50 lakh

IIM Calcutta

210

INR 27.00 Lakh

IIM Lucknow

436

INR 20.70 lakh

IIM Kozhikode

375

INR 20.50 lakh

IIM Raipur

210

INR 16.10 lakh (excluding boarding fees)

IIM Udaipur

260

INR 19.00 lakh

IIM Rohtak

240

INR 17.60 lakh

IIM Visakhapatnam

60

INR 17.58 lakh

IIM Trichy

180

INR 21.00 lakh

IIM Sambalpur

120

INR 13.08 lakh

IIM Ranchi

240

INR 17.50 lakh

IIM Bodhgaya

120

INR 15.50 lakh

IIM Sirmaur

60

INR 15.75 lakh (including fees for international immersion programme)

IIM Jammu

120

INR 17.15 lakh

IIM Amritsar

60

INR 16.00 lakh

IIM Shillong

120

INR 17. 50 lakh

IIM Kashipur

210

INR 17.30 lakh

IIM Nagpur

130

INR 18.00 lakh

IIM Indore

451

INR 21.14 lakh

IIM Mumbai

660

INR 14.00 lakh

 *The fee amount For every IIM mentioned in the table above has been rounded off to the nearest lakh. IIM fees may increase in the new academic session. 

Also Read: IIM fees & scholarships

Top Colleges Accepting CAT Exam Score

As mentioned earlier, CAT is accepted by not only IIMs but also abotu 1,200 MBA colleges in India. Given below is the list of top MBA colleges in India accepting CAT score. The list also includes IITs offering MBA programme through their Department of Management Studies. 

Top Non-IIMs Accepting CAT Score

Also Read:

Check Cut offs of top MBA entrance exams and predict calls from IIMs and other Top MBA Colleges. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and eligibility of all MBA Colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict IIM & Non IIM Calls

CAT 2024 Exam Analysis

CAT 2024 exam analysis- CAT 2024 slot 1, slot 2 and slot 3 were overall moderate. There were 68 questions in total this time. The DILR section saw 22 questions instead of 20. However, the questions were moderate and doable. The in-depth CAT exam analysis 2024 discusses slot wise difficulty level, topic wise weightage and expected cut offs. 

CAT 2024 Exam Analysis: Difficulty Level

Check the table below for difficulty level of CAT 2024:

CAT Sections Number of Questions Number of good attempts Difficulty Level
VARC 24 14-16 Moderate to Tough
DILR 22 10-11 Moderate
Quantitative Ability 22 10 Moderate to Tough

Also Read:

CAT 2024 analysis by CATKing

CAT 2024 analysis by Career Launcher and T.I.M.E

CAT 2024 analysis by IMS

CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key PDF

CAT 2024 question paper PDF download slot 1,2,3

CAT 2024 Slot 1 answer key PDF question paper analysis

CAT 2024 Slot 2 answer Key PDF question paper analysis

CAT 2024 Slot 3 answer key PDF question paper analysis

CAT 2024 student reactions and reviews

 

 

CAT Exam Pattern & Test Structure 2024

CAT question paper 2024 had three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. The duration of exam was 120 minutes with sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. The pattern has been slightly changed with increase in number of questions by 2. Check the highlights of CAT 2024 exam pattern below:

CAT Paper Pattern 2024

Mode of CAT exam

Computer Based Test 

Duration of exam

  • 120 minutes 
  • 40 minutes per section

CAT exam slots

  • Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Number of questions

66

68

CAT total marks

198

204

Language of question paper

English

Number of answer choices

4

Question Type

MCQ and non-MCQ

Also read: CAT exam on screen calculator

CAT Previous Year Papers

CAT syllabus can be best understood by going through CAT question papers. CAT previous year papers, provide an insight into sectional weightage, difficulty level of questions and types of questions. Candidates can solve previous year CAT question papers to know the difficulty level of the exam. Given below are previous years' CAT papers PDFs (links) for free download. 

CAT 2023 question paper: Download free PDF CAT 2019 question paper: download free PDF
CAT 2022 question paper: Download free PDF CAT 2018 question paper: download free PDF
CAT 2021 question paper: Download free PDF CAT 2017 question paper: download free PDF
CAT 2020 question paper: download free PDF  

Evolution of CAT Exam

CAT exam has evolved a lot in the decade. However, the difficulty level has remained the same. Over the years, the examination authority has taken steps to make it more student friendly and academic diversity promoting exam but still it remains the toughest MBA entrance exam in India. Earlier, CAT used to have 100 questions, now it has 66 questions. Check the table below for changes in the CAT exam pattern over the years.

CAT Exam  Year

Sections

No. of Questions

CAT Exam Time Duration

2024

QA, DILR, VARC

66

120 minutes

2023

QA, DILR, VARC

66

120 minutes

2022

QA, DILR, VARC

66

120 minutes

2021

QA, DILR, VARC

66

120 minutes

2020

QA, DILR, VARC

76

120 minutes

2019

QA, DILR, VARC

100

180 minutes

2018

QA, DILR, VARC

100

180 minutes

2017

QA, DILR, VARC

100

180 minutes

2016

QA, DILR, VARC

100

180 minutes

2015

QA, DILR, VARC

100

180 minutes

2014

QA & DI, LR & VARC

100

170 minutes

2013

QA & DI, LR & VARC

60

140 minutes

2012

QA & DI, LR & VARC

60

140 minutes

2011

QA & DI, LR & VARC

60

140 minutes

2010

QA, DILR, VARC

60

150 minutes

Prepare for CAT exam with previous years' question papers & prep guides. Get topper tips & expert advice.

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CAT 2024 Syllabus

CAT exam syllabus encompasses topics that are useful in developing all the skills and abilities essential for a being a successful business leader. It is broadly divided into three sections - VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Check below the main topics of CAT syllabus 2024 for exam preparation. Maximum questions are asked from the following topics. Candidates are advised to pay special attention on these topics during exam preparation:

CAT Syllabus sections

CAT 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

Also Read:

CAT Admit Card 2024

CAT admit card is a mandatory document to be carried to the exam centre, thus candidates must download it before the exam day. The CAT 2024 admit card will have test centre location, exam slot, reporting time and other exam related information printed on it. Here’s the process to download the CAT admit card 2024:

  • Log on to CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
  • Click on 'login' tab
  • Enter CAT 2024 application number and password
  • Go to 'admit card' section
  • Click on 'download'

CAT Exam Day Guidelines

CAT 2024 exam will be conducted at designated exam centres across India and candidates will have to follow certain guidelines. The exam day guidelines will be mentioned on CAT admit card 2024. Candidates must read the guidelines thoroughly and follow them at the test centre to avoid facing problems. Read below important CAT exam day guidelines, documents to carry and prohibited items at the exam centre.

Documents to carry on CAT exam day 2024

Candidates appearing for the exam this year must carry the following documents to the CAT exam centre to get entry: 

  • CAT admit card 2024: Candidates appearing for the CAT 2024 exam must carry two printouts of their admit card with their photo affixed on it (preferably the same as uploaded with the application form). Entry without the CAT admit card and photo ID will not be permitted. 
  • Photo identity proof: Along with the admit card, candidates are required to carry a photo ID proof such as College ID (must be supported with a valid debit/credit card), employer ID, driving license, passport, PAN card, Voter ID or Aadhaar card.
  • Name change document: In case a candidate changed their name at a later point of time in life and their photo ID doesnot reflect the same name, they will be required to carry a name change certificate/document.
  • PwD/Scribe Certificate: PwD candidates will have to carry certificate indicating the same and the scribe certificate attested by the competent authority, if they wish to avail scribe services.

Items not to carry inside the CAT exam hall:

CAT 2024 will be conducted in a free and fair environment under CCTV surveillance. The following itesm will not be allowed inside the test centre:

  • Calculator, watch, phone, iPad or any other electronic item
  • Bags and purses
  • Eatables and beverages
  • Jewellery and accessories that contain metal
  • Jackets and clothes with pockets
  • Closed footwear 
  • Book, note books, loose paper

Note: Candidates with a metal implant, pacemaker, etc. in their body will be required to carry medical certificate of the same to the test centre.

Also Read: 

Take a look at CAT exam day work flow:

CAT exam day work flow

CAT 2024 Exam Timings

The first slot of CAT esam begins at 8: 30 AM for which candidates have to report to the test centre by 7:00 am. Check the table below for exam timings of CAT 2024. Candidates have to reach the exam centre as per the reporting time to be able to appear for the exam. 

CAT exam slot 2024

Exam timing

Reporting time

Last entry allowed

Slot 1

8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

7:00 AM

8:15 AM

Slot 2

12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

11:00 AM

12:15 PM

Slot 3

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

3:00 PM

4:15 PM

CAT Exam Preparation 2024

The preparation for CAT 2024 exam should include phase wise completion of the CAT syllabus, mock test practice and revision. With four months to go for the CAT 2024 now, candidates must speed up their preparation and cover the syllabus by September so that they can dedicate atleast a month to practicing CAT mock test. Some of the key aspects of CAT preparation 2024 can be:

  • Cover CAT syllabus thoroughly. Try not to leave any topic as questions can be asked from anywhere.
  • Attempt a good number of CAT mock tests to develop speed and accuracy. 
  • Dedicate time on regular revision .so that you're always well versed.
  • Learn mental maths for quick calculation.
  • Practice a good number of RC passages from previous years' CAT question papers.
  • Opt for online problrem solving sessions to learn new tricks and techniques.

Check the table below for important articles on CAT 2024 preparation.

Tips and Tricks for CAT Preparation

How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 6 months

How to approach CAT question paper: Tips by toppers

How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 3 months

CAT 2024: How to prepare without quitting your job

CAT exam 2024: Last month preparation tips

CAT 2024: Simple tips to optimize exam preparation

What is the best time to start CAT 2024 preparation

Advantages of giving CAT for final year student

Important CAT Quant formulas you should know

Roadmap to CAT 2024: A comprehensive strategy

CAT Mock Test

Practice free CAT mock test by Shiksha to assess your preparation level. These mock tests are on par with official CAT mock test in terms of difficulty level. You can use below CAT mock tests by simply clicking on the link. The CAT mock tests are accompanied by solutions and answers.

CAT Mock Test 1 CAT Mock Test 1 Solutions
CAT Mock Test 2 CAT Mock Test 2 Solutions

Watch expert video on CAT preparation with Mock Tests:

 CAT Topper Tips 2024

CAT 2024 exam is just over two months away so now is the time to start mock test practice and do revision. It is also time to learn tips and tricks for opimising performance in the exam. Check below CAT topper tips and know how the previous year toppers prepared for the exam.

CAT Toppers

CAT Topper Interviews

Kartik Bhageria

CAT 2023, 99.99 percentile

 "I began my CAT preparation around July 2023. Being an engineering student, I did not spend a lot of time learning new concepts in the Quant and DILR sections. I spent most of my time giving mocks to practice and try to increase my attempted questions with better accuracy in each attempt." Read Kartik's full interview

Riddhi Dugar 

CAT 2023, 99.91 percentile

"My overall strategy was to finish the entire syllabus a few months before the CAT. From July, I focused entirely on taking mock tests and sectional tests to maximise my score and have a strategy for D-Day. I completed around 70 mocks from July until the CAT exam day." Read Riddhi's full interview

Rounak Tikmani

CAT 2023, 99.90 percentile

I started my preparation properly in May 2023. My preparation strategy was simple build your foundations by having conceptual clarity in the basics of each section. Then It was just mocks every day. I gave around 110 mocks and made sure I spent enough time analyzing them properly. Taking a mock is not as important as analyzing the mocks and improving on your mistakes. Read Rounak's full interview

Nisakar Kumar

CAT 2023, 99.83 percentile

"Quant emerged as my strength, whereas DILR presented a challenge. To address my weakness in DILR, I invested considerable time in understanding the question types and engaged in extensive practice until they became more intuitive. Simultaneously, I dedicated time to revising and practising Quant to maintain a solid grasp. I considered myself decent in VARC." Read Nisakar's full interview

Risshi Agrawal

CAT 2022, 99.99 percentile

Mocks play a crucial role while preparing for CAT. It helps you determine the strategy which suits you the best. Read Risshi’s full interview

Parul Arora

CAT 2022, 99.93 percentile

I started preparing for CAT in April. My preparation strategy for CAT was to clear my basic concepts in all topics and then maximum practice. Read Parul’s full interview

Aditya Singh

CAT 2022, 99.90 percentile

For my first attempt I attended offline coaching classes, post which I only took the online test series. This year I took the test series from two of the most renowned coaching institutes. Coaching really helps a lot. Read Aditya’s full interview

Atish Naskar

CAT 2022, 99.81 percentile

I started my CAT preparation back in January 2022. I set a daily target for all 3 sections that included daily 3-4 RCs daily 3-4 LRDI sets 20-30 QA questions or some QA concept understanding. The last 2-3 Months gave mocks and analyzed them properly. Read Atish’s full interview

CAT Registrations 2024

CAT 2024 registration cum application form submission process was conducted online. Check below CAT registration and application process 2024:

  • Go to the official website: iimcat.ac.in
  • Click on 'new registration'
  • Enter name, date of birth, nationality, phone number and email ID to register
  • Log in with the ID received in email to fill the CAT application form
  • Enter personal and academic details
  • Upload a recent passport size photo and scanned signature
  • Select preferred courses and IIMs
  • Select test city preference from the drop down
  • Pay CAT application fee via credit/debit card or net banking

 Note: Candidates could select up to five cities for allotment of CAT exam centre in the application form. Allotment of CAT test city and centre will be mentioned on the CAT admit card. 

Check the list of CAT test cities here.

Also Read: CAT 2024 application process and link

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024

The minimum academic requirement is graduation in any stream from a recognised university. Read below detailed CAT eligibility criteria:

  • Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with minimum 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent CGPA (45 per cent aggregate for SC, ST and PWD/DA category) to appear in CAT 2024.
  • Candidates who have completed a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI) with the required percentage can also appear for CAT.
  • Candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification or awaiting the result are also eligible to appear for CAT 2024 exam. However, the aggregate of their first and second year marks must meet the minimum score requirement.
  • The education mode of the bachelor's degree can be regular or distance learning, but should be a 3-year programme and from a UGC recognised institution.

Also Read: CAT eligibility criteria 2024

CAT 2024 Contact Information

Queries regarding CAT Registration, Application and Payment Processing, Document uploading:

-800-210-0175 (Toll Free)

Call on the Toll free number, Monday to Saturday 9:00AM to 6:00PM (excluding National holidays).

cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in

Academic queries like eligibility, category and PwD certificate contact CAT Centre office with the following details.

Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Ph: 033-7121 1104
email: cat2024_helpdesk@iimcal.ac.in

Address:
CAT 2024 Centre
C/o Admissions Office
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
Diamond Harbour Road, Joka
Kolkata – 700104

Important FAQs on CAT 2024

Check below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to CAT exam 2024:

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