Content Curator | Updated On - Jul 8, 2024
CAT Exam is scheduled to be held on November 24, 2024, registrations for which will begin in the first week of August 2024. The official announcement for the dates is still to be made in July 2024. It is conducted by one of the top 6 IIMs, this year, IIM Calcutta will be the conducting body. The Exam is held in CBT mode (Computer Based Test) on 3 sessions of 40 minutes each across 150 cities in India. Every year, over 3.3 lakh candidates apply for the CAT exam fighting for 5500 seats in the 21 IIMs and admissions to over 1200 B schools.
CAT Exam 2024 Dates and Schedules
Every year, CAT exam takes place on the last Sunday of November. This year, IIM Calcutta will be conducting CAT 2024. Note: CAT notification is still to be released officially, expected date is July 2024.
| Particulars | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| CAT Registration | August 3 - September 20, 2024 |
| CAT Admit Card release | November 6, 2024 |
| CAT Exam | November 24, 2024 |
| CAT Result | December last week / January first week |
How to Prepare for CAT in 5 months?
As every year, CAT is scheduled to be conducted on the last Sunday of November which is November 24, 2024. Starting July, you have 6 days short of 5 months left, to be precise 147 days. So, a thumb rule for CAT preparation is that you need a minimum of 500 hours to cover the entire syllabus and to score 90+ percentile. Going by the calculation, you need to give a minimum of 3.5 hours every day to reach the 500-hour mark.
In the sections below, you’ll find a comprehensive roadmap for 5-Month CAT preparation covering tips for all the 3 sections viz. VARC- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, DILR- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quant- Quantitative Ability. Moreover, we will be emphasizing on why giving mocks is very important for your CAT preparation.
Starting Checklist
1. Buy Arun Sharma books dedicated to each section
- VARC- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT
- DI- Data Interpretation for CAT
- LR- Logical Reasoning for CAT
- QA- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
2. Buy a Test Series Subscription (Either of the one)
- SimCAT
- AIMCAT by TIME
- Career Launcher
- Collegedunia (Free)
3. Subscribe to Newsletter and Magazines
- Aeon (Top Newsletter)
- Frontline (Magazine)
- Editorials
4. Most Important: Make a timetable! Whether you’re fully dedicated to the preparation, a working professional, or a student, you need a set timetable.
- Figure out how many hours you can dedicate just for CAT
- Bifurcate the time to dedicate for each section
- Stick to your schedule, 5 months is a tight timeline
Mocks are your Biggest Ally!
- Mock tests otherwise known as test series are your biggest ally. If you cannot afford the subscriptions, you can go for Collegedunia’s Exclusive Mock Test. There, you’ll be giving test series with other students, this way you can assess your performance with reference to other test takers. These institutes also share with you the paper analysis, how you performed and where you need work, etc.
| CAT Free Mock Test 1 | |
| CAT Free Mock Test 2 | |
| CAT Free Mock Test 3 | |
| CAT Free Mock Test 4 | |
| CAT Free Mock Test 5 | |
| CAT Free Mock Test 6 |
- Alternatively, if you are preparing for CAT the very first time and 5 months is all you have. Then it is better to start by getting to know the syllabus for the first 2-3 weeks of your preparation.
- Regardless of how you start (by starting with mocks or not), these mocks or test series have to be your best ally. There’s no better way to asses your performance and progress. Plus they create the same environment as the CAT Examination. We have curated a 5-month plan for you to streamline mock tests into your preparation:
| Months | Number of Mocks |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 per week |
| 2 | 2 per week |
| 3 | 3 per week |
| 3 | 4 per week |
| 5 | 1 mock Everyday |
VARC- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Reading is the Key!
- Time Required per day: 1 hour minimum (Throughout the day)
- Resources: Newspaper Editorials, Articles, Magazines, Newsletters
- For VARC, reading is the key, period! There’s no shortcut for scoring well in VARC. Read good articles related to business, economy, psychology, etc. Make sure you are following good sources for reading. You can find the same in a variety of sources like:
- Newspapers (Business ones)
- Online Articles
- Newsletters (Like Aeon)
- Note that if you’re not an avid reader, it is best to steer clear from novels because in 5 months of time, the maximum number of books, you’ll read is 5-6 max which is no good. With the limited time you have, it is best to use it wisely.
- It is best to focus on the RC part of VARC which is reading comprehension. Since it has 80% of weightage in the VARC section, so make sure you dedicate plenty of time in reading. You can leave the Verbal Ability sections for the last 3 weeks as they comprise 3-4 questions. All the tips mentioned above around reading will help you understand the text and make the most out of what’s written. Note that reading does not offer you a direct topic-wise advantage but rather it helps you with your reading and grasping abilities.
DILR- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Cover the syllabus as soon as possible!
- Time Required per day: 1.25 hours minimum (In one sitting)
- Resources: Arun Sharma, Elites Grid Youtube Channel
- Over the years IIM (the CAT conducting body) has clubbed both LR and DI topics to create more challenging questions. Not to say that standalone topics from LR and DI won’t come, but preparing with this idea in hand can be beneficial.
- For DILR and Quant, Arun Sharma is hands down the best book you can get your hands on. In the beginning of the book, you’ll find all the important formulas and shortcuts that you need to memorize. Note that Arun Sharma has a separate book for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Make sure you maintain a separate notebook for:
- Important Formulas
- Shortcuts
- Tough questions
- In Arun Sharma, the topics/questions are divided based on levels as Level 1, Level 2, etc. With Level 1 being the easiest and the most volume of questions in the paper. Plan your preparation in such a way that you cover all of the syllabus (at least for DILR) as soon as possible (say in the first 2 months max.)
Quant- Quantitative Ability
Seems tough but for good reasons.
- Time Required per day: 1.25 hours minimum (in one sitting)
- Resources: Arun Sharma, Youtube channels
A lot of students find Quantitative Ability or Quant the toughest of all the sections and for good reasons. It requires good mathematical aptitude to ace well in Quant. In case you’re one of them, fret not, read the rest of the sections to learn more:
- Quant can be bifurcated in several sections based on their weightage in the exam:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Modern Mathematics
With arithmetic, being the most dominant, you can start by focusing on it in the beginning.
- Similar to DILR, Arun Sharma's books have level-wise topic/questions for quant. Thre are 3 levels out of which completing Level 1 and Level 2 is mandatory. Since time is of the essence here, you can skip Level 3 as it consists of the toughest questions. As long as your entire syllabus is completed, you’re good to go.
- Be it DILR or Quant, you need to keep giving mocks every week in the beginning and more over the months. Once you’re aware of your weak points, you can go for sectional mock tests. Say you’re weak at geometry, you can solve sections (provided by SIMCAT, Collegedunia (Free), etc) to get pass your weaknesses. You can check out live quizzes by Collegedunia as well:
| CAT Quiz for VARC | |
| CAT Quiz for DILR | |
| CAT Quiz for QA |
Take Live QuizMBA Courses Offered by IIMs
IIMs in India offer a number of courses viz. MBA, PGP, ePGP, PhD. In the table below, MBA Courses in IIMs in India offered through CAT:
| IIM | Courses Offered |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGP, PhD |
| IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA, PhD |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA, PhD |
| IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, PhD, PhD (PT) |
| IIM Lucknow | PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM, FPM |
| IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM, FPM |
| IIM Amritsar | MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM, PhD |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | PGP, PhD (FPM) |
- PGP/PGPM: Post Graduate Programme in Management
- PGP-FABM: PGP Food and Agribusiness Management
- ePGP: Executive PGP
- PGPEx: PGP for Executives
- PGPGDM: PGP in in Digital Governance
- PGPBM: PGP in Business Management
CAT Exam 2024 Eligibility
If you have completed your graduation, you can apply for CAT Exam. Take a look at detailed CAT Exam eligibility criteria:
- Candidates who have completed their graduation (min 3 year course) with atleast 50% marks (45% for the SC/ ST/ PwD category) can apply for CAT exam.
- There is no age restriction, anyone can apply.
- Candidates who are appearing for the last semester exams this year or are awaiting the final results can also apply.
- Additionally, there are no limits on the number of attempts.
- Work Experience is not necessary to apply but note that some institutes give preference to candidates with adequate work experience.
Aforementioned is the eligibility criteria only valid for applying for CAT exam. Candidates must also meet the selection criteria set by the institutes, which may include factors such as academic performance, work experience, and performance in the CAT exam.
CAT 2024 Registration, Application Form Details
Registration for the CAT exam is simple. The entire process of registering for CAT is online starting from new candidate profile creation to application fee payment. You will be provided with the CAT 2024 application form link on iimcat.ac.in in the month of August.
IIM CAT application form will prompt you to fill in your personal, past work experience and academic details followed by the uploading of the scanned images of your recent photograph and signature. CAT 2024 will be conducted in 155 cities across India. You have to provide your 6 preferred cities of examination in order of preference in the application form. IIM will make all the possible efforts to allot the first preference depending on the availability of the centers.
Applications submitted without the payment of the fees will not be accepted. SC/ ST/ PwD applicants have to pay half the fees paid by the other categories.
CAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
CAT Exam Pattern consists of 66 questions divided in 3 papers of 40 minutes each. More detailed about each section is given in the section below:
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 66 |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 72 |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 66 | 198 |
Not all questions in CAT are MCQs. The ratio of MCQs to non-MCQs in CAT exam is approximately 3:1. Non-MCQs, also called TITA questions in CAT are the ones for which no answer choices are provided and you are supposed to type in your answer. These sort of questions have no negative marking so candidates should as many non-MCQs as possible.
Ques: Is there negative marking in CAT?
Ans: The answer to this is yes, CAT exam indeed have a negative marking. For every right answer you get 3 marks and for every wrong answer, you lose 1 mark. Note that the negative marking only applies to MCQs, there is no negative marking in non-MCQs.
Good Attempt in CAT
Moving on with addressing another important query of students; how many questions constitute a good attempt in CAT? Ideally, you need to score well in each section of the exam to qualify for admission as IIMs release sectional cut offs. We have provided a detailed expert analysis of how many questions you should aim for in each section. 85-90% accuracy is the key in maintaining your score.
| Section | 90+ Percentile | 95+ Percentile | 99+ Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 8-9 | 10-11 | 11-13 |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 9-10 | 11-12 | 14-15 |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | 6-7 | 9-10 | 10-11 |
| Total | 23-25 | 28-30 | 35-36 |
Ques: What do you mean by CAT percentile?
Ans: CAT percentile is different from percentage. While percentage is an absolute measure of your scores on a scale of 0-100, CAT percentile is a relative measure of your performance with respect to every other candidate who takes the exam. For example, if your score in CAT exam is 100 out of 198, then your percentage is (100/198)*100, i.e. 50.5%. Comparing your score with other test-takers’ scores, if your score of 100 is more than 95% of the candidates, then your CAT percentile is 95. CAT Score vs Percentile
CAT Syllabus
CAT Exam is divided into 3 section viz. VARC, DILR and QA. Each have their own paper and should be prepared for accordingly. To give you an idea-
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Tests your English language proficiency, grammar, vocabulary, and ability to understand complex text.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): Assesses your ability to interpret data presented in various formats (graphs, tables, charts) and your logical reasoning skills.
- Quantitative Ability (QA): Focuses on mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and higher-level math.
Now that, the idea behind each section is clear, now understand how to prepare for the exam. CAT Syllabus can be divided into multiple sub sections so that you can plan your preparation in a streamlined manner. Take a look at the detailed CAT syllabus in the table below:
| Section/ Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles- Odd Sentence Out, Para Jumbles- Correct Arrangement, Para Completion Para Summary, Error Detection in Sentences |
| Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension passages of 500-600 words- Arguments, Inferences, Critical Evaluation, Contrary Viewpoints, Phrases & Meanings, Justification, Tone and Objective |
| Quant- Arithmetic | Time. Speed, and Distance Time & Work, Profit, Loss, and Discount, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Simple Interest & Compound Interest, Mixtures & Allegations |
| Quant- Algebra | Quadratic and Linear Equations, Maxima-Minima, Basic Algebraic Identities, Inequalities, Functions and Graph Modifications, Polynomials |
| Quant- Geometry | Circles, Triangles, Parallelograms, Polygons, Lines and Angles, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration |
| Quant. Number System | Cyclicity, Remainder Theorems, Units Digit, HCF-LCM, Surds and Indices, Divisibility and Factorization |
| Quant- Modern Math | Permutation & Combination Probability, Set Theory (Venn Diagrams) |
| Logical Reasoning | Games and Tournaments, Team Formations, Seating Arrangements, Order & Ranking, Direct Sense Test, Puzzles, Syllogisms |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Pie Chart, Bar Graphs, Data Caselets, Route & Network Diagrams, Trend Charts, Scatter Plot |
Is CAT Exam Tough?
CAT is known to be one of the toughest exams in India but not impossible to crack. Every year over 10,000 students crack CAT and get admitted into top B-schools. Having said that, it is important to understand why is it one of the toughest and how to get a competitive edge over other candidates.
Maximum questions are challenging, both conceptually and numerically. If we look at the previous year question papers, the Quant and DI sections are calculation intensive and the RC passages are difficult to comprehend in one read. As for the logical reasoning sets asked in the exam, games and tournaments happen to be the toughest to attempt. Similarly, the Algebra portion in CAT quant is reportedly tougher than the Arithmetic and Number System.
Learn more: CAT Topic-wise Weightage
You get only 40 minutes to complete each section so just memorizing the formulas will not be enough. You will need to solve previous year questions in the same time frame and learn the shortcuts to finish it as soon as possible.
CAT Cut off for IIM
After CAT Exam, IIMs release the qualifying CAT Cut off which makes you eligible to apply for IIMs. Then, based on the applications and selection parameters, IIMs release the shortlist. The percentile of the shortlisted candidates constitutes the final CAT Cut off for IIMs. The final CAT Cut off is way higher than the qualifying percentile.
| IIM | Qualifying Cut off | Final Cut off |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 80 | 99+ |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 | 99+ |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 | 98+ |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 | 99+ |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 | 98+ |
| IIM Mumbai | 85 | 97+ |
| IIM Indore | 90 | 97+ |
| IIM Raipur | 92 | 94+ |
| IIM Rohtak | 95 | 95+ |
| IIM Udaipur | 92 | 92+ |
CAT Topper Tips
There’s no better source to strategize your preparation than from the inputs of toppers. Check out what Nikhil JHA with 99.99 percentile, Aditya Singh with 99.9 percentile and Parul Arora with 99.93 percentile have to say about CAT:
| Nikhil Jha CAT 2023 99.99 Percentile | ‘I first attempted a mock test to get hold of the paper structure and then accordingly devised a study plan. This helps in clear strategy planning and execution. For the VARC section, I preferred to join T.I.M.E coaching institute for regular practice.’ |
| Aditya Singh CAT 2022 99.9 Percentile | He recalls applying the BANET principle for eliminating the incorrect options while attempting the RC passages. BANET stands for Broad in relation to the question, Alien to the passage, Narrow to the passage, Extreme in relation to the author's view, True to the passage but not the question. |
| Parul Arora CAT 2022 99.93 Percentile | She narrates her experience with the CAT exam emphasizing the importance of PYQs and mock tests in getting a high score. ‘Spending 2-3 hours on the analysis of the mocks is equally important’, says Parul. She highly recommends joining a coaching institute to be regular in preparation |
CAT: FAQs
Ques: How much percentile is considered good in CAT?
Ans: Anything over 90 percentile opens up multiple doors for admission for you. However, if you are planning for IIMs, you need to have a score over 95-99+ percentile.
Ques. What is the 80 percentile in CAT?
Ans. 80 percentile in CAT means your overall CAT score is between 36 to 39. To score between 36-39 in CAT, you have to score between 18-20 in the VARC section, 11-13 in the DILR section, and 11-13 in the Quants section.
Ques. Which IIM is the hardest to get into?
Ans. With this idea, almost all IIMs are hard to get into, but the older ones acronymed as IIM BLACKIs are the hardest to get into. They include:
Ques. Which IIM sets the toughest CAT paper?
Ans. Each year, CAT exam is conducted by one of the top 6 IIMs on a rotational basis. As per the analysis, CAT 2023, conducted by IIM Lucknow, was the toughest of all the CAT examinations. Also, the largest number of registrations that took place were during the CAT 2023 exam only.
Ques. Do students with a Humanities background get any relaxation?
Ans. Yes, students with humanities background get some relaxation. Candidates with work experience in NGOs too get some relaxation on qualitative basis.
Ques. I score 82 percentile in CAT 2023. Can I get admission into any IIMs?
Ans. IIMs have a cutoff generally above the 90 percentile in CAT. With 82 percentile, you can go for other top B-schools in India such as XIME Bangalore, Prin. L N Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Delhi School of Management, etc.
Ques. Is CAT tougher than GMAT?
Ans. Both CAT and GMAT examinations are moderate to difficult in difficulty level. Yet, GMAT is easier to crack as it has a definite syllabus. You can attempt both CAT and GMAT multiple times.
Ques. When can I register for CAT 2024?
Ans. CAT 2024 registrations will begin in the month of August. The tentative date for the CAT 2024 registration is August 3, 2024. The last date (tentative) to register for CAT is September 20, 2024. You can register yourself from the official website of CAT by submitting the necessary details and documents.
Ques. What is the frequency of CAT exam in a year?
Ans. CAT is an entrance examination held once a year. The purpose of the exam is to evaluate candidates' skills to get admission in one of the IIMs, the prestigious institutes of India. CAT takes place every year in the month of October or November. The registrations for the same will begin in August 2024.
Ques. Can I give CAT in 3rd year?
Ans. Students in their final year of graduation can apply for the CAT exam. They must submit relevant documents on time if they are selected.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
79 Comments
The CAT 2024 exam is scheduled to take place on November 24, 2024, in three sessions at more than 400 exam centres across 137 Indian cities. The first week of August 2024 is anticipated to be the start of registration, which will conclude in the third or fourth week of September 2024.
In order to get ready for the CAT exam, you can:
Yes. You are eligible to apply for MBA. You can apply to top B-School by appearing for the CAT exam. Eligibility for CAT is Graduates with 50% marks can apply and there is no age limit.
Please check the link for CAT question paper 2023 https://collegedunia.com/exams/cat/question-paper-2023
To prepare effectively for the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is one of India’s most challenging entrance exams for management programs, follow these essential steps:
Understand the Exam Structure and Syllabus:
Assess Your Current Knowledge Level:
Build a Theoretical Foundation:
Practice and Mock Tests:
Review Past Years’ Papers:
The CAT 2023 question paper is available for download on Collegedunia. CAT 2023 was conducted on November 26, 2023, in three shifts. You can find the question paper for slot 1, slot 2, and slot 3 along with the answer key and solutions.
You can access the CAT 2023 question paper and solutions using the following links:
With a 59% overall score in CAT, you still have options for admission to management colleges. While some top-tier institutes may have stringent cutoffs, many other reputable B-schools consider candidates with slightly lower scores. Research colleges and their cutoffs, apply to a mix of institutions, and highlight your strengths in your application. Prepare for group discussions and personal interviews. Consider work experience if you have any. Dropping a year is a significant decision; weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consult a career counselor for personalized advice. Remember that CAT scores are just one aspect of your profile; your overall application, including academic background, extracurriculars, and interview performance, plays a crucial role. Evaluate your options, stay positive, and make an informed decision.
The time required to crack the Common Admission Test (CAT) varies based on individual circumstances and dedication. Here are some general guidelines:
Average Student:
Starting from Scratch:
Consistent Effort:
Expert Strategies:
In summary, allocate at least 6 months for focused CAT preparation. Customize your study plan based on your strengths, weaknesses, and available time.
Based on the information you’ve provided, here’s the eligibility assessment for CAT:
Educational Qualification:
CAT Percentile:
You meet the educational qualification requirements.
Conclusion: Yes, you are eligible to apply for CAT.
With your 77 percentile in CAT and an NMAT score of 217, you have several options for MBA colleges. Let’s explore some of the top colleges you can consider based on your scores:
Colleges Accepting CAT 70-80 Percentile:
Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores:
Other Considerations:
With a CAT percentile of 86.68 and the specified sectional cutoffs, you have several options for MBA colleges, including some IITs. Let’s explore both the IITs and other reputable B-schools where you can consider applying:
IITs offer MBA courses based on CAT scores. Here are some IITs you can consider:
Additionally, IISc Bangalore provides a Master of Management program.
Apart from IITs, consider applying to other top B-schools that accept CAT scores. Some recommendations include:
With a CAT percentile of 85.4, you have several options for MBA colleges, including some IIMs and other reputable B-schools. Let’s explore both:
IIMs:
Other Reputable B-Schools:
Apart from IIMs, consider applying to other top B-schools that accept CAT scores:
With your CAT percentile of 85.4, you are eligible to apply for admission to several IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management). Let’s explore the eligibility criteria and some IIMs where you can consider applying:
IIM Eligibility Criteria:
IIMs Accepting CAT Scores:
Application Process:
You can find previous year CAT question papers on Collegedunia. Here are the available question papers:
These question papers will help you practice and prepare effectively for the CAT exam.
CAT does not have any specific eligibility criteria regarding work experience. You are free to fill out the form and write the exam, even if you have a 1-year gap in work experience. Whether or not your work experience will be counted depends on the specific admission criteria of the B-schools you apply to. Some B-schools give weightage to candidates with quality work experience in their respective fields. It’s essential to check the admission policies of the individual colleges you are interested in.
We do not have information about coaching classes for CAT preparation but you can check here to get some preparation tips for CAT exam. CAT Preparation
You may check here to see the previous years’ question papers for CAT. CAT 2023 Question Paper
You can check the official website of the college to know about fee detail as fee often vary from college to college. IIM Fee Structure in top IIMs for MBA ranges from INR 15,00,000 to INR 28,00,000.
The CAT result 2023 will be available only at the official website of IIMCAT for download. Test takers will be able to check their result and download the scorecard by using their CAT login IDs.
The class schedule and the mode of education completely depends on the college you get. You can check the official website of the college to know about fee details as well as the class schedule.