CAT EXAM 2024
CAT stands for the Common Admission Test, which is an annual exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management. This entrance exam acts as a gateway for obtaining admission into IIMs for their post-graduate programs. These courses are a big deal if you’re looking to pursue a career in business management. Here’s a quick rundown:
The question paper has three sections- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (Quant). The individual taking the exam is given two hours to solve the questions and complete the exam. The registration process typically starts in the first week of August and goes on till the third week of September. The exact exam date varies each year. This guide will equip you with the necessary details related to the CAT entrance exam!
CAT Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible for the exam, there are a few key requirements to ensure a fair and successful program. We’ve outlined some eligibility criteria below to help you determine if this opportunity is the right fit for you. Please review these details carefully to see if you qualify. More about the eligibility criteria can be understood and seen on the official website. Let’s delve deeper into the specific educational qualifications required to appear for CAT:
- There is no upper age limit for the CAT exam as per the authorities. This means that candidates of any age can appear for the CAT exam, as long as they meet the educational background eligibility criteria.
- Educational Background: An individual must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. This can be a regular degree or a professional qualification like CA, CS, or ICWAI.
- Minimum Marks:
- General and NC-OBC candidates: Minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in your Bachelor’s degree.
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: A minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA in your Bachelor’s degree.
- Final Year Students: Final year students can appear for the CAT exam, but they will need to submit a completion certificate from their university by a specific date set by the IIMs.
CAT Application Process
To take the entrance exam, interested candidates need to first apply online for the exam. Following is the process for applying to appear in the examination as followed last year:
- Registration: You’ll need to register online on the official website which will be notified soon. During registration, you’ll create an account and provide basic details.
- Filling the Application Form: After registration, you can access the application form. This form will require information like your educational background, choice of exam paper(s), exam city preferences, and uploading scanned documents.
- Uploading Documents: Make sure you have scanned copies of your relevant and updated documents along with eligibility certificates (degree certificate or provisional certificate) in the specified format.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online using a debit/credit card or net banking. The fees vary depending on your category (General, OBC (Non-creamy layer), SC/ST/PwD). You can find the exact fee structure on the official website closer to the application dates.
Application Fee
It is important for interested candidates to know that without fees being paid, the form will not be completed or submitted to the authorities. Applying candidates are advised to check the official website before applying for the exam:
Category | Fees |
General, EWS and NC-OBC | Rs. 2400 |
SC, ST and PwD | Rs. 1200 |
CAT Exam pattern
The CAT exam pattern is a computer-based test that is two hours long. It is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (Quant).
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests your reading skills, grammar, and ability to understand written arguments. It typically consists of 24 questions with a weightage of 72 marks.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section assesses your skills in analyzing data, forming conclusions, and solving puzzles. It typically consists of 20 questions with a weightage of 60 marks.
- Quantitative Ability (Quant): This section tests your problem-solving abilities with numbers and equations. It typically consists of 22 questions with a weightage of 66 marks.
Each section of the CAT exam is timed, and you will have 40 minutes to complete each section. 198 is the total mark for the CAT exam. The CAT exam pattern is subject to change from year to year, so it is important to consult the official CAT website for the most up-to-date information.
CAT Syllabus
The CAT exam doesn’t have an official syllabus published by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) that conduct the test. However, based on past exams and analysis by experts, there’s a well-understood structure of topics that you can focus on. Three sections are present in the CAT syllabus:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests your reading skills, grammar knowledge, and ability to understand and analyze written content. Here are some key areas:
- Reading Comprehension: Passages with questions that test your understanding and analysis of the text.
- Verbal Reasoning: Questions on sentence completion, vocabulary, grammar, and usage.
- Logical Reasoning: Analyzing arguments and identifying logical fallacies.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section assesses your ability to interpret data presented in various forms (graphs, charts, tables) and solve logical arguments. Some areas to focus on include:
- Data Analysis: Analyze data from tables, charts, graphs etc. and draw conclusions.
- Logical Reasoning: Solve puzzles based on rules and identify patterns.
- Caselets: Analyze data presented in a case study format and answer questions based on it.
- Quantitative Ability (QA): This section tests your problem-solving abilities with mathematical concepts. The focus is on math concepts but applied in a way that requires strong analytical skills. Here are some key areas:
- Arithmetic: Calculations involving percentages, averages, ratios, profit and loss etc.
- Algebra: Solving equations, inequalities, and basic algebraic concepts.
- Geometry: Mensuration problems, geometric shapes and properties.
- Number Properties: Understanding divisibility rules, HCF, LCM, etc.
While there’s no set list of topics, focusing on these areas along with practicing with past CAT papers and mock tests will help you prepare effectively for the exam.
CAT Preparation Tips
Planning and Scheduling:
- Start Early: The earlier you begin your preparation, the more time you’ll have to make your understanding of the material strong.
- Make a Schedule: Create a realistic study schedule that divides time for each section of the CAT and follow it as much as possible.
- Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Take a practice test or mock test to identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section. Focus on improving your weaker areas.
Section-Specific Strategies:
- Logical Reasoning & Legal Reasoning: Practice identifying patterns, arguments, and materials.
- Quantitative Techniques: Sharpen your math skills with a focus on areas like percentages, averages, and ratios.
- Current Affairs & General Knowledge: Stay updated on current events by following reliable news sources and reading newspapers. Develop a strong understanding of Indian polity, history, and geography.
- English Language: Improve your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills through regular reading and practice exercises.
Additional Tips:
- Develop Good Reading Habits: Extensive reading of newspapers, magazines, and quality literature will improve your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and overall understanding of the English language.
- Stay Focused and Motivated: Preparing for the CAT can be demanding. Stay focused on your goals and find ways to stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.
- Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and take breaks to avoid burnout.
Following these tips and creating a solid study plan, will help you can increase your chances of success in the entrance exam.
CAT Resources to study
There are many resources available to help you study for the CAT exam. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- Books: There are several books available that cover the different sections of the CAT exam.
- Online courses: There are several online courses available that can help you prepare for the CAT exam. These courses can provide you with structured learning, practice questions, and feedback from instructors.
- Mock tests: Taking mock tests is a great way to get used to the format of the CAT exam and to identify your areas of strength and weakness. There are several websites and coaching institutes that offer mock tests for the CAT exam.
- Offline Coaching Centres- If students feel the need for support from a mentor, they can enrol themselves on offline coaching centres that provide this entrance exam aid.
In addition to the resources listed above, there are also many free resources available online. These resources can be a great way to supplement your studies and test your knowledge.
CAT Cutoff
Each year, thousands of students compete in the CAT exam, aspiring for admission to prestigious postgraduate programs and coveted PSU jobs in India. The CAT score you obtain determines your eligibility for these opportunities, and understanding the cutoff scores is crucial. This table will delve into the previous year’s CAT cutoffs, explaining what they represent and their significance in the overall CAT admission and recruitment process.
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IIMs
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Cutoff Percentile 2023
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|---|---|
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IIM Ahmedabad
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What is the CAT exam used for?
The CAT exam is used for admissions to various management programs at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools in India.
When does the CAT exam typically take place?
The registration process for the CAT exam usually starts in the first week of August and goes on till September. The exam date itself varies each year, but it’s usually held in November.
How long is the CAT exam?
The CAT exam is two hours long, with 40 minutes dedicated to each of the three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (Quant).
Is there a negative marking scheme?
Negative marking applies only to the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in the VARC and DILR sections of the CAT exam. There is no negative marking for any other question types.
