The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an annual entrance exam for prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) will release the CAT 2024 admit card on November 5. Candidates registered for CAT 2024 can download their admit cards from the official website, iimcat.ac.in, using their login credentials. Here’s a detailed guide covering everything from downloading the admit card to preparing for the CAT exam.
Overview of CAT 2024
The CAT 2024 exam is a highly competitive entrance exam scheduled for November 24, 2024. This computer-based test is designed to evaluate candidates in three main sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Key CAT 2024 Exam Information
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IIM Calcutta |
| Exam Date | November 24, 2024 (Sunday) |
| Admit Card Availability | From November 5, 2024 |
| Admit Card Last Date | November 24, 2024 |
| 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) |
| Test Cities | 170 cities across India |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT with MCQs and non-MCQs) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours (40 minutes per section) |
| Result Declaration | Expected in the second week of January 2025 |
Eligibility for CAT 2024
To apply for CAT 2024, candidates need:
- A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (for general category) or 45% marks (for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- The degree can be from any discipline recognized by universities or equivalent educational institutions.
- Final-year students are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the minimum qualifications before the stipulated timeline set by the respective IIM.
How to Download the CAT 2024 Admit Card
The admit card is mandatory for entry into the exam hall and includes vital details, such as the exam centre and time slot. Candidates can follow these steps to download the admit card from the official website:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
- Login: Enter your User ID and Password, which were created during registration.
- Locate the Admit Card Link: Click on the “CAT 2024 Admit Card” link.
- Download and Print: View your admit card and download it for future reference. Take a printout, as it will be required on the exam day.
Important Details on the CAT 2024 Admit Card
The admit card will include the following details:
- Candidate’s Information: Name, Date of Birth, Photograph, Signature, and Registration Number.
- Exam Information: Date, time, test city, and test centre address.
- Exam Instructions: Guidelines for test day, including items allowed and prohibited in the exam hall.
Exam Structure and Syllabus
CAT 2024 will comprise three sections, each designed to test a different set of skills essential for management studies.
| Section | Key Focus Area | Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading comprehension, grammar, sentence completion | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Charts, graphs, tables, logical puzzles | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems | 40 minutes |
Each section is limited to 40 minutes, totaling 2 hours. The CAT exam paper will include a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions.
CAT 2024 Exam Day Checklist
- Admit Card: Printed copy, which is mandatory.
- Government ID: A photo ID such as a driver’s license, Aadhaar, or passport.
- Exam Guidelines: Read the guidelines in the admit card carefully to avoid last-minute issues.
What’s New for CAT 2024?
- No Changes in Syllabus or Pattern: The structure remains similar, with sections in VARC, DILR, and QA.
- High Competition: Approximately 3.28 lakh candidates registered for CAT in the previous year, with numbers rising due to increased interest in MBA programs.
CAT 2024 Results and Percentile Calculation
The results for CAT 2024 are expected by the second week of January 2025. Candidates will be ranked based on percentile scores, which are calculated both overall and section-wise. The CAT percentile system ensures an equitable assessment of candidate performance.
Preparation Tips for CAT 2024
- Familiarize with the Exam Pattern: Practice mock tests to get a better idea of question types and time management.
- Focus on Strengths and Weaknesses: Develop a study plan that strengthens weaker areas without neglecting stronger ones.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely for each section during practice to improve speed and accuracy.
- Review CAT Mock Tests: IIM Calcutta is expected to release official mock tests soon. Utilize these to understand the format.
Final Reminders
The CAT admit card will only be available online, so candidates should download and print it well in advance. Additionally, keep track of any changes or updates on the official CAT website. The admit card will serve as a ticket to the exam, so double-check for any errors and reach out to the exam authority immediately if any issues are found.
Conclusion: CAT 2024 remains one of the most challenging yet rewarding entrance exams for business programs in India. By following the instructions for admit card download and preparation tips, candidates can maximize their chances of a smooth exam experience and successful results. Best of luck to all aspirants!
