CAT 2024 Exam Notification: Everything You Need to Know

The CAT 2024 Notification is out, and the exam is on the horizon, set to take place on November 24, 2024, across three sessions. This year, the test will be delivered in computer-based mode in over 170 cities throughout India. Your CAT score can open doors to 21 IIMs and other top MBA colleges in the country.

As per the CAT 2024 Notification, IIM Calcutta is hosting this year’s exam, following the rotation system among the top six IIMs. The official notification dropped on July 28, 2024, and registration is now live! Head over to iimcat.ac.in to register between August 1 and September 13, 2024.

The CAT 2024 Notification also highlights a slight increase in the exam fee this year: ₹2500 for General category and ₹1250 for Reserved category. Make sure you’re aware of this update as you complete your registration.

Know About the CAT Exam Notification 2024

The official CAT 2024 Notification has already been released, so you can now plan your preparation according to the confirmed timeline. Here you can see the important dates and events.

Set reminders for these dates to stay on track and avoid any last-minute rush.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2024

Before diving into the registration process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for CAT 2024. The following points outline the requirements:

• Educational Qualification:
  • A Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA
  • 45% marks or equivalent CGPA for SC, ST, and PwD categories
• Recognized Institutions:
  • Degrees must be awarded by the Universities incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State legislature in India, deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or equivalent qualifications recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Percentage Calculation:
  • Based on the practice followed by the respective University/Institution
  • Conversion of CGPA to percentage as certified by the respective University/Institution
  • If no scheme for conversion, CGPA divided by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplied by 100
• Final Year Students:
  • Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination
  • Candidates who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results
• Provisional Admission:
  • Selected candidates must submit a certificate from the Principal/Registrar of their University/Institution, stating they have completed all requirements for obtaining the Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification
• Verification:
  • IIMs may verify eligibility at various stages of the selection process

Check official website for CAT 2024 eligibility criteria.

Registration Process for CAT 2024

The registration process for CAT 2024 is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it, based on the CAT 2023 registration guide.

1. Visit the Official Website: Head to the official CAT 2024 website to begin the registration process.
2. Create an Account: Register with your email ID and phone number to create a user account.
3. Fill in the Application Form: Log in using the credentials received on your email. Provide all necessary personal, academic, and work experience details.
   • Personal Details: Enter your name, parents’ names, address, gender, date of birth, nationality, and category.
   • Academic Details: Fill in your educational qualifications from 10th standard onwards.
   • Work Experience: If applicable, provide details of your work experience in months.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents.
5. Select Programmes and Test Cities: Choose the IIM programmes you wish to apply for and select six test cities in order of preference.
6. Pay the Application Fee: The application fee is INR 2,400 for General and OBC candidates and INR 1,200 for SC, ST, and PWD candidates.
7. Submit the Form: Review your application thoroughly before submitting it. Once submitted, download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Reservation Policy for CAT 2024

Understanding the reservation policy is crucial for applicants from different categories. CAT 2024 follows the reservation norms as per the Government of India.

The categories of disabilities are:

• Blindness and low vision
• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy
• Autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and mental illness
• Multiple disabilities from amongst persons under clauses (a) to (d)
• Other ‘specified disabilities’ mentioned in ‘The Schedule’ of the RPwD Act 2016

Candidates seeking reservations must ensure they have the necessary certificates and documents to support their claims. Proper documentation will be essential during the admission process.

Visit the official website for more info about CAT 2024 reservation.

Preparation Tips for CAT 2024

Now that you’re equipped with all the necessary information, it’s time to focus on your preparation strategy. Here are some tips to help you ace CAT 2024:

• Familiarise the Exam Format: Prepare yourself with the CAT exam structure, which includes sections on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
• Take Mock Tests: Mock tests are crucial for CAT 2024 preparation. They help you get used to the exam’s timing and pressure. The CAT Experience Test Series by Arun Sharma, priced at Rs. 199, is highly recommended for its quality and realistic simulation of the actual exam.
• Repeat Your Preparation: One round of preparation is not sufficient for an exam as competitive as CAT. Go through multiple rounds of study and regularly revisit practice questions.
• Interact in Study Session Groups: Engaging with peers can provide new insights, different perspectives, and motivation.
• Cultivate a Reading Habit: Explore a wide range of subjects including philosophy, economics, life sciences, and technology. Acquaint yourself with the language and work on enhancing your reading speed.
• Focus on practicing accuracy: Aim to balance accuracy and speed. Avoid guessing, as the CAT penalizes incorrect answers. Create a strategy to maximize your score while minimizing mistakes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for CAT 2024 Aspirants

As you prepare for the CAT 2024 exam on November 24th, keep track of important dates and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Register carefully, understand the reservation policies, and gather the necessary documents. Focus on a structured study plan, practice regularly with mock tests, and consider joining a coaching institute if needed.