CAT 2024: Admit Card (Released), Exam Date (Nov 24), Check Pattern, Syllabus, Free Mock Test for Preparation

Conducted by one of the top IIMs every year by rotation, Common Admission Test is the largest MBA entrance exam for MBA admission in 21 IIMs and other top B-schools. So, it is the mandatory entrance exam for MBA admission 2025 in all the 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, IIFT Delhi & Kolkata, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, and hundreds of other top B-schools in India. More than two lakh candidates appear in CAT every year to explore admission opportunity in MBA programmes offered by IIMs and other top MBA colleges in India. Salient Points about the Exam are:

• A computer based test conducted at more than 155 test cities and 400+ test venues
• Since 2020, the exam duration is reduced to two hours from earlier three hours
• The exam is divided into three sections of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension; Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning; Quantitative Ability
• Each Section in the exam has to be attempted in a fixed individual time limit.
• Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will offer admission 2025 based on Common Admission Test only and will not accept any other test score

It is not only the largest MBA entrance exam in India, it is the gateway to top 1000+ MBA colleges. Following are the key highlights like of CAT Exam: 

Important dates and timelines for the IIM Common Admission Test 2024 are as below: 

Below are the important points that determine eligibility criteria 2024

• A candidate with minimum 50% marks in graduation is eligible
• A final year student in graduation is also eligible
• There is no age limit to apply and appear in the exam

Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024   

CAT 2021

CAT Pattern 2024: Sectional Composition of Question Paper

The table below shares the sectional order, number and type of questions in each section, questions with and without negative marking for each section for the exam 

The exam since 2015 has remained on similar pattern. However, from 2020 due to Covid pandemic, the time duration and number of questions have been reduced without change in pattern and structure of the exam. The same pattern is likely to be followed for 2024 also, as under:

CAT 2023

CAT 2022

Source: Based on CAT 2023 Pattern 

Read all about Revised Exam Pattern 

CAT 2023 Analysis Slot-1

• CAT 2023 Slot-1 was conducted from 8.30 AM to 10.30 AM on Nov 26, 2023
• DILR and Quant in Slot-1 were more difficult than last year
• VARC section was of moderate difficulty level
• Number of No penalty (TITA) questions in Slot-1 were 18
• Overall Exam was rated as difficult

Exam Summary - Exam: CAT, Year: 2023 Slot-1

Sectional Order: Must Attempt Sections in Pre-Defined Order

CAT 2022 Analysis Slot-1

• CAT 2022 Slot-3 was conducted from 8.30 AM to 10.30 AM on Nov 27, 2022
• The exam was Moderate to difficult and was on last year pattern
• Number of No penalty (TITA) questions reduced to 17 in Slot-1
• VARC was more difficult than the other two sections

Exam Summary Year: 2022 Slot 1

Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate

Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Read in detail Complete Previous Year CAT Exam Analysis

Although the exam Syllabus is not pre-defined by IIMs, it overall tests the candidate on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension; Quantitative Aptitude; Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. During the last 5 years, CAT exam syllabus has substantially changed. Major changes in the Syllabus 2024 are:

• The Syllabus is changed and contains different type of questions with a combination of MCQs & Non-MCQs.
• 25-30% Questions are no penalty questions now
• Most of the changes in syllabus have taken place in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section as the share of Reading Comprehension based questions has increased as compared to Verbal Ability questions
• A few changes in syllabus have been introduced in Quantitative Ability section with more focus on Arithmetic questions 

7.1 CAT Syllabus Section-Wise 

You can prepare with self preparation through Books, Mocks or through coaching as per your convenience. Shared below are the details of best preparation books section wise, how to prepare with Coaching, how to prepare with self preparation, Preparation with Mocks, toppers’ tips and more:

8.1 CAT Preparation Books for VARC, DILR, Quant
The Best Books for Preparation should keep pace with the changing exam pattern. Most of the preparation books in the market are based on the previous exam pattern but the best books shared here are the updated books which have incorporated changes with the anticipated question type in the exam. Every year different types of questions appear in the exam. During the last few years, the exam pattern has been modified completely. So, while choosing the best books for CAT preparation, it should be kept in mind that the books are conversant with the changed exam pattern and difficulty level. Few things to check in the books are:

• Should Provide conceptual clarity on the relevant topic
• Rich on the exercises, practice questions and Mocks given after each topic
• Caters your need to focus more on the weak areas with variety of practice questions  
• Latest edition of CAT preparation Book offers the updated exam pattern and syllabus also

8.1.1 Section-Wise 10 Best books for CAT Preparation
If you are self-preparing for the exam or are preparing with the support of coaching institute, in both the cases, the latest edition of the books for preparation as shared below section wise will help you in getting more conceptual clarity, practice questions and attempting the sample papers

8.1.2. CAT Preparation Books for VARC

• How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT’- by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

8.1.3 CAT Preparation Books for DILR

• How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
• How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
• CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri, Publisher Career Launcher

8.1.4 CAT Preparation Books for QA

• How to prepare for Quantitative for the CAT by Arun Sharma, published by MGH Education
• Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
• Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma

Check & Read about the key features, price for Best CAT Preparation Books   

8.2. CAT Preparation with Top CAT Coaching Institutes
A few months of devoted preparation can enable you to crack the exam as it requires ‘Smart Preparation.’ You can join a coaching as it offers expert guidance. 

8.2.1 Benefits of CAT 2024 Preparation with Coaching

• Coaching institutes help you to prepare systematically without deviating from your preparation path.
• While offering smart and intensive preparation for the exam, the top coaching institutes help you to minimize the wastage of time with optimum utilization.
• There are 6 months, 3 months and 1 month preparation time modules offered by the good coaching institutes that help you crack the exam with high score
• If you need to clear the concepts and build your basics before practicing sessions, coaching centers suggest to start the preparation with a 6 month time margin.

8.2.2 Top CAT Coaching Centers in India
The choice of coaching mode depends upon your interest, time, money and preparation level while preparing for the exam. Shared below are the top coaching institutes with their key centres and available options for coaching: 

8.4 How did CAT Toppers Prepare for Each Section? Check Strategy
Sectional preparation strategy as followed by these toppers is shared below: 

Read 100+ CAT Toppers’ Preparation Strategy  

8.5 CAT Preparation Tips for Last 30 Days
With CAT 2024 scheduled for November 24, getting the last 30 days CAT preparation strategy is crucial. Read CAT Preparation Tips for Last 30 Days by toppers studying at IIM Calcutta, SPJIMR, IIM Kozhikode reveal insights.

1. CAT Preparation Tips for Last 30 Days: Focus on Revision, Not New Topics
2. CAT Preparation Tips for Last Month: Use Mock Tests to Perfect Strategy
3. CAT Last 30 Days Tips: Fine-Tune Your Sectional Strategy
4. Tips for CAT Preparation in Last 30 Days: Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout
5. CAT preparation in 30 days: Take a break before D-Day!

Read more: CAT Preparation Tips for Last 30 Days: Toppers studying at IIM Calcutta, SPJIMR, IIM Kozhikode reveal insights

Check Top CAT Coaching Centers in India 

8.3 Self & Coaching Mixed CAT Preparation
Exam preparation can be self, with the support of online or offline coaching or a mix of both. To begin and advance with your preparation, experts suggest:

• You should have strong basics with clarity on concepts
• Improve your weak areas and strengthen your strong areas
• Consistent revision is required with Mocks, practice tests, Quizzes
• Prepare a list of topics as per the syllabus and improve on each of them
• Form a peer group on social media for preparation
• Focus more on RC in VARC section; focus equally on DI & LR and practice more Arithmetic questions to clear the section wise cut offs
• Time Management with Accuracy & Speed is required. Consistently improve on them
• Consult best preparation books and attempt their practice questions
• Read Interviews and tips from Toppers studying at IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, on their CAT preparation strategy published on MBAUniverse.com and other channels 

8.3.1 Preparation for VARC, DILR, Quant
The section wise preparation strategy is very important. Key tips to prepare for each section is as below:

8.3.1.1 Preparation for VARC

• Go through the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus 
• Choose the Best books
• Read the strategy for Verbal Ability Preparation of past toppers
• Questions on RC passages in the exam constitute 70% share and Verbal questions are 30%. So focus and practice more RC based questions

Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Composition

8.3.1.2 Preparation for DILR
DILR is the 2^nd section in the exam. It plays very important role to clear the cut off percentile. The section has equal number of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Questions. You need to practice more to score high in this section. Experts advise following tips to prepare for DILR:

• Data Interpretation questions for CAT test your analytical skills of interpreting the Data given to you in the form of Table, Chart, Graph or in other form
• Logical Reasoning constitutes 50% share in the newly created Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Comprehension (DILR) Section
• The goal of scoring high in the exam can be achieved with small but consistent efforts and time devoted to the DILR section.
• DILR preparation requires you to first get as many as DILR practice questions
• To move in direct DILR preparation direction, it will be better to refer to sample and previous year DILR questions with solutions

Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table

Section: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Read Expert Guidance How to prepare for DILR 

8.3.1.3 Preparation for Quantitative Ability Section
Quantitative Ability (QA) is the last section in CAT exam. It can improve or reduce your CAT score substantially. To score high in this section, experts advise following tips:

• A three dimensional approach is recommended on CAT Preparation for Quant section
• Strengthen your basics and formulae in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math and allied topics
• Practise on variety of questions of different difficulty level
• Finally solve previous CAT papers and Mocks for each topic. The more you do it, the more expertise in Quant section for CAT, you will get.
• QA Sectional Composition

MBAUniverse.com Analysis based on CAT 2023 slot-1

Check in Detail How to prepare for VARC

 Read Quant Preparation Strategy by Experts   

Toppers are of the view that taking Mocks is of utmost importance as it is a very important preparation tool. If you are seriously preparing for the exam and wish to score high percentile, it is necessary to attempt more and more Mock Tests to get ready for the exam day. 

Take free CAT Mock tests based on previous years CAT papers on MBAUniverse.com.  

10.2 IIMs’ Common Admission Test (CAT): Application Trends Over the Years

3.30 lakh candidates had applied for CAT 2023 registering an increase of 30% over last year which witnessed 2.55 lakh candidates. The rising number of registrations signify that candidates have to compete with more candidates in the exam and need to score high to get shortlisted by top three IIMs and other top MBA colleges.

Although the trends in registrations since 2010 show a downward journey initially, but from 2013 it has been showing a rising registration count reflecting the regaining trust of aspirants and anticipation of better career opportunities after completing MBA/PGP from an IIM or other top B-school

Source: MBAUniverse.com Research & Analysis

CAT Registration process is done online. You can register & apply online only on the official website iimcat.ac.in. The registration fee is Rs. 2500 /- for General/EWS/OBC candidates and Rs.1250/ for SC/ST/PWD candidates. CAT 2024 Registration process was closed on September 20, 2024. 

CAT Registration: 3 Step Process

10.1 Key Points to Note during CAT Exam Registration & Application Process

IIMs will upload the Admit card on official CAT exam website 2024 iimcat.ac.in. The last date to download the Admit Card is exam date.

3 Steps to Download CAT 2024 Admit Card

1. Logon to CAT official Website iimcat.ac.in
2. Enter Login ID & Password & Click on ‘Admit Card’
3. Click on Download & Take Print of Admit card

The exam will be held in 170 test cities having around 400 cat exam centers across the country. Check List of CAT Exam Test Cities.