CAT 2025 Exam Date, Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Career Options

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The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) hold the Common Admission Test (CAT) annually to assess candidates for their postgraduate programs. This computer-based exam helps select students for 20 IIMs and various other MBA schools in India.

CAT 2024

As per the CAT 2024 official notification, candidates can start downloading the admit cards between November 05 and November 24, 2024. According to online sources, IIM Calcutta, one of the top six IIMs, will conduct this year's CAT exam on November 24, 2024.

CAT 2024 Eligibility 

To be eligible for the CAT 2024 exam, candidates must fulfil any one of the following three conditions mentioned below: 

• Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with the required percentage of marks. 
• Completed professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)) with the required percentage.
• Should be in the final year of Bachelor’s degree with the required percentage. 

Candidates from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) need a minimum of 45% to qualify. For General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, the minimum is 50%.

There is no age restriction for taking the CAT 2024 exam.

CAT 2024 Syllabus

The CAT exam doesn't have a specific syllabus. However, based on previous exams, the CAT 2024 syllabus can be split into three main sections:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

To get familiar with the CAT exam pattern and question types, try taking the mock test. Check the official website often for updates about the mock test.

The table below shows some of the key topics for each section, including both MCQs and Non-MCQs, which are vital for excelling in the CAT 2024 exam:

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern

The CAT 2024 exam will include both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs, administered via a Computer Based Test (CBT). The test will last for 120 minutes (2 hours). The number of questions in sections like VARC, DILR, and QA isn't fixed, but based on past trends, around 66 MCQs are expected.

Here are the main features of the CAT exam pattern:

• The exam is conducted in three slots: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening. Each slot is 120 minutes long.
• There are three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA, each with a time limit of 40 minutes. 
• Candidates earn 3 marks for every correct answer but lose 1 mark for each wrong answer.
• No negative marking applies to non-MCQs, and skipping questions doesn't result in penalties.
  The highest possible score for CAT 2024 is 198. Answering all questions isn't required.
• Sections must be answered in a specific order that is the same for all candidates.
• PwD candidates, whether they need a scribe or not, get an extra 20 minutes per hour, totalling an additional 40 minutes for the 2-hour test.
• The application fee is INR 1200 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates and INR 2400 for others.

What After Completing the CAT MBA Programme?

Clearing the CAT (Common Admission Test) in India and completing an MBA can lead to many high-paying job opportunities. Here are the top 10 career paths for MBA graduates from top schools like IIMs, along with their estimated salary ranges:

Investment Banker

Role: Providing financial advisory services, raising capital, and managing mergers and acquisitions.

Salary Range: INR 12 - 35 lakhs per annum (LPA)

Management Consultant

Role: Offering strategic advice to enhance business performance and solve complex business problems.

Salary Range: INR 10 - 30 LPA

Marketing Manager

Role: Developing and executing marketing strategies, managing campaigns, and overseeing branding efforts.

Salary Range: INR 8 - 20 LPA

Product Manager

Role: Overseeing product development, managing product lifecycle, and formulating product strategies.

Salary Range: INR 12 - 25 LPA

Financial Analyst

Role: Analyzing financial data, creating financial models, and providing investment planning and risk management advice.

Salary Range: INR 6 - 15 LPA

Operations Manager

Role: Managing day-to-day operations, improving efficiency, and overseeing supply chain and logistics.

Salary Range: INR 8 - 18 LPA

Human Resources Manager

Role: Handling recruitment, training, employee relations, and developing HR policies.

Salary Range: INR 7 - 18 LPA

Business Development Manager

Role: Identifying new business opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and driving market expansion.

Salary Range: INR 8 - 20 LPA

Data Analyst/Business Analyst

Role: Analyzing data to support business decisions, identifying trends, and improving business processes.

Salary Range: INR 6 - 15 LPA

Supply Chain Manager

Role: Overseeing and managing the company's supply chain and logistics strategy to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Salary Range: INR 8 - 20 LPA

Conclusion 

The CAT 2024 exam is scheduled to take place on November 24, 2024, offering a great chance for those seeking management education at top schools. There are three exam slots available, so candidates should prepare by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. Key registration dates and effective study strategies are vital for success. As the exam date nears, staying informed and organized will help candidates achieve their target scores and gain admission to leading management programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. when will the Cat 2024 exam be conducted? 

The CAT 2024 examination will be conducted on November 24, 2024. The exam will be conducted in three different slots:

• Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

• Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

• Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

2. What are the eligibility criteria for the CAT 2024 exam?

Candidates from a recognised university must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum percentage (usually around 50% for general candidates and 45% for reserved categories). Final-year students are also eligible to apply.

3. What is the exam pattern for CAT 2024?

The CAT exam typically consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section has a specific number of questions, and candidates are given a fixed time to complete each.

4. What is the marking system followed in the CAT exam?

The scoring system for the CAT exam involves a combination of correct answers, incorrect answers, and unattempted questions. Correct answers are awarded 3 points, while incorrect answers result in a penalty of -1 point. Unattempted questions do not affect the score.

5. What are the best preparation strategies for CAT 2024?

Effective preparation strategies include creating a study schedule, practising with mock tests, understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, and focusing on weaker areas. Joining coaching classes or online courses can also be beneficial for structured learning.

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