CAT is the annual computer-based management entrance exam taken by all eligible candidates in India for a chance to study at one of the highly prized Indian Institutes of Management or other top business schools. CAT Exam 2024 will be just like any other, leading through a thousand MBA programs spread across the country. The applicant’s aptitude in matters like verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative aptitude will also be judged as part of the test.
CAT Exam 2024 pattern
CAT Exam 2024: Pattern/ Sections
CAT 2024 has a well-designed pattern, which includes the following three main sections:
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The exam will be online and occurs usually in different slots on the same day. The test is 120 minutes long with 40 minutes of each section. Candidates are supposed to answer all questions within the time allocated for that particular section because candidates aren’t allowed to move from a particular section once they start it.
The questions are both multiple choice and non-MCQ; there is a negative marking for the multiple choices. Every correct answer gives 3 marks, while an incorrect answer deducts 1 mark. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs. This allows candidates to attempt without penalty.
Section-Wise Breakdown of CAT Syllabus 2024
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section checks the candidate’s command over the skills of the English language. This mainly includes:
RC: Passages from subjects like economics, philosophy, science, and sociology with questions to be answered based on C and I.
Para Jumbles: Candidates have sentences in jumbled order that must be rearranged by the candidates to form a coherent paragraph.
Odd Sentence Out: Choose the sentence that does not belong to the given paragraph.
Summary of the Paragraph: A paragraph consisting of a few lines and choices for choosing the appropriate summary.
Preparation Tips for VARC
Daily Reading: Reading articles from newspapers/magazines and other scholarly journals will improve understanding.
RC and Jumbles Practice: Revision of all RC and para jumble passages practiced earlier along with previous year’s exams.
Mock Tests: Take more mocks to enhance precision and also time management.
DILR
The DILR section tests the candidate’s problem-solving and analytical skills. It consists of
Data Interpretation (DI): Provide tables, graphs, charts, and caselets to the candidate. Questions involve data interpretation and inference-making.
Logical Reasoning (LR): Seating arrangements, puzzles, logical sequences, and relationships require a candidate to think logically.
Preparation Tips for DILR:
Practice Puzzles and Graphs: Try your hand at solving all types of puzzles and interpret different data sets often.
Speed and Accuracy: The DILR questions are very intricate, so it is important to master the speed with accuracy.
Timed Practice: Practice by setting a time limit for solving problems to win the pressure situation.
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
QA checks a candidate’s mathematical skills from high school mathematics. Some key topics are as follows:
Arithmetic: Percentages, profit and loss, time and work, time and distance, averages, and ratios.
Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions.
Geometry: Angle sum property of triangles, circle properties, quadrilaterals, and mensuration
Number Systems: Prime numbers, divisibility, LCM, and HCF
Modern Math: Permutation and combinations, probability, and set theory
Tips for QA Preparation
Rough the Foundation: Revise school-level mathematics to build a solid base.
Try Variety of Questions: Do questions of varying difficulty to hone your problem-solving skills.
Note Down Formulas, and Shortcuts: Note down the key formulas and shortcuts to save time during exams.
Application Process and Eligibility for CAT 2024
The CAT 2024 registration form may appear in August and the exam is likely scheduled to take place in November or December, and the online form can be submitted through the official website of CAT.
Eligibility Criteria:
Academic Qualification: Graduate degree with minimum 50% marks. For SC/ST/PwD categories, 45% marks. The final-year students can also apply as long as their graduation is over, before the commencement of the admission process.
Age Barrier: No upper age bar is present for appearing in CAT.
CAT 2024 Admit Card and Exam Date
Once the candidate submits the form, the admit cards will be available online. From there they should download and carry the same on the day of the exam to the respective exam center. The admit card will highlight all important information including exam dates, time, and center details. CAT exam 2024 date is expected during November or December. The results will be announced during January 2025
Preparation Strategy for CAT Exam 2024
Take Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length mock tests and practice the management of time under exam conditions.
Time Management: The time given to each section is meager, and so practicing the answering of many questions will be required.
Continuity in Study: A well-structured study plan where all portions are dealt with shall be important. Regular time must be allocated towards the practice of weak areas.
Conclusion
The CAT 2024 is a competitive test that tests the aptitude and problem-solving skills of an individual. Success in such an examination would require understanding the pattern of the exam, practicing regularly, and inculcating time management. It helps the aspirant get admission into the top B-schools to achieve his/her goal in a career.