CAT 2024 Registration Period Extended: Don’t Miss Out on This Extra Time to Apply

IIM Calcutta announced an extension of the registration deadline for the CAT 2024 exam. Candidates can now submit their applications until September 20, 2024. This decision comes as a relief for many aspiring MBA students who were rushing to complete their registrations before the original deadline. The CAT exam is a crucial gateway for admission to various prestigious management institutes in India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

CAT 2024 Registration Process Step by Step

To register for CAT 2024, candidates need to follow a systematic process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
2. New Registration: Click on the “New Registration” link on the homepage.
3. Fill in Basic Details: Enter your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID.
4. Verify Registration: Complete the CAPTCHA and verify your registration via the OTP sent to your email.
5. Log In: Use the CAT ID sent to your email to log in and fill out the application form.
6. Personal and Academic Details: Enter all required personal and academic information.
7. Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and scanned signature. Ensure that all documents meet the specified requirements.
8. Choose Preferences: Select your preferred IIMs, courses, and test cities.
9. Pay Registration Fee: Complete the payment process using a debit/credit card or net banking.
10. Submit the Form: Review all details and submit the application form. Save a copy for your records.

CAT 2024 Important Dates and Deadlines

The following are crucial dates for CAT 2024:

• Registration Start Date: August 1, 2024
• Extended Registration Deadline: September 20, 2024
• Admit Card Release: November 5, 2024
• Exam Date: November 24, 2024

Candidates must ensure that they complete their registration before the extended deadline. The CAT exam will be conducted in three sessions across various centers in India.

CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria for Freshers

Candidates wishing to apply for CAT 2024 must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.
• Final Year Students: Those in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
• No Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for candidates, making it accessible for working professionals as well.

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern Changes

The CAT exam pattern remains consistent, focusing on three main sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
3. Quantitative Ability

Each section will have a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs. Candidates should prepare thoroughly for each section to maximize their scores.

Best Books for CAT 2024 Preparation

To excel in the CAT exam, candidates should consider the following books:

• Quantitative Aptitude: “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT” by Arun Sharma.
• Verbal Ability: “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis.
• Data Interpretation: “Data Interpretation for CAT” by Nishit Sinha.

These books cover essential concepts and provide practice questions to enhance preparation.

How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 6 Months

Candidates have approximately six months to prepare for the CAT exam. Here’s a suggested preparation strategy:

1. Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Regular Practice: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to assess your progress.
3. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on areas where you struggle.
4. Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively during mock tests to improve your speed.
5. Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and general knowledge to perform well in the verbal ability section.

CAT 2024 Mock Test Series Online Free

Many online platforms offer free mock test series for CAT 2024. These tests simulate the actual exam environment and help candidates get accustomed to the format and timing. Regular practice with mock tests is crucial for building confidence and improving performance.

CAT 2024 Previous Year Question Papers PDF

Accessing previous year question papers is an excellent way to prepare for the CAT exam. Candidates can find PDFs of past papers on various educational websites. Analyzing these papers helps in understanding the exam pattern and frequently asked questions.

CAT 2024 Tips for Verbal Ability Section

To excel in the verbal ability section, candidates should:

• Read Regularly: Engage with various reading materials, including newspapers, novels, and articles.
• Practice Vocabulary: Use flashcards for new words and their meanings.
• Work on Comprehension: Practice reading comprehension passages to improve understanding and speed.

CAT 2024 Scoring System and Percentile Calculation

The CAT scoring system is based on the number of correct answers, with negative marking for incorrect responses. The percentile is calculated based on the overall performance of all candidates. A higher percentile indicates a better rank, which is crucial for admission to top IIMs.

CAT 2024 Expected Cutoffs for Different IIMs

While cutoffs vary each year based on exam difficulty and candidate performance, candidates can expect the following approximate cutoffs for top IIMs:

• IIM Ahmedabad: 99.5+
• IIM Bangalore: 99.3+
• IIM Calcutta: 99.0+

These cutoffs are indicative and may change based on the specific year’s exam results.

CAT 2024 Exam Day Guidelines and Instructions

On the exam day, candidates should:

• Arrive Early: Reach the exam center well before the reporting time.
• Carry Required Documents: Bring the admit card and a valid photo ID.
• Follow Instructions: Adhere to all instructions provided by the exam invigilators.

By following these guidelines, candidates can ensure a smooth exam experience.