CAT Syllabus 2024

CAT stands for Common Admission Test and to get an admission to Top IIM or B-schools, students need to clear the CAT. It is a computer-based exam of two hours and more than 2 lakh students appear in this exam every year to get admission to the top management institute of India.

Usually, registration for this exam starts in the first week of August and closed by mid-September. This exam evaluates the student’s time management, decision-making, and skills in tackling complexities.

CAT syllabus 2024 is very vague and lengthy because the IIMs do not have any specific syllabus for CAT exams. But the questions of the exams are generally based on topics from middle school Maths and English. Oswaal Books is here to help you segregate the syllabus for you for a clear understanding.

There are mainly four sections: Quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, reading comprehension, and Data Interpretation. All the details are mentioned below:

Quantitative aptitude

Quantitative aptitude is an important section of the CAT Syllabus 2024. In this section, the ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems is tested. Aptitude questions are based on reasoning ability, speed and accuracy. Questions in this section are based on concepts, rules and algorithms. They cover areas like algebra, geometry, calculus and probability.

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Reading comprehension

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret written material. It is an indispensable skill for students, professionals and anyone who reads. Reading widely and often helps you build your reading comprehension skills. This section consists of 10 questions out of 200 marks only; however, it takes up about 25% of the time for everyone taking this exam so make sure you give proper attention during this section otherwise you may end up scoring low marks here too.

Verbal Ability 

• Word Formation - Identify and use prefixes, suffixes and root words in a sentence. Use the following prefixes: un-, dis- and re-. Use the following suffixes: -able, -ate and -less.

• Antonyms and Synonyms - Identify opposites such as happy/sad, and quiet/loud. Compare two or more words using synonyms (words that have similar meanings but differ in spelling) or antonyms (words that have opposite meanings). For example, happy means joyous; sad means dejected; quiet would mean stillness next to loud noise; loud probably means very noisy but not necessarily so if you have ever heard someone speak at full volume without saying anything else first!

Data Interpretation

Data Interpretation is a part of the CAT Syllabus 2024. In this section, tables, graphs, and charts are asked to interpret the data. These questions are very similar to those asked in the Quantitative Aptitude section. The main difference between these two sections is that instead of using numbers, you need to use graphs or charts for your answers.

Important Highlights

• Registration fees - INR 2,300 for General category & INR 1,150 for Reserved category
• Exam duration – 2 hours
• Medium of Exam – English
• Exam pattern – Computer Based
• Question type – MCQ and Non-MCQ questions
• Eligibility – Minimum 50% in graduation and 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates
• Syllabus – Quantitative aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
• Courses offered – MBA&PGDM
• Exam Frequency – 1/Year

Exam Marking

• For each correct answer for a question candidate get 3 marks
• For a wrong objective type question answer, 1 mark deducted
• No negative marking for non-MCQ question answer

The CAT exam is one of the toughest exams conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA & PGDM. With the right resources and book, you can excel in your CAT.

FAQs:

Q.1 When to apply for CAT exam 2024?

Ans. The CAT 2024 exam will most likely be held in November 2024 . 

Q.2 Is CAT held twice a year?

Ans.  On a rotational basis, one of the Indian Institutes of Management organizes the test each year. Every year (often in November/December). The CAT exam is conducted in about 100 cities and towns in India.

Q.3 Can I do MBA without passing the CAT Exam?

Ans. There are a few notable B-schools that also provide Direct MBA admissions without the CAT. Many private institutes also offer direct admission to MBA programmes based on their various university entrance examinations and Personal Interviews, or on the candidate's previous qualifying exam score.

Q.4 What are the eligibility criteria for the final year students for the CAT Exam 2024?

Ans. The expected CAT category-wise eligibility criteria for final-year students are listed here, along with the certificate that they must present when applying to the MBA programme. If an applicant is unable to provide their final year certificate, they may be denied admission to the MBA programme.

1: General/OBC (Non-Creamy)/EWS: Candidates in their last year of graduation may also apply for the CAT exam 2023. When the results are announced, they must have a minimum of 50%.

2: SC/ST/PWD: After the results are announced, candidates in this category must have a minimum of 45% in their last year of graduation.

NOTE: If the candidates of the year are chosen, they will be allowed to enter the provisional programme only if they submit the certifications provided by the Principal of the College stating that the candidate has completed all of the requirements for the bachelor's degree by the deadline.