- Overview
- Exam Pattern
- Analysis
- Preparation and Tips
- Syllabus
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs. The exam is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging entrance exams in India, with a large number of aspirants vying for a limited number of seats.
The Common Admission Test was first introduced in 1984 by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to select students for their postgraduate management programs. The exam was initially designed to assess the candidates' aptitude and analytical skills, and has since become a benchmark for admission to top business schools in India. Earlier, the test was conducted in pen and paper mode, which switched to computer-based or online mode from 2009.
| Mode of Exam | Online |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| CAT Exam Slots |
|
| Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in/per/g06/pub/32842/ASM/WebPortal/1/index.html?32842@@1@@1 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute Of Management |
| Question Type | MCQs and Non MCQs |
| Language of paper | English |
| Sections |
|
| Total Marks | 198 |
| Questions | 66 |
| Application Fees | Rs 1150 for ST, SC, and PwD candidates and ₹2300 for all other candidates. |
| Marking scheme |
|
As every year the pattern of the paper gets changed. So, the following is an expected exam pattern for CAT Exam:
| Section | MCQs | Non-MCQs | Total No. of Questions | CAT Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 21 | 3 | 24 | 40 min |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) | 14 | 6 | 20 | 40 min |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 14 | 8 | 22 | 40 min |
| Total | 49 | 17 | 66 | 120 (2 hours) |
The CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Here's a section-wise analysis of the exam:
VARC:
The section tests the candidate's reading comprehension skills, vocabulary, and ability to understand written passages.
The section includes questions on reading comprehension, grammar, and sentence completion.
The questions are designed to test the candidate's ability to analyze and interpret written passages.
The section is relatively easy compared to the other two sections.
DILR:
The section tests the candidate's ability to analyze data, solve problems, and think logically.
The section includes questions on data interpretation, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning.
The questions are designed to test the candidate's ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and make logical conclusions.
This section is considered one of the toughest sections of the exam.
QA:
The section tests the candidate's mathematical skills, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data interpretation.
The section includes questions on numerical calculations, data analysis, and problem-solving.
The questions are designed to test the candidate's ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems.
This section is considered one of the most challenging sections of the exam.
Overall Analysis:
The CAT exam is a challenging entrance exam that requires candidates to have a strong foundation in mathematics, analytical skills, and reading comprehension.
The exam tests the candidate's ability to analyze data, think logically, and solve problems.
The section-wise difficulty level varies, with DILR being considered the toughest section.
The VARC section is relatively easy compared to the other two sections.
To prepare for the CAT exam, candidates need to have a solid understanding of the exam pattern, section-wise difficulty level, and the types of questions that are typically asked. Here are some preparation tips and book recommendations that can help candidates prepare for the CAT exam:
Preparation Tips-:
1. Start early: Start preparing for the exam early to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare.
2. Understand the exam pattern: Understand the exam pattern, including the section-wise distribution of questions, the type of questions that are typically asked, and the time limit for each section.
3. Focus on weak areas: Focus on improving your weak areas, such as mathematics or reading comprehension.
4. Practice regularly: Practice regularly to improve your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
5. Join coaching classes: Join coaching classes to get guidance from experienced teachers and practice with other students.
6. Use online resources: Use online resources such as online courses, video lectures, and practice tests to supplement your preparation.
Books for Preparation-:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
"Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension" by Arun Sharma
"How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension" by M.T.K.
"Read and Reason" by S.C. Gupta
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)-:
"Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning" by A.K. Jain
"How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning" by K.P.S. Chauhan
"Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation" by R.K. Jain
Quantitative Ability (QA)-:
"Quantitative Ability" by M.T.K.
"How to Prepare for Quantitative Ability" by K.P.S. Chauhan
"Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation" by S.C. Gupta
General Knowledge- :
"Current Affairs" by Pradeep Publications
"General Knowledge" by Arihant Publications
"General Knowledge Manual" by Mahesh Publication
| CAT Syllabus 2024 for DILR | |
| Blood Relations | Puzzles |
| Clocks and Calendars | Sets & Caselets |
| Syllogism | Bars & Line Graphs |
| Series | Data Arrangement |
| Statements | Data Structures |
| Venn Diagram | Direction Sense |
| Proposition | Family Tree |
| Data Sufficiency | Tables |
| Assumptions | Coding-Decoding |
| Seating Arrangement | Binary Logic |
| Pie Charts | |
| CAT Syllabus 2024 for QA | |
| Geometry | Inequalities |
| Ratios and Proportion | Trigonometry |
| Quadratic and linear equations | Work and Time |
| Algebra | Surds and Indices |
| Percentages | Mensuration |
| Time-Speed-Distance | Logarithms |
| Partnership | Number System |
| Square Root | Cube Root |
| Geometric Progression | Probability |
| Mean, mode, median | Binomial theorem |
| Simple interest and compound interest | Profit & Loss |
| CAT Syllabus 2024 for VARC | |
| Fill in the blanks | Idioms |
| Para completion and inference | Syllogisms |
| Verbal logic | Analogies |
| Verbal reasoning | Antonyms |
| Subject-verb agreement | Jumbled paragraphs |
| Parajumbles | Sentence correction |
| Sentence completion | One-word substitution |
| Foreign language words in English | Parts of speech |
| Different usage of the same word | Preposition |
| Grammar | Types of clauses |
| Reading comprehension | Phrases modifiers |
| Errors in tenses | Articles usage |
IMPORTANT DATES
| CAT Exam Events | CAT Exam Date 2024 |
|---|---|
| CAT 2024 notification | 28-July-2024 |
| CAT exam 2024 registration starts | 01-Aug-2024 |
| Registration ends | 13-Sep-2024 |
| CAT form correction | Last week of September 2024 |
| CAT admit card 2024 | 05-Nov-2024 |
| CAT exam 2024 date | 24-Nov-2024 |
| CAT answer key release | First week of December 2024 |
| Answer key challenge process | First week of December 2024 |
| Declaration of CAT 2024 result | Last week of December 2024 or First week of January 2025 |
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- Overview
- Exam Pattern
- Analysis
- Preparation and Tips
- Syllabus
CAT 2024
Exam Mode: ONLINE
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs. The exam is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging entrance exams in India, with a large number of aspirants vying for a limited number of seats.
The Common Admission Test was first introduced in 1984 by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to select students for their postgraduate management programs. The exam was initially designed to assess the candidates' aptitude and analytical skills, and has since become a benchmark for admission to top business schools in India. Earlier, the test was conducted in pen and paper mode, which switched to computer-based or online mode from 2009.
| Mode of Exam | Online |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| CAT Exam Slots |
|
| Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in/per/g06/pub/32842/ASM/WebPortal/1/index.html?32842@@1@@1 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute Of Management |
| Question Type | MCQs and Non MCQs |
| Language of paper | English |
| Sections |
|
| Total Marks | 198 |
| Questions | 66 |
| Application Fees | Rs 1150 for ST, SC, and PwD candidates and ₹2300 for all other candidates. |
| Marking scheme |
|
As every year the pattern of the paper gets changed. So, the following is an expected exam pattern for CAT Exam:
| Section | MCQs | Non-MCQs | Total No. of Questions | CAT Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 21 | 3 | 24 | 40 min |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) | 14 | 6 | 20 | 40 min |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 14 | 8 | 22 | 40 min |
| Total | 49 | 17 | 66 | 120 (2 hours) |
| CAT Syllabus 2024 for DILR | |
| Blood Relations | Puzzles |
| Clocks and Calendars | Sets & Caselets |
| Syllogism | Bars & Line Graphs |
| Series | Data Arrangement |
| Statements | Data Structures |
| Venn Diagram | Direction Sense |
| Proposition | Family Tree |
| Data Sufficiency | Tables |
| Assumptions | Coding-Decoding |
| Seating Arrangement | Binary Logic |
| Pie Charts | |
| CAT Syllabus 2024 for QA | |
| Geometry | Inequalities |
| Ratios and Proportion | Trigonometry |
| Quadratic and linear equations | Work and Time |
| Algebra | Surds and Indices |
| Percentages | Mensuration |
| Time-Speed-Distance | Logarithms |
| Partnership | Number System |
| Square Root | Cube Root |
| Geometric Progression | Probability |
| Mean, mode, median | Binomial theorem |
| Simple interest and compound interest | Profit & Loss |
| CAT Syllabus 2024 for VARC | |
| Fill in the blanks | Idioms |
| Para completion and inference | Syllogisms |
| Verbal logic | Analogies |
| Verbal reasoning | Antonyms |
| Subject-verb agreement | Jumbled paragraphs |
| Parajumbles | Sentence correction |
| Sentence completion | One-word substitution |
| Foreign language words in English | Parts of speech |
| Different usage of the same word | Preposition |
| Grammar | Types of clauses |
| Reading comprehension | Phrases modifiers |
| Errors in tenses | Articles usage |
IMPORTANT DATES
| CAT Exam Events | CAT Exam Date 2024 |
|---|---|
| CAT 2024 notification | 28-July-2024 |
| CAT exam 2024 registration starts | 01-Aug-2024 |
| Registration ends | 13-Sep-2024 |
| CAT form correction | Last week of September 2024 |
| CAT admit card 2024 | 05-Nov-2024 |
| CAT exam 2024 date | 24-Nov-2024 |
| CAT answer key release | First week of December 2024 |
| Answer key challenge process | First week of December 2024 |
| Declaration of CAT 2024 result | Last week of December 2024 or First week of January 2025 |
The CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Here's a section-wise analysis of the exam:
VARC:
The section tests the candidate's reading comprehension skills, vocabulary, and ability to understand written passages.
The section includes questions on reading comprehension, grammar, and sentence completion.
The questions are designed to test the candidate's ability to analyze and interpret written passages.
The section is relatively easy compared to the other two sections.
DILR:
The section tests the candidate's ability to analyze data, solve problems, and think logically.
The section includes questions on data interpretation, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning.
The questions are designed to test the candidate's ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and make logical conclusions.
This section is considered one of the toughest sections of the exam.
QA:
The section tests the candidate's mathematical skills, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data interpretation.
The section includes questions on numerical calculations, data analysis, and problem-solving.
The questions are designed to test the candidate's ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems.
This section is considered one of the most challenging sections of the exam.
Overall Analysis:
The CAT exam is a challenging entrance exam that requires candidates to have a strong foundation in mathematics, analytical skills, and reading comprehension.
The exam tests the candidate's ability to analyze data, think logically, and solve problems.
The section-wise difficulty level varies, with DILR being considered the toughest section.
The VARC section is relatively easy compared to the other two sections.
To prepare for the CAT exam, candidates need to have a solid understanding of the exam pattern, section-wise difficulty level, and the types of questions that are typically asked. Here are some preparation tips and book recommendations that can help candidates prepare for the CAT exam:
Preparation Tips-:
1. Start early: Start preparing for the exam early to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare.
2. Understand the exam pattern: Understand the exam pattern, including the section-wise distribution of questions, the type of questions that are typically asked, and the time limit for each section.
3. Focus on weak areas: Focus on improving your weak areas, such as mathematics or reading comprehension.
4. Practice regularly: Practice regularly to improve your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
5. Join coaching classes: Join coaching classes to get guidance from experienced teachers and practice with other students.
6. Use online resources: Use online resources such as online courses, video lectures, and practice tests to supplement your preparation.
Books for Preparation-:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
"Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension" by Arun Sharma
"How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension" by M.T.K.
"Read and Reason" by S.C. Gupta
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)-:
"Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning" by A.K. Jain
"How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning" by K.P.S. Chauhan
"Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation" by R.K. Jain
Quantitative Ability (QA)-:
"Quantitative Ability" by M.T.K.
"How to Prepare for Quantitative Ability" by K.P.S. Chauhan
"Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation" by S.C. Gupta
General Knowledge- :
"Current Affairs" by Pradeep Publications
"General Knowledge" by Arihant Publications
"General Knowledge Manual" by Mahesh Publication