The significance of CAT extends beyond merely gaining entry into an MBA program. High scores/percentile in CAT is considered as a significant achievement considering the rising competition over the years. Not only IIMs or centrally funded institutions but also private B-Schools consider students for admission based on their CAT score/percentile. Some of the most prestigious names among private B-Schools who select students based on their CAT score are SPJIMR, MDI, NMIMS, JBIMS and IMT Ghaziabad. Thus, performing well in CAT is crucial for aspirants to reach their dream Business School in India.

CAT 2024 Notification and Registration:

• Release of CAT 2024 Notification: The official notification for CAT 2024 is expected to be released by IIM Calcutta in 1st week of August 2024 (tentative). This notification will also contain information on the application process, eligibility criteria, List of test centres, required documents list, names of participating institutions, scoring and equating process along with a detailed registration guide for CAT 2024.
• Registration Window: The registration process usually begins in August 2024 and continues until September 2024. Candidates must complete the online application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the registration fee within this period to be successfully considered for further process.

CAT 2024 Admit Card and Exam Date:

• Admit Card Release: The admit card can only be downloaded from the official CAT website and is available to registered students in October.
• CAT 2024 Exam Date: Candidates should note that CAT 2024 is usually conducted on the last Sunday of November and most probably they will follow the same timeline. The test will be conducted in three different sessions of 2 hours each nationwide at specified test centres. Test timings can be 8:30-10:30 am (Shift 1), 12:30-2:30 pm (Shift 2) and 4:30-6:30 pm (Shift 3). Candidates should carefully check their admit card regarding any changes made in the timings or date/day of CAT 2024.

Result Declaration and Selection Process:

• Result Announcement:  It is expected that the result for CAT 2024 will be declared between December 2024 last week and January 2025 first week. Candidates can check their results online at the CAT 2024 official website using their login credentials.
• Selection Process: Following the result announcement, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process, which usually includes a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). Each IIM and participating institution will conduct its selection rounds independently.

Preparation Tips:

• Understand the CAT pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern. Focus on strengthening your quantitative, verbal, and logical reasoning skills. Practise and further polish the section where you excel. DILR often comes out as a nightmare for candidates, proper practice and concept building can help candidates maximise their score in this section.
• Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests from reputed mock test providers to gauge your preparation level and improve your time management skills. Regular mocks would familiarise you with the CAT test pattern and build a test strategy for your CAT 2024 exam.
• Study Material: Aspirants can start with practice books like Arun Sharma or use online resources, and coaching materials to ensure comprehensive coverage of all topics. Always remember that practice is your best friend here. For VARC, aspirants can refer to good quality reading materials like Aeon Essays, Smithsonian and Scientific American to build and polish their reading skills.
• Revision: Revisions would help you keep quick formulas from quant always available at your fingertips.