Know the CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria For Success
The eligibility criteria for CAT 2024 refers to the conditions that must be fulfilled to be eligible to take the CAT 2024 Exam. These eligibility requirements may include academic qualification, age limit, past academic performance, and other factors. The official CAT conducting authorities release the eligibility criteria for the CAT Exam and the official notification every year.
CAT 2024 is tentatively scheduled for November 24, 2024. The eligibility criteria for the CAT 2024 exam will be announced later by the IIMs. The official CAT 2024 notification will be released in the first or second week of August. It is important to note that candidates are required to register for CAT 2024 exclusively through the official CAT website. The applications are likely to stay open until mid-September 2024. If you plan to take the exam for CAT 2024, make sure you fulfill all eligibility criteria.
CAT 2024
The CAT is conducted by the IIMs in a computer-based format. CAT scores are accepted by twenty-one Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and numerous other business schools in India. Every year, one of the IIMs is responsible for conducting the CAT. The CAT exam mainly evaluates a candidate’s problem-solving, decision-making, and time-management skills. The content is categorized into three sections covering Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for CAT were changed by the committee in 2021 due to the pandemic. The rules and guidelines for CAT eligibility criteria are as follows:
Academic Qualification
Every year, students from various educational backgrounds apply for the Common Admission Test (CAT):
- The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree recognized by India’s National or State government.
- Candidates in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent examination and those who have completed their degree examinations but are waiting for results are eligible to apply.
- The percentage of marks obtained in the bachelor’s degree will be calculated according to the standard pattern followed by the concerned university/institution.
- When it comes to converting grades or CGPA, the process is determined by the relevant university or institution. When there is no standard scheme for converting CGPA to marks, the method is to divide the candidate’s CGPA by the highest possible CGPA and multiply that result by 100.
Age Limit
CAT exam 2024 does not have any age restrictions.
Experience
CAT eligibility criteria do not require any prior work experience. Both freshers and experienced candidates can take the exam, while some B-schools consider work experience during admissions.
Number of Attempts
There is no limit to the number of times a candidate can take the CAT Exam.
What is the difference between IIM and CAT Eligibility Criteria?
To appear for CAT, candidates must have completed at least two years of graduation eligibility. For management courses, students must possess a minimum of a three-year bachelor’s degree. Work experience, extracurricular activities, academic profile, and performance in the selection process are significant factors in gaining admission to IIMs. While work experience is not a mandatory requirement for the CAT exam, it is essential for some MBA programs offered by IIMs and other institutes. The eligibility criteria for both IIM and CAT admissions remain unchanged.
What are the Reservation Criteria in IIMs?
| Category | Reserved Seats (In Percentage) |
| PWD (Persons with Disability) | 3% |
| Schedule Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Schedule Cast (SC) | 15% |
| Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) | 27% |
Conclusion
Please note that clearing the CAT exam does not automatically guarantee admission to a prestigious B-school. Your admission is subject to several factors, including your profile, CAT score, and overall performance. Any inconsistencies in your application may result in rejection without prior notice.
FAQs for CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria
Q1: What is the CAT exam and why are eligibility criteria important?
A1: CAT 2024 is the Common Admission Test conducted by IIMs for admission to management programs. Eligibility criteria are crucial in outlining conditions such as academic qualifications and age limits.
Q2: What is the scheduled date for CAT 2024, and when will the eligibility criteria be announced?
CAT 2024 is tentatively scheduled for November 2024. Eligibility criteria details will be released in August.
Q3: Where can I apply for CAT 2024 and what is the deadline for application?
A3: Apply on the CAT official website. Applications are likely to be open until mid-September 2024.
Q4: How many times am I allowed to attempt the CAT exam?
A4: There’s no limit; Candidates are allowed to take the CAT exam multiple times without any restrictions on the number of attempts.
Q5: What academic qualifications are necessary for CAT 2024?
A5: Bachelor’s degree recognized by the National or State government with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Final-year students can also apply.
