Introduction
The eligibility criteria for CAT 2024 refer to the conditions that must be met to apply and take the exam. These conditions may include academic qualifications, age limits, past academic performance, and other factors. The official CAT conducting authorities release the eligibility criteria for the upcoming exam every year.
CAT 2024 is tentatively scheduled for November 24th, 2024. IIMs will announce the eligibility criteria for the CAT 2024 exam. The official CAT 2024 notification will be released in August’s first or second week. Candidates must register for CAT 2024 only through the official CAT website. The applications are likely to stay open until mid-September 2024. If you are planning to take the exam for CAT 2024, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
CAT 2024
The IIMs conduct the CAT in a computer-based format. CAT scores are accepted by 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and numerous other business schools across India. Every year, one of the IIMs is responsible for conducting the Common Admission Test (CAT). The CAT exam mainly evaluates a candidate’s problem-solving, decision-making, and time-management skills. The content is divided into three sections that cover topics such as Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria
In 2021, the CAT committee changed the CAT eligibility criteria because of the pandemic. However, starting from 2022, the previous criteria have been reinstated. The rules and guidelines for CAT 2024 eligibility criteria can be understood as follows:
Academic Qualification
Every year, students from diverse educational backgrounds apply for the Common Admission Test (CAT):
1. The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
2. The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree recognized by India’s National or State government.
3. 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.
4. The percentage of marks obtained in the bachelor’s degree will be calculated according to the standard pattern followed by the concerned university/institution.
5. When it comes to converting CGPA or grades, the process is determined by the relevant university or institution. Suppose there is no set scheme for converting grades or CGPA into equivalent marks. In that case, the method involves dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the highest possible CGPA and multiplying that result by 100.
Age Limit
There are no age restrictions for the CAT 2024 exam. Therefore, you can take the CAT exam at any age.
Experience
CAT eligibility criteria do not require work experience. Both freshers and experienced candidates can take the exam, but some B-schools consider work experience during admission.
Number of Attempts
You can take the CAT exam as many times as you want in your life.
What is the difference between IIM and CAT eligibility criteria?
Applicants with at least two years of graduation eligibility can sit for CAT. Still, they must have a minimum of a three-year graduation degree to pursue the management course at IIM. Besides, factors such as work experience, extracurricular activities, academic profile, and performance in the selection process influence your admission to IIMs. Although work experience is a mandatory requirement for some MBA programs offered by IIMs and other institutes, it is not necessary for taking the CAT exam. Apart from this, the eligibility criteria for CAT and IIM admissions remain the same.
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
It is important to note that qualifying the CAT exam does not guarantee admission to a prestigious B-school. Your admission depends on various factors, including your profile, CAT score, and performance in admission rounds (GD/WAT/PI). It is essential to be aware of the eligibility criteria and provide accurate details in your application form for CAT 2024. Any discrepancies may lead to the rejection of your application without prior notice.
FAQs for CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria
Q1: What is CAT 2024, and why is eligibility criteria important?
A1: CAT 2024 is the Common Admission Test conducted by IIMs for management program admissions. Eligibility criteria are crucial outlining conditions like academic qualifications and age limits.
Q2: When is CAT 2024 scheduled, and when will the eligibility criteria be released?
A2: CAT 2024 is tentatively on November 24th, 2024. Eligibility criteria details will be released in August.
Q3: Where can I apply for CAT 2024, and what is the application deadline?
A3: Apply on the official CAT website; applications are likely open until mid-September 2024.
Q4: How many times can I attempt the CAT exam?
A4: There’s no limit; candidates can attempt the CAT exam as many times as they want.
Q5: What are the academic qualification requirements for CAT 2024?
A5: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates), recognized by the National or State government. Final-year students can also apply.